Looking for a new career? One that offers a new challenge every day? One that saves lives and property? One that offers opportunity for advancement? One that offers job security?
The fire service is not just about fighting fires. Experienced fire fighters are eligible to compete for a variety of other positions within the Department. Positions include investigation, fire prevention, communications, training and administration.
History of the Department
The Oklahoma City Fire Department was once a small volunteer fire company with one donated, hand-drawn wagon housed in a small-framed building. When formed it was the Department’s duty to protect less than 10,000 residents. Today, the responsibility has grown to include over 506,132 residents. The Department has grown to approximately 1,000 career personnel operating around the clock. Our Department has 35 strategically located fire stations that respond to over 52,000 emergencies per year.
How do you get started?
Applications for entry-level firefighters are only accepted when advertised. You can obtain information on the next application process by calling the Job Information Line at 297-FIRE (3473).
VACANCY
NOTE: This position will require a polygraph, extensive police background check and personality inventory prior to hiring.
FIRE RECRUIT
Approximate Annual Salary: $31,111
- NOTE: Upon completion of a one-year probationary period, the approximate annual salary increases to $38,920.
- NOTE: Verifiable CPAT certification from another agency will be accepted in lieu of taking the Oklahoma City CPAT. Verifiable certification must be received prior to OCFD conducting CPAT. If the CPAT certification cannot be verified by OCFD, you will be required to participate in the OCFD CPAT process. It will be the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that CPAT certification from another agency remains valid. CPAT testing is valid for one year from the date of test.
Interested applicants apply at the Fire Administration building located at 820 NW 5th Street in Oklahoma City. Applications with resumes will be accepted Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
JOB SUMMARY
This is an entry-level training position with the Oklahoma City Fire Department and is under the direct supervision of the Fire Department. Fire Recruits are supervised by Fire Department Training Officers until such time as the basic instruction in firefighting skills and examination are completed. Upon completion of basic training, the trainee will be assigned to a duty station where the training received will be applied under the general supervision of a fire company officer. Fire Recruits will remain on probationary status until successfully completing their first year of service on the job. Recruits will perform individually and as a member of the firefighting team on training exercises. Essential job functions include: performing firefighting, rescue, first aid, ventilation, forcible entry, salvage, overhaul, site inspections, emergency medical, public fire education, hazardous materials, dispatching, and other tasks as assigned.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Applicants must be 18 to 44 years of age.
- Must possess a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
- Have no felony convictions within the past ten (10) years, older than ten years will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- Must possess an Emergency Medical Technician license prior to completion of one-year probationary period.
- Must maintain Emergency Medical Technician license in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.
- Possession of a valid Oklahoma State Driver License.
- Successfully complete a testing process consisting of a written examination that will initially rank and sequence candidates, a physical ability test, a personality inventory, a personal interview, a background investigation related to a candidate’s suitability for the Fire Service, and a medical evaluation.
- Ability to learn firefighting and emergency medical principles, techniques and procedures.
- Ability to communicate and understands and follows oral and written instructions.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Ability to perform a wide variety of firefighting duties, evolutions and methods.
- Ability to apply first aid methods and life saving techniques.
- Willingness to work irregular hours.
- Physical strength and agility in performing tasks under strenuous and adverse conditions.
DEPARTMENTAL PREFERENCES
Applicants who possess their National or State of Oklahoma Paramedic Certification may receive preference upon successful completion of various phases of the fire recruit hiring process.
VETERANS/MILITARY SERVICE PREFERENCE
A five point preference will be awarded on the initial scored selection process for honorably discharged veterans or service members currently serving in the United States Armed Forces who are not currently employed full time by the City of Oklahoma City. Qualified veteran applicants must submit a copy of their DD Form 214 indicating discharge type/character. Qualified active duty, active guard and reserve service members must provide a letter from their commander stating current honorable service and character status. The above documentation must be received prior to the written test to receive point preference.
SELECTION METHOD
Comprehensive multi-phased selection process, details supplied upon submission of applications.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Strength and stamina enough to climb 6 or more flights of stairs while wearing fire protective ensemble weighing at least 50 lb or more and carrying equipment/tools weighing an additional 20 to 40 lb.
- Arm-hand steadiness, manual dexterity, and finger dexterity enough to use manual and power tools in the performance of duties.
- Speech, sight, and hearing enough to determine the nature of the emergency, maintain personal safety, and make critical decisions in a confused, chaotic, and potentially life threatening environment throughout the duration of the operation.
- Visual acuity enough and motor coordination enough to operate fire apparatus or other vehicles in an emergency mode with emergency lights and sirens.
- Physical strength enough to rescue-drag or carry objects and victims from newborns up to adults weighing over 200 lb to safety, despite hazardous conditions and low visibility, in both emergency and non-emergency situations.
- Extent flexibility, mobility, and balance enough to bend, twist, and reach out when climbing or working on ladders.
- Physical strength enough to advance water-filled hoselines up to 2.5 inches in diameter from fire apparatus to occupancy (approximately 150 feet); can involve negotiating multiple flights of stairs, ladders, and other obstacles.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Frequently working both independently and as an integral component of team incidents, where sudden incapacitation of a member can result in mission failure or in risk of injury or death to civilians or other team members.
- Subject to extensive time outside exposed to the elements.
- Subject to extreme fluctuation in temperature while performing duties. Must perform physically demanding work in hot (400 degrees plus), humid (up to 100%) atmosphere while wearing equipment that significantly impairs body-cooling mechanisms.
- Subject to wearing fire protective ensemble that is encapsulating and insulating. Wearing this clothing will result in significant fluid loss that frequently progresses to clinical dehydration and can elevate core temperature to levels exceeding 102.2 degrees F (39 degrees C).
- Subject to climbing ladders, operating from heights, walking or crawling in the dark along narrow and uneven surfaces, and operating in proximity to electrical power lines and/or other hazards. Possible exposure to toxic fumes, irritants, particulates, biological (infectious) and nonbiological hazards, and/or heated gases, despite the use of PPE including SCBA.
- Subject to wearing a SCBA, which includes a demand valve-type positive pressure facepiece or HEPA filter masks, which requires the ability to tolerate increased respiratory workloads.
- Subject to performing firefighting functions (e.g., hoseline operations, extensive crawling, lifting and carrying heavy objects, ventilating roofs or walls using power or hand tools, forcible entry), rescue operations, and other emergency response actions under stressful conditions while wearing personal protective ensembles (PPE) and self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), including working in extremely hot or cold environments for prolonged periods of time.
- Subject to performing critical, time sensitive, complex problem solving during physical exertion in stressful life-threatening hazardous environments (including hot, dark, tightly enclosed spaces), further aggravated by fatigue, flashing lights, sirens and other distractions.
- Subject to working for long periods of time and irregular hours requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration.
- Subject to working unpredictable emergency requirements for prolonged periods of extreme physical exertion without the benefit of warm-up, scheduled rest periods, meals, access to medication(s), or hydration.
- Subject to making life or death decisions during emergency conditions.
- Exposed to grotesque sights and smells associated with major trauma and burn victims.
- Subject to working in and communicating in (giving and comprehending verbal orders) environments of high background noise, poor visibility, limited mobility, at heights, in enclosed or confined spaces and drenching from hose lines and/or fixed protection systems (sprinklers) while wearing PPE and SCBA.
BENEFITS
Insurance: Life and major medical plans available
Pension: Eligible for retirement after 20 years
Vacation: 96 hours per year
Sick Leave: 130 hours per year
Holidays: 10 regular holidays per year
Injury Insurance: Effective day of employment
Credit Union: Full banking services
Life Insurance: The Union provides $10,000 term coverage; optional, supplemental and dependent coverage available at low rates
Health Insurance: Available for employee and dependent(s) coverage
Dental Insurance: Dental plan options are available for employee and dependent coverage at reasonable rates
Firefighter duties
Oklahoma City Firefighters engage directly in fire prevention, firefighting, emergency medical care, technical rescue, hazardous materials mitigation, disaster response, public education, and community service. The Oklahoma City Fire Department focuses on creating a supportive environment.
- Must possess an Emergency Medical Technician license prior to completion of the Recruit Academy.
- Must maintain Emergency Medical Technician license in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.
- Ability to learn firefighting and emergency medical principles, techniques and procedures.
- Ability to communicate, understand, and follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Ability to perform a wide variety of firefighting duties, evolutions and methods.
- Ability to apply first aid methods and life saving techniques.
- Willingness to work irregular hours.
- Physical strength and agility in performing tasks under strenuous and adverse conditions.
Tuition Reimbursement
The Oklahoma City Fire Department supports and encourages continuing education. In fact there are a number of employees throughout the department who have their degree, or are currently working towards a degree. Under the Tuition Reimbursement program, the city will reimburse up to six hours a semester for courses taken at an Oklahoma accredited institution, college, or university after the employee receives a passing grade.
Incentive Pay
Incentive pay will be paid to employees that have completed the following certified training:
- Hazardous Materials Technician
- Underwater Rescue Diver
- EMT-Basic
- EMT-Paramedic
- EMS Instructor
- Dispatcher
Selection Method
Successfully complete a testing process consisting of a written examination that will initially rank and sequence candidates, a physical ability test, a personality inventory, a personal interview, a background investigation related to a candidate’s suitability for the Fire Service, and a medical evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I access this application on-line or have one sent to me?
You will not be able to access the application on-line.
Potential applicants who live outside of the state of Oklahoma should contact us by email at FireEmployment@okc.gov. 
Is it possible to become a firefighter without my Firefighter 1 certificate?
Yes, it is possible. Firefighter I and II are taught in recruit academy.
Are there any internal positions that I can apply for i.e.: office or 911?
The office positions and 911 dispatchers are hired through the personnel department of the City of Oklahoma City.
How I could get into the field of fire investigation or other special divisions within the Fire Department?
Fire investigators and other specialists are selected through the promotion process from the ranks of our firefighters.
Where can I get an application?
Fire Administration, 820 NW 5th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
I am interested in taking the CPAT agility test. Do you have a list of dates you will be offering the CPAT test, and what is the total cost?
The Oklahoma City Fire Department will schedule the CPAT test twice a year at no cost. However, if a candidate has a certificate of CPAT completion from another testing facility, it must be verifiable by OCFD. Verifiable CPAT certification from another agency will be accepted in lieu of taking the Oklahoma City CPAT. Verifiable certification must be received prior to OCFD conducting CPAT. If the CPAT certification cannot be verified by OCFD, you will be required to participate in the OCFD CPAT process. It will be the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that CPAT certification from another agency remains valid. CPAT testing is valid for one year from the date of test.
If I have completed FF I and FF 2, would I need to repeat it in the recruit academy?
At the present time, yes the courses would need to be repeated.
When is your next written test available?
Written tests will be offered the first Monday of each month, excluding holidays which will be the following Monday. Check the website and 297-FIRE for up dated test dates.
Are you able to apply again if you have already applied previously and did not advance past the written examination?
You will only be allowed to participate in the application process once a year. You are welcome to apply again if you are not selected and a year has passed since your last application.
I was looking at your website and I saw that an EMT-B certification is required before completion of a one year probationary period. Is the EMT training part of the fire academy or are candidates required to get the training elsewhere and have it completed before graduating from the academy?
Employment will be contingent upon obtaining EMT-B certification during the one-year probationary period. Candidates who do not possess an EMT-B will have the class offered by the Oklahoma City Fire Department. Candidates possessing an EMT-B will be required to maintain their licenses.
What qualifications are required to be an “Entry-Level” firefighter?
Applicants must be between the ages of 18 to 44 years of age, must possess a valid drivers license, and must possess a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Can I be hired if I have a felony conviction?
Applicants with felony convictions within the last ten years will not be considered for employment. Applicants with felony convictions older than ten years will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
What is the starting pay?
Approximate annual starting salary is $31,000 a year. Upon completion of a one-year probationary period, the approximate annual salary increases to $38,920.
How long is the Academy?
Approximately 19 weeks
How many positions are available?
The number of positions available is determined by the staffing needs of the department.
This announcement is meant only as a general descriptive guide and is subject to change without notice. The Oklahoma City Fire Department is an equal opportunity employer.
Candidate Physical Ability Test
The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is conducted to determine a candidate’s ability to physically perform duties commonly required of a Firefighter. The applicant must successfully complete the entire (CPAT) course in a maximum of 10 minutes and 20 seconds. The Candidate Physical Ability Test course is comprised of the following simulations:
1. Stair Climb - The candidate will “climb steps” on a Stairmaster Stepmill at 60 steps per minute for three (3) minutes and twenty (20) seconds while wearing a 50 pound vest simulating protective equipment and an additional 25 pounds that simulates a high rise pack for a total of 75 pounds. Once this step is completed, the additional 25 pounds of weight is removed and candidate completes the rest of the course wearing the 50 pound vest.
2. Hose Drag - Using a 1 3/4” uncharged hose-line, the candidate will drag or pull the hose, drop to at least one knee and then pull the hose-line 50’ hand over hand toward them.
3. Equipment Carry - During this exercise the candidate simulates removing equipment from a fire rig by carrying a K-12 and a chainsaw 75 feet, then placing them back on the rig.
4. Ladder Raise and Extension - Candidate will have two, 24ft. extension ladders, one lying on the ground and the other standing straight upright. The candidate will raise the ladder on the ground hand over hand until it is upright on the wall. Immediately following, they will go to the upright ladder and raise the fly section one time.
5. Forcible Entry - The candidate uses a mechanized device located 39 inches off the ground that measures cumulative force when hit with a ten-pound sledgehammer. The candidate will hit the device until a buzzer is activated.
6. Search - this event uses an enclosed search maze that has obstacles and narrow spaces. The tunnel is three (3) feet high, four (4) feet wide and 64 feet long. This maze includes two 90-degree turns.
7. Rescue - The candidate must drag a 165-pound dummy with shoulder straps 35 feet around a 55-gallon drum and back.
8. Ceiling Breach and Pull - This event uses a mechanized device that measures overhead push and pull forces using a pike pole. The candidate must push a 60-pound hinged door and pull an 80-pound force.