2024 Entry Level Firefighter Recruitment is now Closed
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2024 Entry Level Firefighter Recruitment is now Closed
Ignite a passion, Find your purpose
Firefighting is a career like no other. It takes extreme dedication, both physically and emotionally. By becoming a firefighter, you will gain a fulfilling, lifelong career with a close team environment and excellent benefits.
Currently, the Boise Fire Department has over 300 full time employees, 17 Fire Stations, a Hazardous Materials Team, ARFF team, Dive Team and a Technical Rescue Team. The Department serves a population of more than 300,000 residents over 130 square miles in Boise and surrounding areas.
Our Vision
Strive to be leaders in public safety, employee wellness, professional advancements and community connection.
Our Mission
Respond to the community with pride, service and dedication.
Our Values
- Professionalism
- Respect
- Integrity
- Dedication
- Excellence
Recruiting Process
Just like the fire industry, our recruiting process is unique and extremely competitive.
- Apply during open recruiting windows (typically annually)
When the hiring window is open, you may apply online. 2024 Entry Level Firefighter Recruitment is now CLOSED. - Written Exam
All applicable applicants are invited to then pay for and schedule their written exam date and time. - Oral Interview
Candidates with the highest combined scores from the written exam and oral interview will be extended a conditional job offer. - Physical Fitness Test
Candidates are then expected to pass the physical fitness test which consists of a 1.5 mile run to be completed in under 11 minutes and 30 seconds.
The number of candidates hired for recruit academy varies each year depending on many factors such as retirements and city growth. The city may maintain an active waiting list from which to hold recruits for mid-cycle hiring as needed.
2024 Entry Level Firefighter Recruitment is now Closed
Step 1: Apply Online
- The online application is available on our website or directly through GovernmentJobs.com. An account will need to be created for new applicants or those that do not already have an account.
- Note: Only attach a Cover Letter, Resume, and EMT Certification to the application. Any additional certifications can be provided at oral board interviews.
- If you wish to request Veterans Preference, you must attach your DD214, and if applicable, proof of disability. No late submissions will be accepted.
Step 2: Pay for the Written Exam
- The cost for the Entry-Level Firefighter written exam is $30.00. Payment must be submitted via PayPal only. No other form of payment will be accepted. If you are using someone else's PayPal account, enter the applicant's name in the comment section so the payment can be matched and verified.
- Note: Payments for this exam are nonrefundable.
Step 3: Schedule Written Exam Date and Time
- Once the City of Boise has reviewed your application and verified payment, you will receive an email notification to self-schedule for the written exam through your application account.
- Note: this process can take up to a week. It will be important that you check your account regularly to receive notifications regarding your application.
- June 1, 2023, 8 a.m. MST: The city of Boise officially opened this year's Entry-Level Firefighter Recruitment.
- September 1, 2023, 5 p.m. MST: Deadline for application.
- September 29, 2023, 5 p.m. MST: Deadline for scheduling written examinations.
- October 23, 2023: Deadline to obtain EMT Certification.
- Entry-Level Written Exams will be held at City Hall on the following dates: Friday, October 6, 2023 and Saturday, October 7, 2023.
- January 9, 2024: Recruit Academy starts.
Failure to meet any of these deadlines will disqualify any applicant from the 2023-2024 Entry-Level Firefighter Recruitment.
**ADA Accommodations: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, disabled applicants who need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the written exam shall submit a written request for accommodation to Sarah Hatley at shatley@cityofboise.org by September 29, 2023. Requests for a reasonable accommodation must be clearly defined. Applicants must attach documentation from a medical provider or accredited counseling agency stating the disability, functional limitations and proposed accommodation. In accordance with the law, the city will review all requests and will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants that provide appropriate documentation by the deadline stated.
Qualifications
Entry Level Firefighter
Minimum qualifications for a firefighter position:
- At least 18 years of age
- Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- Possess a current National Registry or state-issued EMT Basic Certification by date of interview, with the ability to obtain reciprocity in Idaho within 120 days of employment and maintain certification.
- Ability to meet physically demanding standards
Applicants MUST NOT:
- Have any felony convictions over the age of 18
- Have any visible tattoos above the collar of a standard short-sleeved t-shirt
Fire Culture
Firefighting is a rewarding career aimed at protecting life and property and improving the community served. Firefighters put their life and safety on the line to protect the community by facing hazardous tasks under extreme pressure. They must work cooperatively as a team and possess courage, stamina and professionalism. It is a challenging and exciting career, which offers great pay and exceptional benefits, opportunities for advancement and a family for life.
Work Schedule
After successfully completing Academy, our firefighters work 48 hour shifts on duty, followed by 96 hours off.
Women in Fire
Women bring unique abilities and critical qualifications to the fire service. Women interested in a career in fire are encouraged to apply. In the U.S., around 6,200 women currently work as full-time, career firefighters and officers. Several hundred hold the rank of lieutenant or captain, and about 150 are district chiefs, battalion chiefs, division chiefs, or assistant chiefs (Source: Women in Fire & Emergency Services).
Physical Fitness
Strength and fitness preparation is a crucial step in the successful completion of the physical demands of the Boise Fire Academy. Below are some resources for advanced physical training in targeted areas. Please understand that these resources are only a recommendation and will not guarantee employment.
Send a Message to Fire
If this is an emergency, please call 911.
Thank you for contacting the Boise Fire Department. In-person services are limited. Please fill out the form below and we will provide you with the best and most timely assistance.