Boise Fire Entry Level Hiring/Recruit Academy
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Applications will open August 1, 2025, and close September 30, 2025. Links will be active during the application window. Applicants are encouraged to sign up for the recruitment newsletter to stay up to date on hiring information.
Applicants will need their certification by the time the application period closes. The application period closes October 31, 2024. Certifications will need to be attached to the application via NeoGov.
Out of state certifications are acceptable for the application. When an out-of-state candidate is hired, there is a process to gain reciprocity at the candidate's own expense. The department will not pay to assist in gaining reciprocity.
Yes, candidates can apply with a NREMT as long as it is in good standing.
Candidates will have to do their own research on EMT Certification courses to see which one best fits their schedule and lifestyle. Boise Fire is not able to recommend one EMT Certification program.
No, any valid, state-issued license is acceptable for application.
There are five basic requirements for Boise Fire:
At this time, we do not have a lateral hiring program in place, but we are hopeful to introduce one within the next couple of years. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide more specific details as the program is still under development. In the meantime, all applicants are required to go through our entry-level hiring process, followed by the Entry-Level Recruit Academy.
No, currently we do not have lateral positions at this time. All applicants for Boise Fire must go through regular testing process and Recruit Academy. After successful completion of Recruit Academy, recruits become Probationary Firefighters and then move to a Firefighter 1 after they pass their 12-month test.
All applicants go through the same testing and hiring process (written exam, oral interview, physical fitness test and recruit academy). However, any additional/outside certificates can be applied toward step raise classes when you reach that level in the department.
No age limit in the hiring process. Minimum age is 18.
There is no distance restriction to where a candidate lives.
Yes, absolutely.
Colorblindness will not disqualify a candidate from the application process. An eye exam will be administered by our department physician during a candidate's physical exam.
Applicants, volunteers, or employees are not automatically disqualified from employment or volunteer service based on their criminal record. Because of the city’s role and the importance of its reputation in the community, a detailed review is performed for individuals with felony convictions, and felony or misdemeanor convictions related to sexual misconduct, violence, or crimes against children or a vulnerable adult.
No. However, per Boise Fire Policy 17; There shall be no tattoo above the collar of the Boise Fire Department-issued short-sleeved T-shirt. The display of ANY unprofessional or offensive tattoo(s), regardless of its location, is prohibited and must be covered. Unprofessional or offensive is defined as: nudity, sexually explicit or vulgar, profane words and phrases, symbols to incite negative reactions, initials or acronyms that represent criminal or oppressive organizations.
View Firefighter Salary Schedule
After successful completion of the Recruit Academy, Firefighter/Paramedic candidates will enter a Field Training Program with a Senior Paramedic. Upon initiation of the training program, Firefighter/Paramedics receive an additional 10% of their base wage. Maintaining that 10% is dependent on successful completion of the Training Program and passing scenario-based testing with the Medical Directors.
48/96 shift schedule. 48 hours on/96 hours off. Recruits are assigned to A, B, or C Shifts in Recruit Academy.
This is a combination fire department. There are steps in order for any of our firefighters to become deployable for wildfire season. However, firefighters are not able to be deployed within their first year of employment.
The next hiring cycle will begin Fall 2025 for a Spring 2026 Recruit Academy. However, that is subject to change at any time based on department and city needs. We recommend signing up for our recruitment e-newsletter on the hiring web page as well as following Boise Fire on social media for any updates.
The number of recruits for 2026 has not yet been determined.
Yes, recruit academy is paid, starting the first day of recruit academy.
Recruit Academy is 19-20 weeks long at the Boise Fire Training Center. Recruit Academy is full time, Monday through Friday.
The written exam will be conducted virtually. Please stay tuned for updated information.
Cutoff scores are not know until after the exam. It changes each year depending on the score grouping. Mid 90's usually.
The written exam will be conducted virtually. Please stay tuned for updated information.
The top applicants from the written exam stage will be extended the opportunity to take the physical fitness test. The physical fitness test is pass/fail. Failure to pass the physical fitness test will mean disqualification from the process. Information regarding the physical fitness test can be found here.
Applicants who pass the physical fitness test will have their oral interview the following day at the Fire Training Center (i.e., a physical fitness test is scheduled for January 8th and passed, the oral interview will be January 9th and so on.)
Boise Fire no longer has a ride along program offered to the general public.
"To Whom It May Concern" or "To Boise Fire Department"
Sign up for the Boise Fire Recruitment e-newsletter and following Boise Fire on social media.
Twice. Two days for physical test and interview, and two to three days for Onboarding Day (as well as necessary preemployment items such as drug testing and physical). Any time spent in Boise outside those mandatory dates will be at the candidates' discretion.
No. Any candidates that come from out of state are required to find their own housing accommodations. The department does not sponsor or host any recruits during recruit academy.
**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.
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.