Tucson Fire Training Video
For additional information, email TucsonFireJobs@tucsonaz.gov.
Beginning a Career with Tucson Fire
Anyone interested in becoming a firefighter with the Tucson Fire Department must first go through the Civil Service testing process. To work for Tucson Fire in any uniformed position, a candidate must complete the testing process AND complete the department’s training Academy.
TFD does not hire into any uniform position except for Firefighter.
The following Minimum Requirements must be met in order to apply for the upcoming testing process:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- High School Diploma, GED or equivalent certificate
- Valid Driver’s License with two years driving experience
- Ability to obtain an Arizona EMT certification upon graduation from the academy. Contact AZDHS for questions regarding certification
- Physical abilities necessary to perform essential firefighting functions
Currently, it is not necessary to have either an EMT certification or a Firefighter I or II certification in order to apply. Nor is it necessary to live within the Tucson city limits, although these may be requirements in future recruitments.
Salary
- Starting Salary: $20.43/hr
- Upon Academy completion: $49,984 annually
- An 12-step pay plan for the rank of firefighter reaches its maximum at $70,681 annually
- 13 days paid sick leave per year (leave accruals increase at certain milestones)
- 13 days paid vacation per year (leave accruals increase at certain milestones)
- 12 paid holidays per year
- Medical, dental, and life insurance
- 25-year retirement plan
- Opportunities to participate in deferred compensation plans
- Tuition reimbursement for college courses (up to $5,250.00 per fiscal year)
- Qualified education loan repayment assistance program
- Paid military leave
- On-duty physical exercise program
Salary & Benefits
Testing Information:
Detailed information regarding the testing process.
Applicants should be aware that successful completion of all phases of the testing process does not guarantee employment. The eligibility list will remain in effect for a minimum of six months.
The City of Tucson is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. Under the city's Civil Service-Human Resources Ordinance, Tucson Code Chapter 10 §10-18, it is unlawful to discriminate in City employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, marital status, and political opinions, beliefs, or affiliations.
Key Dates:
Job Posting Opens: May 16, 2025
Job Posting Closes: June 14, 2025
Deadline for written and virtual interviews to be completed: June 20, 2025
Informational Sessions – May 27th & June 5th, 2025, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Fire Central 300 S. Fire Central Place, Tucson, Az
CPAT Dates:
Orientations: May 31st & June 14th, 2025
Timed Practices: Practice #1: July 11th-13th, 2025 Practice #2: July 25th-27th, 2025
Final: August 8th-10th, 2025
Participation in both the CPAT orientations and CPAT timed practices is considered mandatory as they are designed to enhance one's chances of passing the CPAT. However, one can opt out of the orientations or one or both timed practices by signing a waiver acknowledging the opportunity to participate in these events but declining to do so. If one passes a CPAT timed practice, this will be considered an official pass eliminating the need to participate in the final CPAT, hence, it is to one's advantage to participate in the timed practices.
Intern Orientation - BY INVITATION ONLY
#1) August 16th and 17th, 2025
#2) August 22nd and 23rd, 2025 The Intern Orientation is a two-day event with participation in both days mandatory
Final Interviews: September 2nd to 8th, 2025
*Contingent Job Offers: Week of September 9th, 2025
Final Job Offers: Week of October 20th, 2025
Academy Start Date: November 3rd, 2025
*Contingent Job Offers are based on passing the Psychological Evaluation, Medical Evaluation, and fingerprinting before being extended a final offer.