Firefighter Trainee

Purpose

New Starting Salary!

Firefighter Trainee $45,349.00 Annually

Firefighter $50,144 (after completion of academy)

Advanced Firefighter $58,152 (after successful completion of EMT & 1-year probation period)

Important Dates!

NTN Online Testing: Open Continuous

CPAT Practice (10 weeks): Fridays & Saturdays, July 11, 2025 – August 30, 2025

Official CPAT: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 – September 5, 2025

Interview: September 3, 2025 – September 5, 2025

Background Investigation: September 5, 2025 – October 5, 2025

HR/SFD Deliberative Review & Selection: TBD

*Pre-employment Screenings/Drug Screening: TBD

*Candler Day: TBD

The Savannah Fire Department is a nationally and state-accredited agency that follows and sets standards of practice. Savannah Fire Department earned an ISO Class I rating for maintaining professional standards and equipment that reduce the City's fire risk. The Savannah Fire Department is one of only 200 fire departments in the country to hold international accreditation. We consistently strive for professionalism and excellence in service, where our employees are valued as our

greatest asset. The Savannah Fire Department employs 318 sworn and 18 civilian personnel. We are committed to providing firefighters with a rewarding career.

As a Firefighter with Savannah Fire, you will perform firefighting activities in training, including combating and extinguishing fires, rescuing persons, and salvaging property in emergency situations, training with and maintaining equipment, assisting in fire prevention activities, and controlling and containing hazardous substances. As a Firefighter, you are required to be a

certified Emergency Medical Technician – Basic (EMT-B), which will be provided by the Savannah Fire Department.

A Day in the Life of a Firefighter

We offer an excellent benefits package to include: 12 paid holidays, medical/dental/vision insurance, wellness programs, education reimbursement, employee referral program, employer home purchase assistance, deferred benefit contribution plan, 457 B, Georgia Firefighter Pension Fund, GMA Firefighter Cancer Benefit, may be eligible for Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits and U.S. Department of Veterans OJT Apprenticeship program

Visit the VA OJT Apprenticeship Benefits website to see how it works

Did you know that working for a government agency (state, local, or Federal) may qualify you for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness?

Click here to learn more about the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness

Individuals hired as Firefighters must comply with a No Use of Tobacco Agreement.

Women, Minorities, and Veterans are encouraged to apply!

The City of Savannah is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Essential Job Functions

Firefighters prepare and respond to fire alarms in a company and perform tasks such as laying out and connecting hoses, raising and climbing ladders, and directing the suppressants to extinguish fires.

Firefighters also carry out firefighting activities using tools and methods in a prescribed manner.

Firefighters perform emergency lifesaving activities, salvage, and preserve property to minimize fire loss; and perform clean-up activities after fire suppression.

Firefighters train and study with fire tools and equipment to develop and maintain competency and proficiency in fire suppression and prevention procedures and techniques, lifesaving techniques.

Firefighters become familiar with developments in incombustible and fire hazards and conduct studies to learn locations of city streets and addresses, hydrants, standpipes, and physical features of property within a district.

Firefighters assist in the inspection of commercial and residential properties for fire hazards.

Firefighters also advise and solicit the cooperation of property owners and inhabitants to rectify hazardous conditions.

You will also participate in fire drills in hospitals, schools, and other high-risk structures.

Firefighters will service, clean, and test firefighting equipment and property to ensure proper working order.

Firefighters perform general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire department facilities.

Firefighters assist in the operation of assigned equipment and inspect and check the conditions of fire hydrants, standpipes, and water supply sources.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years of age

Must have a High School Diploma (or copy of HS transcripts) or GED

Must complete 240 hours of basic training within the first six months of employment

Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license and an acceptable driving history, and the ability to work various shifts.

Must successfully complete the Emergency Medical Technician- Basic (EMT-B) course and become certified by the State of Georgia or the National Registry. This course is a part of the Fire Academy. Candidates will have three (3) attempts to obtain the certification after completing the course. Failure to complete the course will result in termination of employment.

Must successfully complete the academy

Note: PLEASE FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS AND ONLY SUBMIT THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AS A PDF FILE! DO NOT SUBMIT ANY OTHER CERTIFICATIONS AT THIS TIME. WE ONLY NEED THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

The following documents are required: birth certificate, social security card, HS diploma/GED or HS transcripts (a college degree does not take the place of the HS diploma), driver's license, and DD214 (honorable discharge, member 4 copies for prior military service). Please make sure all documents are legible. Each document should be named as reflected below and saved and attached as a PDF file prior to submitting your application. You may download Adobe Scan from the Play Store to scan and attach documents to your applications. Do not send any documents via Google Docs. Do not submit any fire-related certifications or additional documents at this time.

Johnson_J_Birth certificate

Johnson_J_Social_Security_Card

Johnson_J_Drivers_License

Johnson_J_HS_diploma/HS_transcripts

Johnson_J_DD214

Additional Information

Additional information

Verification of education, certifications, and licenses will be required prior to employment. Background investigation, including supervised drug screen, post offer/pre-employment medical screen, and verification of education, certifications, and licenses required prior to employment.

Work Location: 280 Agonic Rd. Work Schedule: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday–Friday

Change in Applicant's Personal Information

Applicants are required to notify the City of Savannah Office of Human Resources in writing of any changes to their personal information, such as legal name, address, telephone number, and email address. Changes or updates can be sent to

2025 Selection Process

Submit Application

Interested applicants may submit an application on Friday, June 6, 2025, and it will remain open continuously. Please be sure to check your e-mail inbox and/or spam folder regularly and review all attachments received from the City of Savannah Office of Human Resources carefully for details regarding your status and the next steps in the Firefighter Trainee selection process.

Applicants without Computer Access

Candidates that do not have computer access will be scheduled to take the exam in person at the Savannah Fire Department (SFD) Training Facility, located at 280 Agonic Rd, Savannah, GA, on the following dates: (You must bring a valid photo ID to test)

Testing Dates:

TBDTesting Link:

When you visit the website:

Complete the NTN registration process and schedule your test.

Review all information related to the City of Savannah Firefighter Trainee, including minimum requirements, salary, and benefits.

Review detailed information about the testing process.

Review the Frequently Asked Questions and take an online practice test (if desired).

Upon completion of your scheduled exam, scores are automatically forwarded to the City of Savannah HR Department. Candidates who attain a passing score on the entry-level exam will be placed on the City of Savannah's eligibility list. The City of Savannah HR Department will contact candidates on the list and will invite them to participate in further stages of the selection process.

National Testing Network is a service provided to conduct entry-level testing in a standardized, professional environment. The National Testing Network does not replace the City of Savannah’s responsibility and decision-making in the testing process. All candidate results are provided to the City of Savannah HR Department, where the final decisions are made.

Veterans Preference Points

Military veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 showing an honorable discharge (Member 4 or Service 2 copy) at the time of application. You must successfully pass the exam to be awarded five (5) or ten (10) additional points to your passing score.

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)

Candidates who successfully pass the National Testing Network Firefighter Test will be invited to attend the CPAT practice sessions. The CPAT practice sessions will be held at the National Guard Armory located at 1248 Eisenhower Dr.

The CPAT practice will begin on Friday, July 11, 2025, through Saturday, August 30, 2025. CPAT practice on Friday evenings will be held from 5 pm to 8 pm, and Saturday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm.

The CPAT consists of eight separate events that must be completed within a specific time. Candidates must progress along a predetermined path from event to event in a continuous manner and complete the entire skills test in 10 minutes, 20 seconds or less. In addition to the CPAT, applicants must also complete the 100 Foot Ladder Climb and Confined Space Crawl. Click here to view the CPAT video. Click on the link IAFF CPAT or IAFF CPAT 2.

For questions about the CPAT, contact the SFD Recruiting Unit at ext 7834 or

Savannah Fire will accept a valid CPAT from a facility supported by the National Testing Network that is valid within a year of application submission. If you do not possess a CPAT card from the National Testing Network, you must take the CPAT for the Savannah Fire Department. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Interview Candidates who successfully pass the CPAT will be invited for an interview. Candidates who successfully pass the interview will move forward to the next phase.

Personal History Background Investigation

The background packet will be emailed to candidates at the email address on the employment application. Please make sure you provide a valid email address.

Applicants selected for further screening are required to complete a personal background history packet detailing, but not limited to, general personal information, education and training, military service, employment, experience and volunteer history, motor vehicle record, drug use, alcohol use, legal issues, references, and financial information. Any omissions or falsification of information may be grounds for disqualification. The background packet will be emailed to candidates selected to move forward. Once the background packet and supporting documentation are returned, a background investigator will be assigned to review and follow up on the information provided.

The background investigator will check all references and conduct the employment verification for all applicants.

Applicants must complete and return the background packet within 30 days of notification

Applicants are required to be fingerprinted through the Georgia Applicant Processing System (GAPS)

Applicants must provide the Savannah Fire Department with a 7-year driver's history from any state where they have held a driver's license during the past 7 years.

Background packets must be returned by the deadline to

MVR and Background Standards for Uniformed Firefighting Applicants

Applicants must meet all MVR and background standards for uniformed firefighters.

Motor vehicle reports will be obtained on applicants for uniformed firefighting positions. Uniformed firefighting applicants must not have had:

DUI/DWI charge with the disposition of Nolo Contendre, conviction, or plea within the past five (5) years; and no two in the past seven (7) years

Suspensions in the past three (3) years (except for one Insurance Cancellation) and no two or more suspensions in the past seven (7) years.

Three or more moving violations in the past two (2) years and no six (6) or more in the past seven (7) years

Vehicular Homicide or Hit and Run charge/arrests

Fleeing or Attempting to Elude the Police charge/arrests

Uniformed Firefighting applicants must undergo an extensive background investigation, which is conducted by the Savannah Fire Department. All applicants are fingerprinted, and military records (if applicable) are checked. In accordance with the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council, applicants for uniformed firefighting positions must have none of the following on their criminal history report:

Pending Criminal Cases

Convictions, Nolo Contendre, or pleas involving Sexual Offenses, Domestic

Violence Act or Impersonating a Police Officer, Perjury or False Statements, Felony convictions, and Nolo Contendre or pleas involving felony arrests

Serious Misdemeanor Convictions, Nolo Contendre, or pleas

HR/SFD Deliberative Review Pass/Fail

The results of the background investigation and suitability assessment, along with information contained in the applicant's file related to qualifications and suitability, will be reviewed by the City of Savannah's Office of Human Resources and the Savannah Fire Department. An applicant must meet the minimum standards related to qualification and suitability to the satisfaction of the Office of Human Resources and Savannah Fire Department representatives to be approved for hire. Applicants who are not considered during the Deliberative Review will be removed from further processing and prohibited from reapplying to the Savannah Fire Department for one (1) year from the date of notification.

Eligible List

Candidates who successfully pass the background and deliberative review will be placed on an Eligible List, which will remain active for one year from the date established.

Conditional Offer, Pre-Employment Medical Examination, Drug Screen & Fitness Exam. Selected candidates will receive a conditional offer of employment from the City of Savannah Office of Human Resources.

NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT QUIT YOUR JOB OR SUBMIT A RESIGNATION LETTER UNTIL YOU HAVE RECEIVED A FINAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT.

Selected candidates will be scheduled for pre-employment screenings and Candler Day, which will include the following: Fasting Lab Work, Chest X-ray, and Biometric screening at Candler Wellness Center. A representative from St. Joseph's/Candler will contact you to schedule these events. Candidates will also be fitted for uniforms and turnout gear on this date.

Final Offer of Employment

Upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings, medical screen, drug screen, and fitness tests, successful candidates will receive a final offer of employment from the Human Resources Department to include a Recruit Reimbursement Contract. You will be sent a link via email from the Human Resources Technician to complete the onboarding process and final paperwork. Please check your e-mail inbox and/or spam folder regularly.

Additional Information

Knowledge of the principles, practices, and equipment used in the suppression of fires and the delivery of emergency medical services.

Knowledge of department rules, regulations, and operational procedures.

Knowledge of local geography, including the location of water mains and hydrants.

Skill in the operation of fire apparatus

Skilled in reading and interpreting maps.

Skill in oral and written communication.