Fire Department · Career
North Little Rock Fire Department
North Little Rock, AR · Pulaski County
The North Little Rock Fire Department serves the city of North Little Rock, Arkansas, staffing 11 operational stations (including a training facility) spread across the city. It employs 153 uniformed line personnel, 7 uniformed staff members, and 3 civilian employees.
Line crews are organized into three rotating shifts (A, B, and C) that each work a 24-hour tour followed by 48 hours off, while administrative staff work a standard Monday-through-Friday, 40-hour week.
The department's fleet includes 10 engines, 2 aerial ladder trucks, and 2 rescue/extrication units, with Advanced Life Support capability fielded at Engine 7 and Rescue 1. Specialized capabilities include a Special Operations Response Team, a Hazmat Response Team, and water rescue units equipped with two river rescue boats.
Missionprevent the loss of life and property to citizens that are entrusted to our care, through direct intervention and preventative education
North Little Rock hires firefighters through a formal announced testing window. To apply, candidates go to nlr.ar.gov/jobs (routing to the city's GovernmentJobs portal), select the firefighter posting, review the job description, and submit an application; new applicants must first create an account.
The posted process runs from a written exam and physical agility test through a structured panel interview and background investigation, with a post-offer drug screen and medical/vision exams paid for by the city. Certified firefighters may be brought in at a higher salary step based on qualifications, training, and experience.
Requirements
- Must be at least 21 years old and under 35 by the hire date
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid driver's license
- Far visual acuity no worse than 20/40 corrected (glasses or contact lenses), or 20/100 uncorrected with hard contact lenses
Hiring process
- Written exam
- Physical agility test
- Structured panel interview
- Background investigation
- Post-offer drug screen, physical, and visual examinations (paid by the city)
Benefits
- 12 paid holidays per year
- 20 sick days per year (60-day accumulation cap)
- Vacation and personal leave
- Health insurance: 100% of the firefighter's premium and 75% of family premium paid
- Gym membership reimbursement
- Education incentives for certifications
- $2,700/year food allowance
What are the basic requirements to become a North Little Rock firefighter?
You must be at least 21 and under 35 by your hire date, hold a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver's license, and meet the vision standard of at least 20/40 corrected (or 20/100 uncorrected with hard contacts).
How do I apply?
Go to nlr.ar.gov/jobs (the city's GovernmentJobs portal), select the firefighter position, review the job description, and click Apply. New applicants create an account; returning applicants sign in with existing credentials.
What does the hiring process involve?
A written exam, a physical agility test, a structured panel interview, and a background investigation, followed by a post-offer drug screen and physical and vision exams that the city pays for.
What is the pay?
Certified firefighters earn $47,683-$64,772 depending on qualifications, training, and experience. First-year base pay is $44,927, plus paid holidays and a $2,700 annual food allowance.
What is the work schedule?
Line firefighters work a 24/48 rotation: a 24-hour shift on one of three crews (A, B, or C), followed by 48 hours off.
When can I apply?
Applications are accepted during an announced window; the current firefighter application period runs July 6, 2026 through August 3, 2026. Contact Captain Brian Poe at 501-340-5410 for recruitment questions.