Fire Department · Career
Tallahassee Fire Department
Tallahassee, FL · Leon County
“Fully Committed”
largest non-hospital EMS force from Jacksonville to Pensacola
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗Tallahassee Fire Department (TFD) protects the City of Tallahassee and much of unincorporated Leon County, covering roughly 702 square miles and a population approaching 300,000. Its roots reach back to an 1868 volunteer company and the Tallahassee Volunteer Fire Company of 1902; the department became a paid force in May 1930.
Today TFD is a full-spectrum agency with 327 positions across Suppression, EMS, Prevention, Training, Logistics, and Command Staff divisions. Crews respond to more than 36,000 incidents a year, including over 18,000 EMS calls, several hundred structure and vehicle fires, and more than a thousand vehicle rescues.
Beyond structural firefighting, the department fields regional Hazardous Materials (Task Force 2) and Urban Search and Rescue (Task Force 7) teams serving a 13-county area, provides aircraft rescue and firefighting at Tallahassee International Airport, and operates what it describes as the largest non-hospital EMS force between Jacksonville and Pensacola.
MissionProvide for the safety and welfare of our community and our members through prevention, preparation and protection.
TFD hires on a continuous basis with quarterly application cutoffs (January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1). Candidates apply online through the City of Tallahassee employment portal with their driver's license, Florida firefighter certification, and EMT certification; applicants still enrolled in a fire academy or EMT program may apply with proof of expected completion.
Qualified applicants take the FACT online written exam, then advance to a 10-event Physical Ability Test, a panel interview, and placement on an eligibility list. Conditional offers are followed by background investigation, polygraph, psychological and medical exams, and drug testing before the Fire Chief extends a final offer. Questions can go to the recruitment line at 850-891-6641 or jointfd@talgov.com.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old at time of application
- High school diploma or GED
- State of Florida Certificate of Compliance for Firefighter Minimum Standards (or proof of current academy enrollment with expected completion date)
- Florida EMT certification (or proof of current enrollment)
- Valid driver's license; Florida Class E or equivalent required before final offer
Hiring process
- Submit online application with required documents (driver's license, firefighter certification, EMT certification)
- FACT online written test (110 questions covering reading, math, map reading, writing, and personal characteristics)
- Physical Ability Test (10-event PAT; requires a 70+ raw score on the written test to advance)
- Panel interview
- Placement on the eligibility/hiring list
- Conditional offer phase: background investigation, polygraph, psychological evaluation, medical exam, and drug testing
- Final offer extended by the Fire Chief
Benefits
City of Tallahassee pension plan, health insurance, and career growth opportunities in suppression and staff roles. Firefighters work a 24/48 schedule with seven Kelly days annually. Veteran's preference is available with DD-214 documentation.
Applicants currently enrolled in a fire academy or EMT program may apply with proof of enrollment and expected completion date.
What certifications do I need to apply?
You need a State of Florida Certificate of Compliance for Firefighter Minimum Standards and a Florida EMT certification. If you're still enrolled in a fire academy or EMT program, you may apply with proof of enrollment and your expected completion date.
How do I apply and when are the cutoffs?
Apply online through the City of Tallahassee employment portal. TFD accepts applications continuously with quarterly cutoffs on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1.
What does the hiring process involve?
The FACT online written test, a 10-event Physical Ability Test (you need a 70+ raw score on the written test to advance), a panel interview, placement on an eligibility list, then a conditional offer phase with background investigation, polygraph, psychological and medical exams, and drug testing before a final offer from the Fire Chief.
What is the pay for a Tallahassee firefighter?
Firefighters are on the Grade 65 pay scale, which runs across 13 steps from about $44,178 at Step 1 to about $70,730 at Step 13, with increases as you gain experience.
What schedule do firefighters work?
Suppression personnel work a 24/48 schedule and receive seven Kelly days annually.
Who can I contact with recruitment questions?
Reach the TFD recruitment line at 850-891-6641 or email jointfd@talgov.com.