Fire Department · Career
Clayton County Fire & Emergency Services
Riverdale, GA · Clayton County
Pay scale
| COMMUNITY CARE PRACTITIONER NURSE PRACTITIONER 80 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES | $129,712/yr |
| CLINIC MEDIC 80 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES | $71,453/yr |
| FIREFIGHTER PARAMEDIC 80 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES | $67,989/yr |
| PARAMEDIC- FIRE | $63,425/yr |
| FIREFIGHTER EMT 108 - FIRE | $55,734/yr |
| FIREFIGHTER RECRUIT 80 - FIRE | $53,032/yr |
Clinic Paramedic position earning a minimum salary of $71,453 annually, requiring a current State of Georgia Paramedic License, CPR, and ACLS. AEMT candidates will be considered with a requirement to enroll in a Paramedic program within 24 months.
Clayton County seeks a Community Care Practitioner Nurse Practitioner with a minimum salary of $129,712.08. Applicants must possess a Georgia RN license and NP certification, or a PA-C, along with CPR and ACLS certifications.
This position offers a minimum salary of $55,734 annually and requires a High School Diploma or GED along with a State of Georgia or National Registry Advanced EMT license. Candidates must be at least 18 years old and obtain Firefighter I and II and Hazardous Materials Operations certifications within 18 months of employment.
This Firefighter Paramedic position offers a minimum starting salary of $67,989.02 per year. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a State of Georgia Paramedic License or NREMT-Paramedic certification. Applications are accepted until the position is filled.
Start a fire career with a high school diploma or GED and a valid Georgia driver's license. This recruit position offers a minimum salary of $53,032.01 with mandatory certifications required within 18 months.
Clayton County Fire is hiring a Paramedic starting at an annual salary of $63,425. Applicants must possess a current State of Georgia Paramedic License, valid driver's license, and CPR/ACLS certifications. Applications are accepted until the position is filled.
Clayton County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) protects nearly 300,000 residents across roughly 122 square miles of unincorporated Clayton County and the cities of Jonesboro, Riverdale, Lake City, Lovejoy, and College Park, just south of Atlanta.
Founded on March 1, 1967, the department operates 14 fire stations and a fleet of 17 firefighting apparatus, including structure and wildland engines and ladder trucks, plus 14 ALS and BLS ambulances. CCFES provides fire suppression alongside its own emergency medical transport.
The department holds an ISO Class 1 rating and is accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), reflecting a high level of service. Its work spans EMS, hazardous materials response, technical rescue, fire prevention, community risk reduction, fire investigation, and disaster preparedness, guided by the core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
MissionClayton County Fire & Emergency Services is committed to providing innovative emergency response, mitigation, and education with compassion and professionalism to create a safe place to live, work, and play for the community we serve.
CCFES hires at several entry points depending on your certifications, from Firefighter Recruit (no prior experience required) up through Firefighter/Paramedic and Paramedic. The department emphasizes that it will train selected candidates, and it offers free Georgia Advanced EMT certification and a free paramedic course as part of professional development.
The process runs through the county's application system and includes an AccuPlacer exam, orientation, a physical agility test, panel and command-staff interviews, and pre-employment screening (background investigation, polygraph, psychological exam, physical, and drug screen). Applications are held for one year. Start at joinccfes.org.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- High School Diploma or GED
- Current valid Georgia Driver's License
- Firefighter Recruit: no experience required, or active EMT certification, or Firefighter I plus EMT
- Firefighter EMT: active Advanced EMT certification, or Firefighter I plus Advanced EMT
- Firefighter/Paramedic: Firefighter I plus Paramedic, or Paramedic licensure
- Paramedic: State or National Registry licensure
Hiring process
- Apply through the county application system
- Qualify: pass the AccuPlacer exam, attend orientation, complete the physical agility test, and submit a Motor Vehicle Record
- Interview: group panel interview followed by a second interview with command staff
- Pre-employment: background investigation, polygraph, psychological exam, physical exam, and drug screening
Benefits
Competitive salary with group medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability coverage; robust retirement plans including a pension; paid sick leave, holiday pay, and paid vacation. Professional development includes free Georgia Advanced EMT (AEMT) certification and a free paramedic course, plus an education incentive program. Wellness benefits include on-site wellness visits and free cancer testing.
The department states it will train selected candidates, and it operates its own Fire Academy and EMS Academy.
What are the basic requirements to become a Clayton County firefighter?
You must be at least 18, have a High School Diploma or GED, and hold a current valid Georgia Driver's License. Certification requirements vary by position, from Firefighter Recruit (no experience required) up to Firefighter/Paramedic.
Do I need to be an EMT or paramedic to apply?
Not for the entry-level Firefighter Recruit position, which requires no prior experience. Higher entry points require an active EMT, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic certification. CCFES also offers free AEMT and paramedic training to selected members.
What does the hiring process involve?
After applying through the county system, candidates pass an AccuPlacer exam, attend orientation, complete a physical agility test and submit a Motor Vehicle Record, then complete a group panel interview and a command-staff interview, followed by background investigation, polygraph, psychological exam, physical, and drug screening.
What benefits does CCFES offer?
Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage; retirement plans including a pension; paid sick leave, holiday pay, and vacation; free AEMT and paramedic training; an education incentive; and wellness benefits such as on-site wellness visits and free cancer testing.
How do I apply?
Begin at joinccfes.org and submit your application through the county's self-service system at claytoncountyga.munisselfservice.com. Applications are held for one year, and you may reapply if not initially selected.
Will the department train me if I have no fire experience?
Yes. CCFES states it will train selected candidates and runs its own Fire Academy and EMS Academy, so you can enter as a Firefighter Recruit without prior experience.