Fire Department · Career
Great Falls Fire Rescue
Great Falls, MT · Cascade County
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Department careers page ↗Great Falls Fire Rescue traces its roots to the Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company, a volunteer outfit organized on December 23, 1886, making it one of Montana's oldest fire services. The department has logged a string of state firsts along the way, from Montana's first motorized fire apparatus in 1910 to hiring Kathleen Taylor in 1982 as the state's first professional female firefighter. It took its current name, Great Falls Fire Rescue, in 1998 to reflect its growing role in emergency medical response.
Today the department runs four fire stations and the Charles C. Carrico Training Facility, answering roughly 7,000 calls a year across the city and 18 contracted rural fire districts covering about 25 square miles. Crews work 24-hour shifts on a four-platoon schedule, and every firefighter is trained to at least the EMT level, with paramedic-level advanced life support available at all stations since 1998. The department holds an ISO Public Protection Class 3 rating and continues to modernize its fleet, including a 2023 federal grant toward a new $1.6 million aerial ladder truck.
Great Falls Fire Rescue hires entry-level firefighters exclusively through the Montana Firefighter Testing Consortium, which administers the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) and written testing used across participating Montana departments. Candidates must already hold National Registry EMT-Basic certification and be prepared to live within 30 minutes of Station 1.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid Montana driver's license
- Minimum age 18
- Nationally Registered EMT-Basic certification
- Vision correctable to 20/30
- Pass pre-employment medical exam and psychological evaluation
- No tobacco use during employment
- Must live within 30 minutes of Fire Station 1
- Mechanical aptitude preferred
Hiring process
- Apply and test through the Montana Firefighter Testing Consortium
- Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
- Written and/or oral testing per Consortium process
- Pre-employment medical exam and psychological evaluation
- Nine-month probationary period upon hire
Benefits
City covers 90% of medical, dental, and vision premiums. Pension with a 14.36% city contribution and 10.7% employee contribution. 10.6 hours of vacation and 8.5 hours of sick leave accrued monthly, plus 10 paid holidays annually. A $311,890 death benefit is provided for line-of-duty incidents.
How do I become a firefighter with Great Falls Fire Rescue?
Entry-level firefighter hiring goes exclusively through the Montana Firefighter Testing Consortium, which includes the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). Candidates need National Registry EMT-Basic certification and must be prepared to live within 30 minutes of Fire Station 1.
What are the requirements to apply?
Applicants need a high school diploma or GED, a valid Montana driver's license, to be at least 18 years old, hold National Registry EMT-Basic certification, have vision correctable to 20/30, and pass a pre-employment medical exam and psychological evaluation.
What does Great Falls Fire Rescue pay firefighters?
Entry-level firefighters start at $26.47 per hour, increasing to $27.87 per hour after six months, with further advancement through the ranks via promotional testing.
How many stations does Great Falls Fire Rescue operate?
The department operates four fire stations plus the Charles C. Carrico Training Facility, covering the city and 18 contracted rural fire districts.