Fire Department · Career
Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue
Albuquerque, NM · Bernalillo County
“"Ignite Your Career"”
Second-largest fire department in New Mexico
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue (BCFR) protects the unincorporated communities surrounding Albuquerque, New Mexico. Founded in 1958 as a single station, it has grown into a comprehensive regional fire service organized into 14 districts, each staffed by roughly five to seven paid personnel.
The department fields more than 296 uniformed positions and describes itself as the second-largest fire department in the state. Every station operates at advanced life support (ALS) capability, and all firefighters carry medical licensure at the EMT-Basic, Intermediate, or Paramedic level, making combined fire and EMS response the core of the job here.
Crews work a 48-hour on / 96-hour off schedule, providing 24/7 coverage. Recent years have brought steady expansion, including new fire stations and the opening of the county's Public Safety Training Academy.
Mission"exists to provide a positive impact through dynamic services for our community and neighbors"
BCFR hires primarily through its Fire Cadet Academy: candidates apply online, then move through a written exam, a physical assessment (a wildland-style Pack Test plus a Modified Combat Challenge), and an oral interview, with combined scores determining final selection. Those who pass advance into the 28-week cadet academy.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend information sessions at the Bernalillo County Public Safety Training Academy and to review the department's recruitment resources before testing.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid New Mexico driver's license (Class E required within 45 days of hire)
- Pass a written exam assessing work styles, integrity, and social adaptability
- Pass a physical ability test including a Pack Test (three miles carrying 45 pounds in 45 minutes) and a Modified Combat Challenge
- Pass an oral interview
Hiring process
- Apply online for the firefighter position
- Written exam
- Physical assessment (Pack Test and Modified Combat Challenge)
- Oral interview (combined scores determine final acceptance)
- Fire Cadet Academy (28 weeks of training)
Benefits
The department cites incentive pay for EMT-Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic certifications, opportunities for advancement, career development, and generous leave. New firefighters complete a comprehensive 28-week cadet academy that exceeds Firefighter I and II standards.
New hires complete a 28-week Fire Cadet Academy covering physical training, classroom instruction, and hands-on skills; certification exceeds Firefighter I and II standards.
What are the basic requirements to become a Bernalillo County firefighter?
You must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, and have a valid New Mexico driver's license (a Class E license is required within 45 days of hire). You must also pass a written exam, a physical ability test, and an oral interview.
What does the hiring process look like?
Candidates apply online, then complete a written exam, a physical assessment (a Pack Test carrying 45 pounds three miles in 45 minutes plus a Modified Combat Challenge), and an oral interview. Combined scores determine who advances to the Fire Cadet Academy.
Do I need to be a certified firefighter or paramedic before applying?
No. Successful candidates are trained through the department's 28-week Fire Cadet Academy, which exceeds Firefighter I and II standards. All BCFR firefighters are medically licensed at the EMT-Basic, Intermediate, or Paramedic level, and incentive pay is offered for EMT-Intermediate and Paramedic certifications.
What schedule do firefighters work?
BCFR operates 24/7 on a 48-hour on / 96-hour off shift schedule.
How long is the fire academy?
The Fire Cadet Academy runs 28 weeks and includes physical training, classroom instruction, hands-on skills, and academic assessments.