Fire Department · Career
Irondequoit Fire District
Rochester, NY · Monroe County
“Prevent, Prepare, Protect”
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗The Irondequoit Fire District is a combination (career and volunteer) department covering approximately eight square miles in the south/southeastern portion of Irondequoit, New York, just outside Rochester in Monroe County. It runs from two stations: Culver Station (headquarters) and Empire Station.
The District responds to over 3,500 calls for service annually, spanning EMS calls, motor vehicle accidents and fires, structure fires, gas emergencies, and marine incidents including water and ice rescue and low-angle rope rescue.
It is a relatively young organization, created by the 2022 consolidation of the former Laurelton and Ridge-Culver Fire Districts. Today it is made up of more than 80 career and volunteer firefighters, officers, and support staff.
Alongside emergency response, the District's Community Risk Reduction (C.R.R.) Division handles child safety seat inspections and installations, school presentations, alarm installations, and community outreach.
MissionOur mission is to provide the highest level of emergency service through strong standards of response, comprehensive training, and unwavering professionalism.
Career firefighter hiring at the Irondequoit Fire District is governed by New York State and Monroe County Civil Service law, so it is not a simple application. Candidates must take the NYS Civil Service Firefighter test, rank in the "Top 3" of the resulting list, hold an active NYS DOH BEMS EMT card at any level before appointment, and complete an interview before being selected by the hiring committee. Canvass letters are only sent when the District is actively hiring.
The department strongly encourages prospective career firefighters to join first as volunteers, where it can help them obtain their EMT card, get initial training, and prepare for the firefighter exam. Many of its career firefighters started as volunteers.
Requirements
- Pass the New York State Civil Service Firefighter examination and rank in the Top 3 of the list
- Hold an active NYS DOH BEMS Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) card (any level) prior to appointment
- Valid New York State driver's license
Hiring process
- Take the NYS Civil Service Test for Firefighter
- Score well enough to be in the "Top 3" of the rankings
- Obtain an active NYS DOH BEMS EMT card prior to appointment
- Return the canvass letter (sent only when hiring) within the deadline
- Attend the in-person interview
- Be selected by the hiring committee
- Complete recruit-probationary status
How do I become a career firefighter with Irondequoit?
Career hiring is governed by New York State and Monroe County Civil Service law. You must take the NYS Civil Service Firefighter test, rank in the "Top 3" of the list, hold an active NYS EMT card before appointment, return the canvass letter when the District is hiring, interview, and be selected by the hiring committee.
Do I need my EMT before being hired?
Yes. The District requires an active NYS DOH BEMS Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) card at any level prior to appointment. Not having EMT at canvass is grounds for being passed over, since it is a requirement of the job.
When is the firefighter exam given?
The NYS Civil Service Firefighter test for Monroe County is typically held about once every two years. You can sign up through the Monroe County Civil Service website to be notified of upcoming tests and job openings.
What else do I need to qualify?
In addition to the civil service exam and an active NYS EMT card, the District requires a valid New York State driver's license for employment.
Should I volunteer first?
The District highly encourages prospective career firefighters to join as a volunteer first. Volunteering can help you obtain your EMT card, get initial training, and prepare for the firefighter exam. Many of the District's career firefighters started as volunteers.
How do I join as a volunteer?
Volunteers first join one of the District's two firefighter associations, the Laurelton Firefighters Association (Empire Station) or the Ridge-Culver Volunteer Firefighter Association (Culver Station), generally based on whether you live south or north of Norton Street. Applications and a contact form for the Volunteer Staff Supervisor are on the Volunteer Opportunities page.