Fire Department · Career
Bluffton Township Fire District
Okatie, SC · Jasper County
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗Bluffton Township Fire District was formed in 1978 when Beaufort County Council consolidated three independent volunteer departments — Chelsea, Pritchardville, and Bluffton — into a single special fire tax district. It transitioned to a fully career department in 2007 and has grown alongside one of South Carolina's fastest-expanding communities, evolving from a single station with modest resources into a modern, internationally accredited fire service organization.
Today the district runs nine strategically placed stations (numbered 30–38) plus a training facility and administrative annex, with a tenth station (39) breaking ground to keep pace with growth. Crews handle roughly 11,000 calls a year, about three-quarters of them EMS responses, alongside fire suppression, hazardous materials, urban search and rescue, wildland firefighting, and community risk-reduction work such as smoke alarm installs, car seat checks, and CPR/AED training.
The department holds CFAI international accreditation (2025–2030) and operates as an equal-opportunity employer running two firefighter recruitment cycles a year, feeding candidates into South Carolina Fire Academy classes.
MissionDevoted to Duty Above Personal Risk
BTFD hires entry-level and experienced firefighters through the BambooHR careers portal, running two recruitment cycles per year. Candidates progress through an online application, a timed Physical Agility Test (RFPAT) performed in full SCBA (minus face piece) with a sub-8-minute time limit, a structured in-person panel interview, and a standardized written exam covering reading comprehension and math. The district does not offer make-up testing or interviews.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license
- Eligible to work in the United States
- National Registry EMT (or higher) required; BTFD covers certification costs for candidates who aren't yet certified
- No felony conviction within the last 10 years; no convictions for arson, drug offenses, or criminal sexual conduct
- Must be able to obtain medical clearance under OSHA/NFPA 1582
- Must pass random drug/alcohol screening
Hiring process
- Submit application through the BambooHR careers portal (upload current NREMT/Paramedic card if certified)
- Complete online testing upon invitation
- Optional agility test practice sessions at the Training Facility
- Pass the Physical Agility Test (RFPAT), invitation-only
- Standardized written exam (reading comprehension and math)
- In-person panel interview
Benefits
100% employer-paid health insurance for the employee, enrollment in the SC Police Officers Retirement System, employer-provided life insurance, 401(k)/457 deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, and an Employee Assistance Program. Promotions carry a minimum 5% raise and all positions are overtime-eligible.
Entry-level candidates without Firefighter I & II certification attend a District-paid Recruit School / South Carolina Fire Academy class; those already certified through ProBoard, NFPQ, or IFSAC bypass this step.
Will the Fire Department bring a truck to my child's birthday party?
Unfortunately no — apparatus needs to remain in service and available to respond to emergencies.
Can the Fire Department provide medical coverage for my public event?
It depends on location: Town of Bluffton events should contact the town directly, while other events must complete a Public Event Request form and may be subject to coverage fees.
Will firefighters attend equipment displays or community events?
Yes, for public-facing occasions like school visits and parades, requested at least 14 days in advance via the Public Event Request Form; birthday parties and business promotions are excluded.
Who manages fire hydrants?
The fire department is not responsible for hydrants — residents should contact their local water provider (e.g., BJWSA or Callawassie Island).
How do I get an incident report?
Complete the Incident/Investigation Report Request Form; standard reports take up to two weeks, investigative reports may take months.