Fire Department · Career
Amarillo Fire Department
Amarillo, TX · Potter County
“We want to be our best on your worst day!”
No active openings right now
Watch this department to be notified when Amarillo Fire Department is hiring, or check their careers page.
Department careers page ↗The Amarillo Fire Department serves the largest city in the Texas Panhandle from 13 stations spread across the growing community. Its work spans structural firefighting, emergency medical response, hazardous materials, wildland fire, and a broad rescue portfolio.
The department emphasizes advanced life support, staffing select stations with "Paramedic Engines" crewed by certified paramedics, and operates Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) at Station 10. Under Fire Chief Jason Mays, leadership prioritizes professional culture, elevating EMS capability, community engagement, and maintaining fast response times as the city expands.
Community Risk Reduction is a distinct division, reflected in programs like the Citizen Academy, smoke alarm installation, fire safety education, a Nurse Navigation program, and a museum at Central Fire Station.
Missionprotect our community by providing the highest quality of compassionate and professional services
Amarillo hires firefighters through a multi-stage civil-service process that begins with an online application at careers.amarillo.gov during open recruitment periods. Candidates take a written examination (scored 100% on the written portion, with no study guides provided), complete an aerial ladder climb the same day, and then progress through the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), oral interview, background investigation, and medical examination.
Applicants must be at least 18 and no older than 36 at the date of hire, with no felony convictions. Successful candidates are placed on an eligibility list and invited to the Fire Academy, which typically starts in January. Honorably discharged veterans with a valid DD-214 receive five bonus points.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old and no older than 36 at the date of hire
- No felony convictions
- Pass a written examination (scored 100% on written portion; no study guides provided)
- Complete the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) and aerial ladder climb
- Pass a background investigation and medical examination
Hiring process
- Submit online application via the Careers Portal (careers.amarillo.gov)
- Written examination
- Aerial ladder climb (same day as written exam)
- Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
- Oral interview
- Background investigation
- Medical examination
- Placement on eligibility list
- Invitation to the Fire Academy (typically starts January)
Benefits
Honorably discharged veterans receive 5 bonus points on the exam with a valid DD-214 submitted by the deadline. New hires attend the department's Fire Academy.
Successful candidates are placed on an eligibility list and invited to the Fire Academy, which typically starts in January.
What are the age requirements to become an Amarillo firefighter?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and no older than 36 at the date of hire.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the Careers Portal at careers.amarillo.gov during open recruitment periods. You can also reach the department at careers@amarillo.gov.
What is the starting salary?
The starting salary is approximately $62,319 annually.
What does the hiring process involve?
It includes an online application, a written examination, an aerial ladder climb the same day, the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), an oral interview, a background investigation, and a medical examination, followed by placement on an eligibility list and invitation to the Fire Academy.
Do veterans get any preference?
Yes. Honorably discharged veterans receive 5 bonus points on the exam with a valid DD-214 submitted by the deadline.
Are there disqualifying factors?
Candidates must have no felony convictions and must pass a background investigation and medical examination.