Fire Department · Career
Austin Fire Department
Austin, TX · Travis County
one of the 20 largest departments in the country
Austin Fire Department protects Texas's capital city, a fast-growing metro known for tech, music, and a large urban footprint. Founded in 1857, it has grown into one of the 20 largest fire departments in the United States.
The department fields more than 1,300 employees operating out of 54 fire stations spread across the city. It responds to over 100,000 calls annually, with about 70 percent being medical in nature and the rest ranging from structure and apartment fires to hazardous conditions and technical rescues.
Beyond suppression, AFD runs specialized operations including cave rescue, high-angle and rope rescue, vehicle and structural rescue, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), and wildfire response, alongside an active Fire Prevention Division. Its performance record includes an arson arrest rate four times the national average and strong fire-containment metrics.
MissionAustin Fire is committed to creating safe and resilient communities through prevention, preparedness, and effective emergency response.
Austin Fire hires through a competitive civil-service process. Interested candidates start by submitting a Candidate Interest Card to receive recruiting updates, then apply during an open application period through the City of Austin jobs portal. Applicants must pass a written exam and a Structured Oral Assessment (each requiring a score of 70 or above), after which candidates are ranked into an eligibility list.
Top-ranked candidates receive a conditional offer and complete pre-hire assessments including a background check, CPAT physical ability test, and psychological and medical evaluations before final placement in an academy class. AFD also runs pre-career pathways such as Explorers Post 370 and the Pass the Torch program, and offers dedicated support for veterans and equity liaisons.
Requirements
- At least 18 years of age and not older than 35 on the day the written exam is administered
- High school diploma or GED
- Current valid state driver license
- U.S. citizen or current work authorization
- Able to read, write, and speak English
- Valid Social Security card
- Meet NFPA 1582 medical standards
Hiring process
- Submit a Candidate Interest Card for recruiting updates (optional)
- Apply during an open application period via the City of Austin jobs portal
- Pass the written exam and Structured Oral Assessment (score 70 or above on each)
- Receive scoring and ranking, with veteran preference points applied
- Receive a conditional offer of employment for top-ranked candidates
- Complete pre-hire assessments: background check, CPAT, psychological, and medical
- Placement on a ranked eligibility list, with appointments made over 12-24 months
- Receive a final employment offer and academy placement
Recruits attend the AFD Academy; the Pass the Torch program offers a roughly three-month weekend preview of the academy for those 18 to 35.
What are the age requirements to become an Austin firefighter?
You must be at least 18 years old and not exceed age 35 on the day the written exam is administered.
What education do I need to apply?
A high school diploma or GED is required, along with a valid state driver license, a Social Security card, and U.S. citizenship or current work authorization.
How do I apply to the Austin Fire Department?
Applications are submitted through the City of Austin jobs portal during an open application period. You can also submit a Candidate Interest Card to receive updates on the hiring process.
What does the hiring process involve?
After applying, candidates take a written exam and a Structured Oral Assessment (scoring 70 or above on each), are ranked, and top candidates receive a conditional offer followed by a background check, CPAT physical test, and psychological and medical evaluations.
Is the department currently accepting applications?
As of the site reading, AFD was not accepting academy applications. Submit a Candidate Interest Card to be notified when the next application period opens.
Are there programs to prepare for a firefighting career?
Yes. Explorers Post 370 serves ages 14 to 19 with basic firefighting, rescue, and EMS training, and the Pass the Torch program offers those 18 to 35 a roughly three-month weekend preview of the AFD Academy.