Fire Department · Career
City Of Sweetwater Fire Department
Sweetwater, TX · Nolan County
The Sweetwater Fire Department protects the city of Sweetwater, the seat of Nolan County in West Texas, operating out of a station at 900 East Broadway. The department combines fire suppression with emergency medical services, and it runs its own EMS billing operation.
Beyond emergency response, the department invests heavily in the community through public education, fire prevention programs, and emergency management. Crews conduct fire safety demonstrations in local schools and offer station tours.
The department is led by Fire Chief Tad Baird, with a Fire Marshal's Office handling prevention, permits, and investigations.
Hiring is coordinated through the City of Sweetwater's Human Resources Department, with open positions posted to the city's NEOGOV job portal at governmentjobs.com/careers/sweetwatertx. Candidates are advised to monitor the portal regularly, since firefighter openings are posted as they become available. A firefighter entrance exam is scheduled for August 14, 2026.
Minimum qualifications include being at least 18 years old and holding a valid Texas driver's license, along with Basic Firefighter Certification through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) and EMT certification through the Texas Department of State Health Services. Preference may be given to applicants who are already certified. Detailed salary, benefits, and hiring-timeline information is published in a PDF on the department's Join Our Team page.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- Valid Texas driver's license
- Basic Firefighter Certification through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP)
- EMT certification through the Texas Department of State Health Services
- Preference may be given to applicants who are already certified
Hiring process
- Monitor the city job portal (governmentjobs.com/careers/sweetwatertx) for open firefighter positions
- Apply through the City of Sweetwater Human Resources Department when a position is posted
- Take the firefighter entrance exam (next scheduled for August 14, 2026)
Benefits
The department cites competitive compensation, professional development opportunities, and team camaraderie. Detailed salary and benefits information is provided in a PDF on the Join Our Team page.
Applicants must obtain Basic Firefighter Certification through TCFP and EMT certification through the Texas Department of State Health Services; preference may be given to already-certified applicants.
What are the minimum requirements to become a Sweetwater firefighter?
You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid Texas driver's license. You also need Basic Firefighter Certification through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) and EMT certification through the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Do I need to be certified before applying?
Certification is required, and preference may be given to applicants who are already certified in firefighting and EMS.
How do I apply?
Openings are handled by the City of Sweetwater Human Resources Department and posted on the city's job portal at governmentjobs.com/careers/sweetwatertx. Check the portal regularly, since firefighter positions are posted as they become available.
Is there an entrance exam?
Yes. A firefighter entrance exam is part of the process, with the next one scheduled for August 14, 2026.
Where can I find salary and benefits information?
The department publishes a PDF on its Join Our Team page detailing compensation, benefits, and the hiring timeline.