Fire Department · Career
Gainesville Fire Department
Gainesville, TX · Cooke County
Gainesville Fire-Rescue has protected the North Texas city of Gainesville for more than 140 years, tracing its roots to 1885. Today it is a career department of roughly 45 paid personnel operating out of three fire stations.
The department carries a Class 2 ISO Public Protection Classification, a mark reached by only a small fraction of U.S. fire agencies. Beyond fire suppression, crews handle medical first response, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, fire prevention, public education, and severe-weather monitoring.
Gainesville anchors a broader regional response network, coordinating mutual aid with 11 volunteer county departments and participating in Texas A&M Task Force 1.
MissionGainesville Fire-Rescue exists to protect lives, property, and render aid to citizens and visitors of Gainesville by providing excellent customer service through: Fire suppression and rescue activities, medical first responder services, public safety education, emergency management and fire prevention activities.
Gainesville Fire-Rescue posts openings on its Employment Opportunities page as vacancies occur, and candidates must already hold Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Basic Structural Firefighter certification and at least EMT-B certification at the time of employment. Out-of-state applicants need IFSAC seals.
The multi-step process moves from an online application and minimum-requirement check through a written exam (70% to advance), personal history statement, oral interview board, physical agility test, background investigation, and a chief's interview, with a final offer contingent on a medical exam and drug screen. Recruitment questions go to Division Chief Jeffrey Stevens.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- High School Diploma or GED
- Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Basic Structural Firefighter certification at time of employment
- IFSAC seals required if certified out of state
- EMT-B certification or higher (Texas DSHS or National Registry)
- Good driving record per city and department standards
Hiring process
- Online application and minimum requirement verification
- Written exam (score 70% or higher to advance)
- Personal History Statement submission
- Oral Interview Board
- Physical Agility Test
- Background Investigation
- Chief's Interview
- Employment offer contingent on medical exam, drug screen, and physician approval
Benefits
- Employer-paid medical plan
- Employer-paid life and AD&D insurance
- TMRS retirement (5-year vesting; retirement eligible at 20 years)
- Tuition assistance
- Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
What certifications do I need to be hired?
You must hold Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Basic Structural Firefighter certification and at least EMT-B certification (from Texas DSHS or the National Registry) at the time of employment. Out-of-state candidates need IFSAC seals.
What is the minimum age and education requirement?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a High School Diploma or GED.
What does the hiring process involve?
After the online application and requirement check, candidates take a written exam (70% to advance), submit a Personal History Statement, and complete an oral interview board, physical agility test, background investigation, and chief's interview. A final offer is contingent on a medical exam and drug screen.
What is the work schedule?
The department uses a modified 24-hour rotation: 24 on / 72 off and 48 on / 72 off.
What benefits are offered?
Benefits include an employer-paid medical plan, employer-paid life and AD&D insurance, TMRS retirement (5-year vesting, eligible at 20 years), tuition assistance, and paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
How do I apply?
Positions are posted as vacancies occur on the city's Employment Opportunities page. Recruitment questions can be directed to Division Chief Jeffrey Stevens at 940-668-5734.