Fire Department · Career
Harris County ESD 48
Katy, TX · Harris County
Approximately 80 full-time, part-time, and volunteer firefighters and approximately 50 EMS personnel (EMT-Basic through Paramedic).
No active openings right now
Watch this department to be notified when Harris County ESD 48 is hiring, or check their careers page.
Department careers page ↗HCESD 48 protects a rapidly developing swath of western Harris County that stretches between West Houston and Katy, delivering fire suppression, emergency medical services, and search-and-rescue support in coordination with area law enforcement. The district operates as a combination department, blending full-time, part-time, and volunteer personnel to staff its stations around the clock.
The district is led by Fire Chief Deacon Tittel alongside an Assistant Chief of Operations and an Assistant Chief of EMS, supported by a Board of Commissioners and a layered command structure across suppression and EMS shifts. HCESD 48 fields roughly 80 full-time, part-time, and volunteer firefighters and about 50 EMS personnel ranging from EMT-Basic through Paramedic.
The department also maintains a Community Team volunteer track for residents interested in supporting public education, CPR instruction, car seat safety, and event and administrative support without serving on the response side, alongside its traditional volunteer firefighter program.
MissionProvide excellent community service through all-hazard emergency response and preventive services with the goal of enhancing life, health, and safety
HCESD 48 posts full-time career openings through its isolved Hire job portal and separately recruits volunteer firefighters and non-response Community Team volunteers through a structured application, testing, and academy process.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old (volunteer program)
- Pass a Physical Ability Test (PAT) simulating firefighting tasks
- Pass a medical examination
- Pass a criminal background check
- Pass pre-employment drug screening
Hiring process
- Application and interview
- Physical Ability Test (PAT)
- Medical exam
- Locally-conducted Fire Training Academy
Volunteer firefighter candidates complete a locally-conducted Fire Training Academy after passing the PAT, medical exam, and background check.
What areas does Harris County ESD 48 serve?
HCESD 48 serves a rapidly growing part of western Harris County, Texas, located between West Houston and Katy, from four fire stations.
Is HCESD 48 an all-career department?
No. HCESD 48 is a combination department staffed by full-time, part-time, and volunteer firefighters, plus dedicated career and volunteer EMS personnel.
How do I become a volunteer firefighter with HCESD 48?
Candidates must be at least 18, then complete an application and interview, pass a Physical Ability Test, medical exam, criminal background check, and drug screening, followed by a locally-conducted Fire Training Academy.
Can I volunteer with HCESD 48 without becoming a firefighter?
Yes. The district's Community Team allows volunteers to support public education, CPR instruction, car seat safety, events, and administrative work, subject to the same background check and medical exam.
Where can I find current career job openings?
Current full-time career openings are posted on the district's isolved Hire portal, linked from the HCESD 48 careers page.