Fire Department · Career
Killeen Fire Department
Killeen, TX · Bell County
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Department careers page ↗The Killeen Fire Department is a career, civil-service fire and EMS agency serving the city of Killeen in Central Texas, adjacent to Fort Hood. It is led by Fire Chief James Kubinski and organized around administration, EMS operations, training, and fire marshal divisions.
The department places heavy emphasis on emergency medical care: it operates transport ambulance shifts, funds paramedic school, and offers substantial paramedic and EMT pay incentives. It also maintains specialized capabilities including HazMat and aircraft rescue firefighting (ARFF).
Killeen runs its own Fire & EMT Academy, following the Texas Commission on Fire Protection Basic Firefighter Course, allowing the department to train new hires from the ground up.
Killeen hires firefighters through a Texas civil-service process. Candidates apply during an open window at www.killeentexas.gov/jobs and sit for a Civil Service entrance exam; the resulting eligibility list stays valid for up to one year. Applications are accepted only through the city's website, not third-party agencies.
New firefighters do not need certifications up front: the department expects fire certification within the first year and paramedic certification within three years, and it operates its own academy and pays for paramedic school to help recruits meet those requirements.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum age 18, and no older than 36 by date of hire
- Valid Texas Driver's License with no record of suspension or revocation in any state by date of hire
- Obtain fire certification within the first year of employment
- Obtain Paramedic certification within three years of employment
Hiring process
- Submit application during the open window at www.killeentexas.gov/jobs
- Take the Civil Service entrance exam
- Placement on the hiring/eligibility list (valid for one year or until exhausted)
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision coverage; vacation and sick leave; pension; paid paramedic school; and tuition reimbursement. Incentive pay includes bilingual pay, a $3,600/year paramedic incentive, up to $1,200/year EMT incentive, up to $125/day for ambulance shifts, $100/month for HazMat technician, $100/month for ARFF, and $50/month for engine driver.
The department runs its own Killeen Fire & EMT Academy, following the Texas Commission on Fire Protection Basic Firefighter Course.
How do I apply to become a Killeen firefighter?
Apply online at www.killeentexas.gov/jobs during the open application window. The department only accepts applications through the city's website, not through third-party agencies.
Is there a civil service exam?
Yes. Killeen firefighter hiring is a Texas civil-service process that requires taking a Civil Service entrance exam. The eligibility list generated from the exam is valid for one year or until it is exhausted.
What are the basic requirements to be hired?
You need a high school diploma or equivalent, must be at least 18 and no older than 36 by your date of hire, and must hold a valid Texas Driver's License with no record of suspension or revocation.
Do I need to be a certified firefighter or paramedic before I'm hired?
No. You must obtain fire certification within your first year and paramedic certification within three years of employment. The department runs its own academy and pays for paramedic school.
What benefits and incentive pay does the department offer?
Benefits include medical/dental/vision, vacation and sick leave, a pension, paid paramedic school, and tuition reimbursement. Incentive pay includes a $3,600/year paramedic incentive, up to $1,200/year EMT incentive, bilingual pay, and stipends for HazMat, ARFF, and engine driver roles.
Does Killeen have its own fire academy?
Yes. The Killeen Fire & EMT Academy trains new firefighters using the Texas Commission on Fire Protection Basic Firefighter Course.