Fire Department · Career
San Antonio Fire Department
San Antonio, TX · Bexar County
San Antonio Fire Department seeks a Fire Protection Engineer with an annual salary of $85,896–$128,844. Requires a Bachelor's or Master's in Fire Protection Engineering and 4 years of experience.
San Antonio Fire Department hiring Firefighter Trainees with a salary of $46,244 annually by Aug 24, 2026. Veterans may earn preference points.
San Antonio Fire Department seeks a Psychologist with a Ph.D. in Psychology and 2 years of experience, offering an annual salary of $85,896–$128,844. Deadline: September 30, 2026.
The San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) is a large metropolitan department serving the City of San Antonio, one of the biggest cities in Texas and the nation. It protects a population of well over 1.4 million people spread across roughly 408 square miles from a network of fire stations positioned across the city.
SAFD is a true all-hazards agency. Its members respond to far more than fires: medical emergencies, motor vehicle crashes, aircraft incidents, trench and structural collapse, hazardous materials releases, technical and water rescues, and severe weather events. Emergency medical services make up the overwhelming majority of the department's call volume.
The department fields a broad specialty program, including hazardous materials, technical rescue, aircraft rescue firefighting, wildland units, and tactical EMS, and it staffs part of Texas's FEMA Urban Search and Rescue capability. SAFD carries an ISO Public Protection Classification of Class 1, the top rating.
Entry into SAFD is through the Firefighter Trainee civil service process. Candidates apply through the City of San Antonio's employment website, sit for a written examination, and, if successful, move through background investigation, polygraph, physical ability testing, and a hiring board before entering the fire academy. The full process typically takes about a year.
Recruiting information, requirements, and current announcements are published on the department's recruiting site (safdcareers.com) and the City's SAFD Recruiting pages. Firefighter Trainee applications open periodically; check the announcements page for the current exam cycle.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid Class C driver's license
- At least 19 years old (and not yet 34) by the written exam date
- Able to read, write, and speak English
- Eligible for Texas firefighter certification (Texas Commission on Fire Protection)
- Pass background check, polygraph, and suitability assessment
- No felony convictions, crimes of moral turpitude, or disqualifying recent misdemeanor/DWI history
- No non-honorable military discharge
Hiring process
- Apply through the City of San Antonio employment website during an open cycle
- Take the Firefighter Trainee written examination
- Background investigation and polygraph
- Physical ability testing
- Hiring board / suitability review
- Fire academy training leading to Texas firefighter certification
Benefits
The department promotes competitive salary and benefits, a wide range of job assignments, and strong opportunities for advancement. Veterans meeting the criteria may receive preference points on the entrance exam.
New Firefighter Trainees complete a formal fire academy under close supervision, leading to Texas firefighter certification.
What are the basic requirements to become a San Antonio firefighter?
You need a high school diploma or GED, a valid Class C driver's license, and must be at least 19 (and not yet 34) by the written exam date. You must be able to read, write, and speak English and be eligible for Texas firefighter certification.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the City of San Antonio's employment website during an open Firefighter Trainee cycle. Watch the SAFD Recruiting announcements page and safdcareers.com for the current exam and application window.
What does the hiring process involve?
It includes a written examination, background investigation, polygraph, physical ability testing, and a hiring board, followed by the fire academy. The full process takes roughly a year.
Does SAFD do more than fight fires?
Yes. SAFD is an all-hazards department: members respond to medical emergencies, vehicle crashes, hazardous materials incidents, technical and water rescues, aircraft incidents, and severe weather, and EMS calls are by far the largest share of the workload.
What can disqualify an applicant?
Disqualifiers include felony convictions or crimes of moral turpitude, a non-honorable military discharge, recent DWI/DUI or serious misdemeanor convictions, and certain recent traffic violations.