Fire Department · Career
Texas City Fire Department
Texas City, TX · Galveston County
“Working together to enhance the community.”
The Texas City Fire Department serves roughly 52,000 residents across an 87-square-mile stretch of the Texas Gulf Coast. It is a busy operation, running 10,216 calls in 2024, the overwhelming majority (about 84%) of them EMS responses.
The department is staffed by 87 fire suppression employees, 8 administrative staff, and 3 civilian support personnel, operating out of four fire stations. Frontline resources include four engines, two aerial apparatus, and four medic units, and the department carries an ISO Class 4 rating.
Because Texas City is a major petrochemical center, the department's mission extends well beyond structure fires and EMS: hazardous-materials incidents made up nearly 5% of the 2024 call volume, and members are expected to hold industrial firefighting, marine firefighting, and hazmat technician credentials.
MissionProvide exceptional, high-quality programs and services that: Enhance the community, Exceed customer expectation, Are provided at an acceptable cost to the taxpayer
Texas City accepts applications on a continuous basis, seeking "highly motivated, energetic, and career-oriented individuals" for a fire service career. Applicants apply by mail, fax, or email to the department directly. Because of the city's industrial profile, the certification bar is high: candidates are expected to obtain or possess Texas Commission on Fire Protection fire certification, paramedic certification, and a range of specialized rescue, hazmat, and marine credentials.
The selection process includes a physical ability test, a structured interview, a medical exam, a drug screen, and a background check.
Requirements
- 18 to 35 years of age at time of employment
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Valid Texas Driver's License
- Basic (or higher) Fire Certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection
- Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic certification
- Confined Space / High Angle Rescue certification
- CPR Instructor certification
- Industrial Firefighting certification
- NIMS ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800
- TCFP Hazardous Materials Technician certification
- TCFP Marine Firefighting Basic certification
- DOT Class B CDL
- Water Rescue certification
Hiring process
- Submit application by mail, fax, or email
- Physical ability test
- Structured interview
- Medical exam
- Drug screen
- Background check
Benefits
- 16% retirement match (Local Defined Benefit plan)
- Health, dental, and vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Leave: 156 personal hours, 180 sick leave hours, 192 vacation hours, and 264 holiday hours
How do I apply to the Texas City Fire Department?
The application is always open. Submit your application to the department by mail, fax (409-643-5719), or email (TCFD@texascitytx.gov).
What are the age and education requirements?
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years of age at time of employment and hold a high school diploma or equivalent (GED), plus a valid Texas Driver's License.
What certifications do I need?
Candidates must obtain or possess a range of credentials including TCFP Basic Fire Certification, Paramedic certification, Industrial Firefighting, TCFP Hazardous Materials Technician, TCFP Marine Firefighting Basic, Confined Space/High Angle Rescue, Water Rescue, a DOT Class B CDL, and NIMS ICS 100/200/700/800.
What does the job pay?
As of 2024, the annual salary is $75,285.84 with Basic Firefighter and Paramedic certifications.
What is the work schedule?
Firefighters work a 53-hour workweek.
What does the hiring process involve?
After submitting an application, candidates complete a physical ability test, a structured interview, a medical exam, a drug screen, and a background check.