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The brief

Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District in Reno, Nevada is hiring for LATERAL FIREFIGHTER/EMT. The posted pay is $25–$31 an hour (about $52,000–$64,480 a year at full time). Applications close November 11, 2026 — 8 days from now. Stated requirements: Firefighter I/II (at application); Paramedic certification (within 36 months of hire); CDL / Class B license (within 6 months of hire); High school / GED (required). Only lateral candidates — currently certified firefighters — may apply.

Among 23 current Nevada postings on Driftsmoke with a listed salary, this top-of-range pay is higher than 35% of them; the median among them is $72,800/yr.

About Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District

Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District is a combination (career and volunteer) department with 18 stations, serving about 100,000 people. Operational crews work a 48/96 schedule. Pension: state_public_safety. Represented by IAFF Local 2487. Founded in 1972.

Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue is a career district protecting the unincorporated areas of Washoe County, staffing 11 stations across a vast stretch of suburban, rural, and wildland Northern Nevada terrain.

Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District has 5 other current openings on Driftsmoke. Department page, openings and history →

Summary by Driftsmoke from the official bulletin and department records; the full posting follows below.

Requirements at a glance

Who can applyLaterals only
Firefighter I/IIAt application
Paramedic certificationWithin 36 months of hire
CDL / Class B licenseWithin 6 months of hire
High school / GEDRequired

POSITION INFORMATION

Open Competitive Recruitment

Lateral Firefighter/EMT

Bring Your Experience. Build Your Future.

Bring your firefighting experience to Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District and continue your career serving one of Northern Nevada's fastest-growing communities. Join a professional team committed to operational excellence, continuous development, and service to the community.

Who Qualifies as a Lateral Applicant?

Applicants must have completed their Firefighter probationary period with their current employer, and must have at least one year of current, full-time, continuous employment as a Firefighter/EMT. This one year of experience may include probationary time. The experience must be with a public fire district, agency, authority, or department that provides all-risk Fire/EMS services.

More Than a Job. A Career Worth Building.

TMFPD offers a combination of retirement value, comprehensive benefits, professional opportunities, employee support, and quality of life that makes Northern Nevada an exceptional place to continue your fire service career.

Nevada PERS Retirement

Nevada PERS provides a defined-benefit retirement program for eligible public employees. The employee's required Nevada PERS contribution is paid outside of the posted salary in accordance with the current collective bargaining agreement.

If a future employee contribution-rate increase exceeds 3%, the District pays the first 3% of the increase, and any amount above 3% is shared equally between the District and the employee.Financial Advantages of Working in Nevada

 No Nevada state income tax on salaries or wages. 

Employees in positions covered by Nevada PERS are not subject to the 6.2% Social Security (OASDI) payroll tax on their TMFPD wages. Medicare withholding still applies as required by federal law.

Qualifying owner-occupied primary residences generally receive a 3% annual cap on increases to the property-tax bill.Comprehensive Employee Benefits

TMFPD provides medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid leave, retirement benefits, holiday benefits, and additional programs designed to support employees and their families throughout their careers.Strong Peer Support Network

TMFPD maintains a Peer Support network focused on firefighter wellness, confidential support, resilience, and connecting members with appropriate resources when needed.

Life Outside the Shift

Reno places you within easy reach of alpine lakes, high-desert recreation, skiing, fishing, hiking, water recreation, live performances, concerts, and year-round events throughout Northern Nevada and the Sierra.

Lake Tahoe & the Sierra Nevada

World-class scenery and year-round recreation are part of life in Northern Nevada. Enjoy mountain trails, alpine lakes, boating, paddle sports, beaches, and outdoor adventures just a short drive from Reno.

Pyramid Lake

Experience dramatic high-desert scenery, outdoor recreation, and renowned Lahontan cutthroat trout fishing north of Reno.Sierra Ski Country

Multiple mountain resorts provide convenient access to downhill skiing, snowboarding, and winter recreation.Hiking & Trails

Explore high-desert trails and mountain routes throughout the region.Water Recreation

Enjoy boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and lake days.Arts & Entertainment

Discover concerts, theater, festivals, dining, and events in Reno.

Fishing Close to Home

The Truckee River, Pyramid Lake, Lake Tahoe, and the surrounding mountain waters offer a wide range of fishing opportunities in the region.

Grow Your Career

TMFPD members may have opportunities to develop specialized capabilities, support regional operations, and pursue assignments beyond regular company responsibilities.

Hazardous Materials

Advanced technical training and opportunities to support hazardous-material incident response.Rapid Extraction Module Support

REMS assignments supporting firefighter rescue in remote and complex incident environments.Incident Command Development

Opportunities to build Incident Command System qualifications and expand operational leadership experience.Off-District Wildland Overhead Deployments

Qualified members may pursue off-district overhead assignments supporting large and complex wildland incidents.

Lateral Entry Requirements

Required Education and Experience

Graduation from high school or equivalent education.

Applicants must have completed their Firefighter probationary period with their current employer, and must have at least one year of current, full-time, continuous employment as a Firefighter/EMT. This one year of experience may include probationary time. The experience must be with a public fire district, agency, authority, or department that provides all-risk Fire/EMS services.

Required at Time of Application

  • Valid driver's license.
  • Current State of Nevada or National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians EMT or AEMT certification.
  • Current Firefighter I and II certifications meeting NFPA standards and recognized through IFSAC, Pro Board, or equivalent certification.

Required Documentation

Applicants must attach documentation supporting all required licenses and certifications to the application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that each attachment is current, legible, and successfully uploaded.

Required After Appointment

  • Successfully complete the District's Lateral Fire Academy.
  • Obtain NWCG S-130 and S-190 certifications by the end of the academy.
  • Obtain CPR certification with hands-on skills assessment by the end of the academy.
  • Obtain a Nevada Class C driver's license with an F endorsement, or qualifying equivalent, within six months of appointment.
  • Maintain all required licenses and certifications throughout employment.

Future Paramedic Education Requirement

Employees hired after May 1, 2024, must successfully complete an accredited Paramedic program within 36 months of employment with the District, at the employee's expense.

The District will accommodate scheduling needs to allow employees to attend required Paramedic education and training. Employees are responsible for coordinating their work schedules with their school schedules and using available leave accruals or other approved time off to meet program requirements.

Employees must pass the TMFPD skills assessment within 12 months of obtaining State of Nevada or National Registry Paramedic certification.

Recruitment Details

Applications OpenOctober 21, 2026Application DeadlineNovember 11, 2026Interviews and Skills AssessmentsWeek of December 7, 2026Anticipated Lateral AcademyFirst Quarter 2027 (January–March). Exact dates have not yet been finalized.

Recruitment dates are tentative and subject to change. Applicants selected to continue in the process will receive additional scheduling information.

Position Overview

Under general supervision, the Firefighter/EMT performs firefighting activities in combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires; provides emergency medical care; responds to emergency and public-assistance incidents; and performs related work as required.

  • Respond to structure fires, wildland fires, rescue incidents, medical emergencies, hazardous-material incidents, and public-assistance calls.
  • Provide emergency medical care within the scope of EMT or AEMT certification.
  • Operate and maintain firefighting, rescue, EMS, and wildland equipment.
  • Participate in fire suppression, rescue operations, training, fire prevention, public education, and station activities.
  • Maintain assigned equipment and prepare required records and reports.

Anticipated Hiring Process

The selection process includes a skills assessment and required pre-employment evaluations. Applicants will be notified of applicable scheduling instructions as they advance through the recruitment.

Application ReviewReview of applications, required certifications, lateral experience, and minimum qualifications.Skills AssessmentAnticipated during the week of December 7, 2026.InterviewAnticipated during the week of December 7, 2026.Background InvestigationRequired pre-employment background investigation, paid by District.Psychological EvaluationRequired pre-employment psychological evaluation, paid by District.Polygraph ExaminationRequired pre-employment polygraph examination, paid by District.Medical ExaminationRequired medical examination and applicable pre-employment requirements, paid by District.

All required selection and pre-employment components must be successfully completed before appointment. The District may adjust the order, format, or scheduling of the selection process. Participation in the process does not guarantee appointment.

Application Instructions

Submit a complete application by November 11, 2026. Attach all required licenses and certifications.

Applications that do not demonstrate the required minimum qualifications or do not include the required supporting documentation may be considered incomplete.

Photo credits: Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe — Blake Everett, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons; Pyramid Lake — Rhalden, public domain via Wikimedia Commons; Tahoe skiing — Tahoe Signature Properties, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons; Tahoe Rim Trail — AT2663, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons; Zephyr Cove — Don Graham / inkknife_2000, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons; Pioneer Center — Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Protect the Community. Build Your Career. Live the Lifestyle.

Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District

Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Does Not Discriminate on the Basis Of Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or Expression, Age, Disability or National Origin in the Activities and/or Services Which it Provides. EOE.

 Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District 

Employee Benefits

Benefits for Represented Employees

Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees and their families throughout their careers and into retirement. Our benefits include health insurance, retirement contributions, paid leave, professional development opportunities, and programs supporting employee well-being.

IAFF Local 2487 Representation

Positions covered by this benefits summary are represented by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Local 2487. Wages, hours, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment are established through collective bargaining agreements (CBAs). 

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

TMFPD offers medical, dental, and vision insurance with substantial District contributions toward employee and dependent coverage.

Employee Premiums

100%

Paid by the District for eligible employee coverage.Dependent Premiums

50%

Paid by the District for eligible dependent coverage. Employee contributions are made through pre-tax payroll deductions.

Medical Plan Options

Employees may choose between two medical plan options through Prominence Health:

  • Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) medical plan.
  • High-Deductible PPO medical plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA).

Coverage begins on the 31st day of employment , subject to enrollment requirements.

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Employees who enroll in the eligible high-deductible medical plan may receive District contributions to a portable HSA to help pay qualified medical expenses.

Employee Only

$2,356

Annual District contributionEmployee + 1 or More

$4,688

Annual District contribution

HSA contributions are subject to eligibility, applicable IRS limits, and proration. Accounts are administered through American Fidelity.

Nevada PERS Retirement

Eligible employees participate in the Nevada Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), a defined-benefit retirement program providing retirement income based on qualifying service and applicable PERS provisions.

District-Paid Retirement Contributions

The District pays the employee's required Nevada PERS contributions outside of the posted salary in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Contribution-sharing arrangements for future rate increases are governed by the applicable agreement.

Retirement Vesting

Nevada PERS members generally become vested after five years of qualifying service. Retirement eligibility and benefit calculations depend on applicable PERS membership provisions.

Paid Leave & Holidays

Employees receive negotiated paid leave benefits that support time away from work, personal responsibilities, and recovery from illness. Leave accruals and eligibility may vary by position, work schedule, and applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Vacation LeavePaid vacation leave is earned on a graduated basis according to years of service and assigned work schedule. Eligibility generally begins after one year of employment.Sick LeaveSick leave accrues beginning with employment and is cumulative from year to year. Accrual rates depend on the employee's assigned work schedule.Paid HolidaysEmployees receive paid holiday benefits in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement and assigned schedule.Personal LeaveEligible employees may earn additional personal leave based on qualifying sick leave usage and negotiated provisions.

Additional Compensation & Professional Development

Longevity Pay

Eligible employees may receive longevity pay in recognition of continued service with the District. Eligibility, calculations, payment schedules, and maximum amounts are established by the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Education & Certification Incentives

Various incentive pays may be available for qualifying education, certifications, and specialized qualifications, as provided by the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Continuing Education

TMFPD provides support for qualifying Continuing Education Units (CEUs) necessary to maintain professional licensure required for an employee's position.

Additional Benefits & Financial Programs

Life Insurance

District-provided $25,000 life insurance coverage for active employees.Deferred Compensation

Pre-tax and post-tax deferred compensation savings options through Voya Financial and Nevada Deferred Compensation.Flexible Spending Accounts

Flexible Spending Account options administered by American Fidelity to help eligible employees manage qualifying expenses.Supplemental Insurance

Voluntary coverage options may include additional life insurance, cancer insurance, and short- and long-term disability insurance through participating vendors.Pet Insurance

Voluntary pet insurance is available to help reimburse eligible veterinary expenses. Employees select and manage coverage directly with the provider.Voluntary Group Benefits

Additional voluntary insurance products are available through participating vendors, including American Fidelity and Western Insurance.

Employee Wellness & Support

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employees and eligible family members have access to the District's Employee Assistance Programs.

The program includes up to six free counseling sessions per issue, along with legal and financial resources, wellness information, and concierge services.

Peer Support

TMFPD maintains a Peer Support network to help employees access support and resources related to the unique demands of emergency response and public safety service.

This summary provides an overview of benefits available to employees in positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement with Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District. Specific benefits, eligibility requirements, accrual rates, and compensation provisions may vary by position, work schedule, and applicable agreement. In the event of a discrepancy, the applicable collective bargaining agreement, official benefit plan documents, and District policies govern.

Your Career. Your Benefits. Your Future.

Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District

 Learn More About TMFPD Employee Benefits