FIREFIGHTER I (ENTRANCE)

Firefighter I

Skilled work involving the response to emergency situations in the City of New Orleans for the protection of life and property, reducing the incidence of fire and the loss of life to civilians and fire personnel. Involves work in Emergency Medical Response, Extinguishment and Prevention of fires, Public Safety and Emergency Management related work as required; semi-skilled work in maintaining equipment, apparatus, and quarters in good condition. Work involves an element of personal danger. Functions of the position are: preventing, responding to and mitigating emergencies i.e. extinguishing fires, rendering medical care, conducting inspections, installing smoke alarms, presenting fire safety and public education programs, working in shelters during emergencies, emergency management and public safety duties and related work as required. Work involves the performance of tasks requiring considerable physical exertion, often under emergency and hazardous conditions. Employee must execute orders from commanding officers in a prompt, efficient manner according to appropriate methods and techniques. Duties also include forcible entry; ventilation; the search for, and rescue of fire victims; salvage; overhaul; and the proper response to medical emergencies or hazardous materials incidents. Employee must keep abreast of new developments in firefighting and prevention techniques through training. All duties are to be performed in compliance with the rules and regulations, policies and procedures of the NOFD. Upon hire to the classification of Firefighter I candidates will serve a one (1) year probationary period in that classification.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of application. Applicants must present a valid picture identification, issued by a state or other governmental agency, within two weeks of application. NOTE: Applicants must present a valid Driver's License to the New Orleans Fire Department prior to being given a conditional offer of employment.

An official High School Diploma or G.E.D. Proof of graduation (either original High School Diploma, official high school transcript or original G.E.D. ) must be presented to the New Orleans Civil Service Department within two weeks of application.

One (1) year of firefighting experience in a professional/paid fire department.

Good physical and psychological condition to perform the essential functions of the job of Firefighter I.

Arrests and convictions for felonies or numerous misdemeanors are disqualifying.

Applicants must have a valid picture identification, issued by a state or other governmental agency, on their person during all phases of application and examination.

Applicants must prove certification in the following areas. All certifications must be IFSAC (International Fire Service Accreditation) and/or Pro Board (International Accreditation for Fire Service Organizations) sealed. Proof of certifications must be submitted to the Civil Service Department within two weeks of application.

Haz-Mat Awareness

Haz-Mat Operations

Firefighter I

Firefighter II This position requires a one (1) year probationary period. No probationary period may last longer than one (1) year.

The following certifications must be obtained from the Louisiana State University's (LSU) Fire and Emergency Training institute (FETI): Haz-Mat Awareness, Haz-Mat Operations, Firefighter I, and Firefighter II during the probationary period. Failure to obtain all four certifications during the probationary period will result in removal from the Firefighter I classification through termination or demotion to Fire Recruit.

NOTE: Hiring considerations will be given for applicants domiciled in the City of New Orleans. NOTE: Hiring considerations will be given for applicants who possess an Emergency Medical Technician Certification (EMT) or a higher level of medical training.

Kind of Examination

a) A written multiple-choice test, weighted 100%. Note: 24% of the multiple-choice test contains questions based on an audio component. b) A qualifying physical agility test. The written test may include some or all of the following: Observational Skills Verbal Comprehension/Listening Skills Reading Comprehension Mechanical Comprehension Basic Tools Interpersonal Skills Problem Analysis & Decision Making Written Communication Arithmetic Skills ALL APPLICANTS are required to assist and cooperate with the Civil Service Department, and the New Orleans Fire Department in obtaining past employment records, medical records, or personal history information. Failure to comply may be considered cause for disqualification. Applicants who pass the written and agility tests will be scheduled to undergo and pass a criminal background investigation. If given a conditional offer of employment, a qualifying medical test including a chest x-ray, and psychological/psychiatric evaluation will be administered. A stress EKG may be given. This is an original entrance examination. Domicile requirements are waived for this position.

Benefits

Employment with the City of New Orleans brings many great benefits. Want work-life balance?

• 14 paid holidays in 2026.
• 13 paid vacation days per year including during your first year of employment. Additional bonus vacation days the longer you are employed.
• 13 paid sick days per year including during your first year of employment. Additional bonus sick days the longer you are employed.
• Use or lose your days, off? Not here! You can roll an unlimited number of unused sick days and up to 45 unused vacation days to the next year.
• We pay you for unused vacation and sick days when you leave City government.
• Depending on your job, your department may also offer remote work, flexible schedules, and/or shift work.

Thinking of starting a family or adding to your family?

• We offer 12 weeks of paid time off for bonding with a newborn, adopted, or fostered child. This is in addition to your sick and vacation leave. Full-time employees with one year of service qualify for this program.

Need insurance for you and/or your family?

• We offer healthcare plans as low as $60.31 biweekly for individual employees. Our plan covers medical, prescription drugs, dental, and vision. Hate going to the doctor's office? It also includes access to telemedicine. Plan members can also opt to cover their children, spouses and same or opposite sex registered domestic partners.
• We also offer a Flexible Spending Account that can reduce taxes for employees by allowing for pre-tax contributions for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs.
• A completely free $25,000 life insurance policy is also available for all full-time employees.

Have student loan debt?

• The City of New Orleans is a qualified employer under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Are you part of the FIRE (Financially Independent/Retire Early) movement? Don't want to work forever? We have options to help.

• Pension, Pension, Pension! Depending on your job you can participate in one of several pension systems and enjoy this great benefit.
• You can also participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan (457b) which allows you to defer up to $24,500 of your pretax income each year to supplement your retirement savings.

Let's talk pay

• We offer competitive pay including pay increases based on the length of your employment. We also offer special pays for educational advancement, professional certifications and specialized work assignments.

Love to learn?

• Our Employee Growth and Development Division offers free courses in over 50 topics including Leadership, Personal Finance, Conflict Management, Excel, Managing Stress, and Business Writing.

We take care of our employees during emergencies

• Employees who work during declared emergencies receive extra pay.
• Employees who can't work due to emergency related workplace closures continue to receive their normal pay.

Want to make a difference?

• We need you! Make an impact on our community through your work in City government!