Firefighter or Non-Certified Firefighter (Fire Cadet EMT)

Salary: $65,695.00 - $70,695.00 Annually
Location : Fire Department 101 East Sonny Drive, Leander, TX
Job Type: Full time
Job Number: NCFC.CFF.5/26
Department: Fire Department
Division: Emergency Response
Opening Date: 05/15/2026
Closing Date: 6/12/2026 12:00 PM Central

The Leander Fire Department is seeking individuals who are deeply committed to service, possess unwavering dedication, and demonstrate the highest level of professionalism. This career is demanding, but for those ready to rise to the challenge, it offers purpose, camaraderie, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

If you believe you have the passion, resilience, and drive to serve, we encourage you to apply and become part of our team. We will be accepting applications for certified and non-certified firefighters until June 12, 2026 (at noon) .

Salary Steps: Non-Certified (Fire Cadet EMT) $65,695/annually and
Certified Firefighters (Step 1) $70,695/annually
Non-Certified Firefighters (Fire Cadet EMT)
Applicants who do not hold a Texas Commission on Fire Protection Firefighter certification but meet one of the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

• Possess a Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification or higher.
• Hold a National Registry EMT (NREMT) certification or higher.
• Have the ability to obtain one of the above certifications by September 25, 2026.
• Are currently enrolled in a DSHS-approved EMT certification program and can obtain an NREMT certification by September 25, 2026.

Non-certified firefighters hired by the Leander Fire Department will begin as Fire Cadets and must complete a 17-week fire academy.

During this training period, Cadets will receive compensation at the Cadet/EMT rate, as outlined in the department's pay scale. Upon successful completion of the academy and attainment of a Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Basic Firefighter Certification, Cadets who meet the requirements for the entry-level Firefighter position will be promoted to Firefighter (Step 1 on the pay step plan).
Non-Certified (Fire Cadet EMT)

Carries out designated support tasks across all divisions of the Fire Department, with a primary goal of obtaining a Basic Fire Certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection by completing a department-approved fire academy.
Certified Firefighters

Applicants who possess both a Texas Commission on Fire Protection Firefighter certification as well as a Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Emergency Medical Technician certification.

Certified firefighters hired by the Leander Fire Department will begin as Firefighters (Step 1 on the pay step plan) and will not be required to complete a fire academy. However, all newly hired firefighters must successfully complete a probationary firefighter orientation to ensure they meet department standards and expectations.

Certified Firefighters
Firefighters are responsible for mid-level complex work, performing a variety of emergency operations to protect lives and property including firefighting, rescue, maintenance of stations, grounds and equipment, and inspection for fire prevention. The position has a moderate level of supervision, with limited latitude for the use of independent judgment.

Essential Duties & Required Qualifications

Non-Certified (Fire Cadet EMT)

• Participates in the Fire Academy and other structured training programs designed to prepare the cadet for state certification as a Firefighter.
• Outside of the fire academy, the cadet will work / function under the supervision of the career staff.
• Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Leander and the public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff.
• Maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Note: Upon obtaining a TCFP Basic Firefighter Certification, Cadets that meet the requirements of the Firefighter entry-level position will be promoted to Firefighter.

Required Education and Experience

• Graduate of an accredited high school or have an equivalency certificate.

Required Certificate and Licenses

• Possess a valid Texas driver's license at the date of hire. Must attain a Texas Class A (Non-CDL) Driver's License within six (6) months of going on shift.
• Currently possess a Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification or higher, or National registry EMT (NREMT) certification or higher, or the ability to obtain one by 9.25.2026.

OR

Enrolled in a DSHS approved Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification course AND the ability to obtain a NREMT certification by 9.25.2026.
Note: Failure to provide the department with a DSHS or NREMT EMT certification by 9.25.2026 will result in the candidate being removed from the process.


Additional Requirements for Fire Cadets

• Achieve a minimum passing score of seventy percent (70%) on the written examination.
• Successfully complete the physical ability test.
• Pass a background investigation.
• Pass oral interviews.
• Pass the Fire Chief's interview.
• Successfully complete a post-job offer psychological examination and medical examination that includes passing a visual acuity test, and physician certification that the applicant is not dependent on and does not use illegal drugs.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age and not more than forty (40) years of age at the time of hire.
• Be a citizen of the United States by birth or naturalization.
• Be able to read, write, and speak the English language.
• Ability to obtain a class A driver's license.
• Be of good moral character.
• Be eligible to work within the United States.
• Successfully complete a TCFP approved fire academy and obtain a TCFP Basic Firefighter certification.
• Obtain or possess certifications required in this job description.
• Candidates selected for this position may be required in the future to complete paramedic training and obtain a paramedic certification as a condition of continued employment.

Failure to meet the TCFP state certification requirements within 30 days of completing the fire academy may result in termination as outlined in City of Leander Fire Cadet Policy and Procedures Manual.

Certified Firefighter
Duties and Responsibilities

• Respond to all types of rescues, fire suppression, medical and non-medical emergency calls and implement action required to save lives and property.
• Participate in continuing study, training and drill activity to achieve and maintain required skills to include regular fitness program to maintain good health and physical strength.
• Maintain fire equipment, apparatus, hydrants, quarters and grounds to include performing motor tests on apparatus when assigned as a Fire Engineer.
• Prepare and maintain various departmental reports and forms and operate department computers.
• Perform rescue, emergency medical care, extinguishment, containment, overhaul salvage and exposure protection.
• Perform hazardous material containment practices.
• Ventilate burning buildings to carry off hazardous smoke and gases.
• Conduct public education and information classes to include performing public appearances and conducting fire station tours.
• Senior firefighters may supervise junior firefighters.
• May serve as Driver/Pump Operator in their absence.
• Perform other related work when required.

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma or its equivalent.

Required Certificate and Licenses

• Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification or higher, or the ability to obtain one by 9.25.2026.
• Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Firefighter certification, or the ability to obtain one by 9.25.2026.
• Valid Driver's License, Class C or higher from any state in the US.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree (A.A.) or 60 hours of college credit.
• Texas Department of State Health Services Paramedic or Licensed Paramedic Certification.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Non-Certified (Fire Cadet EMT)

• Ability to get certified on the operation of department apparatus that does not require a Class B license within 30 days of promotion.
• Ability to follow detailed verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to communicate with other employees and the public in a courteous and diplomatic manner.
• Skill in handling strenuous work under adverse conditions for a sustained period of time.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, the public, elected officials, and boards and commissions.

Certified Firefighter

• Ability to get certified on the operation of department apparatus that does not require a Class B license within 30 days of employment.
• Knowledge of emergency rescue and basic evaluation procedures involving fire, chemicals or threats, knowledge of firefighting principles, techniques and principles of hydraulics applied to fire suppression.
• Ability to follow detailed verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to communicate with other employees and the general public in a courteous and diplomatic manner.
• Skill in handling strenuous work under adverse conditions for a sustained period of time.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, the public, elected officials, and boards and commissions.

Physical Demands & Additional Information


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle and feel items, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, talk, and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to move 165 lbs. without assistance.

Working Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, outside weather conditions including temperature extremes, and must be flexible to work both day and night shifts. Work is often performed in stressful and strenuous situations. Individuals are exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents and oils, risk of electrical shock and explosives. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate except in emergency situations. Uses protective personal equipment. May be exposed to blood-borne pathogens and other infectious materials in the course of their duties. This position is subject to call out.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.

Job offer and continuation of employment with the City of Leander is contingent upon:

• Proof of education, certification(s) and experience as listed on the employment application based on the job posting requirements.
• Satisfactory results from a pre-employment criminal history background and driving record check.
• to work in the United States without sponsorship. *
• Compliance with the for male US citizens and immigrants, who are ages 18-25.

*The City of Leander participates in E-Verify! Information from each new employee's Form I-9 will be provided to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to confirm work authorization.

The City of Leander is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information in employment.

Applicants should communicate requests for disability-related accommodations during the application process to our Human Resources Department at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io. Deaf and hard of hearing applicants may contact our office via Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY/TDD).
For detailed information regarding our benefits package including our Benefits Guide, please visit this link:
01


Are you a citizen of the United States?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you possess a valid driver's license from ANY U.S. State?

• Yes
• No

03


Have you earned a high school diploma or its equivalent (or higher level of education)?

• Yes
• No

04


What is the highest level of education you have obtained?

• High School Diploma or its equivalent.
• Associate degree from a college.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Graduate degree from an accredited college or university.
• None of the above selection apply to me.

05


Do you possess a TEXAS Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) firefighter certification?

• Yes (Upload a copy of your certification with your application.)
• No, but I am enrolled a TCFP Fire Academy and will graduate prior to September 25, 2026.
• I possess a fire certification from another state, and I understand that I must apply to the TEXAS Commission on Fire Protection and obtain my Basic Fire Certification from the State of Texas AND submit it to the Leander Fire Department prior to September 25, 2026. I understand that if I do not provide the certification by the deadline, my application may be rejected, OR I may be offered a Cadet/EMT position and required to attend a Fire Academy.
• No, I have no fire training.

06


If you possess a TEXAS Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP), what level of certification do you have?

• Master
• Advanced
• Intermediate
• Basic
• Not Applicable

07


How many years of paid full-time firefighting experience do you possess?

• 7 or more years
• 3 to 6 years
• 1 to 2 years
• Less than 12 months
• None

08


Do you possess a Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) EMT certification OR National Registry EMT certification?

• Yes (Upload a copy, for those with National Registry EMT, you will be required to obtain a DSHS EMT certification as part of employment.)
• No but I am currently enrolled in an EMT course and will have my National Registry EMT certification by September 25, 2026.
• No

09


If you possess a National Registry or DSHS EMT certification, what level do you have?

• Licensed Paramedic
• Paramedic
• Advanced EMT
• EMT
• Not Applicable

10


Do you have a valid Texas driver's license?

• Yes
• No, however I will be able to obtain a Texas driver's license by the date required.
• No, and I am unable to obtain a Texas driver's license.

11


Are you an applicant who is a natural born or adopted child of a firefighter who died in the line of duty? If so, was the deceased firefighter parent employed by a municipality covered by Chapter 143, Texas Local Government Code?

• Yes and Yes
• Yes and No
• No

12


If you answered yes to the question above, please provide the name of the deceased firefighter parent. (if you answered no, please put N/A)
13


Are you a military veteran that received an Honorable Military Discharge? Applicants who received a DD-214, demonstrating at least 180 days of active military service with an honorable discharge, are eligible to receive an additional 5 points added to a passing score of 70% or higher on the written exam. To receive the additional points, applicants must bring an original DD-214 with them to the written exam.

• Yes (Upload copy of DD214 with application)
• No

14


Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement: "An additional 3 points may be added to the examination grade of an applicant who is a certified as a Texas Commission on Fire Protection basic structural firefighter or certified or licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services as a EMT Paramedic and made a passing grade on the examination. In the event of tie, the first tie breaker will go to the certified applicant (either TCFP or TDSHS). "Do you have one or both of the certifications? (FAILURE to upload certification(s) PRIOR TO WRITTEN exam will result in NO extra points)

• Yes
• No

15


I acknowledge that I am to upload a copy of any certifications I have and DD214 to this application, if applicable.

• Yes, I acknowledge I will upload necessary documents.
• Not applicable.

16


I acknowledge that I am to bring my Original DD214 to the written exam as well, if applicable.

• Yes, I acknowledge that I will bring my Original DD214.
• Not applicable

Required Question