Our team is dedicated to protecting lives and property within our communities. They are involved in a wide range of activities, including firefighting, emergency medical care, fire prevention, disaster response, community service, and public education. Our department operates 14 fire houses staffed 24/7, with three shifts working a rotating 24-48 schedule.

In addition to standard firefighting medical first response duties, various specialty opportunities are in development, such as:

• Hazardous Materials (HazMat)
• All-Hazards Incident Management Team
• SWAT/EOD Medic
• Technical Rescue/Water Rescue
• Marine Response
• Community Paramedic
• Wildland Firefighting
• Honor Guard
• Explorer and Citizen Academy Programs

We are striving to be the "Employer of Choice" by offering competitive wages, a comprehensive benefits package, and fostering a team-oriented environment within our department.

HIRING PROCESS AND IMPORTANT DATES

STEP 1: Online Application and Documentation Submission 

STEP 2: Physical Agility Test and In-Person Interview 

Physical Agility Test:

This test comprises six events that are commonly performed in the fire service. It is designed to evaluate a candidate's strength and endurance. The test is physically demanding and requires candidates to be in excellent physical condition to perform essential job tasks successfully. Candidates must be physically fit to meet the rigorous demands of the fire service and excel in these challenging tasks.

*For more information on the physical agility test, watch the video.

NOTE: The Chatham County Fire Department does not accept physical agility testing cards from other departments or test sites. All applicants must take the physical agility test administered by the Chatham County Fire Department.

In-Person Interview:

During the in-person interview, known as the Oral Board, you will face a panel consisting of Chatham County Fire Department personnel of various ranks. The panel members will ask behavior-based questions designed to assess your fit within the department. This interview is an opportunity for us to get to know you as a person and understand how you would contribute to the CCFD team.

To prepare for the Oral Board, our best advice is to simply be yourself. Authenticity will help us see your true personality and determine how well you align with our values and culture.

STEP 3: NFPA 1582/1583 Medical Evaluation and Fitness Assessment 

STEP 4: Offer extended

STEP 5: First Day Experience / Orientation

STEP 6: Assignment to the Fire Training Division for the Recruit Academy, or Fast Track Session

FIRE DEPARTMENT RECRUITMENT STANDARDS AND ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards in our fire department's recruitment process. Below are the requirements for all certified positions within the department. These standards are essential to ensure the integrity, performance, and professionalism of each member.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid state driver’s license
• U.S. Citizen
• Successfully pass all pre-employment requirements including but not limited to a physical agility test and interview; criminal activity background and motor vehicle history reviews; NFPA 1582/1583 medical evaluation, fitness assessment, and drug screen.
• Meet all certification and licensing requirements to function in the position.

Background and Motor Vehicle History Investigation:

Applicants for uniformed positions must undergo an extensive national background investigation in accordance with the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council (GFSTC) rules and regulations. Applicants must meet specific criteria to avoid automatic disqualification (see below).

Automatic Disqualifiers – Criminal Background Review:

• Pending criminal cases
• Convictions, nolo contendere or pleas involving sexual offenses, Domestic Violence Act offenses, impersonating a police officer, perjury or false statements
• Felony convictions, nolo contendere or pleas involving felony arrests (within the last 10 years)
• Multiple misdemeanors within the past 3 years
• Serious misdemeanor convictions, nolo contendere, or pleas within the past 3 years
• No patterns of criminal involvement or intent related to offenses that may indicate a disregard for the law or ethical and moral conduct.

Automatic Disqualifiers – Motor Vehicle Report Review:

• DUI/DWI charge with deposition of nolo contendere, conviction or plea within the past five years; or two in the last seven years.
• Driver license suspensions within the past three years; and no two or more suspensions in the past seven years.
• Three moving violations in the past two years; and no six or more in the past seven years.
• Multiple accidents within the past two years
• Reckless Driving within the past two years
• Vehicular homicide or hit and run charge or arrest
• Fleeing or attempting to elude the police charge or arrest

NOTE: Untruthfulness or intentionally withholding information during the application, interview, discussion, or onboarding process can result in automatic termination at the discretion of the Chatham County Fire Department. Examples include deliberate inaccuracies or incomplete statements.