Please review the following carefully to determine your potential eligibility.
Austin Fire will not answer questions concerning an applicant's potential eligibility; however, below are a few of the major areas to review. All applicants will be thoroughly vetted for eligibility prior to being offered the position of fire cadet. If you meet the minimum requirements to be considered for a position, you are encouraged to apply.
- Disqualification Criteria
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Age Requirements
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, but not exceed age 35, on the day the written exam is administered.
Certification Eligibility
While applicants do not need to be certified during the application process, eligibility for future certification with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and the Texas Department of State Health Services is required. Contact these agencies directly with certification inquiries.
Criminal Background Check/Unresolved Legal Matters
This position requires a criminal background investigation. In order to be considered for employment, applicants should consider the criteria outlined below. A person is considered to be convicted of an offense when an adjudication of guilt is entered against said person by a court of competent jurisdiction, or a plea of guilty is entered.
Criminal Arrests and Convictions Disqualification Period Felony Conviction (If a felony at time of conviction or a felony in another state regardless of the Texas equivalent) Permanent Misdemeanor Class A Conviction Permanent Misdemeanor Class B Conviction Five years from conviction date Misdemeanor Class C- Conviction (excluding traffic) Two years from conviction date Two or more Misdemeanor Class B or higher-level convictions Permanent Two or more Misdemeanor Class B (or greater level) arrests Five years from date of last arrest Two or more Misdemeanor Class C level arrests Two years from date of last arrest DWI or DUI charge with conviction on a reduced level offense (ex: reckless driving or blocking roadway) Five years from conviction date History of family violence reports (suspect in three or more incidents with no convictions) Permanent Applicants should obtain a criminal history to review and address unresolved issues before submitting the Austin Fire application. Texas residents may do so through the Texas Department of Public Safety. Offenses that occurred in other states will be held to the Texas equivalent.
Additional Resources:
Tattoos and Tunnels (large diameter ear piercings)
Tattoos must be coverable by Austin Fire's formal uniform (button-down, long-sleeve shirt with a tie). Tunnels with a diameter larger than 1/2 inch are prohibited.
Tattoos that violate the policy must be completely removed prior to any final offer of employment from Austin Fire. Candidates with tattoos who wish to be considered for the current hiring cycle are encouraged to start the removal process of any tattoos that do not meet departmental standards as soon as possible.
Chosen candidates who are not able to completely remove tattoos prior to a formal job offer will be given a deferral option for the next class within the same hiring cycle as long as proof of the tattoo removal progress is provided. These markings must be fully removed prior to the first day of cadet class. The training academy staff will make a visual inspection to ensure compliance.
Candidates who are unable to complete the removal process prior to the start of the last class in the same hiring cycle must start over and reapply for a position in the next hiring cycle.
Tunnels that exceed 1/2 inch must be repaired/corrected prior to any final offer of employment from Austin Fire. Tunnels in violation must be repaired/corrected prior to the first day of cadet class. The training academy staff will make a visual inspection to ensure compliance.
Choosing whether or not to have a tattoo removed or tunnels repaired/corrected is solely your decision. Failure to comply with policy will result in disqualification from the current hiring cycle.
Medical Issues
Applicants must meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582, Latest Edition, and Standard on Comprehensive Occupational medical program for Fire Departments.
A comprehensive overview of Austin Fire's disqualification criteria is available here.
- Alcohol and Drug Testing
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The City of Austin is a drug-free workplace. As part of the hiring process for this position, applicants selected as finalists are subject to mandatory pre-employment alcohol and drug testing. Additionally, drug testing may be conducted in the academy when necessary for certification requirements.