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The Frequently Asked Questions information listed below is accurate as of January 1, 2006.

AFD ACADEMY
How long is the Academy?
How are cadets compensated?
What if I’m already a Firefighter/EMT/Paramedic?
What happens after successfully completing the Academy?

LIFE AT AFD
How long is each shift?
Do firefighters get to sleep during this time?
Who’s in charge?
Does AFD have a lateral transfer policy?
Why is the age requirement 18 to 35 (but not 36 years of age on the date of Entry Level Examination)?
Do firefighters get a uniform allowance?
What is the rank structure in the Austin Fire Department?
How are promotions made in the Austin Fire Department?

QUESTIONS OFTEN ASKED BY WOMEN
Is it harder for a woman to get hired?
What are some of the physical demands required of firefighters?
Are there day care options available to firefighters?
What happens if a woman finds out she is pregnant? Are other assignments available?
What is life at a fire station like for a woman?

QUESTIONS OFTEN ASKED BY EX-MILITARY PERSONNEL
Does a veteran of military service receive some type of credit in the hiring process?
How does AFD deal with reserve obligations?
Are some skills used in the military applicable to a career in the fire service?

How long is the Academy?
The AFD Academy lasts approximately six months and consists of a 40-hour week, usually 8- or 10-hour days.

How are cadets compensated?
Once the ranked hiring pool is created, AFD will invite the top-ranked applicants to attend the Academy. Cadets are considered conditional employees of the City of Austin, and are entitled to all the benefits and pay thereof.

What if I’m already a Firefighter/EMT/Paramedic?
Congratulations are in order; however, all firefighters in the Austin Fire Department go through the same training. Those with a valid Texas certification in one of the above areas may be exempt from State testing, but still will go through the coursework in the Academy. During the past several cadet classes certified EMTs were released to duty after completing the firefighting portion of the academy and learning Austin's medical Standards of Care, about a month before other members of the class. This practice will be evaluated and again may implemented in the future.

What happens after successfully completing the Academy?
Again, congratulations are in order. New probationary firefighters receive a Firefighter Commission and a station assignment within the City of Austin limits.

Do firefighters get a uniform allowance?
Uniforms, T-shirts, shorts and turnout gear are provided by the Fire Department. Station footwear must be provided by individual firefighters.

How long is each shift?
Each shift is 24 hours long. At the present time, the shift begins at noon and ends the following day at noon. Each "day" at work is followed by 48 hours off.

Do firefighters get to sleep during this time?
Every station is laid out to accommodate a crew for 24 hours. This includes a kitchen, a dorm room, exercise facilities, a television, a station library, showers and restrooms. Sleeping is permitted, as is cooking, working out, and studying, although firefighters are ready to answer alarms and fulfill other duty requirements at all times.

Who’s in charge?
The Austin Fire Department is structured to mirror a military hierarchy. The station is a microcosm of that, beginning with perhaps a Probationary Firefighter, other Firefighters, then a Fire Specialist (driver) in charge of the apparatus, then a Lieutenant or Captain in charge of the entire crew. Each area of the city has a Battalion Chief in charge of operations and stations in his or her battalion.

Does AFD have a lateral transfer policy?
No. Regardless of rank attained with another city department, all candidates hired will be at the rank of Civilian Firefighter Cadet, and will be required to attend the Training Academy.

Why is the age requirement 18 to 35 (but not 36 years of age on the date of Entry Level Examination)?
This requirement is mandated by State Civil Service Law 143.

What is the rank structure in the Austin Fire Department?
After going through an initial six-month probationary firefighter stage, the most basic rank is Firefighter. The first promotional opportunity is to Fire Specialist, which is sometimes called "driver." The first officer rank is Lieutenant, followed by Captain, Battalion Chief, Division Chief, Assistant Chief, and Fire Chief.

How are promotions made in the Department?
All promotions from Fire Specialist (apparatus driver) through Battalion Chief are based on scores obtained from the annual Civil Service promotional examination. The overall ranking of the promotional candidates reflects the written exam score plus up to 12 extra "longevity" points, one for each year of service. The Fire Chief picks from the top three eligible candidates when a vacancy occurs. Assistant Chiefs and Division Chiefs are appointed by the Fire Chief.

Is it harder for a woman to get hired?
The Austin Fire Department is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against race or gender. Having said that, some applicants find that the physical ability exam is very difficult. Therefore, orientation classes are offered so that all applicants can try out the parts of the exam so that they know what segment (ie. cardiovascular endurance, strength) to work on improving.

What are some of the physical demands required of firefighters?
Women have to pass the same physical ability exam as men do. Women enjoy respect in the department because they have demonstrated their abilities in order to be hired. In training they are held to the same standard as men. During the AFD Training Academy, one of the most important things instructors look for is that cadets are giving 100 percent.

Are there day care options available to firefighters?
The City of Austin has been looking into providing a day care facility for City employees. Currently, that option does not exist. Most firefighters rely on family or friends for 24-hour care for their children. A few firefighters have been able to find 24-hour care from home daycare centers.

What is life at a fire station like for a woman?
AFD certainly has come a long way. Currently, AFD is retrofitting stations with separate bathroom facilities for women. Life at a station can be very exciting. It is like finding out that you have a family you didn't even know existed. Suddenly, you have long-lost uncles, brothers and sisters. Firefighters eat together, work out together, cry together (not often!), and definitely laugh together. When firefighters go out on a call, everyone has a job, and man or woman doesn't matter; everyone works together.

What happens if a woman finds out she is pregnant? Are other assignments available?
The safety of our firefighters is AFD's number-one priority. When a firefighter finds out she is pregnant, she should inform her supervisor as soon as is practical so that an alternative light-duty assignment can be determined and the baby can be protected from the hazards of firefighting operations. Maternity Light Duty may be worked during the term of the pregnancy and typically consists of office work with light physical effort in one of the Operations Support divisions. At least 12 weeks of cumulative pre- and post-delivery leave is approved, which can consist of accrued leave, unpaid leave, or a combination of both. A maternity policy is being developed to addresss the growing number of women in the department.

Does a veteran of military service receive some type of credit in the hiring process?
Yes, three (3) points for military service will be added to all eligible candidates' oral interview score. Applicants must provide an original DD214 verifying their military service and honorable discharge at the time of their oral interview to be eligible for military points.

How does AFD deal with reserve obligations?
Any AFD member with Reserve Military Duty requirements receives 15 days of military leave per year. These days are available upon hiring. The biggest obstacle is avoiding a conflict during the Cadet Training Academy.

Are some skills used in the military applicable to a career in the fire service?
A lot of folks who enter the fire service following a military career find many similarities between the two jobs. Emphasis is put on physical fitness, teamwork, the ability to think and adapt quickly, and camaraderie. The fire department is structured similarly to the military, honoring the chain of command concept and a rank structure.

For more information, please contact:
Recruiting Division
Austin Fire Department
4201 Ed Bluestein Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78721
(800) 832-5264 or (512) 974-0100
Or contact us by e-mail at Recruiting Office.