Minimum Qualifications

When do I have to have my high school diploma or GED?
Applicants must have graduated from high school or obtained their GED at the time they apply for the job of Fire Cadet.

Why can’t I apply if I’m 36 or older?
Civil Service law (Texas Local Government Code Chapter 143.023) sets the minimum (18 years) and maximum age (35 years) for a beginning position in the fire department.

Do I need to have a driver’s license to apply?
Applicants must have a valid basic operator driver’s license at time of application. A valid license that is above an operator’s license (e.g., commercial license) is acceptable as well. A valid driver’s license means that an applicant can legally operate a motor vehicle.

Do I have to have a Texas driver’s license when I fill out the application?
No. A Texas driver’s license is required at the start of the Fire Academy. However, you must have a valid government issued driver’s license to meet the minimum qualifications for application. A valid license is a government issued license that allows an individual to legally operate a motor vehicle in the United States.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
No. If you are not a United States citizen, your immigration status must be current and must permit you to work a full-time job in this country. If you have questions about your immigration status or work permit, please contact Immigration officials.

Will Austin Fire Department sponsor me to get a valid work permit?
No. The Austin Fire Department does not sponsor individuals desiring a work permit.

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Other Qualifications

What if I was convicted of a felony as a juvenile?
A felony conviction will automatically disqualify an applicant except those exempted under Texas Family Code, Chapter 58. Here is a link to Chapter 58. If you have questions on how this may affect your qualifications for firefighter, please consult your attorney or probation officer.

I meet the minimum qualifications, what else may disqualify me in the application process?
A list of Applicant Disqualifiers is available on our website. Click here to view the disqualifiers. If you have questions on how your criminal history affects your qualifications, please consult your attorney or legal aide. Austin Fire Department personnel cannot provide legal advice or answer questions of this nature.

I’m not sure if I was convicted of a crime. How can I find out?
If you are unsure about this, please obtain a copy of your criminal history record. Applicants can contact their state or county offices for information on obtaining their criminal history. If the offense was in Texas, you can visit http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/ for additional information. For the purposes of responding to questions regarding criminal history on AFD’s application, applicants can use the following information as a guide for the definition of conviction:
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, including situations where:

Can I apply if I have had a DWI or DUI conviction?
Yes, as long as the DWI or DUI conviction occurred prior to three (3) years from the date published in the job announcement. A conviction after this date will result in disqualification.

Can I apply if I was convicted of a misdemeanor?
Yes, if you were convicted of a Class A or B misdemeanor that occurred prior to one (1) year from the date published in the job announcement. A conviction after this date will result in disqualification.

I have an arrest for a misdemeanor violation that is still pending, but I don’t know if it is a Class A or B misdemeanor. What should I do?
Contact your attorney to determine if your pending charge will disqualify you in the application process. You should provide your attorney with the list of disqualifiers from our website and ask them to assist you in evaluating your qualifications for the position. AFD personnel cannot provide legal advice and will not answer questions of this nature.

What is “community supervision”?
Community supervision is a form of probation.

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General FAQs

When will the next hiring process begin?
AFD plans its hiring process around anticipated needs to hire for the position of Fire Cadet. A timeline for the next hiring process has not been determined. Information on the next process will be posted on our website when it is available.

Will AFD be accepting applications in 2009?
Several factors are evaluated in developing a timeline for the next hiring process – existence of a current eligibility list, projected vacancies, annual budget and staffing needs for new fire stations. Since many of these factors are unknowns, it makes it difficult at this time to set specific timelines for the next hiring process.

How do I submit an application and sign up for the next exam?
Applications for Fire Cadet are accepted for a specific period of time at the beginning of each hiring process. Applications are accepted on-line through the City of Austin Employment website. Applicants will be able to apply for the job only when it is posted on the City’s Employment site. Specific application information will be posted on this website when available.

Does AFD have an Email list or Interest list that I can join so that I am notified about the next hiring process?
The Internet is the primary source of communication for the Fire Cadet hiring process; information will be posted on this website when it is available. Potential applicants are encouraged to check this site regularly for updated information.

I want to join the Austin Fire Department. What can I do to prepare for the next hiring process?
Review the information on this website regarding the job duties, minimum qualifications, and physical ability testing.
Learn about the job of an Austin Firefighter by checking out the AFD website; suggested pages include Emergency Response, which includes information on the types of calls and duties of firefighters; and Recruiting (www.AFDrecruiting.com), which includes information on the academy and life as a firefighter.

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