How To Become A Clayton County Firefighter

Why do people choose to make firefighting a career? Probably the biggest reason is the satisfaction that comes from helping others. Firefighters face new challenges every day they put on the uniform. A career at the Clayton County Fire Department involves; continual study and training, fighting fires, providing emergency medical service, fire safety inspections, fire safety education, physical fitness training, and many other responsibilities.

To be eligible to become a firefighter you must:

1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Be a US citizen or resident status.
3. Be a high school graduate or possess a GED equivalent.
4. Hold a valid Georgia Driver's License, be able to obtain a Class A license upon employment, and have a good driving record.
5. Be able to work variable hours/days.
6. Successfully pass the pre-employment process including: written exam(s), oral interview(s), background check, criminal record check, polygraph, and drug testing.
7. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a physical exam, physical performance evaluation, and a polygraph.
8. Must be able to understand and speak fluent English.

What Do Clayton County Firefighters Do?

Essential job functions include performing firefighting and life rescue that involve: responding to fires, person(s) trapped, hazardous materials incidents, explosions, medical emergencies, and other emergencies. Some of the other job functions include: fire code enforcement, familiarization with maps and streets, servicing fire hydrants, assisting with fire cause determination, recognizing and preserving evidence of arson, testing fire hose, maintenance of fire station and equipment, etc.

Firefighters participate in training programs to improve knowledge and skills and maintain an acceptable level of physical fitness. Some of that training includes: all areas related to firefighting and life rescue, fire safety inspection practices, participating in emergency drills & simulations, proper use of equipment, participating in daily physical fitness program.

Annual Starting Salary $35,544 - Firefighter I

Benefits

Our Civil Service System provides employee benefits and services to all employees employed for 91 days or more and has an appeal and grievance process for employees who have completed the 12 months orientation period. Some of the employee benefits and services are:

• Annual Leave - accrue 4 hours each two week pay period
• Sick Leave - accrue 4 hours each two week pay period
• Holidays
• Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Deferred compensation
• Retirement
• Credit Union
• Uniform And Equipment Allowance
• Merit pay increases are recognized through individual effort and measured by the employee's Annual Performance Evaluation as approved by the Board of Commissioners.

To Apply for Employment

Visit the Clayton County Personnel web site for Current Employment Opportunities, including available Firefighter positions or call the Job Hotline at (770) 473-5800. Applications are accepted in the Clayton County Personnel Department located at 120 Smith Street, Jonesboro, Georgia until positions are filled.