Fire Cadet

Join the City of Chattanooga Team

Chattanooga a vibrant and growing community of over 180000 residents is known as the Scenic City for a reason. Nestled along the Tennessee River and surrounded by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains we are a hub of outdoor adventure and innovation. Home to theUniversity of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) andChattanooga State Community College

Our Organization

2600 employees committed to excellence in public service. Our team ensures the community thrives through a wide range of municipal services including:

• Public Safety: Chattanooga Police and Fire Departments.
• Infrastructure & Utilities: Public Works Waste Resources and specialized Stormwater management.
• Quality of Life: An award-winning Parks and Outdoors system and the Chattanooga Public Library.
• Transportation: The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) and citywide transit initiatives.
• Innovation: Leading-edge digital equity and smart-city programs.

Why Choose Chattanooga

The City of Chattanoogas workforce is the heartbeat of our community. We dont just offer jobs; we offer careers with purpose. We are committed to being thepremier employer of choice in Southeast Tennessee by providing:

• Competitive Compensation: Robust pay scales that reflect our commitment to our staff.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling where possible.
• Exceptional Wellness: Comprehensive health benefits and wellness programs designed for you and your family that deliver savings to you beyond your paycheck.
• Growth: A focus on professional development and upward mobility within the organization.
• The Great Outdoors: Your Backyard Playground: Chattanooga isnt just near nature its immersed in it. As one of the most biodiverse cities in North America the Scenic City offers an ecological richness that few places on earth can claim. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a weekend wanderer world-class adventure is always less than an hour away.
• Vertical Adventures: Scale legendary sandstone cliffs in what is widely considered thepremier rock climbing hub of the Southeast.
• Water & Rapids: From the high-octanewhitewater kayaking of the Ocoee River to world-classbass fishing and peaceful paddling on the Tennessee River.
• Trails for Miles: Explore a massive network ofmountain biking andhiking trails that wind through lush ridges hidden waterfalls and deep river gorges.

In Chattanooga work-life balance means you can finish your shift and be at a trailhead or on the water before the sun sets.

Our mission is to work together to build a safe revitalized and sustainable city for all Chattanoogans. To do that it takes a team of skilled and passionate individuals. So if youd like to call Chattanooga home or maybe you already do! and want to further your career through meaningful work that makes a true impact where you live wed love to talk to you.

***This is a NON-EXEMPT Position*** Grade FD.0C $50421.30

The Chattanooga Fire Department is excited to announce the opening of the application window for the 2027 CFD Fire Academy! Applications will be accepted March 1 2026 through May 1 2026. Physical ability testing will take place during the month of May; dates will be published soon. The written test will be given during the month of June; dates will be published soon. If you currently hold an active EMT Certification an Associates or Bachelors Degree you will be able to be exempt from the written test - documentation must be provided with your application. The 2027 CFD Fire Academy will begin on October 2 will tentatively be April 1 2027. Please contact with any questions.

*Please review the Minimum Qualifications for this position before you apply.

CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY
Incumbents in this classification are responsible for participating in the Fire Training Academy. Duties include attending class taking exams and integrating classroom training during hands-on training exercises. Cadets will attend up to a minimum of twenty-two (22) week Fire Training Academy. Successful completion of the academy is required to perform Firefighter duties. Training will take place primarily at 3200 Amnicola Highway.

Workdays and hours will be determined by Fire Training Staff.

SERIES LEVEL: The Fire Cadet is the first level in a ten-level fire series.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
(The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional position-specific duties.)

Participates in fire academy training sessions including academic and theory classes related to fire suppression emergency medical care vehicle extrication and hazardous materials. This training includes weekly exams and integrating classroom training with hands-on application.

Participates in all hands-on training activities in the classroom on the drill ground and other venues. This includes labor-intensive work before during and after the training exercises.

Participates in frequent high-intensity physical training including but not limited to jogging up to 3 miles calisthenics strength exercises and exercising in turnout gear.

With guidance may participate in real large-scale fire or emergency scenes in supervised roles outside of IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) environments.

Adheres to all Fire Academy Rules throughout training.

Upon successful completion of the Fire Training Academy duties will include: Responding to all types of fires and other emergencies including by not limited to fire suppression emergency medical care to the basic life support level and assisting transport agencies with advanced life support level hazardous materials vehicle extrications and rescue.

Participating in on-going training and educational sessions.

Assisting in preparing and ensuring emergency vehicles and apparatus are stocked and ready for immediate response.

Participating in the daily functions of the fire station which may include housekeeping cooking maintenance activities and/or performing other related duties.

Assisting in completing and maintaining records related to personnel incidents and/or other related items.

Participating in fire department programs such as pre-fire planning fire prevention programs and/or fire hydrant checks.

Participating in and/or facilitating educational sessions and station tours to the public on fire related topics. Working twenty-four (24) hour shifts.

Must meet regular attendance requirements.

Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff co-workers managers and citizens.

Must accomplish the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations in a timely manner.

Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. Must be a high school graduate or possess GED equivalency.
2. Be a U.S. citizen at least 18 years old and not have reached the age of 40 by academy completion date.
3. Be honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces (if applicable).
4. Must be able to pass written exam physical ability test post-offer medical examination and complete a CFD Applicant Questionnaire. If you currently hold an active EMT Certification an Associates or Bachelors Degree you will be able to be exempt from the written test. Documentation must be provided with your application.
5. Must pass a comprehensive background investigation.
6. Must not have been convicted of any felony charge have not pleaded guilty to any felony charge or have not entered a plea of nolo contendere to any felony charge and meet any other standards as set forth in Tennessee Code Annotated.

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATIONS
Valid Class D Drivers License (will be required to obtain an F endorsement prior to graduating the academy).

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
No prior knowledge is required. Skill in reading and interpreting classroom training materials and communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers supervisor and the general public sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Positions in this class typically require climbing balancing stooping kneeling crouching crawling reaching standing walking pushing pulling lifting fingering grasping feeling talking hearing and seeing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Incumbents may be subjected to vibrations fumes odors dusts gasses poor ventilation chemicals oils extreme temperatures inadequate lighting workspace restrictions intense noises and infectious diseases.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Safety Sensitive: Y
Department of Transportation - CDL: N
Child Sensitive: N

The City of Chattanooga Tennessee is an Equal Opportunity compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. All appointments made at the beginning salary unless otherwise authorized.

KNV 9.05.25