Fire Medical Rescue Careers

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Explore opportunities as firefighter, EMT/paramedic, and civilian staff
Learn minimum qualifications, training and hiring process, and timelines
Discover career growth, continuous training, and specialty paths
Find FAQs, job listings, and recruitment contacts

Tempe Fire Medical Rescue is currently not accepting applications. Those who have been asked to complete a video interview may still submit their videos.

Tempe Fire typically accepts applications for firefighter recruits in February or March of each year. Sigh up below to get updates emailed to you.

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What firefighters do

Tempe Firefighters Tempe Fire Medical Rescue is an all-hazards fire department. That means we respond to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials calls, rescues and more. Firefighters also participate in public education, prevention and constant training to stay prepared.

New hires will attend a 16-week regional fire academy before serving as probationary firefighters at one of Tempe’s seven fire stations.

Minimum Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Valid driver’s license
EMT certification (required at time of hire)*
CPAT certificate (required within 6 months of hire)**
Must pass a police background check

*Completion of fire science college coursework is preferred but not required.
**You do not need your EMT certification to apply.

What’s the schedule like for a Tempe firefighter?

Tempe firefighters work a rotating 3/4 schedule, which is standard in the fire service. It looks like this:

Day 1: On duty (24 hours)
Day 2: Off
Day 3: On duty (24 hours)
Day 4: Off
Day 5: On duty (24 hours)
Then: 4 days off

This cycle repeats every 8 days and averages 56 hours per week.

While it’s more than a traditional 40-hour week, the 3/4 schedule gives firefighters more full days off, allowing time for family, recovery, hobbies or side work. Many firefighters say the rhythm of this schedule is one of the benefits of the career.

What does a Tempe firefighter get paid?

Entry-level firefighters in Tempe earn over $60,000 per year after graduating from the academy. In addition to base pay, firefighters often receive guaranteed overtime and additional compensation for paramedic certification, specialty assignments and other incentives.

Benefits include:

Full medical, dental, and vision coverage
Participation in the Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS)
Paid vacation and sick leave
Tuition reimbursement for continued education
Job security, union representation, and opportunities for promotion

What’s the fire academy like?

The academy is both physically and mentally demanding—designed to fully prepare you for real-world emergency response.

You’ll train in:

Fire suppression
Emergency medical services (EMS)
Rescue operations
Hazardous materials response
As well as department protocols, policy, and teamwork

It’s a structured, intensive, and immersive experience that is challenging by design, but also one of the most rewarding parts of the journey. You’ll leave the academy prepared, confident and ready to serve the City of Tempe.

What’s the hiring process like — and how long does it take?

Tempe Fire Medical Rescue usually opens up applications one per fiscal year. The application window most recently closed August 21, 2025.

The process typically includes several steps: application review, physical agility test, up to 3 panel interview(s), intern academy (2-day event) background check, medical exam and then the academy.

It can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months from application to academy start, depending on the size of the applicant pool and scheduling.

We communicate regularly to keep you updated throughout the process.

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Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Tempe is an Equal Opportunity / Reasonable Accommodation employer. The City does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, familial status, age, disability, and United States military veteran status. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will make a reasonable accommodation(s) during the recruitment & selection process. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting Human Resources at 480-350-8276. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.

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What firefighters do

Minimum Requirements

Equal Employment Opportunity