Recruit Firefighter
Full-Time, Non-Exempt
*No Experience Required*
Join our growing team at Golder Ranch Fire District!
Benefits for this position: We have an amazing benefits package, worth approximately 35% of your salary!
• Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS)
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurances
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and 12 Paid Holidays annually (birthday included)
• District paid concierge healthcare service for you and your family
• Opportunity for continued education reimbursement
• Option to participate in additionally self-funded retirement plans and a variety of supplemental insurance plans
The best benefit of all is our people! We have amazing team members and enjoy spending time together. What better way to spend your working hours than with people you enjoy!
Primary Function:
The primary function of the Recruit Firefighter is to learn and apply general duty firefighter work in a non-emergency academic setting and obtain Fire I and Fire II certifications and National Registry Certification and/or Arizona State EMCT-EMT. The Recruit Firefighter is enrolled in the Golder Ranch Fire District (GRFD) Fire Academy for training and is subject to the GRFD Recruit Training Academy Manual (RTAM), as well as all GRFD Policies and Procedures. During the GRFD Fire Academy, the Recruit Firefighter must demonstrate competency in the principal duties and responsibilities, as defined in the job description.
Minimum Application Requirements:
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Must possess a valid Arizona driver’s license with an acceptable driving record
Preferred Application Requirements:
• Fire I and Fire II Certifications at the time of application
• National Registry Certification and/or Arizona State EMCT-EMT or EMCT-Paramedic level certification, at the time of application
o Note: IF applicant only possesses National Registry Certification at time of application, MUST be able to attain Arizona State EMCT-EMT or EMCT-Paramedic level certification. Proof of the required certifications must be provided within one (1) week of conditional offer of employment.
All mandatory and preferred certifications must be current and maintained throughout assignment as Recruit Firefighter.
Pay Information During Academy
Recruit Firefighter
Estimated Starting Annual Wage: $52,164.22
Wage During Academy: 40 hr/work week - $25.08/hr
The GRFD Firefighter Academy is a 40-hour/work week schedule, with additional required overtime estimated at 10-hour/week, for a length to be determined based upon District needs. Dependent upon organizational needs, this academy may include a module allowing candidates to earn their EMT certification. Only candidates who successfully complete this module, regardless of current EMCT-EMT or EMCT-Paramedic certification, will continue their participation in the GRFD Firefighter Academy.
Upon the successful completion of the Firefighter Academy, candidate status will change from Recruit Firefighter (40-hour/work week schedule) to Probationary Firefighter (56-hour/work week schedule) and will be paid based upon certification held.
Pay Information Following Academy
Firefighter (EMT Certified)
Estimated Starting Annual Wage: $56,312.02
Wage upon assignment to suppression schedule: 56-hr/work week
$18.83/hr
Firefighter - Paramedic
Estimated Starting Annual Wage: $70,024.08
Wage upon assignment to suppression schedule: 56-hr/work week
$23.42/hr
Employment Application & Documents Requirement:
In order for an applicant to be eligible for consideration to proceed through the assessment and selection process, it is the responsibility of the candidate to submit a COMPLETE application packet to GRFD, including:
1. GRFD Employment Application – use link below
1. Please ensure your email address is correct prior to submitting your application.
2. Only one application will be accepted for each candidate.
2. Resume – outlining work history by mouth and year
3. If certified: Proof of current applicable certifications
All dates and activities are tentative and are subject to change.
7/17 – 8/18 Recruitment opens, applications accepted
7/18 – 8/18 SparkHire Assessment Available, sent upon review of completed application
8/19, due by 8/24 SparkHire Video Interviews Available
8/27 & 8/28 CPAT Orientation
9/27 & 9/29 CPAT Practice Test
10/27 – 10/31 CPAT Exam
11/17 – 11/21 Credibility Exam via EyeDetect
11/17 – 11/21 Chiefs Interviews
11/30 Extended Job Offers Acceptance Due
12/1 Background Checks
12/8 – 12/22 Physicals with 1582, fingerprints, FIT testing, sizing for PPE
1/5/2026 Academy Start
All contact with applicants will be via email. No walk-in applications will be accepted.
Selection process may consist of: Application screening, skills assessment, credibility assessment, and interview(s). The pre-employment process for the successful candidate may include but is not limited to background checks (i.e. driving record, criminal history, etc.), physical examination, drug screen, and reference checks.
Candidate Notification: All candidate notifications will be completed by email. Please ensure you have entered your email address correctly before submitting your application. In case we need to reach you by phone, please ensure your voicemail is set up and not full.
Safety Sensitive: This job is designated by GRFD as a safety-sensitive position because it includes tasks or duties that GRFD, in good faith, believes could affect the safety or health of the employee performing the task or others (ARS 23-493). This job may require the operation of a motor vehicle, equipment, machinery, or power tools. An applicant or incumbent may be disqualified, disciplined, or terminated, if they are determined to be positive for marijuana or its metabolites, regardless of cardholder status.
Preference Points defined: The District will apply civil service preference points for veterans pursuant to ARS §38-492.
Reasonable Accommodation Request: Applicants with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodation for this process must contact Human Resources at (520) 825-9001 option 6.
Golder Ranch Fire District is a Drug and Tobacco-Free Workplace, and an Equal Opportunity Employer