Firefighter or Non-Certified Firefighter (Fire Cadet EMT)

Salary: $54,142.72 - $59,142.72 Annually
Location : Leander, TX
Job Type: Full time
Job Number: NCFC.CFF.5/25
Department: Fire Department
Division: Emergency Response
Opening Date: 05/09/2025
Closing Date: 6/18/2025 12:00 PM Central

The Leander Fire Department is seeking individuals who are deeply committed to service, possess unwavering dedication, and demonstrate the highest level of professionalism. This career is demanding, but for those ready to rise to the challenge, it offers purpose, camaraderie, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

If you believe you have the passion, resilience, and drive to serve, we encourage you to apply and become part of our team. We will be accepting applications for certified and non-certified firefighters May 9, 2025 - June 18, 2025 (at noon).

Salary Steps: Non-Certified (Fire Cadet EMT) $54,142.72/annually and
Certified Firefighters (Step 1) $59,142.72/annually
Non-Certified Firefighters (Fire Cadet EMT)
Applicants who do not hold a Texas Commission on Fire Protection Firefighter certification but meet one of the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

• Possess a Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification or higher.
• Hold a National Registry EMT (NREMT) certification or higher.
• Have the ability to obtain one of the above certifications by September 25, 2025.
• Are currently enrolled in a DSHS-approved EMT certification program and can obtain an NREMT certification by September 25, 2025.

Non-certified firefighters hired by the Leander Fire Department will begin as Fire Cadets and must complete a 17-week fire academy.

During this training period, Cadets will receive compensation at the Cadet/EMT rate, as outlined in the department's pay scale. Upon successful completion of the academy and attainment of a Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Basic Firefighter Certification, Cadets who meet the requirements for the entry-level Firefighter position will be promoted to Firefighter (Step 1 on the pay step plan).
Non-Certified (Fire Cadet EMT)

Carries out designated support tasks across all divisions of the Fire Department, with a primary goal of obtaining a Basic Fire Certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection by completing a department-approved fire academy.
Certified Firefighters

Applicants who possess both a Texas Commission on Fire Protection Firefighter certification as well as a Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Emergency Medical Technician certification.

Certified firefighters hired by the Leander Fire Department will begin as Firefighters (Step 1 on the pay step plan) and will not be required to complete a fire academy. However, all newly hired firefighters must successfully complete a probationary firefighter orientation to ensure they meet department standards and expectations.

Certified Firefighters
Firefighters are responsible for mid-level complex work, performing a variety of emergency operations to protect lives and property including firefighting, rescue, maintenance of stations, grounds and equipment, and inspection for fire prevention. The position has a moderate level of supervision, with limited latitude for the use of independent judgment.

Essential Duties & Required Qualifications

Non-Certified (Fire Cadet EMT)

• Participates in the Fire Academy and other structured training programs designed to prepare the cadet for state certification as a Firefighter.
• Outside of the fire academy, the cadet will work / function under the supervision of the career staff.
• Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Leander and the public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff.
• Maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Note: Upon obtaining a TCFP Basic Firefighter Certification, Cadets that meet the requirements of the Firefighter entry-level position will be promoted to Firefighter.

Required Education and Experience

• Graduate of an accredited high school or have an equivalency certificate.

Required Certificate and Licenses

• Possess a valid Texas driver's license at the date of hire. Must attain a Texas Class A (Non-CDL) Driver's License within six (6) months of going on shift.
• Currently possess a Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification or higher, or National registry EMT (NREMT) certification or higher, or the ability to obtain one by 9.25.2025.

OR

Enrolled in a DSHS approved Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification course AND the ability to obtain a NREMT certification by 9.25.2025.
Note: Failure to provide the department with a DSHS or NREMT EMT certification by 9.25.2025 will result in the candidate being removed from the process.

Additional Requirements for Fire Cadets

• Achieve a minimum passing score of seventy percent (70%) on the written examination.
• Successfully complete the physical ability test.
• Pass a background investigation.
• Pass oral interviews.
• Pass the Fire Chief's interview.
• Successfully complete a post-job offer psychological examination and medical examination that includes passing a visual acuity test, and physician certification that the applicant is not dependent on and does not use illegal drugs.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age and not more than thirty-five (35) years of age at the time of hire.
• Be a citizen of the United States by birth or naturalization.
• Be able to read, write, and speak the English language.
• Ability to obtain a class A driver's license.
• Be of good moral character.
• Be eligible to work within the United States.
• Successfully complete a TCFP approved fire academy and obtain a TCFP Basic Firefighter certification.
• Obtain or possess certifications required in this job description.
• Candidates selected for this position may be required in the future to complete paramedic training and obtain a paramedic certification as a condition of continued employment.

Failure to meet the TCFP state certification requirements within 30 days of completing the fire academy may result in termination as outlined in City of Leander Fire Cadet Policy and Procedures Manual.

Certified Firefighter
Duties and Responsibilities

• Respond to all types of rescues, fire suppression, medical and non-medical emergency calls and implement action required to save lives and property.
• Participate in continuing study, training and drill activity to achieve and maintain required skills to include regular fitness program to maintain good health and physical strength.
• Maintain fire equipment, apparatus, hydrants, quarters and grounds to include performing motor tests on apparatus when assigned as a Fire Engineer.
• Prepare and maintain various departmental reports and forms and operate department computers.
• Perform rescue, emergency medical care, extinguishment, containment, overhaul salvage and exposure protection.
• Perform hazardous material containment practices.
• Ventilate burning buildings to carry off hazardous smoke and gases.
• Conduct public education and information classes to include performing public appearances and conducting fire station tours.
• Senior firefighters may supervise junior firefighters.
• May serve as Driver/Pump Operator in their absence.
• Perform other related work when required.

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma or its equivalent.

Required Certificate and Licenses

• Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification or higher, or the ability to obtain one by 1.13.2025.
• Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Firefighter certification, or the ability to obtain one by 1.13.2025.
• Valid Driver's License, Class C or higher from any state in the US.

Additional Requirements for Firefighters

• Clear criminal history with no convictions of a Class B or higher in compliance with City of Leander policy.
• Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer physical examination, psychological examination, and drug screen.

Preferred Qualifications

• Texas Driver's License or ability to obtain a Texas driver's license within 90 days per state law.
• Associate degree (A.A.) or 60 hours of college credit.
• Texas Department of State Health Services Paramedic or Licensed Paramedic Certification.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Non-Certified (Fire Cadet EMT)

• Ability to get certified on the operation of department apparatus that does not require a Class B license within 30 days of promotion.
• Ability to follow detailed verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to communicate with other employees and the public in a courteous and diplomatic manner.
• Skill in handling strenuous work under adverse conditions for a sustained period of time.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, the public, elected officials, and boards and commissions.

Certified Firefighter

• Ability to get certified on the operation of department apparatus that does not require a Class B license within 30 days of promotion.
• Knowledge of emergency rescue and basic evaluation procedures involving fire, chemicals or threats, knowledge of firefighting principles, techniques and principles of hydraulics applied to fire suppression.
• Ability to follow detailed verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to communicate with other employees and the general public in a courteous and diplomatic manner.
• Skill in handling strenuous work under adverse conditions for a sustained period of time.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, the public, elected officials, and boards and commissions.

Physical Demands & Additional Information

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle and feel items, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, talk, and hear. Speci?c vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to move 165 lbs. without assistance.

Working Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, outside weather conditions including temperature extremes, and must be flexible to work both day and night shifts. Work is often performed in stressful and strenuous situations. Individuals are exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with ?ghting ?res and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents and oils, risk of electrical shock and explosives. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate except in emergency situations. Uses protective personal equipment. May be exposed to blood-borne pathogens and other infectious materials in the course of their duties. This position is subject to call out.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classi?ed in this position.

Your well-being and that of your family matters to you, and so it's important to us too. To support you and your loved ones through life's many challenges, we offer our full time employees access to a wide array of benefits including health, dental, vision, life, disability, accident, cancer, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, employee assistance, paid holidays, paid sick leave, paid emergency leave, longevity pay, golf course discounts as well as generous retirement and deferred compensation programs and social security participation.

Medical
We offer two types of medical plans (a traditional PPO plan and a high deductible health plan) so that you can choose the one that best fits your needs. The premium you pay is based on which plan you select and who you cover. Covering just yourself? The City currently pays the entire employee-only premium for either plan. Covering qualified dependents in your family? Currently, we'll pay your employee premium and split the remainder of the spouse/child/family premium with you - we pay 60%; you pay 40%. That generous cost share reflects our philosophy that our employees and their families should have the best health care we can afford to provide.

Dental
Dental plans include a DMO option (no cost for employee-only coverage) and two more traditional plans whose premiums are also affordable. You can choose to cover yourself or any qualified dependents and choose which plan best suits your dental needs. Currently, for the DHMO option, we pay the employee premium and split the remainder of the spouse/child/family premiums with you - we pay 50%; you pay 50%. Under the more traditional plans, although we don't pay the entire employee-only premium, we still split the incremental dependent premiums with you 50/50.

Vision
Access to $10 eye exam co-pays and up to $150 frame and contact lens allowances make vision insurance a popular benefit among employees. Cover yourself for just a few bucks a pay period or all of your qualified dependents for not much more.

Life/AD&D
Your basic employee $15,000 term life insurance policy is paid for by the city. Accidental Death & Dismemberment under the plan would pay an additional $15,000 to your beneficiary if you die in an accident. More life insurance coverage is paid for by the City and provided through our Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) program. If that's still not enough coverage, you can purchase more life/AD&D coverage for yourself and your qualified dependents. Over the age of 65? These coverages are subject to an age reduction schedule.

Disability
Both short and long term disability plans which provide up to 60% income replacement are available to purchase at competitive rates.

Accident & Cancer
Need extra coverage for off-the-job medical injuries or a cancer diagnosis? Supplemental plans that pay cash for some of life's most unexpected events are available for purchase.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Want to set aside some pre-tax dollars for health care expenses or dependent care expenses? If you select the traditional EPO medical coverage, you can set aside pre-tax money for medical expenses through the City's Section 125 medical FSA plan, which is managed by an outside carrier. You can do the same for dependent day care expenses, regardless of which medical plan you select.

Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
The high deductible health care plan has its own provisions for pre-tax health savings (HSA) so you can set aside money for your qualified health care expenses. The City will add $1000 to your health savings account to get you started each plan year.

Employee Assistance Program
We know that sometimes your needs are much different than a doctor visit or a prescription, so the City pays for a generous employee assistance program through Alliance to help you or any household member with counseling, legal referrals or simply a safe ride home.

Holidays
The City has thirteen designated holidays each year.

Vacation Leave
Most full time, regular employees (excluding firefighters on a 24 hour shift schedule and department heads) accrue 3.69 hours of vacation time each pay period and are eligible to use that time after just six months of employment. The longer you work for the city, the more vacation time you receive, with those accrual rates going up at 4, 9 and 14+ years of service. Never use your vacation time? Don't worry; you can bank up to two times your annual accrued hours before you stop accruing.

Sick Leave
As a full time regular employee (excluding firefighters on a 24 hour shift), you accrue 3.69 hours of sick leave each pay period, which you are eligible to use after your first pay period with the city. You can also continue to build your sick leave balance up to 480 hours for those unexpected emergencies.

Longevity Pay
Regular full-time employees after they've been employed for one year or more are eligible for an annual payout of $5 for every month of City service. So, while that first year $60 check might not seem like a ton of money, that $1500 check (minus taxes of course) for your 25 years of service which is paid around Thanksgiving will likely help you feel very thankful for a little extra cash for Christmas shopping.

Retirement
All regular full-time employees participate in our Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS). Your 7% investment each payroll period is matched 2 to 1 by the City and is vested at 5 years. You can retire at age 60 with 5 or more years of service or younger if you have at least 20 years of service. You can also receive service credit for certain types of military service. The City's TMRS plan is one of the most generous retirement plans around.

Deferred Compensation
If saving 7% with a 2 to 1 match through TMRS isn't enough to meet your financial goals, you can stash even more on a pre-tax basis through the City's 457 plan. Start or stop saving at any time - up to $18,000 annually if you're under 50, and up to $24,000 if you're older.

Social Security
City of Leander employees also participate in the social security system under FICA regulations.

Golf Course
We have a gorgeous golf course. Want to learn how to play? As a City employee you can play for 50% off. Check it out!
01

Are you a citizen of the United States?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a valid Texas driver's license?

• Yes
• No, however I will be able to obtain a Texas driver's license by the date required.
• No, and I am unable to obtain a Texas driver's license.

03

Do you possess a valid driver's license from ANY U.S. State, AND the ability to obtain a Texas driver's license within 90 days of hire, according to state law?

• Yes
• No

04

Have you earned a high school diploma or its equivalent (or higher level of education)?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you possess a Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) EMT certification OR National Registry EMT certification?

• Yes (Upload a copy, for those with National Registry EMT, you will be required to obtain a DSHS EMT certification as part of employment.)
• No but I am currently enrolled in an EMT course and will have my National Registry EMT certification by September 25, 2025.
• No

06

What is the highest level of education you have obtained?

• High School Diploma or its equivalent.
• Associate degree from a college.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Graduate degree from an accredited college or university.
• None of the above selection apply to me.

07

If you possess a National Registry or DSHS EMT certification, what level do you have?

• Licensed Paramedic
• Paramedic
• Advanced EMT
• EMT
• No Applicable

08

Do you possess a Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) firefighter certification?

• Yes (Upload a copy of your certification with your application.)
• No, but I am enrolled a TCFP Fire Academy and will graduate prior to September 25, 2025.
• No, I have no fire training.

09

If you possess a TCFP, what level of certification do you have?

• Master
• Advanced
• Intermediate
• Basic
• Not Applicable

10

How many years of paid full-time firefighting experience do you possess?

• 7 or more years
• 3 to 6 years
• 1 to 2 years
• Less than 12 months
• None

11

Are you a military veteran that received an Honorable Military Discharge? Applicants who received a DD-214, demonstrating at least 180 days of active military service with an honorable discharge, are eligible to receive an additional 5 points added to a passing score of 70% or higher on the written exam. To receive the additional points, applicants must bring an original DD-214 with them to the written exam.

• Yes (Upload a copy of you DD-214 with your application.)
• No

12

Are you an applicant who is a natural born or adopted child of a firefighter who died in the line of duty? If so, was the deceased firefighter parent employed by a municipality covered by Chapter 143, Texas Local Government Code?

• Yes and Yes
• Yes and No
• No

13

If you answered yes to the question above, please provide the name of the deceased firefighter parent. (if you answered no, please put N/A)
Required Question