Salt Lake City Fire was the first department in the State of Utah, and the first to achieve an ISO 1 rating
Salt Lake City Fire offers multiple career paths, including Paramedic, Heavy Rescue, Aviation firefighting, and HazMat
We offer competitive pay, and great benefits including a pension program, paid holidays, and excellent insurance
FIREFIGHTER I (ENTRY-LEVEL FIREFIGHTER)
We administer an entry-level testing process every six (6) months to establish a list of qualified candidates for our bi-annual recruit schools.
The process begins with a completed job application, the National Testing Network (NTN) written exam, AND online pre-recorded video interview. Top-scoring candidates will be invited to an oral board assessment. The written exam (20%), online pre-recorded video interview (30%), and oral board assessment (50%) scores are weighed and combined to create a ranked hiring list. Ranked candidates will be invited to the Task Performance Assessment for Candidates (TPAC), our pass/fail physical agility exam. Candidates may submit a current Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT) certification in place of performing the TPAC. After passing the TPAC/CPAT and background investigation, candidates will be invited to a final interview with Salt Lake City’s Fire Chief.
Individuals who are offered employment will be required to successfully complete our 15-week recruit school. Pay & benefits for the employee starts on day 1 of recruit school. The composition of the class will depend upon the needs of the department.
If you have a concern with the written exam, online video recorded interview, oral board assessment, or TPAC, you may contact the SLCFD HR Consultant at (801) 799‐4109.
Click here to view the Salt Lake City Fire Department payscale
February 1, 2025 – August 31, 2025: Application period for Recruit School #57 (February 2026)
September 2025
October – December 2025
December 2025
December 2025 & January 2026
February 2026
Hiring Preparation
WRITTEN EXAM
We administer the National Testing Network-Ergometrics (test-provider) FireTEAM written exam. There is no study guide for the FireTEAM test, however there are two sets of practice tests (basic & extended) available for purchase on www.fireteamtest.com.
For remote testing, click here. For a free downloadable resume template, click here.
Reasonable accommodations are available for disabilities or financial hardship. Contact the recruitment coordinator for more information.
For free computer access, please locate your nearest county library here.
ONLINE PRE-RECORDED INTERVIEW
We administer the National Testing Network-Ergometrics (test-provider) online pre-recorded video interview. At their convenience, candidates will log in to their NTN account where they will respond to pre-selected interview questions. Candidate responses are video recorded and saved on NTN’s testing platform. SLCFD reviewers will watch and evaluate the candidate’s interview.
Dimensional areas covered by the online pre-recorded video interview:
ORAL BOARD ASSESSMENT
The oral board assessment will consist of structured interview questions. Download the SLC Fire Practice Oral Board Sample Interview Questions, Tips, & Behavioral Interview Overview here to gain a better understanding of the types of questions asked during the assessment and our recommended tips for success.
Task Performance Assessment for Candidates (TPAC)
The TPAC consists of seven (7) separate events, including: a stair climb, hose carry up three flights of stairs, ladder raise and extension, firefighter crawl, rescue dummy drag, ceiling breach and pull, and tire drag (hose drag simulation). This is a pass/fail physical agility test based on a validated maximum total time of 10 minutes.
A valid CPAT (Candidate Physical Agility Test) certificate will be accepted in place of performing the TPAC.
Click here to view a video walkthrough of the TPAC
Click here for full details and instructions of the TPAC
Click here to view an exercise program to prepare for the TPAC
ABOUT US
SLC Fire has 400 members serving 250,00 residents, with a business and tourism population that nearly doubles this number, within the city’s 110 square miles.
In order to be considered for employment, a candidate must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Q: Do you need previous firefighting, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or Paramedic certification to be considered for employment? A: We do not require previous firefighting, EMT, or Paramedic certification prior to entry-level employment. Preference points may be awarded each hiring process (see Preference Points below). Additionally, our department will cover the cost of basic EMT certification for Entry-Level Firefighters who do not possess a certificate at the time of hire.
Q: Does SLC Fire require a college degree to become a firefighter? A: No, however a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent is required by the date of the written exam.
Q: Are there age, height, and weight requirements to be an SLC firefighter? A: Interested candidates must be 18 years old by the date of the written exam. There are no height or weight requirements.
Q: Does SLC Fire allow tattoos? A: Yes. Members may have visible tattoos or body art with the following conditions:
Click on each link below for additional insight regarding:
BENEFITS
A CAREER THAT GIVES BACK
Before we are firefighters we are people. One of the greatest draws to this profession is the ability to connect on a human level, and make a meaningful difference in potentially the worst moment of a person’ s life. When 911 is activated, it is normally due to circumstances that are beyond the normal scope of control. It is profoundly rewarding to have the opportunity to positively impact a frightening situation and help return a chaotic event to some level of normalcy.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
In addition to emergency response, we believe in strengthening the fabric of our community through providing fire safety education and demonstrations, participating in local events, creating platforms to interact with and develop the youth in our neighborhoods, and fostering relationships with key community advocates.
WORK-LIFE BALANCE
We believe that quality time spent off-duty is essential to the happiness and wellbeing of our employees. That’s why our full‐time firefighters are scheduled to work one 48-hour consecutive shift and then are scheduled off for 96 hours. We believe adequate time off encourages our firefighters to relax and recharge so they are ready to serve the residents of Salt Lake City upon their return.
PEER SUPPORT
Given the nature of this career, our firefighters are often exposed to traumatic experiences which can have a detrimental impact on their mental health. We have made it a priority to take care of our own, so we offer internal health and wellness programs addressing physical, emotional, and mental relief. The department also has a chaplain who serves to provide the spiritual needs of all department members, regardless of religious affiliation or background.
Primary contact for questions related to general recruitment, the SLC Fire interest list, and test-preparation events:
Fire Community Relations Division |P: 801-799-4688 E: firecommunityrelations@slc.gov
Primary contact for questions related to the testing process and employment:
Austin Clark | SLC Fire Recruitment & Outreach Coordinator | P: 801-231-0160 | E: Austin.Clark@slc.gov
Jennifer Sykes | SLC Corporation HR Business Partner | P: 801-799-4109 | E: Jennifer.Sykes@slc.gov
Candace Roberts | SLC Corporation Senior HR Recruiter | P: 801-535-6623 | E: Candace.Roberts@slc.gov
DISCLAIMER: The preceding information is intended to be a guide for prospective firefighter candidates. The testing procedures and hiring requirements are subject to change at any time without prior notice. (Last update: May 1, 2023)
475 S 300 E
Salt Lake City UT, 84111
801.799.3473
