Fire Fighter Recruit

City of Yuma, AZ; Yuma (AZ); On-site; USD 51,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Yuma, AZ invites applications for a Fire Fighter Recruit with the Yuma Fire Department. Recruits learn skills at the Fire Academy under supervision to prepare for Firefighter I/II and EMT certifications.

Applicants go through a multi‑stage process (pre-physical, written, CPAT, interviews, medical exam) with a February 2026 hire date. Pay starts at $50,992 annually for a 40‑hour week, rising after academy completion depending on schedule.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 18 by September 6, 2025.
• Arizona driver’s license required.
• Fire Academy training prep will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Attend Fire Academy classroom sessions and complete required exams.
• Participate in physical conditioning and maintain fitness levels.
• Follow instructions and adhere to academy rules.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Reading materials

Instruction following

Teamwork

Physical fitness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Summary

IMPORTANT: This recruitment is open until September 6, 2026 or until 600 applications are received, whichever comes first. The posting will automatically close once the quantity is reached, even if the closing date is still pending .

Are you looking to join a team that values Professionalism, Accountability, Integrity, and Responsiveness? Do you want to be a part of a strong team dedicated to serving our community, building relationships, and creating opportunities? Then this might be the opportunity for you!

We are looking for someone to join Team Yuma as a Fire Fighter Recruit, working with the Yuma Fire Department. The ideal candidate will be team-oriented, adaptable, and dependable.

HIRING PROCESS

The steps below must be completed prior to hire. Tentative dates and details are included at the bottom of this posting.

• Pre-Physical Testing
• Written Exam
• Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Practice Sessions
• CPAT Testing
• Panel Interviews
• Chief’s Interview
• Medical Examination
• Fire Academy

PAY INFORMATION

Pay is as advertised for a 40-hour week / 2080 hours per year = $24.5154 hourly / $50,992 annually until graduation of the fire academy. Upon successful completion of the 22-week fire academy and promotion to a Fire Fighter/ EMT, pay will depend on the work schedule as follows:

• 40-hour week / 2080 hours annually = $28.1550 hourly / $58,562 annually
• 56-hour week / 2912 hours annually = $20.1106 hourly / $58,562 annually

JOB INFORMATION

Under close supervision, attends Yuma Fire Department Fire Academy to learn skills and proficiency levels according to the departmental guidelines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Attends classroom training sessions and takes notes required to complete Fire Academy.
• Completes written, oral and skills proficiency examinations for a wide variety of required Fire Fighter skills and knowledge, and maintains required levels of proficiency.
• Participates in physical conditioning training and testing, and maintains required levels of physical fitness.
• Adheres to Fire Academy rules and regulations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

High School Diploma or GED equivalent; AND must be at least 18 years of age by September 6, 2025. Must meet Fire Department standards for medical examinations and physical ability.

Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures.
• Safe work practices, occupational hazards and safety precautions.

Skill in:

• Maintaining academic and professional standards in accordance with Department policies.
• Following verbal and written instruction.
• Reading and understanding training materials and completing written, physical, and skills testing.
• Learning and applying training materials and training instructions.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

A valid Arizona State Driver’s License is required.

Upon graduation from the Yuma Fire Department Academy all candidates will be required to possess a Fire Fighter I and II, Arizona Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic, and Hazmat First Responder Operations certification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a classroom environment, and in the field for training exercises; requires strenuous physical efforts, and Cadets are expected to successfully meet physical and academic demands related to the academy environment.

Pre-Physical:

30-minute assessment on one of the following Sundays: September 20, 27, or October 4, 2026 – Yuma Civic Center, 1400 West Desert Hills Drive, Yuma AZ 85365.

Written Exam:

Week of October 12, 2026 – Yuma Civic Center, 1440 West Desert Hills Drive, Yuma AZ 85365

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Orientation Sessions:

8 orientation sessions to help you prepare for the CPAT exam; held every Saturday from October 17, 2026 through November 28, 2026. Detailed information will be sent to qualified applicants.

CPAT Testing :

Week of December 7, 2026 – City of Yuma, Public Safety Training Facility, 3575 S. Ave 4E (Gary Maas), Yuma AZ 85365.

Panel Interviews:

Week of December 14, 2026

Chief’s Interview:

Week of January 5, 2027

Medical Examination:

Required prior to hire; dates to be determined.

Hire Date:

February 2026

Fire Academy:

A 22-week paramilitary training program. It is the fire service equivalent of a police academy and training is designed to prepare for obtaining Firefighter I and II and Emergency Medical Technician certifications.

CPAT LINKS:

• CPAT Orientation Guide (Download PDF reader)
• Candidate Preparation Guide (Download PDF reader)
• Candidate Instruction Video

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Arizona Administrative Code