Firefighter

City of Waxahachie; Waxahachie (TX); On-site; USD 84,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Waxahachie is expanding its Fire Department and has announced firefighter vacancies with a January 2027 start date. The process includes a civil service written exam and a physical ability test (PAT) with application documents due by Oct 28, 2026.

Applicants must meet certification requirements, provide documents, and pass multiple steps from written exams to background checks. Cadet through senior firefighter levels are listed with corresponding salary bands.

Qualifications

• Be at least 18 years old and below 36 at the time of the test date.
• Have a high school diploma or GED (or college transcripts/diploma).
• Provide valid Texas driver’s license and vehicle insurance.
• Texas Commission on Fire Protection certification is required (Paramedic only if applicable).
• Pass written Civil Service exam, PAT, background checks, and medical exams.

Responsibilities

• Respond to fire alarms, accident scenes and other emergencies.
• Protect life and property; perform station and ground maintenance.
• Attend testing steps and participate in the recruitment process.
• Submit required documents and certifications as instructed.

Skills

Physical fitness

Driver's license

Documentation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

College transcripts / diploma

Tools

EMS certification knowledge

Job description

The City of Waxahachie recently approved 4-person minimum staffing, creating 15 current firefighter vacancies. Join the Waxahachie Fire Department and be part of this exciting expansion, with an anticipated start date of January 2027.

NOTICE OF FIRE CIVIL SERVICE TESTING

Application Period: Thursday October 8, 2026 - Wednesday October 28, 2026

Civil Service Written Exam: Friday November 13, 2026 (Exam start time 6 PM)

Physical Ability Test (PAT): Saturday November 14, 2026

Location: TBD

Practice Physical Ability Test (PAT): Saturday, October 31, 2026

Firefighter (Non-exempt)

• Cadet: Hourly $37.327630 | Annual $77,641.47
• Entry: Hourly $28.981079 | Annual $84,392.91
• 1 Year: Hourly $30.140322 | Annual $87,768.62
• 2 Year: Hourly $31.345934 | Annual $91,279.36
• 3 Year: Hourly $32.599771 | Annual $94,930.54
• 4 Year: Hourly $33.903761 | Annual $98,727.76
• 5 Year: Hourly $35.259911 | Annual $102,676.86

FIRE APPLICANTS

Please take time to carefully read all documents and follow the instructions listed as they will answer most of the questions you might have, specifically the eligibility requirements as listed below.

• Basic Firefighter and Paramedic
• Paramedic Only
• Basic Firefighter and EMT

ENTRANCE EXAM APPLICATION MUST BE COMPLETED WITH ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ATTACHED BY OCTOBER 28, 2026 AT 5 PM. NO DOCUMENTS OR APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER 5PM.

Documents should be attached and uploaded to the application prior to submission.

The firefighter is a responsible, non-supervisory position. Duties include but are not limited to: responding to fire alarms, accident scenes, and other emergency calls to protect life and property; participating in station and ground maintenance.

CIVIL SERVICE TESTING (Written Exam)

Friday November 13, 2026, at 6 PM

LOCATION: TBD

(Doors close/test begins promptly at 6 PM)

PHYSICAL ABILITY TESTING: On Saturday November 14, 2026, the top 48 candidates will take the Physical Ability Test (PAT). The top 48 candidates will receive their scheduled PAT testing time by 10 PM on November 13, 2026. The description and a video of the PAT can be found on the Waxahachie Fire Rescue website under the Recruitment tab.

Applicant Responsibilities

Attach copies of the following documents and ONLY the following documents to your application. If you do not attach the required documents by 5:00 PM on October 28, 2026, your application will not be given further consideration.

• Proof of valid Driver's license (required)
• Education documents (required)
  • High School Diploma or GED certificate OR
  • College transcripts / diploma (if applicable)
• Texas Commission on Fire Protection Certification (required) - Paramedic only applicants should attach their paramedic certification both here and under the medical certification section.
• Valid medical certification (required)
  • Texas Department of State Health Services or the National Registry EMT Certification OR
  • Texas Department of State Health Services or the National Registry Paramedic Certification
• DD214 for Military Discharge (if applicable)

Failure to submit all required documentation and certifications with the application may result in disqualification from the testing process.

Applicants who pass the written exam and physical ability test will be required to submit the following documents with the Personal History Statement at a later date. Please do not submit these documents with your application. Applicants are advised to have copies of the following documents readily available:

• Social Security Card
• Current motor vehicle insurance

Hiring preference shall be given in the following order

• Basic Firefighter and Paramedic Certification
• Paramedic Only Certification
• Basic Firefighter and EMT Certification

Above listed certification must be issued by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and Texas Department of State Health Services or National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

CITY OF WAXAHACHIE FIRE DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION

Applicants must

• Provide documentation of Basic Firefighter certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection as well as EMTorParamedic certification from the Texas Department of State Health Services and/or the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. ***Alternatively, Paramedic only certification from the Texas Department of State Health Services and/or the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians may be provided. Successful candidates who are certified only as a Paramedic and who are not certified as a Basic Firefighter shall be classified as a Cadet. Cadets shall be sent to the Fire Academy at the expense of the City of Waxahachie and shall receive a salary of $77,641.47. After successful completion of the Academy and certification as a Basic Firefighter from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, such employees shall be classified as an Entry Level Firefighter and shall receive a salary of $84,392.91.
• Be between 18 years of age and have not reached their 36th birthday by the test date. Candidates must not have reached their 36th birthday by time of appointment.
• Have a high school diploma or a GED or college transcripts/diploma.
• Have a valid Texas driver's license (with an acceptable driving record) and valid motor vehicle insurance
• Provide a copy of DD214 showing type of discharge, if applicable.
• Successfully complete the written Civil Service Examination, Physical Ability Test, Step I Personality Assessment, a thorough background investigation, Interview Board, drug screening, vision test (corrected to 20/20), and medical examination.

Supplemental Information

Step 1 Application Process

Before filling out the application, completely review the Requirements and Disqualification Factors to be sure you meet these specifications. Be sure your application packet is complete BEFORE you submit it.

Step 2 Study Guide

Study guides will be emailed out once application and all required documents have been received.

Step 3 Written Examination

This occurs on the date specified in the notice. Your score on the written examination will determine your rank on our Eligibility List (preference will be given to those holding a paramedic certification at the time of the exam). Your rank will remain the same throughout the application process. The Eligibility List is active for six months (unless exhausted sooner).

Step 4 Physical Ability Test (PAT)

Those who pass the written exam will proceed to the physical ability test (the number of candidates who will advance will be announced at the written exam). This test is Pass/Fail and will be explained fully at the time it is administered. The description and a video of the PAT can be found on the Waxahachie Fire Department website under the Recruitment tab.

Step 5 Additional Testing and Background

The top applicants who successfully complete the PAT will be required to complete the Step I Survey. Additionally, a comprehensive background check will be performed on these candidates (the length of time varies). Those candidates who pass the background will sit before the department Interview Board. The successful applicant will be given a conditional offer of employment which is dependent upon whether or not the department has an open position as well as the results of a physical exam and drug screen.

Steps 4 and 5 are repeated whenever positions need to be filled. For example, if a position remains open after the first 10 applicants have gone through the steps, the next applicants on the list will be processed as described above; and so on until openings are filled or until the Eligibility List expires or is exhausted. The eligibility list will be valid for six months from the test date, unless exhausted earlier.

Tie Breaking Procedure

In the event that two or more applicants make identical total final grades as computed under these Rules, then the order of their rank on the Eligibility List shall be determined by giving priority to the person who has:

• The highest level of EMS Certification or Police Certification
• The lowest time recorded on the physical ability course
• The highest education degree obtained

Note: Should there still be a tie score, rank on the Eligibility List shall be determined by drawing lots for the places on the list.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND DISQUALIFICATION FACTORS

In close proximity to major cities (35 minutes from Dallas on I-35 and 45 minutes from Fort Worth on U.S. 287), Waxahachie successfully blends a small-town atmosphere with state of the art technology. Its rich heritage is reflected throughout the city, attracting hundreds of tourists each year. This community of more than 50,000 has a city‑manager form of government. Waxahachie's Fire Department is a career department protecting a very diversified economy.

The following Application Requirements and Disqualification Factors are based on State Certification Requirements, City of Waxahachie Civil Service Rules and Regulations, City of Waxahachie Personnel Rules, and Fire Department Policy. These guidelines are used through the entire personnel process, and if determined that an applicant does not qualify, the applicant will be removed from the process. Applicants applying for any position with the Fire Department must meet the following:

REQUIREMENTS FOR APPOINTMENT

Processing requirements

• Be physically, mentally, and morally fit for the performance of the duties for the position they are seeking
• Pass the written Civil Service Examination given by the City of Waxahachie
• Based on the applicant's position on the Eligibility List created by the Civil Service exam, the applicant must also:
• Sign a Claim's Release for participation in the Waxahachie Fire Department physical ability test which will be provided to the applicant on the day of the PAT
• Pass the Waxahachie Fire Department physical ability test and complete each event within the scheduled time limits
• Pass the Step I Survey
• Complete a Personal History Application Packet
• Pass a thorough background investigation
• Pass the department Interview Board

Requirements following condition offer

Pass a thorough medical examination and be certified as acceptable by the Medical Doctor retained by the City of Waxahachie who will administer such test and examinations as are deemed necessary and proper to determine whether such applicant is physically capable of performing the essential job functions of the position for which application is made. The examination shall include, but not be limited to the following requirements:

• Medical History may be required to provide, at the physician's request, a full and accurate medical history
• Vision correctable to visual acuity of 20/20 binocular vision in each eye
• Color Blindness shall result in rejection
• Hearing shall be able to hear sounds at 40 decibels from 500-4,000 hertz.
• Controlled Substance Screening are required and employment will be denied if test results are positive

Note: These physical requirements are not exclusive and other existing physical conditions that would prevent the applicant from performing the essential job functions of the position for which an applicant is being considered may be grounds for rejection.

DISQUALIFICATION FACTORS

Required Documentation

The applicant will be disqualified if the applicant:

• Fails to accurately complete and timely file Entrance Exam Application in the manner and form prescribed in the notice of examination:
• Fails to report for the entrance examination, PAT, Step 1, Interview Board and/or physical;
• Fails to complete and file Personal History Application Packet or any other documentation required of an applicant for employment with the City of Waxahachie at the designated places and at the prescribed times;
• Has made any false statement, failed to provide complete information, or practiced any deception or fraud during any part of the application, examination or appointment.

Criminal Activity

• Any felony; any crime or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;
• Any offense that would be classified under Texas State Law as a Class A or Class B misdemeanor;
• Numerous Class C offenses as defined under the Texas State Penal code.

Note: Driving offenses will be evaluated in accordance with City policy.

Driving Record

• Does not possess a valid Texas operator's license at the time of appointment;
• Has currently suspended license or has been suspended during the last 12 months, or 2 or more suspensions in the last 5 years;
• Has exceeded the maximum allowable points for driving violations;
• Has a driver's license that has been petitioned for habitual violator during the last five years;
• Has been convicted of or admits guilt of DWLS, FSRA, or FLID;
• Has been convicted by any state or by the Federal government of driving while intoxicated during the last four years;
• Has outstanding traffic warrants or pending citations or charges of any type. The applicant must dispose of these before continuing in the process.

Drugs

• Has used marijuana after making current application with the department;
• Has ever sold any illegal drug for any type of compensation or has unlawfully delivered an illegal drug to another;
• Has ever assisted in or has been in control of the manufacture of any illegal drug;
• Is addicted to any drugs or uses alcohol excessively.

Employment

• Has been dismissed from a public service position for inefficiency or misconduct;
• Has resigned from a public service position while under an internal investigation for inefficiency or misconduct;
• Has resigned while under investigation, resigned on request of his employer, or has been dismissed from any job for any act of moral turpitude, (moral turpitude is considered to be any act which would offend or alarm the general public);
• Has been dismissed from two or more jobs in the past twelve months for unsatisfactory performance;
• Has unstable employment evidenced by frequent changing of jobs for no apparent reason excluding seasonal, student, part‑time, or contract work.

Military

If the applicant has served in any branch of the United States military, the applicant must have received an honorable discharge. Applicants now in an active reserve unit who have no discharge will furnish a statement of their status from their commanding officer. Applicants with military service must attach their DD214 to receive the five extra points on their passing written exam score.

Parental Responsibilities

The applicant will be disqualified if he is presently delinquent or admits to being delinquent numerous times in child support payments, or the applicant has abandoned his/her children.

Reputation

The applicant will be disqualified if the applicant does not have a good reputation as evidenced by opinions stated by character references, known associates, co-workers, employers, or friends.

Sexual Conduct

The applicant will be disqualified if the applicant admits to or has been convicted of a sexual offense or conduct which would alarm the general public.

Applicants may review the entire Firefighter job description, here.