Firefighter Cadet

City of Corpus Christi, TX; Corpus Christi (TX); On-site; USD 46,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Corpus Christi is hiring a Firefighter Cadet. Applicants must meet minimum education and background standards, pass a written exam, and complete CPAT with scheduled practice sessions.

Upon acceptance, cadets will enter the academy to obtain Basic Structural Firefighter Certification and Paramedic certification within defined timelines. Salary starts during the academy at $4,160.00–$4,338.00 monthly, rising to $5,136.00 monthly after graduation.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• United States citizen required.
• Minimum age 18 and clean background.
• Must obtain and maintain firefighter paramedic certification as required.

Responsibilities

• Apply to become Firefighter Cadet.
• Prepare for and take CPAT; attend orientation and practice sessions.
• Complete written exam on schedule and receive invitation by email.
• Attend academy and complete Basic Structural Firefighter Certification and Paramedic certification within the required timeline.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

United States Citizen

Job description

Posted 2 days ago | Apply before January 8, 2027

US:TX:Corpus Christi | Fire Uniformed Services | Full Time

Description

We welcome and appreciate your interest in employment with the City of Corpus Christi Fire Department. We are an equal opportunity employer; no information obtained during the recruitment/selection process is intended for any discriminatory purposes.

The City of Corpus Christi is currently accepting applications for Firefighter Cadet.

Corpus Christi Firefighters are entrusted with the responsibility of keeping our city safe. A history of ethical and moral behavior is of the utmost importance. Your background will be looked at very closely. Candidates who have a history of unethical or immoral behavior will not be hired. Your background evaluation must not demonstrate a history of unethical or immoral behavior. Your work, military (if applicable), school, financial and driving history must demonstrate and reflect favorably on your character. The highest standard of honesty and integrity must be reflected throughout the hiring process.

Corpus Christi Firefighters must respect the rights of all people and have appreciation for the diversity that characterizes the Corpus Christi Fire Department.

Salary: $4,160.00 - $4,338.00 Monthly while in the academy, $5,136.00 Monthly after graduation from the academy

Written exam date: January 26, 2027, at 9:00AM

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to take the written examination. You will receive your letter of invitation sometime before the actual test date by email.

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT):

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Tentative Dates: April 12-14, 2027

All candidates who pass the written exam with a 70% or better will be invited and required to attend (2) Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) orientation sessions and (2) CPAT practice sessions during which they will become familiar with the CPAT apparatus. During the sessions, CCFD firefighters will be available to advise candidates on conditioning regimens and techniques to help them prepare for the CPAT. For more information on the physical ability test please visit the CCFD website at Fire Careers and Training | City of Corpus Christi .

Within 30 days prior to the actual Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) test dates, candidates will be invited to perform 2 timed practice runs, using actual CPAT apparatus and completing the entire course.

Applicants who pass a scheduled timed practice run will be allowed to count the practice run as their official Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT).

Within two weeks of the written examination, you will receive an email with your scheduled practice dates and time.

CPAT WAIVERS

CCFD strongly encourages all candidates to take advantage of the practice run program available to them; however, candidates may sign a waiver stating that they knowingly waive their opportunity to participate in the mandatory preparation sessions and will take the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) on the scheduled dates.

CCFD will accept verifiable Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) completion certificates (or letters) from fully licensed Candidate Physical Ability Test(CPAT) jurisdictions for tests completed on or after October 13, 2026. CPAT certificates or pass letters must include the candidate's name, the date of the test and a statement that the candidate passed the test. Certificates for tests taken prior to October 13, 2026, and certificates issued by a limited licenses jurisdiction will not be accepted.

Successful candidates will complete the Fire Academy and obtain Basic Structural Firefighter Certification from the Texas Commission of Fire Protection and Paramedic certification from the Texas Department of State Health Services. Successful candidates who have Basic Structural Firefighter and Paramedic Certification from the Texas Department of State Health Services may be fast tracked but must still attend an academy specifically designed for candidates who are already certified. All candidates must successfully complete the CCFD physical fitness program.

REQUIREMENTS: THE FOLLOWING ARE THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR TESTING ELIGIBILITY.

• Applicants for Firefighter Cadet shall be at least 18 years of age.
• Applicants for Firefighter Cadet must not have reached their 36 th birthday prior to being certified as eligible for a beginning position in the Fire Department.
• All applicants shall have a High School Diploma or a GED.
• All applicants shall be a United States Citizen.
• All applicants must have a current driver’s license at the time of application and the time of hire.
• All applicants must be able to obtain a Class B exempt driver’s license for the purpose of operating emergency vehicles.
• Upon hiring, an applicant must reside in a location as to be able to reach City Hall within 60 minutes by travel.
• All applicants shall meet the City requirements regarding traffic violations or traffic collisions.
• All applicants must score a minimum of 70% or higher on the written examination.
• All applicants must score a minimum of 70% or higher on the Oral Interview Board.
• Applicants must not have been convicted of an offense above a class B misdemeanor. Has never been on court ordered community supervision or probation for any criminal offense above a class B misdemeanor, or a class B misdemeanor within the last 5 years of the court order.
• Must not have ever been convicted of any family violence offense; must not have ever been convicted of a felony offense.
• Applicant is medically, physically, and psychologically fit to perform the essential duties of a Firefighter.
• Applicant must not have been discharged from any military service under less than honorable conditions.
• Applicants must demonstrate maturity, dependability, integrity, good work ethic, and loyalty to their past and present employers.
• Applicants must successfully complete entry requirements, including a written examination, a physical fitness examination, a panel interview, a background check, a medical/psychological examination, possible polygraph, and drug testing.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (After Becoming a CCFD Firefighter)

• Firefighters are required to maintain Paramedic Certification as a condition of employment.
• All candidates for employment in the Fire Department must obtain paramedic certification as issued by the Texas Department of Health within twenty - eight (28) months from the date of employment.
• A Firefighter who voluntarily resigns from the Fire Department for any reason other than exercising an option in lieu of imminent termination within the period beginning with their date of hire through two (2) years after their probationary period ends may be required to reimburse the City for monies expended for training and certification up to an approximate maximum of $8,500.

On the date of the exam, applicants who have served in the armed services of the United States and have been Honorably Discharged may submit a DD-214 Member 4 Copy demonstrating at least 180 days of Active-Duty Status. No other discharge status will be accepted. If applicable, you may receive an extra 5 points to the passing written score. "Veterans preference" shall not be allowed to obtain a passing grade on the written examination.

Any position that lists a minimum qualification for education level and/or license/certification will require the applicant to provide proof of documentation if selected for hire into the position with the City of Corpus Christi.

In the event of an emergency, employees are required to work to provide for the safety and well-being of the general public, including the delivery and restoration of vital services.

Eligibility list will be effective for 365 days from the date of the written examination.