The Amarillo Fire Department is looking for dedicated individuals ready to protect lives and property through teamwork, service, and integrity.
Make a Difference. Build a Career. Protect Amarillo
During open recruitment dates, apply through careers@amarillo.gov.
Recruitment Overview
Requirements & Compensation
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Age: Must be at least 18 years old and no older than 36 at the date of hire
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Background: Must have no felony convictions
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Starting Salary: Approximately $62,319 annually
Application & Eligibility
Create an account in the Careers Portal and fill out the application fields. Review eligibility requirements before applying. The application will ask for:
- Personal information
- Education and work history
- References
Written Examination and Aerial Climb
Qualified applicants will be invited to take a written exam.
- Dates are announced in late spring on the city’s social media channels.
- Exam is typically offered each summer.
- No official study guide is provided, but candidates may purchase the Civil Service Study Guide to prepare.
- Veterans who served honorably may receive 5 bonus points with a valid DD-214 submitted by the deadline.
- Aerial Ladder Climb – candidates must complete this task on the same day as the written exam, but must first pass the exam.
Physical Assessments
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) – a nationally recognized fitness assessment designed to measure readiness for firefighting duties. The process includes:
- Orientation: introduction to CPAT tasks and equipment
- Practice: timed runs of the full CPAT course
- Test Day: full test after watching an instructional video — held at AFD’s training center or specific venue.
Further Screening Steps
After successfully clearing the written exam, aerial climb and physical assessment, candidates may proceed through the following processes:
- Oral In-Person Interview(s)
- Background Investigation (including criminal history)
- Medical Examination
Those who successfully complete all stages will be placed on the eligibility list and invited to join the AFD Fire Academy, which typically begins each January.
AFD hiring follows the Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 143 — a civil service system that ensures fair, merit-based selection.
Stay Informed
City of Amarillo and Amarillo Fire Department social media channels.