Careers FAQs

Application Process

1. When is the next application period?

Our normal hiring process occur in the Fall and early winter time but will occasionally open hiring processes during other times of the year. The best way to keep track of our hiring opportunities is to follow us on social media and regularly check our website.

2. How long is the application process?

The timeline for process can change depending on the urgency of the need, however, our standard application timeline is:

Day 1: Job is Posted

Week 1-4: Accepting Applications

Week 5: Invitations for Testing Emailed

Week 5-6: PAT Practice Days

Week 7: PAT and Written Test

Week 8: Interview Invitations

Week 9: Interviews

Week 10: Job Offers

3. What is the Physical Activities Test?

District 7 Fire Rescue uses a Physical Activity test to measure the physical readiness of all applicants. The PAT consist of:

A weighted stair climb using a 45lb vest

A hose hoist

A ground ladder extension

A charge hose line pull

A simulated tool carry

A Keiser Sled

A dummy drag

A video with full description of the PAT can be found by clicking here.

4. What is the written portion of the test?

District 7 Fire Rescue uses the Ergometrics FireTeam exam.

Certifications

5. Do I have to be fully certified to apply?

You do not have to be fully certified to apply. However, you will have to be a Firefighter/EMT or Paramedic to be placed on a shift. We allow for applicants to apply without being fully certified because we hold our applicant list for up to 12 months and we understand that the qualifications can be met between application processes. It is the applicant's responsibility to update the District 7 Hiring Committee if a qualification has been met following an application process.

6. What if I have certifications from a different state?

If you have certifications from a state other than Texas, you will have to contact TCFP and Texas DSHS and work through the reciprocity process. If you hold IFSAC seals with your firefighter certifications and NREMT certification with your EMS certifications, it is a relatively easy process. If you do not hold these nationally accredited certifications, you may have to challenge the test in order to gain Texas certifications.

Qualifications

7. What are the qualifications to be a firefighter at District 7 Fire Rescue?

The entry level qualifications for District 7 Fire Rescue are:

The candidate must be 18 years of age by the time of the application deadline.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Texas drivers license.
Be authorized to work in the United States.
Must possess or have the ability to obtain a Texas DSHS certification of EMT or Paramedic.
Must possess or have the ability to obtain TCFP Basic Firefighter certification.* (If the candidate possesses a DSHS Paramedic certification, that candidate will be approved to apply with the intention to obtain TCFP Basic Firefighter certification within 12 calendar months)

8. Are there lateral positions available?

We do not conduct outside hirings for any position above the rank of firefighter.

9. Is there an age limit?

District 7 Fire Rescue does not currently have an age limit for applicants.

10. Is there a mile limit or restriction for how far I can live away from the department?

There is no distance limit to where candidates can live.

Pay and Benefits

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