Ignite a passion, Find your purpose
Firefighting is a career like no other. It takes extreme dedication, both physically and emotionally. By becoming a firefighter, you will gain a fulfilling, lifelong career with a close team environment and excellent benefits.
Currently, the Boise Fire Department has over 300 full time employees, 17 Fire Stations, a Hazardous Materials Team, ARFF team, Dive Team and a Technical Rescue Team. The Department serves a population of more than 300,000 residents over 130 square miles in Boise and surrounding areas.
Written Exam and Application
September 1 - October 31, 2024
During this window all applicants must:
- Create a National Testing Network (NTN) profile and take the written exam on the NTN website. This also includes completing the Personal History Statement (PHS).
- Submit application online (City of Boise website/NeoGov).
These can be completed in any order, but both must be fully completed by the deadline. Links to these items will be provided beginning September 1.
Physical Fitness Test and Oral Interviews
January 6-11, 2025
The top 100 applicants from the written exam stage, will be extended the opportunity to take the physical fitness test. The notice to schedule the fitness test will be sent the first week of December 2024. Applicants will have prescheduled physical fitness times, alphabetized by applicant last name.
The physical fitness test is pass/fail. Applicants that pass will have their oral interview the following day at the Fire Training Center. (ie, a physical fitness test is scheduled for January 8th and passed, the oral interview will be January 9th and so on).
Conditional Job Offers Extended
January 14, 2025
Conditional job offers will be extended, and once verbal acceptance is received HR will follow up with additional information regarding preemployment screening requirements, such as drug testing and a physical with a Boise Fire Department physician.
Onboarding Day
January 31, 2025
In-person onboarding will take place at the Fire Training Center and will include sizing, presentations and more.
Failure to meet any of these deadlines will disqualify any applicant from the 2024-2025 Entry-Level Firefighter Recruitment. The number of candidates hired for recruit academy varies each year depending on many factors such as retirements and city growth. The city may maintain an active waiting list from which to hold recruits for mid-cycle hiring as needed.
Connect with the Boise Fire Recruitment Team
Who We Are
We are a proud team of firefighters with diverse experiences who stands behind a common mission to serve our community. We are seeking people who are passionate to answer this call.
Our Vision
Strive to be leaders in public safety, employee wellness, professional advancements and community connection.
Our Mission
Respond to the community with pride, service and dedication.
Our Values
- Professionalism
- Respect
- Integrity
- Dedication
- Excellence
Qualifications
Entry Level Firefighter
Minimum qualifications for a firefighter position:
- At least 18 years of age
- Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- Possess a current National Registry or state-issued EMT Basic Certification by date of application, with the ability to obtain reciprocity in Idaho within 120 days of employment and maintain certification.
- Ability to meet physically demanding standards
Applicants MUST NOT:
- Have any felony convictions over the age of 18
- Have any visible tattoos above the collar of a standard short-sleeved t-shirt
Fire Culture
Firefighting is a rewarding career aimed at protecting life and property and improving the community served. Firefighters put their life and safety on the line to protect the community by facing hazardous tasks under extreme pressure. They must work cooperatively as a team and possess courage, stamina and professionalism. It is a challenging and exciting career, which offers great pay and exceptional benefits, opportunities for advancement and a family for life.
Work Schedule
After successfully completing Academy, our firefighters work 48 hour shifts on duty, followed by 96 hours off.
Women in Fire
Women bring unique abilities and critical qualifications to the fire service. Women interested in a career in fire are encouraged to apply. In the U.S., around 6,200 women currently work as full-time, career firefighters and officers. Several hundred hold the rank of lieutenant or captain, and about 150 are district chiefs, battalion chiefs, division chiefs, or assistant chiefs (Source: Women in Fire & Emergency Services).
Physical Fitness
Strength and fitness preparation is a crucial step in the successful completion of the physical demands of the Boise Fire Academy. Below are some resources for advanced physical training in targeted areas. Please understand that these resources are only a recommendation and will not guarantee employment.
Ignite Bootcamp
Ignite Bootcamp is back in June and July 2024, and applications for the adult women’s, young women’s and young men’s sessions are now open. Participants will join career firefighters at the Boise Fire Training Center, gaining real experience through hands-on learning.
Registration is open and free for teens and adults.
Send a Message to Fire
If this is an emergency, please call 911.
Thank you for contacting the Boise Fire Department. In-person services are limited. Please fill out the form below and we will provide you with the best and most timely assistance.