Firefighter Trainee

A Day in the Life of a Firefighter
We offer an excellent benefits package to include: 12 paid holidays, medical/dental/vision insurance, wellness programs, education reimbursement, employee referral program, employer home purchase assistance, deferred benefit contribution plan, 457 B, Georgia Firefighter Pension Fund, GMA Firefighter Cancer Benefit, may be eligible for Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits and U.S. Department of Veterans OJT Apprenticeship program
Visit the VA OJT Apprenticeship Benefits website to see how it works
Did you know that working for a government agency (state, local, or Federal) may qualify you for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness?
Click here to learn more about the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
Individuals hired as Firefighters must comply with a No Use of Tobacco Agreement.
Women, Minorities, and Veterans are encouraged to apply!
The City of Savannah is an Equal Opportunity Employer

****Note: PLEASE FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS AND ONLY SUBMIT THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AS A PDF FILE!! DO NOT SUBMIT ANY OTHER CERTIFICATIONS AT THIS TIME. WE ONLY NEED THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS!!****
The following documents are required: birth certificate, social security card, HS diploma/GED or HS transcripts (a college degree does not take the place of the HS diploma), driver's license, and DD214 (honorable discharge, member 4 copies for prior military service). Please make sure all documents are legible. Each document should be named as reflected below and saved and attached as a PDF file prior to submitting your application. You may download Adobe Scan from the Play Store to scan and attach documents to your applications. Do not send any documents via Google Docs. Do not submit any fire-related certifications or additional documents at this time. 
Johnson_J_Birth certificate
Johnson_J_Social_Security_Card
Johnson_J_Drivers_License
Johnson_J_HS_diploma/HS_transcripts
Johnson_J_DD214

Testing Dates:
TBD
Testing Link: 
https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/index.cfm?mode=job_details&agencyjobid=3012

When you visit the www.nationaltestingnetwork.com website:
Complete the NTN registration process and schedule your test.Review all information related to the City of Savannah Firefighter Trainee, including minimum requirements, salary, and benefits.

Review detailed information about the testing process.
Review the Frequently Asked Questions and take an online practice test (if desired).

Upon completion of your scheduled exam, scores are automatically forwarded to the City of Savannah HR Department. Candidates who attain a passing score on the entry-level exam will be placed on the City of Savannah's eligibility list.  The City of Savannah HR Department will contact candidates on the list and will invite them to participate in further stages of the selection process.
National Testing Network is a service provided to conduct entry-level testing in a standardized, professional environment. The National Testing Network does not replace the City of Savannah’s responsibility and decision-making in the testing process.  All candidate results are provided to the City of Savannah HR Department, where the final decisions are made.

Veterans Preference Points
Military veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 showing an honorable discharge (Member 4 or Service 2 copy) at the time of application. You must successfully pass the exam to be awarded five (5) or ten (10) additional points to your passing score.
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
Candidates who successfully pass the National Testing Network Firefighter Test will be invited to attend the CPAT practice sessions. The CPAT practice sessions will be held at the National Guard Armory located at 1248 Eisenhower Dr.  
The CPAT practice will begin on Friday, July 11, 2025, through Saturday, August 30, 2025. CPAT practice on Friday evenings will be held from 5 pm to 8 pm, and Saturday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm.
The CPAT consists of eight separate events that must be completed within a specific time. Candidates must progress along a predetermined path from event to event in a continuous manner and complete the entire skills test in 10 minutes, 20 seconds or less. In addition to the CPAT, applicants must also complete the 100 Foot Ladder Climb and Confined Space Crawl. Click here to view the CPAT video. Click on the link IAFF CPAT or IAFF CPAT 2.
For questions about the CPAT, contact the SFD Recruiting Unit at 912-650-7800 ext 7834 or savannahfireinfo@savannahga.gov
Savannah Fire will accept a valid CPAT from a facility supported by the National Testing Network that is valid within a year of application submission. If you do not possess a CPAT card from the National Testing Network, you must take the CPAT for the Savannah Fire Department. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Interview Candidates who successfully pass the CPAT will be invited for an interview. Candidates who successfully pass the interview will move forward to the next phase.
Personal History Background Investigation 
 The background packet will be emailed to candidates at the email address on the employment application. Please make sure you provide a valid email address.
Applicants selected for further screening are required to complete a personal background history packet detailing, but not limited to, general personal information, education and training, military service, employment, experience and volunteer history, motor vehicle record, drug use, alcohol use, legal issues, references, and financial information. Any omissions or falsification of information may be grounds for disqualification. The background packet will be emailed to candidates selected to move forward. Once the background packet and supporting documentation are returned, a background investigator will be assigned to review and follow up on the information provided.
The background investigator will check all references and conduct the employment verification for all applicants.
Applicants must complete and return the background packet within 30 days of notification  
Applicants are required to be fingerprinted through the Georgia Applicant Processing System (GAPS)
Applicants must provide the Savannah Fire Department with a 7-year driver's history from any state where they have held a driver's license during the past 7 years.

Background packets must be returned by the deadline to SFDFirefighterTraineeBackground@savannahga.gov
MVR and Background Standards for Uniformed Firefighting Applicants
Applicants must meet all MVR and background standards for uniformed firefighters.
Motor vehicle reports will be obtained on applicants for uniformed firefighting positions. Uniformed firefighting applicants must not have had:
DUI/DWI charge with the disposition of Nolo Contendre, conviction, or plea within the past five (5) years; and no two in the past seven (7) years
Suspensions in the past three (3) years (except for one Insurance Cancellation) and no two or more suspensions in the past seven (7) years.
Three or more moving violations in the past two (2) years and no six (6) or more in the past seven (7) years
Vehicular Homicide or Hit and Run charge/arrests
Fleeing or Attempting to Elude the Police charge/arrests

Uniformed Firefighting applicants must undergo an extensive background investigation, which is conducted by the Savannah Fire Department. All applicants are fingerprinted, and military records (if applicable) are checked. In accordance with the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council, applicants for uniformed firefighting positions must have none of the following on their criminal history report:
Pending Criminal Cases
Convictions, Nolo Contendre, or pleas involving Sexual Offenses, Domestic
Violence Act or Impersonating a Police Officer, Perjury or False Statements, Felony convictions, and Nolo Contendre or pleas involving felony arrests
Serious Misdemeanor Convictions, Nolo Contendre, or pleas

HR/SFD Deliberative Review Pass/Fail
The results of the background investigation and suitability assessment, along with information contained in the applicant's file related to qualifications and suitability, will be reviewed by the City of Savannah's Office of Human Resources and the Savannah Fire Department. An applicant must meet the minimum standards related to qualification and suitability to the satisfaction of the Office of Human Resources and Savannah Fire Department representatives to be approved for hire. Applicants who are not considered during the Deliberative Review will be removed from further processing and prohibited from reapplying to the Savannah Fire Department for one (1) year from the date of notification.
Eligible List
 Candidates who successfully pass the background and deliberative review will be placed on an Eligible List, which will remain active for one year from the date established.
Conditional Offer, Pre-Employment Medical Examination, Drug Screen & Fitness Exam. Selected candidates will receive a conditional offer of employment from the City of Savannah Office of Human Resources.
NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT QUIT YOUR JOB OR SUBMIT A RESIGNATION LETTER UNTIL YOU HAVE RECEIVED A FINAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT.
Selected candidates will be scheduled for pre-employment screenings and Candler Day, which will include the following: Fasting Lab Work, Chest X-ray, and Biometric screening at Candler Wellness Center. A representative from St. Joseph's/Candler will contact you to schedule these events. Candidates will also be fitted for uniforms and turnout gear on this date.
Final Offer of Employment
Upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings, medical screen, drug screen, and fitness tests, successful candidates will receive a final offer of employment from the Human Resources Department to include a Recruit Reimbursement Contract. You will be sent a link via email from the Human Resources Technician to complete the onboarding process and final paperwork. Please check your e-mail inbox and/or spam folder regularly.
Additional Information
Knowledge of the principles, practices, and equipment used in the suppression of fires and the delivery of emergency medical services.
Knowledge of department rules, regulations, and operational procedures.
Knowledge of local geography, including the location of water mains and hydrants.
Skill in the operation of fire apparatus 
Skilled in reading and interpreting maps.
Skill in oral and written communication.