The Boston Fire Department encourages qualified candidates, ages 18-25 year-old, to apply for this exciting, full-time employment opportunity that may lead to a career as a Firefighter with the City of Boston Fire Department. This unique position provides the opportunity to make a difference in our community, while also focusing on the individual’s educational, physical fitness, personal and professional development. 

Fire Cadets are civilian employees with the City of Boston who work in an apprentice-style program designed to prepare Cadets for a career as Boston Firefighters. Duties include training, administrative and clerical functions within the various divisions within the department, as well as fire house duties (Fire House Duties - only as assigned and under supervision). The assignments are widely varied so that the Fire Cadet will gain a broad, comprehensive range of operational and administrative experience. Fire Cadets are required to meet established program criteria to complete a prescribed course of curriculum and a physical fitness program prior to being considered for appointment to the Boston Fire Academy.

After an introduction to the Boston Fire Academy Training and Foundation, duties include, but are not limited to: 

• Participate in and complete academic and physical training programs in preparation for future Firefighter duties.
• Assist all divisions within the department, including, but not limited to, Operations, Training, Public Information, Fire Alarm, Fire Prevention and Education, and Human Resources/Personnel.
• Participate in controlled scenario trainings at the Fire Academy and Special Operations facilities.
• Participate in classroom instruction, including CPR, EMT, and Firefighter I training.
• Lift, carry, and operate heavy tools and equipment.
• Perform supervised maintenance of departmental equipment, buildings, and grounds.
• Perform administrative and clerical duties such as typing, filing, and data entry.
• Answer and direct phone calls.
• Perform general housekeeping duties as assigned under supervision.
• Assist with safety education and community and recruitment events.
• Assist with special projects and events as assigned.
• Work assignments include tasks throughout various divisions within the fire department, training sites, and public safety.
• Attain certification as a Registered EMT-Basic during tenure. 
• Successfully pass the Fire Civil Service Exam either prior to the start date or during tenure as a Cadet.

NOTE: Cadets will be subject to the residency requirement for the City of Boston.

• Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application and may not be more than 25 years old on the starting date of the Fire Cadet Class.
• Must be a resident of the City of Boston and have maintained three (3) years of residency within the City of  Boston leading up to the application.
• High School Diploma or high school equivalency certificate recognized by the Massachusetts Department of Education.
• Physically able to perform training, job duties, and tasks as a Fire Cadet.
• Must possess a valid Massachusetts driver's license within six (6) months prior to the date of hire and maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment with the department (Responsible driving record will be taken into consideration).
• Must successfully pass a background investigation, including criminal background check and pre-employment drug screening.
• United States citizenship, or must have permanent resident status.
• Willingness and aptitude for learning the skills necessary to communicate effectively with a diverse population, in person, and via telephone.
• Willingness and aptitude to learn excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to take direction from supervisors.
• Possess good moral character, exhibiting honesty, responsibility, and trustworthiness with a positive attitude.
• Ability to complete the required medical, educational, and training programs.
• Ability to communicate clearly.
• Ability to complete the required strength and conditioning physical fitness programs.
• Ability to lift/carry 50lbs as an exercise.
• The department will have a preference for candidates with fluency in a second language.

The selection process may include an oral interview, a physical ability test or evaluation, and a criminal background investigation, including a pre-employment drug screening. All phases of the selection process must be successfully completed in order to be considered for appointment. Failure in any segment of the selection process may disqualify a candidate from continuing. The test takes into consideration Firefighter requirements, including but not limited to the State’s criteria for the Initial Medical Hire Standards, as Fire Cadets who successfully complete the program may become Firefighters. The criteria will be used to inform candidates of their eligibility and, where appropriate, inform them on correctable measures versus disqualifying factors according to the medical evaluations.  

Appointments: Final appointment to the position of Fire Cadet is contingent upon passing all pre employment components, the number of vacancies, and approval by the Boston Fire Commissioner or designate appointee. 

Application Process: The application process must be completed online and begins by submitting to and responding through the City of Boston Career Center portal – www.boston.gov/career-center 

Firefighter Appointment

A Fire Cadet may become eligible for appointment to a Firefighter recruit class upon meeting all of the following:

• Favorable recommendation and appointment to the Boston Fire Academy by the Boston Fire  Department Commissioner.
• Serving in the program a minimum of two (2) years. 
• Satisfactorily completing the approved training program. 
• Passing of CPR and EMT Training and Firefighter I Training. 
• Possession of a valid State of Massachusetts driver’s license. 
• Successfully passing a Candidate Physical Ability Test (ELPAT).
• Passing a Firefighter medical examination, psychological evaluation, drug screen test, and updated background investigation prior to appointment to Training as a Firefighter.

Terms:

• BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED
• PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TEST/PHYSICAL/PSYCH EXAM REQUIRED 
• Hours per week: 35 
• Schedule: Off-days by assignment, Monday – Friday, 7:30/8:00 am – 3:30/4:00 pm 
• The current annual starting annual salary is $31,213.00