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Recruiting & Training
The City of New Braunfels Fire Department is now accepting applications to answer the call to serve. The New Braunfels Fire Department was founded in 1885, making it one of the oldest departments in the state. That rich history, along with multi-faceted lines of service, creates a sense of family while serving the community at large.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Suitability for appointment to a beginning position in the New Braunfels Fire Department includes the applicant holding a minimum certification as a Basic Firefighter in good standing with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection prior to the written examination date. Additionally, the applicant must hold a minimum certification as a Basic Emergency Medical Technician in good standing with the Texas Department of State Health Services prior to the written examination date.
The following list includes the minimum qualifications for a suitable appointment for the beginning position:
- Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time and date of the written examination.
- Must not have reached 40 years of age prior to the date of the written examination.
- High School Diploma, G.E.D., or Home School transcript indicating completion.
- Must provide proof of your current valid Texas Driver’s License (or must be able to obtain as required by Texas State law if current Driver’s License if from another licensing state within the United States)
- Must provide proof of a valid Social Security Card.
- Must be a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization; or legally eligible to work in the U.S.
- Must be able to read, write, and converse in English fluently.
- Must not have any of the disqualifying items listed in the “Additional Suitability Factors.”
Written Exam & Swim Test
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications must pass a Civil Service entry-level written examination with a minimum passing score of 70% or better. The exam consists of up to one hundred questions with a two-hour time limit. Veterans are eligible to receive five additional points after passing the exam with a minimum of 70%. If appropriate, a copy of the applicant’s DD-214 must be received by the date specified in the examination announcement in order to have the veteran’s preference points added to the passing score. With the highest score at the top and the lowest passing score at the bottom, applicants who pass the entrance examination are placed on an eligibility list. All applicants who successfully pass the written examination will immediately move on to the SWIM TEST portion of the Physical Agility Test.
Hiring Process
Prior to being hired, applicants must successfully complete all steps below:
- Complete and submit an Employment Application Packet and a Personal History Packet
- Receive an invitation to test and overview of the hiring process (sent via email)
- Interview Board
- Pass a written examination
- Pass physical agility and swim test
- Receive a conditional job offer
- Pass a comprehensive background investigation
- Pass a polygraph examination
- Pass a physical examination, including pre-employment drug screen & vision requirements
- Be reviewed and appointed by the City Manager
Overview
The Training Division is responsible for continuing education and the maintenance and renewals of all fire and EMS certifications. At a minimum, every New Braunfels firefighter is certified as a firefighter through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and as an emergency medical technician through the Department of State Health Services.
The majority of New Braunfels firefighters are certified at levels well above the minimum requirements of the department and the State of Texas. Our division also provides our firefighters and regional public safety responders with courses and opportunities for professional development. You may contact us here.
Management
The Training Division operates under the leadership of Support Services Battalion Chief Jeremy VanAusdall. Captain Michael Hayes oversees the EMS program along with Lieutenant Josh Baker and Captain Mike Hayes oversees the Department Training Program. Michelle Lopez contributes significantly as administrative secretary for the Training Division.
Location
The Training Division offices and classrooms are located at:
424 S. Castell Avenue.
New Braunfels, TX, 78130
Telephone Number: 830-221-4260
ANNUAL PAY AND INCENTIVES:
STARTING ANNUAL BASE PAY FOR FIREFIGHTER: $54,773.00 (not including approximate built-in over-time of $4,200 per year)
- EMT – Paramedic: $3000
- TCFP Intermediate Firefighter: $600, Advanced Firefighter: $1,200/Master Firefighter: $1,800
- EMT – Intermediate: $1,800
- EMS/Fire Instructor: $300
- Fire & Arson Assignment: $1,800
- Bilingual ability (Spanish or German only, test required): $300
- Associates Degree: $600, Bachelor’s Degree: $1,200, Master’s Degree: $1,800
BENEFITS:
- 48/96 Work Schedule
- Vacation – 180 Hours per year for the first 2 years
- Military Leave
- Sick Leave – 180 Hours per year
- Bereavement – 24 Hours per year
- Longevity - $6.50 per month TMRS – 7%; 2 to 1 City Match
- Medical, Vision, Dental and Life Insurance
- Twelve (12) Paid Holidays
- Uniforms and Equipment
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program
*Note: All insurance products are offered and effective on the first day of the month following 30 days of employment.
Since 1845, the City of New Braunfels has provided a unique and diverse quality of life for its residents, visitors, and business community. Known for its German and Hispanic heritages, New Braunfels covers roughly 45 square miles, has a growing population nearing 100,000, and has been named one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation while also being named one of the best 50 places to live in the United States.
Nestled at the edge of the Texas Hill Country, New Braunfels is conveniently located between the San Antonio and Austin metro areas along the I-35 corridor. Two idyllic rivers, the Comal and the Guadalupe run through the heart of New Braunfels, which is also just a short drive from the boating and fishing offered at Canyon Lake. The city features 41 local parks including the 62-acre Fischer Park overlooking the city and the 51-acre Landa Park located within walking distance of New Braunfels’ historic downtown area
New Braunfels is also home to the world-famous Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Texas’ oldest dancehall Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest bakery Naeglin’s Bakery, the 10-day salute to sausage known as Wurstfest, as well as the nearby Natural Bridge Caverns & Wildlife Ranch, and the Texas Ski Ranch.
Two highly-rated local school districts, the Comal ISD and the New Braunfels ISD, along with several private and charter schools provide education services and the city offers a diverse range of business and employment opportunities. Download Relocation Packet
The city of New Braunfels Fire Department has 135 uniformed personnel. We currently have six fire stations with two replacement stations under construction. A 7th fire station, as well as a training facility and fire training field, are planned to be completed next year. Our fleet is comprised of all Pierce fire apparatus and Frazer ambulances.
In addition to fire and EMS, the City of New Braunfels Fire Department has Technical Rescue, HazMat, Wildland, and Swiftwater Rescue capabilities. Additional work opportunities are also available in the support services division and fire marshal’s office. Learn more about those opportunities below: