Join the City of Chattanooga Team
Chattanooga, a vibrant and growing community of over 180,000 residents, is known as the Scenic City for a reason. Nestled along the Tennessee River and surrounded by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, we are a hub of outdoor adventure and innovation. Home to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and Chattanooga State Community College, our city blends a rich industrial history with a tech-forward future-famously powered by the nation's first community-wide Gig fiber-optic network. The City of Chattanooga was also recently designated as a National Park City, the first of its kind in the United States.
Our Organization
As a City, we are powered by a dedicated workforce of approximately 2,600 employees committed to excellence in public service. Our team ensures the community thrives through a wide range of municipal services, including:
• Public Safety: Chattanooga Police and Fire Departments • Infrastructure & Utilities: Public Works, Waste Resources, and specialized Stormwater management • Quality of Life: An award-winning Parks and Outdoors system and the Chattanooga Public Library • Transportation: The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) and citywide transit initiatives • Innovation: Leading-edge digital equity and smart-city programs
Why Choose Chattanooga?
The City of Chattanooga's workforce is the heartbeat of our community. We don't just offer jobs; we offer careers with purpose. We are committed to being the premier employer of choice in Southeast Tennessee by providing:
• Competitive Compensation: Robust pay scales that reflect our commitment to our staff • Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling where possible • Exceptional Wellness: Comprehensive health benefits and wellness programs designed for you and your family that deliver savings to you beyond your paycheck • Growth: A focus on professional development and upward mobility within the organization
The Great Outdoors: Your Backyard Playground
Chattanooga isn't just near nature; it's immersed in it. As one of the most biodiverse cities in North America, the Scenic City offers an ecological richness that few places on earth can claim. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a weekend wanderer, world-class adventure is always less than an hour away.
• Vertical Adventures: Scale legendary sandstone cliffs in what is widely considered the premier rock climbing hub of the Southeast • Water & Rapids: From the high-octane whitewater kayaking of the Ocoee River to world-class bass fishing and peaceful paddling on the Tennessee River • Trails for Miles: Explore a massive network of mountain biking and hiking trails that wind through lush ridges, hidden waterfalls, and deep river gorges • Chattanooga, work-life balance means you can finish your shift and be at a trailhead or on the water before the sun sets.
Our Mission
Our mission is to work together to build a safe, revitalized, and sustainable city for all Chattanoogans. To do that, it takes a team of skilled and passionate individuals. So, if you'd like to call Chattanooga home - or maybe you already do! - and want to further your career through meaningful work that makes a true impact where you live, we'd love to talk to you.
Non-Exempt Position
Grade FD.0C $50,421.30
The Chattanooga Fire Department is excited to announce the opening of the application window for the 2027 CFD Fire Academy! Applications will be accepted March 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Physical ability testing will take place during the month of May; dates will be published soon. The written test will be given during the month of June; dates will be published soon. If you currently hold an active EMT Certification, an Associates or Bachelors Degree you will be able to be exempt from the written test - documentation must be provided with your application. The 2027 CFD Fire Academy will begin on October 2, 2026. Graduation will tentatively be April 1, 2027. Please contact CFDrecruiting@chattanooga.gov with any questions.
Minimum Qualifications
Incumbents in this classification are responsible for participating in the Fire Training Academy. Duties include attending class, taking exams, and integrating classroom training during hands-on training exercises. Cadets will attend up to a minimum of twenty-two (22) week Fire Training Academy. Successful completion of the academy is required to perform Firefighter duties. Training will take place primarily at 3200 Amnicola Highway. Workdays and hours will be determined by Fire Training Staff.
Series Level: The Fire Cadet is the first level in a ten-level fire series.
Essential Functions:
(The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.)
• Participates in fire academy training sessions, including academic and theory classes related to fire suppression, emergency medical care, vehicle extrication, and hazardous materials. This training includes weekly exams and integrating classroom training with hands-on application. • Participates in all hands-on training activities in the classroom, on the drill ground, and other venues. This includes labor-intensive work before, during, and after the training exercises. • Participates in frequent, high-intensity physical training, including but not limited to, jogging up to 3 miles, calisthenics, strength exercises, and exercising in turnout gear. • With guidance, may participate in real large-scale fire or emergency scenes in supervised roles outside of IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) environments. • Adheres to all Fire Academy Rules throughout training.
Upon Successful Completion of the Fire Training Academy, Duties Will Include:
• Responding to all types of fires and other emergencies, including by not limited to fire suppression, emergency medical care to the basic life support level and assisting transport agencies with advanced life support level, hazardous materials, vehicle extrications, and rescue. • Participating in on-going training and educational sessions. • Assisting in preparing and ensuring emergency vehicles and apparatus are stocked and ready for immediate response. • Participating in the daily functions of the fire station which may include housekeeping, cooking, maintenance activities, and/or performing other related duties. • Assisting in completing and maintaining records related to personnel, incidents, and/or other related items. • Participating in fire department programs such as pre-fire planning, fire prevention programs, and/or fire hydrant checks. • Participating in and/or facilitating educational sessions and station tours to the public on fire-related topics.
Working Conditions:
Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and seeing. Incumbents may be subjected to vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, intense noises, and infectious diseases.
Special Requirements:
• Safety Sensitive: Y • Department of Transportation - CDL: N • Child Sensitive: N
The City of Chattanooga, Tennessee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. All appointments made at the beginning salary unless otherwise authorized.