Job Announcement:

PROVIDENCE FIRE DEPARTMENT

ENTRY-LEVEL FIREFIGHTER/EMT

Application Requirements

• Valid motor vehicle operator's license
• 18 years of age
• High School Diploma or GED certificate
• US Citizen or US-INS Qualified for Employment
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Selection Process

• Must pass general aptitude written examination. (City of Providence, RI residents that meet the requirements shall have ten (10) points added, provided they pass the exam)
• Must pass RIAFC Physical Performance Assessment. (valid CPAT or RIAFC PPA within one (1) of application are accepted). Physical examination will be sourced and scheduled by the PFD at a later date
• Must pass oral interview.
• Must pass extensive background investigation (including but not limited to; psychological exam, criminal background, medical examination and drug testing).
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Training Requirements

• Successfully complete an up to twenty-six (26) week Providence Fire Department Training Academy
• Must obtain Rhode Island EMT-Basic prior to appointment and EMT-Cardiac or Paramedic within thirty-six (36) months after appointment. 

Salary and Benefits

Training Academy:

• Forty (40) hours per week, 8am to 4pm Monday through Friday.
• $20 per hour.
• Healthcare.
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Appointed Firefighter/EMT:

• Forty-two (42) hours per week, rotating workweek (24 hours on-duty, 48 hours off-duty, 24 hours on-duty, 96 hours off-duty).
• $956.13 per week. (Additional stipends: $10/week for HAZMAT Ops., $25/week for EMT-Basic or $75/week for EMT-C/Paramedic)
• Paid holidays, clothing allowance, and increased pay for various assignments. 
• Family Healthcare.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
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Frequently Asked Questions

When will the academy start?

The academy date is not set but is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2025.

What if my Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs' Physical Performance Assessment certificate has expired?

We will sponsor and offer a scheduled assessment. Current, within one (1) year, PPA or CPAT certificates will be accepted.

Do I need my Rhode Island EMT at the time of application?

No, you must obtain your Rhode Island EMT-Basic prior to graduating the academy and to be appointed as a firefighter. It is also required that you obtain a Rhode Island EMT-Cardiac or Paramedic after appointment as a firefighter.

What will be included in the training academy curriculum?

The training academy will consist of, but not limited to, National Professional Standard training for Structural Firefighters along with Providence Fire Department specific operations such as Standard Operating Procedures, Rules and Regulations, Training Bulletins, and the Incident Command System. Physical training, hands-on exercises, and firefighting and emergency medical service coursework.

What is the salary range for a Providence firefighter?

 As of July 1, 2024 a newly appointed firefighter will receive a weekly base salary of $956.13, after completion of three (3) years with the department, and EMT-Cardiac certification, the weekly base salary increases to $1,068.62 (as of July 1, 2024), and after completion of five (5) years with the department the weekly base salary increases to $1,459.64 (as of July 1, 2024). Additional weekly stipends for Hazardous Materials Operations ($10), EMT-Basic ($25) or EMT-Cardiac/Paramedic ($75), and Assistant Deputy State Fire Marshal ($25).

Firefighters assigned to the emergency medical services division as a Rescue Technician will receive a weekly base salary of $1,532.63, not including additional stipends.

Further details as to pay and benefits such as healthcare, retirement, longevity, etc. can be found in the collective bargaining agreement between the city of Providence and IAFF local 0799. CBA July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2022 and addendum; July 1 2022 - June 30, 2027.

Are there additional pay incentives or benefits based on years of fire service experience?

No, all newly appointed firefighters to the Providence Fire Department receive the same pay and benefits as detailed in the collective bargaining agreement between the city of Providence and IAFF local 0799.

Are there any requirements for residency?

No. However, city of Providence, RI residents that provide the required documentation at the time of application shall have ten (10) points added to their examination score, provided they pass the exam.

Please direct questions regarding this position to pfdrecruiting@providenceri.gov

Jobs close at 11:59 PM (Eastern) on the deadline date specified, or when the position capacity has been met, or unless otherwise specified in the announcement. If the deadline date is not specified in the announcement, the agency has sole discretion on setting the deadline and jobs may close without notice. It is the applicant's responsibility to thoroughly read and understand the deadline requirements and capacity limits as outlined by the agency.

Applicants are responsible for checking their email and logging into their PoliceApp, PublicSafetyApp, FireFighterApp or EmployementApp account to monitor for emails, scheduling and process updates.

Please direct questions regarding this position to PFDrecruiting@providenceri.gov