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Firefighter Cadet Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The firefighter cadet receives instruction, training and education during both a rigorous class schedule conducted primarily in a Fire Academy structure and during in-the-field apparatus or station ...

The firefighter cadet receives instruction, training and education during both a rigorous class schedule conducted primarily in a Fire Academy structure and during in-the-field apparatus or station ...

As a Firefighter, one is responsible for responding to emergency and non-emergency calls for service to protect the life and property of citizens within the community, including Fire, EMS, Water/Ice ...

General Definition of Work Performs work responsible for the necessary education to meet the minimum qualifications of Firefighter Cadet. Essential Functions • Responsible for performing tasks ...

These tasks enable the candidate to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities to move up to the position of Firefighter/EMT. The primary focus and duty of the Cadet is to: Study, develop, practice ...

As a Fire Cadet, you'll participate in hands-on training, station activities, technical drills ... Whether you're exploring a career in firefighting, preparing for the fire academy, pursuing EMT ...

Volunteer Job Number: 2026- FR CADET Department: Fire Opening Date: 08/03/2026 Description NOTE ... Whether you're exploring a career in firefighting, preparing for the fire academy, pursuing EMT ...

Our one-year Fire Cadet program is an unpaid, volunteer work experience program that offers hands-on training, and introductory knowledge of firefighting skills, fire service tools and equipment.

Our one-year Fire Cadet program is an unpaid, volunteer work experience program that offers hands-on training, and introductory knowledge of firefighting skills, fire service tools and equipment.

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Firefighter Cadet information

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How much do firefighter cadet jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for firefighter cadet in the United States is $19.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a firefighter cadet, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Firefighter Cadet, you need physical fitness, a high school diploma or equivalent, and foundational knowledge of fire safety and emergency response. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, basic life support (BLS) certification, and training in incident management systems are typically required. Teamwork, resilience under pressure, and strong communication skills help cadets excel in demanding and unpredictable situations. These competencies are vital for ensuring personal safety, effective emergency response, and reliable support within firefighting teams.

What are some common challenges faced by firefighter cadets during training, and how can they best prepare for them?

Firefighter Cadets often encounter physically demanding exercises, rigorous academic coursework, and the need to quickly adapt to high-pressure situations during training. Balancing these challenges while maintaining strong teamwork and communication skills is essential. To prepare, cadets should focus on building their physical fitness, time management, and resilience. Engaging in study groups and seeking mentorship from experienced firefighters can also provide valuable support and guidance throughout the training process.

What is a firefighter cadet?

Firefighter cadets are individuals participating in a training program designed to prepare them for a career in firefighting. As cadets, they learn essential skills such as fire suppression, emergency medical response, rescue techniques, and safety procedures under the supervision of experienced firefighters. The cadet program typically combines classroom instruction with hands-on training to ensure readiness for real-world emergencies. Upon successful completion, cadets may be eligible to advance to full firefighter positions within a fire department.

What is the difference between Firefighter Cadet vs Firefighter?

AspectFirefighter CadetFirefighter
Required CertificationsBasic first aid, fire safety training, possibly emergency responder certificationsAdvanced firefighting certifications, EMT or paramedic licenses often required
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, fire stations, community eventsActive fire scenes, emergency response, rescue operations
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments during training programsFull-time fire service personnel in fire departments

Firefighter Cadets are trainees gaining foundational knowledge and experience, often in a learning capacity. Firefighters are fully qualified personnel responsible for emergency response and firefighting duties. The main difference lies in experience level and certification status, with cadets in training and firefighters fully certified and operational.

More about Firefighter Cadet jobs
What cities are hiring for Firefighter Cadet jobs? Cities with the most Firefighter Cadet job openings:
What states have the most Firefighter Cadet jobs? States with the most job openings for Firefighter Cadet jobs include:
Infographic showing various Firefighter Cadet job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 31% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,998 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Firefighter Cadet

Santa Fe County

Santa Fe, NM • On-site

$61K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Primary Purpose The Cadet will be trained, educated, instructed and evaluated while in a Fire Academy conducted by the Santa Fe County Fire Department to serve and protect the people of Santa Fe County as an entry level firefighter and EMT-Basic. Please note: EMT-B and EMT-I applications are also being accepted as part of this recruitment. Essential Job Functions Under immediate supervision, while in a training capacity, the firefighter cadet will begin to develop qualifications for the position of Firefighter/EMT.

The firefighter cadet receives instruction, training and education during both a rigorous class schedule conducted primarily in a Fire Academy structure and during in-the-field apparatus or station assignments. The Santa Fe County Fire Department Fire Academy instructors will introduce the Cadet to fire department policies, procedures, standard operation guidelines in fire suppression, hazardous materials handling, rescue techniques, emergency medical technician-basic, safety procedures, community relations, operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment, apparatus and physical fitness. The Cadet will be required to satisfactorily perform all training, instruction, education and skills mandated for Fire Academy graduation.

The Cadet may be required to perform administrative duties and/or other duties as assigned. The Cadet is required to attend an intense Fire Training Academy and become certified as a Firefighter II. Must pass an annual physical agility/capacity test and physical fitness/physical capacity testing conducted throughout the Fire Academy.

Knowledge/ Skills: Must be able to think and act quickly, communicate effectively verbally and in writing; must be capable of completing basic mathematical analysis, using a variety of fire suppression, medical equipment, and special protective gear under stressful emergency conditions; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public. The Cadet must have the ability to read, write and communicate well while interacting in a professional manner with Fire Administration, Academy Staff, Field Staff (both volunteer & paid) and other Cadets under routine and non-routine yet intense conditions and situations designed to prepare the Cadet for a career in the fire department. Minimum Qualifications Must have a high school diploma or G.E.D

Must be 18 years of age at the start of the academy. Supplemental Information Working Conditions: Work is performed both indoors and outdoors, in varied and sometimes extreme conditions. Work schedule shall include 8, 10, 12 or 24 hour variations within a given day and may be called back to work under emergency situations.

Travel is required. The work schedule during the Fire Academy is forty (40) hours per week, unless there is an emergency situation. Arduous physical exertion is required under unusual situations.

Annual physical capacity testing is required to determine fitness for duty. The Cadet must be able to lift 50 lbs. drag 185 lbs.

for 75 feet and pass subsequent annual physical capacity tests administered by the fire department. Manual and finger dexterity is required. May be subject to exposure to heat, heights, smoke, cuts, bruises, scrapes, burns, broken bones, insect and or animal bites, germs, bacteria, viruses, environmental allergens, gases, fumes, contagious diseases, mental anguish under emergency conditions, Cathode Ray Tubes, and Visual Display Terminals.

The Cadet may be subject to life-threatening situations under very intense and extreme conditions. Conditions of Employment: Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical to include all regulations under DOT and OSHA Certifications, drug/alcohol screening, and a psychological profile exam. Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid criminal background screening.

Selected candidate must possess an EMT Basic License from the State of New Mexico upon completion of the Santa Fe County Fire Department Fire Academy and maintain licensure, failure to do so will result in termination of employment. Selected candidate must successfully complete the Santa Fe County Fire Department Fire Academy, including but not limited to, certification as Firefighter II. Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver's License.

Upon completion of the Santa Fe County Fire Department Fire Academy, selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class E Driver's License. Incumbent shall be appointed to drive County vehicles during the performance of his/her duties. Must submit to random drug testing.

Santa Fe County is an Equal Opportunity Employer It is the policy of Santa Fe County to ensure equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of race, color, age, physical or mental handicap, sex, national origin, ancestry, religion, serious medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or political affiliation.