1

Probationary Firefighter Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Following graduation from the Atlanta Fire Rescue Training Academy, the newly sworn firefighter will be assigned to an Atlanta Fire Station as a firefighter on "probationary" status for 6 months.

Following graduation from the Atlanta Fire Rescue Training Academy, the newly sworn firefighter will be assigned to an Atlanta Fire Station as a firefighter on "probationary" status for 6 months.

$40K - $65K/yr

Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you ... Firefighters are regularly exposed to a variety of dangerous situations such as fires that are out ...

Probationary Firefighter information

See Georgia salary details

$24.1K

$50.3K

$84.4K

How much do probationary firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for probationary firefighter in Georgia is $50,330.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,400.00 and $58,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a probationary firefighter?

Probationary firefighters are new recruits in a fire department who are undergoing a period of evaluation and training, typically lasting from six months to one year. During this probationary period, they are closely supervised and must demonstrate their ability to perform firefighting duties, learn department protocols, and pass required tests or evaluations. The probationary period allows the department to assess the recruit's skills, work ethic, and suitability for the role before granting them permanent status as a firefighter.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a probationary firefighter?

To thrive as a Probationary Firefighter, you need basic firefighting knowledge, physical fitness, and completion of fire academy training, often supported by EMT certification. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, breathing apparatus, and emergency response protocols is crucial. Teamwork, quick decision-making, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities are vital to ensure safety, efficient emergency response, and successful integration into the fire service.

What are some typical challenges faced by probationary firefighters during their first year on the job?

Probationary firefighters often encounter challenges such as adapting to a rigorous training schedule, learning to operate various firefighting equipment, and integrating into a close-knit team environment. They may also face pressure to quickly absorb large amounts of technical information and demonstrate proficiency in high-stress situations. Building trust with experienced crew members and balancing shift work with personal life can be demanding, but overcoming these challenges is crucial for long-term success and progression within the fire service.

What is the difference between Probationary Firefighter vs Firefighter?

AspectProbationary FirefighterFirefighter
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, basic firefighter training, EMT certification often requiredSame as probationary, with additional experience or certifications
Work EnvironmentTraining-focused, supervised, on-the-job learningFull-duty, independent firefighting and emergency response
Employment StatusProbationary period, evaluated for permanent statusPermanent, fully qualified firefighter

In summary, a Probationary Firefighter is in a training and evaluation phase, working under supervision to gain experience and meet requirements for full firefighter status. Once the probation period is successfully completed, they become a Firefighter with full responsibilities and independence.

How do I become a probationary firefighter with no experience?

To become a probationary firefighter with no experience, applicants typically need to meet minimum requirements such as a high school diploma or GED, obtain EMT certification, and pass written and physical agility tests. Volunteering or gaining experience in related emergency services can improve chances, and completing firefighter training programs or academies is often required before starting as a probationary firefighter.

Is 27 too late to be a probationary firefighter?

Probationary firefighters can typically start at age 18 or older, and being 27 is not considered too late to pursue this career. Many fire departments value maturity, life experience, and physical fitness, which can be advantageous in training and on the job. Age requirements vary by department, so checking specific eligibility criteria is recommended.

What job categories do people searching Probationary Firefighter jobs in Georgia look for?

The top searched job categories for Probationary Firefighter jobs in Georgia are:

Infographic showing various Probationary Firefighter job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,330 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

FY26 Firefighter Recruit

City of Atlanta

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$58K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


City Of Atlanta (Georgia) rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

416th of 848 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary 

Entry Level Fire Recruit salary of $54,613+ initial hire. 

FF Tier 1 salary of $58,677 and additional incentives: 

Bilingual: $1,200 Annually 

Paramedic Certified: $1,800 

Associate's Degree: $1,800 

Bachelor's Degree: $4,000 

Benefits 

  • Employer Sponsored Health Insurance Plans with FSA/HSA account options 
  • Employer Sponsored Dental and Vision Plans 
  • Group Supplemental Benefits (Accident, Critical Care, Short Term Disability, Cancer) 
  • Retirement savings plans (Up to 70% pension fully vested, plus 457 options)

Training 

Upon hire, Firefighter EMT Recruits are required to complete a full academy training program consisting of the National Registry Advanced EMT certification, the National Professional Qualifications (NPQ) Firefighter 1 and 2 certification training program and the NPQ Hazardous Material Awareness and Operations certification at the Atlanta Fire Rescue Training Academy.  The length of the training academy is approximately one year.  

If requirements are not completed within the designated time, the employee will be dismissed. 

Following graduation from the Atlanta Fire Rescue Training Academy, the newly sworn firefighter will be assigned to an Atlanta Fire Station as a firefighter on "probationary" status for 6 months.

Access important documents for review here before submitting your application.

General Job Description and Classification

The purpose of this position is to assist and support to the citizens of Atlanta with a variety of emergency and non-emergency needs including but not limited to, emergency medical services, fire suppression, hazmat incidents, motor vehicle and roadway incidents, technical rescue, apparatus operations, public safety education, and overall community leadership. 

Supervision Received 

Working under the supervision of a Fire Officer, the firefighter is required to possess experience and aptitude in performing technical skills and to follows standard instructions to accomplish tasks typically assigned to the firefighter position as detailed below.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully. It is not an exhaustive list. 

  • Ability to perform work requiring good physical condition. 
  • Ability to successfully learn the operation of tools and equipment. 
  • Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information. 
  • Ability to learn to apply standard firefighting emergency aid, hazardous materials, and fire prevention techniques. 
  • Ability to perform strenuous or peak physical effort during emergency, training, or station maintenance activities for prolonged periods of time under conditions of extreme heights, intense heat, cold or smoke. 
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. 
  • Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner. 
  • Ability to read, understand and interpret fire and emergency reports and related materials. 
  • Ability to successfully complete an intensive training program including but not limited to the principles and methodologies of firefighting, emergency medical services and rescue work. 

Minimum Qualifications 

  • Be at least 17 1/2 years old at the time of application. 
  • Be a legal United States citizen or possess valid and current documentation to be legally employed in the State of Georgia. 
  • Have successfully earned a high school diploma or GED Possess a valid U.S. driver's license. 
  • Honorable or uncharacterized discharge from a military branch, if applicable. 

Additional Requirements for Firefighter/EMT Recruit Candidates 

  • Candidate must successfully complete the Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT) or present a valid IAFF/IAFC Candidate Physical Agility Test CPAT certificate received less than 12 months from the date of application. 
  • Candidate must pass the Accuplacer Test or provide proof of exemption.  (Associate's or Bachelor's Degree or valid SAT, ACT, Accuplacer or ASSET scores achieved within 5 years of application) 

Disqualifications

  • Intentionally falsifying, misrepresenting, or omitting information from the employment application, questionnaires, CVSA examination or another pre-employment document(s). 
  • Failure to meet required educational requirements. 
  • Any outstanding criminal charge pending adjudication. 
  • Use of illegal drugs in violation of AFRD Pre-employment Drug Policy. 
  • One (1) or more DUI convictions within three (3) years. 
  • No current probation or parole status. 
  • Tattoos prohibited by our tattoo policy. 
  • Deliberately making inaccurate, misleading, false or fraudulent statements during the employment process Any Felony conviction. 
  • Conviction of two (2) or more misdemeanors within three (3) years. 
  • Must not have received a dishonorable or undesirable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States.

Essential Capabilities and Work Environment 

Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job. 

It is the policy of the City of Atlanta ("COA") that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the COA to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. The COA is prepared to modify or adjust the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position he or she desires, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Director for your department. 

The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, ender identity, marital status, veteran's status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.  We value and encourage diversity in our workforce

Essential Duties & Responsibilities These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.  May perform other duties as assigned. 

Performs duties in accordance with the City of Atlanta's Fire and Rescue standard operating procedures. 

  • Identifies ancillary health hazards, precautions, informs affected individuals and implements appropriate medical protocols. 
  • Evaluates scene upon arrival; identifies dangerous building conditions and electrical emergencies and applies appropriate procedures. 
  • Implements emergency techniques when trapped or disoriented. 
  • Identifies hazardous materials. 
  • Operates emergency vehicles in a safe and efficient manner while responding to radio dispatch and/or telephone requests for assistance. 
  • Assesses and manages incident; determines number of individuals in need of assistance; sets up medical area and assesses nature of injuries and medical problems. 
  • Provides emergency medical care as Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians which includes basic trauma life support and pediatric life support; provides rehydration and first aid support during fire ground activities. 
  • Maintains and wears protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus, as designed. 
  • Assists in fire suppression activities including ventilation, forced entry, salvage and overhaul; performs various firefighting duties; assists in hazardous materials operations and technical rescue operations. 
  • Attends meetings, seminars and training as required to remain knowledgeable of departmental operations to promote improved job performance. 
  • Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in performing duties including; handling of emergency situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems. 
  • Responds to orders and requests as directed by supervisor.

What City Of Atlanta (Georgia) employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom