Firefighter Recruit

Salary : $83,574.40 Annually
Location : City of Sparks, NV
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 27-15
Department: Fire
Division: Suppression
Opening Date: 10/22/2026

Job Information

Application Tips:

• COMPLETELY fill out and updateyour general online application before attaching it to any job posting. HR reviews information listed on the application submitted to the specific job posting. HR does NOT use personnel files in the screening process.
• Contact information: use an email address you can easily access at any time.
• The Qualifications section below is your guide to understand what the City is looking for on your application, use this to your advantage. It is up to the candidate seeking employment/promotion to include all relevant information for qualification purposes, on the application the candidate submits to be considered for the job.

• ATTACHMENTS REQUIRED: remember to attach documented proof of qualifications, at time of application, to demonstrate you meet the qualifications at time of application, before submitting your application. Attaching your education and certification requirements (see qualifications section to determine what documents are required for attachment at time of application) will allow you to continue in the recruitment process. Failure to attach these requirements will constitute disqualification.
  • Candidates looking to meet the qualifications for Firefighter Recruit must attach valid documentation as follows:
    • NV EMT-A, National Registry EMT-A or higher certification;
    • CPR certification,
    • Proof of passing within the last twelve (12) months the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT).
  • If the required documentation is not received with the application, the candidate's application will be disqualified.

• DO NOT attach resumes or cover letters. The City of Sparks does not review these items with the application.

This is a CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT, this means that applications are accepted year-round. You may submit one application in a 365-day period.

CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION - NATIONAL TESTING NETWORK
Candidates who meet minimum qualifications will have their completed and passed National Testing Network (NTN) Exam considered as their Civil Service Exam for the position, as long as their test is completed and results are received prior to the testing window (see below) close date. To take the exam, candidates must apply and complete their profile on the NTN website here: .

There is a fee associated with taking the NTN exam. Please note that candidates experiencing a hardship can apply with the NTN directly to request the fee be waived. To do so, fill out the and email it directly to: The process may take several weeks. Candidates are required to have all testing completed by the posting close date, waiting for fee waiver approval is not an exception.

Only complete applications and the most recent (within the last 12 months) passing test results received prior to the testing window closing date will be considered for potential eligibility.
NATIONAL TESTING NETWORK - TESTING WINDOW COMPLETION DATES
1. 11/5/2026 - First Round (For January/February 2027 Academy)
2. 2027 - Second Round (for Fall 2027 Academy) TBA

If you have any questions, please email hrstaff@sparksnv.gov.
Qualifications
Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below, on their completed application, to continue in the recruitment process. If there are certifications or degrees that require proof of completion, be sure to attach them to your application before submission:
Applicants must possess the following minimum qualifications to continue in the recruitment process:

Education and Experience
High School Diploma or equivalent.

Licenses and Certificates
Must have completed and passed within the last twelve (12) months, the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT).
Must possess at time of application and maintain throughout employment, a valid NV EMT-A, National Registry EMT-A or higher certification.
Must possess at time of application and maintain throughout employment, a valid CPR certification.
Must possess at time of hire and maintain throughout employment, a valid Nevada Class C driver's license or equivalent.
Must obtain within one (1) year of hire and maintain throughout employment, a Nevada Commercial or Non-Commercial Class "A" driver's license or a Nevada Commercial Class "B" license with the proper endorsements/restrictions to allow the driver to tow vehicles more than 10,000 pounds. If living out of state, must possess a license from the state of residence that meets the driver's license requirements of the department.
Must obtain within one (1) year of hire and maintain throughout employment, a Nevada State Firefighter I certification.
Examples of Essential Duties

Firefighter Recruit is expected to acquire knowledge in the following areas during the firefighter academy and maintain throughout employment.

Must be able to use a variety of hose lines, deck guns, ground monitors, appliances and other equipment to safely and effectively control and extinguish fires; perform horizontal and vertical ventilation as directed; ladder buildings, conduct forcible entry, conduct search and rescue operations; participate in salvage and overhaul and other assignments as required on the fire ground.

Participate in specialized operations such as low angle, high angle, trench, water and ice rescues, including the use of rigging, shoring and other specialized equipment. Contain, confine, decontaminate or otherwise mitigate hazardous material spills.

Provide emergency medical care at the EMT Advanced level. Use hand and power tools to force entry into buildings, rescue victims, secure utilities and provide ventilation when directed.

Participate in staff support assignments including fire prevention, inspections, investigations, and special projects. Work with the community in a variety of educational, public relations and service programs.

Perform routine maintenance on fire stations and other department facilities. Clean, inspect, maintain, and perform minor repairs on Fire Department vehicles, apparatus and related equipment to ensure operational readiness.

Utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) during emergency operations, training evolutions and other times as appropriate. Maintain and protect evidence in relation to investigations. Testify when subpoenaed by a court of law. Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports and other written materials. Maintain inventory and other department records.

Perform other duties which may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles and practices of fire suppression and prevention including safety practices and precautions
• Knowledge of principles and practices of providing hazardous materials response at the first responder operational level
• Knowledge of principles and practices of providing emergency medical care at the EMT-A level
• Knowledge of basic principles of fire apparatus hydraulics
• Knowledge of basic recordkeeping and business mathematics
• Knowledge of and ability to use computer applications and software related to the work including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, problem solve, make sound decisions, and respond appropriately in emergency situations
• Ability to make sound judgments within established guidelines and to deal with uncertainty
• Ability to remain objective, handle pressure and maintain emotional control
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing and to effectively receive directions
• Ability to train others in work procedures
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted during work
• Ability to work dependably and effectively as part of a team environment
• Ability to maintain a clean environment in department facilities and vehicles

Physical Demands
Requires sufficient physical strength and stamina to: lift and carry equipment and people weighing up to 150 pounds with assistance; stand and walk for extended periods of time; work outdoors in varied weather conditions with the potential for exposure to chemicals, extreme heat, fire, smoke, traffic, unsanitary conditions and other hazards. Must be able to wear and work in self-contained breathing apparatus. Aside from working in a general office environment, the person in this position will be expected to cope with and be effective in the face of workplace stressors such as, but not limited to, exposure to information that may be sensitive and graphic and may be emotionally difficult to process, customer service complaints, and maintaining the security of information, people and property.

SUPPLEMENTAL JOB POSTING INFORMATION

• This is a Civil Service position and is Non-Exempt under FLSA guidelines
• This position reports to a Fire Captain and/or Chief Officer
• Supervision exercised: When certified by the department, may act as a Fire Apparatus Operator on a relief basis
• Required to be called back, held over, work off-hours, nights, weekends, and holiday shifts
• Required to work during emergency circumstances or inclement weather conditions
• May be required to pass a pre-placement drug screen and background investigation

Application and Recruitment Information
Civil Service Positions

The City of Sparks requires that prior to the first examination for the position, necessary documentary evidence be submitted for fitness of any qualification. Any requirement not met for the advertised position prior to the first examination for that position, will be cause for the City of Sparks to decline to examine, certify or hire the applicant.

Recruitment Communication

Human Resources will contact you at various stages of the recruitment process via email only, even if you have chosen U.S. mail for prior application processes or for applications with other agencies. Please ensure your email address is up to date, accurate, and accessible by you.

Reasonable Accommodation

Human Resources will make efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to disabled applicants in the selection process. If you have special needs, please notify the Human Resources office when you turn in your application or at least three (3) business days prior to the examination/interview by calling (775) 353-2345.

Disclaimer

The City of Sparks hires and promotes applicants based on a competitive merit selection process, which may include any or all of the following: screening for minimum qualifications, written examinations, supplemental training and experience questionnaires, assessment centers, interviews (oral or written), physical tests or any combination which the Sparks Civil Service Commission may order.

Scoring in the top five (5) for promotion or top ten (10) for entry level in any part of the selection process merely advances the applicant to a higher round of examination, which may consist of additional interviews and other evaluations. Scoring in the top five (5) or ten (10) gives no right to be selected for the position. The City of Sparks reserves the right to select applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications for the position.

Applicants moving forward in the selection process are subject to submitting for a background check that may include review of criminal records. Applicants with criminal records should note that a conviction will not necessarily bar the applicant from employment. When considering the applicant's background and criminal record, the length of time that has passed since the offense, the age of the applicant at the time of the offense, the severity and nature of the offense in relation to the position for which the applicant has applied, and evidence of the rehabilitation of the applicant will be considered prior to an employment decision can be made.
The City of Sparks is proud to offer a quality benefit program for our employees. Our plan offers a variety of benefits for a diverse workforce.

This is an overview of the City of Sparks benefit plans only. This overview does not in any manner modify, alter or expand or add to the applicable contract or resolution.

If you have questions regarding the various benefits described, please contact Human Resources at 353-2345.
• No State Income Tax
• Nevada PERS Retirement Plan Fully Paid By The City
• No Social Security Participation, But Medicare Deduction Required (1.45%)
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Vacation Leave Plans
• Sick Leave Plans
• City Paid Medical, Dental, Prescription And Vision Insurance Coverage For Employee and Family
• City Paid Life Insurance
• Educational Assistance
• Workers Compensation
• Military Leave
• Family Leave
• Service Awards
• Longevity Pay
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Deferred Compensation Plans
01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included with the application?

• Yes
• No

02

I understand that I must submit