Become a Miami Firefighter

Step 1.Prepare Before You Apply

Applicants must meet all of the below requirements in order to receive employment consideration:

• County Residence: Reside within the corporate limits of Miami-Dade County throughout the application and hiring process until employed by the City of Miami (current City employees excluded from this requirement).
• Age: Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• Education: A standard high school diploma, its equivalent or higher.
• Driver License: Valid State of Florida Driver's (Class E or higher)
• Certification: A valid/current State of Florida EMT certification, a State of Florida Paramedic certification is accepted in lieu of a State of Florida EMT certification. (National EMT certification will not be accepted in lieu of State of Florida EMT and Paramedic certifications).
• Tobacco Usage: Per F.S.S. 633.412(6), applicants must be nonusers of tobacco or tobacco products for at least one (1) year immediately preceding application for certification as a Firefighter, as evidenced by sworn affidavit. Non-Smoker's Affidavit (Must be completed and notarized by orientation date, best to start on this now). 
• Medical & Toxicology: The medical examination will be conducted pursuant to current NFPA 1582 guidelines.
• Character: A thorough background investigation will be conducted on applicants given employment consideration. The background investigation shall include: 1) a criminal records check; 2) a driving records check; 3) verification of Miami-Dade County residency, or status as a City of Miami employee and 4) a check to discern whether applicants possess "good moral character" as determined under procedures established by the Division of the State Fire Marshall, Florida Department of Financial Services.

Tip: You are encouraged to create your user account to apply in advance. This allows you to ensure your profile is as up to date and accurate as possible.

NOTE: No manual applications or documents will be accepted for this recruitment.  For assistance with online applications (which can be done in-person), visit the City of Miami Employment Lab at 444 SW 2nd Ave., 7th floor. 305-416-2170.

Step 2.Apply Online

• Create a profile, if you have not already, on our government jobs page.
• Search "fire" for fire openings, or view all City of Miami job openings, if desired. 
• Read Job Announcement information, specifically the Documentation Requirements section before you apply.
• Please be sure to attach all required documents to your employment application each time you apply. Uploaded documents remain in your online profile but they will not attach automatically and you will be deemed ineligible without the proper documentation.

SEE JOB OPENINGS 

NOTE: Fire job listings will only appear on our job page during a recruitment period, which will be announced on our news page.  We encourage you to apply immediately, as positions close after a  sufficient amount applications are received, or within five business days - whichever comes first.  

Step 3.Take the Written Exam

If you meet the minimum initial requirements, you will be invited to proceed with the examination process. You will be required to take a written examination. The names of those who attain a passing score will be placed on the Eligible list, beginning with the highest score, and descending the lowest passing score. 

Step 4.Attend Orientation

Not all candidates will be selected to participate.  At orientation, selected candidates will be fingerprinted, drug screened and will fill out documentation for the background check process. 

Step 5.Take the Physical Ability Test (PAT)

If you pass the written exam and are selected to participate in the remaining of the process, you will be scheduled to take the PAT. 

• Guidelines for Physical Ability Test
• MFD PAT Rules and Procedures
• MFD PAT Warnings and Disqualification

• Firefighter Physical Ability Training (PAT) Video (see below)

Step 6.Interview with The City

If you pass the PAT, you will then be invited for an oral Interview. The method of interviewing used most often by the City of Miami is called Targeted Selection Interviewing. This method is done utilizing a panel format, and as a candidate, you would be asked to respond to questions or scenarios with specific examples from instances in your current or previous work experience. Each question, scenario or exercise assesses particular characteristics that are related to successful job performance. Each member on the panel is knowledgeable of the duties and requirements of the position and is thoroughly trained on how to properly conduct the interview. Candidates are ranked based on the pre-established selection criteria, and are offered positions based on that ranking.  

Step 7.Background Check Process

After the interview process, if selected, you will be invited to complete the background check process and begin the candidate medical exam (Physical, drug and stress tests).

Step 8.Attend Fire Academy

If you pass the background check and clear medical exams, you will be invited to join the academy. Once you have completed the Fire Academy, you will be a City of Miami Firefighter!  

Firefighter Physical Ability Training (PAT) Video