Government Careers
  • Firefighter/Cadet, FA1

  • City of Laredo
  • Laredo, Texas 78045 United States View Map

Summary

Firefighter Position

Applications available online from Wednesday, August 26, 2026 (8:00 AM) to Sunday, August 30, 2026 (11:59 PM). For the online Fire application, you will need to create an applicant account and have an email address. Applicants may not share applicant account or emailaddress. Application will be rejected if incomplete. If claiming veteran's preference, you must upload a copy of an honorable discharge (Form DD-214), with application by the closing date. If claiming TCFP (Texas Commission on Fire Protection) Structural Fire Fighter Certification or Texas DSHS (Department of State Health Services) EMT-P Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic Certification, you must upload a copy of your certification with application by the closing date.

Required Prequalifying Run: Applicants must successfully complete a 1.5-mile run in under 13 minutes after submitting their application and prior to the Civil Service Written Examination. The run must be completed within the established time standards. Applicants will receive an email notification on September 21, 2026 with a registration link for the Prequalifying Run. Those that passed the prequalifying run, will be eligible to take the written exam on: DATE OF WRITTEN EXAM: Tuesday, October 27, 2026 REGISTRATION: 8:15 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. TEST TIME: 9:15 A.M. LOCATION: Sames Auto Arena 6700 Arena Boulevard, Laredo, Texas 78040 (off of Jacaman Road/Bob Bullock Loop 20). Note: Valid Driver's License Must be presented at the test site. (If presenting a renewal card you must present other official state issued picture ID)

Minimum Qualifications

The City of Laredo is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to evaluating each candidate on a non-discriminatory basis. All applicants must meet the following qualifications in order to be eligible for and be placed on an employment eligibility list. Additionally, as a condition of eligibility for the Civil Service Examination, applicants must successfully complete a 1.5-mile run after submitting their application and prior to the Civil Service Written Examination. The run must be completed in under 13 minutes.

A.ENTRANCE EXAM MINIMUM SCORE Applicants must score a minimum of 70% or higher on the written examination. B.YOU MUST BE A UNITED STATES CITIZEN. C.AGE REQUIREMENT 1.Minimum Age: An applicant must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of the initial application for Civil Service Examination. 2.Maximum Age: An applicant must not be more than thirty-five (35) years of age at the time of the initial application for Civil Service Examination. An applicant who is thirty-six (36) years of age or older may not be certified as eligible for a beginning position in the Fire Department.

D.ACADEMICS An Applicant is eligible for an entry level position in the Laredo Fire Department only if the applicant has received: 1.A high school diploma from an Accredited High School with a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale; or 2.A high school equivalency certificate and must have completed and at least 12 college hours at an accredited college or institution of higher education with minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. The college hours shall be from an accredited learning institution of higher education recognized by the State Board of Education in the State in which the college resides and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools or a similar regional association recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Semester hours presented under this clause do not include Continuing Education Credits (CEU), Technical Training, or credit for Life Experience or any other training where college credit was given but specific letter or number grades were not assigned.

E. LICENSE REQUIREMENT/RECORD Applicants must possess a valid driver's license issued by a U.S. state and have a minimum of one (1) year of licensed driving experience at the time of initial application. Active-duty military members may possess a valid driver's license issued by their home state at the time of application. All applicants must obtain and present a valid Texas driver's license prior to employment and shall maintain a valid Texas driver's license throughout their employment and any subsequent appointments.

Applicant's driving record must reflect driving habits that are consistent with the safe operation of motor vehicles. Candidates must not have more than one at-fault vehicle accident on their driving record.

1. During the two (2) year period preceding the civil service written examination, the applicant must not have had his/her driver's license suspended for any reason.

2. During the last 12 months period preceding the civil service written examination, the applicant must not have more than two (2) or more moving violations or one (1) moving violation and one (1) or more at fault vehicle accidents.

3. The applicant must not have any outstanding traffic warrants/capiases filed against them at any time, either before, during, and/or after the civil service written examination.

4. Additionally, they may not have a conviction within the past five years of any of the following: a. Any alcohol related driving offense b. Hit and Run, Failure to Stop, Failure to Render Aid, or Failure to Disclose I.D. at the scene of an accident c. Negligent Manslaughter involving a motor vehicle accident d. Any non-convictions will be considered by hiring committee on a case-by-case basis with regard to the nature of the circumstances and possible applicant disqualification.

F. CRIMINAL HISTORY STANDARDS Because the essential functions of the position require the ability to obtain and maintain certification as a firefighter through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) and licensure or certification as a Paramedic through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), applicants must be eligible for and capable of obtaining and maintaining all required certifications and licenses. 1. Automatic Disqualification a. An applicant shall be disqualified from the hiring process if the applicant: b. Is currently under indictment, information, or pending prosecution for a felony offense; c. Is currently charged with a Class A or Class B misdemeanor offense for which a final disposition has not been reached; d. Is prohibited from obtaining or maintaining certification under TCFP Minimum Standards; e. Is prohibited from obtaining or maintaining EMS certification or licensure under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 773 and applicable DSHS rules; f. Has been convicted of, placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for, or received deferred disposition for any offense that permanently disqualifies an individual from EMS certification or licensure under DSHS regulations; or g. Knowingly makes a false statement, omits material information, or misrepresents criminal history during any phase of the hiring process. 2. Criminal History Evaluation Criminal convictions, deferred adjudications, deferred dispositions, community supervision, probation history, driving record history, and other criminal conduct not otherwise resulting in automatic disqualification may be evaluated to determine an applicant's suitability for employment. The Department may consider, among other factors: a. Felony convictions or deferred adjudications; b. Family violence offenses; c. Alcohol- or drug-related driving offenses; d. Crimes involving dishonesty, fraud, theft, forgery, tampering, or falsification; e. Offenses involving controlled substances; f. Repeated criminal conduct demonstrating a pattern of disregard for law or public trust; and g. Any offense that may adversely affect the applicant's ability to perform the duties of a firefighter or paramedic. 3. Individualized Assessment For offenses that are not subject to automatic disqualification, the Department shall conduct an individualized assessment that may include: a. The nature and seriousness of the offense; b. The relationship of the offense to the duties and responsibilities of a firefighter and paramedic; c. The age of the applicant at the time of the offense; d. The time elapsed since the offense or completion of sentence; e. Compliance with all court orders and conditions; f. Evidence of rehabilitation and good conduct; g. Employment history, educational achievements, and community involvement; and h. Any other factor relevant to determining the applicant's fitness for public service. 4. Driving While Intoxicated and Alcohol-Related Offenses Because firefighters and paramedics are required to operate emergency vehicles and exercise sound judgment in emergency situations, convictions for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Driving Under the Influence (DUI), intoxication-related offenses, or other alcohol- or drug-related driving offenses may be considered during the individualized assessment process and may result in disqualification based on the totality of circumstances. 5. Continuing Eligibility Applicants must remain eligible for TCFP certification and DSHS certification or licensure throughout the hiring process, academy training program, and probationary period. Loss of eligibility for any required certification or license may result in removal from the eligibility list, termination from the academy, or separation from employment.

G. DRUG POLICY 1. Criteria a. An applicant who has used any illegal drug while employed in any Fire Department, government, law enforcement or prosecutorial position, or while employed in a position which

Job Description

Firefighter Position

Applications available online from Wednesday, August 26, 2026 (8:00 AM) to Sunday, August 30, 2026 (11:59 PM). For the online Fire application, you will need to create an applicant account and have an email address. Applicants may not share applicant account or emailaddress. Application will be rejected if incomplete. If claiming veteran's preference, you must upload a copy of an honorable discharge (Form DD-214), with application by the closing date. If claiming TCFP (Texas Commission on Fire Protection) Structural Fire Fighter Certification or Texas DSHS (Department of State Health Services) EMT-P Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic Certification, you must upload a copy of your certification with application by the closing date.

Required Prequalifying Run: Applicants must successfully complete a 1.5-mile run in under 13 minutes after submitting their application and prior to the Civil Service Written Examination. The run must be completed within the established time standards. Applicants will receive an email notification on September 21, 2026 with a registration link for the Prequalifying Run. Those that passed the prequalifying run, will be eligible to take the written exam on: DATE OF WRITTEN EXAM: Tuesday, October 27, 2026 REGISTRATION: 8:15 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. TEST TIME: 9:15 A.M. LOCATION: Sames Auto Arena 6700 Arena Boulevard, Laredo, Texas 78040 (off of Jacaman Road/Bob Bullock Loop 20). Note: Valid Driver's License Must be presented at the test site. (If presenting a renewal card you must present other official state issued picture ID)

Minimum Qualifications

The City of Laredo is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to evaluating each candidate on a non-discriminatory basis. All applicants must meet the following qualifications in order to be eligible for and be placed on an employment eligibility list. Additionally, as a condition of eligibility for the Civil Service Examination, applicants must successfully complete a 1.5-mile run after submitting their application and prior to the Civil Service Written Examination. The run must be completed in under 13 minutes.

A.ENTRANCE EXAM MINIMUM SCORE Applicants must score a minimum of 70% or higher on the written examination. B.YOU MUST BE A UNITED STATES CITIZEN. C.AGE REQUIREMENT 1.Minimum Age: An applicant must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of the initial application for Civil Service Examination. 2.Maximum Age: An applicant must not be more than thirty-five (35) years of age at the time of the initial application for Civil Service Examination. An applicant who is thirty-six (36) years of age or older may not be certified as eligible for a beginning position in the Fire Department.

D.ACADEMICS An Applicant is eligible for an entry level position in the Laredo Fire Department only if the applicant has received: 1.A high school diploma from an Accredited High School with a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale; or 2.A high school equivalency certificate and must have completed and at least 12 college hours at an accredited college or institution of higher education with minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. The college hours shall be from an accredited learning institution of higher education recognized by the State Board of Education in the State in which the college resides and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools or a similar regional association recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Semester hours presented under this clause do not include Continuing Education Credits (CEU), Technical Training, or credit for Life Experience or any other training where college credit was given but specific letter or number grades were not assigned.

E. LICENSE REQUIREMENT/RECORD Applicants must possess a valid driver's license issued by a U.S. state and have a minimum of one (1) year of licensed driving experience at the time of initial application. Active-duty military members may possess a valid driver's license issued by their home state at the time of application. All applicants must obtain and present a valid Texas driver's license prior to employment and shall maintain a valid Texas driver's license throughout their employment and any subsequent appointments.

Applicant's driving record must reflect driving habits that are consistent with the safe operation of motor vehicles. Candidates must not have more than one at-fault vehicle accident on their driving record.

1. During the two (2) year period preceding the civil service written examination, the applicant must not have had his/her driver's license suspended for any reason.

2. During the last 12 months period preceding the civil service written examination, the applicant must not have more than two (2) or more moving violations or one (1) moving violation and one (1) or more at fault vehicle accidents.

3. The applicant must not have any outstanding traffic warrants/capiases filed against them at any time, either before, during, and/or after the civil service written examination.

4. Additionally, they may not have a conviction within the past five years of any of the following: a. Any alcohol related driving offense b. Hit and Run, Failure to Stop, Failure to Render Aid, or Failure to Disclose I.D. at the scene of an accident c. Negligent Manslaughter involving a motor vehicle accident d. Any non-convictions will be considered by hiring committee on a case-by-case basis with regard to the nature of the circumstances and possible applicant disqualification.

F. CRIMINAL HISTORY STANDARDS Because the essential functions of the position require the ability to obtain and maintain certification as a firefighter through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) and licensure or certification as a Paramedic through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), applicants must be eligible for and capable of obtaining and maintaining all required certifications and licenses. 1. Automatic Disqualification a. An applicant shall be disqualified from the hiring process if the applicant: b. Is currently under indictment, information, or pending prosecution for a felony offense; c. Is currently charged with a Class A or Class B misdemeanor offense for which a final disposition has not been reached; d. Is prohibited from obtaining or maintaining certification under TCFP Minimum Standards; e. Is prohibited from obtaining or maintaining EMS certification or licensure under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 773 and applicable DSHS rules; f. Has been convicted of, placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for, or received deferred disposition for any offense that permanently disqualifies an individual from EMS certification or licensure under DSHS regulations; or g. Knowingly makes a false statement, omits material information, or misrepresents criminal history during any phase of the hiring process. 2. Criminal History Evaluation Criminal convictions, deferred adjudications, deferred dispositions, community supervision, probation history, driving record history, and other criminal conduct not otherwise resulting in automatic disqualification may be evaluated to determine an applicant's suitability for employment. The Department may consider, among other factors: a. Felony convictions or deferred adjudications; b. Family violence offenses; c. Alcohol- or drug-related driving offenses; d. Crimes involving dishonesty, fraud, theft, forgery, tampering, or falsification; e. Offenses involving controlled substances; f. Repeated criminal conduct demonstrating a pattern of disregard for law or public trust; and g. Any offense that may adversely affect the applicant's ability to perform the duties of a firefighter or paramedic. 3. Individualized Assessment For offenses that are not subject to automatic disqualification, the Department shall conduct an individualized assessment that may include: a. The nature and seriousness of the offense; b. The relationship of the offense to the duties and responsibilities of a firefighter and paramedic; c. The age of the applicant at the time of the offense; d. The time elapsed since the offense or completion of sentence; e. Compliance with all court orders and conditions; f. Evidence of rehabilitation and good conduct; g. Employment history, educational achievements, and community involvement; and h. Any other factor relevant to determining the applicant's fitness for public service. 4. Driving While Intoxicated and Alcohol-Related Offenses Because firefighters and paramedics are required to operate emergency vehicles and exercise sound judgment in emergency situations, convictions for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Driving Under the Influence (DUI), intoxication-related offenses, or other alcohol- or drug-related driving offenses may be considered during the individualized assessment process and may result in disqualification based on the totality of circumstances. 5. Continuing Eligibility Applicants must remain eligible for TCFP certification and DSHS certification or licensure throughout the hiring process, academy training program, and probationary period. Loss of eligibility for any required certification or license may result in removal from the eligibility list, termination from the academy, or separation from employment.

G. DRUG POLICY 1. Criteria a. An applicant who has used any illegal drug while employed in any Fire Department, government, law enforcement or prosecutorial position, or while employed in a position which

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