According to Fire Chief Shane Glaiser, this is the first time the city has expanded its eligibility criteria to allow candidates who have not been previously certified as a firefighter, EMT or paramedic to be recruited to the department. Applications for the next 13-week academy program opened June 27 and will remain open through Aug. 26.
"By going this new route and taking individuals that have already gone through the academy, but not holding the job, or have never gone through an academy but are interested in firefighting, it opens up a pool of people that we can hire from," Glaiser said.
Upon completion of the program, cadets employed by the city as full-time firefighters will have all the same training and certifications as any currently employed in Round Rock.
Anyone authorized to work in the U.S. between the ages of 18 and 36 with a high school diploma or equivalency certification, ability to obtain or already in possession of a valid driver's license and driving record meeting the city's auto liability insurance requirements may be considered as a fire cadet. Candidates with prior military service must have concluded with honorable discharge and verification using form DD-214.
Participants in the cadet academy will complete their training and state exams for certification in house at the Round Rock Public Safety Training Center before moving on to work as firefighters for the city.
"While they're here, they're already on our payroll," Glaiser said. "They don't have to pay to go to class to get the certifications and then look for a job. They already have a job."
Candidates cannot hold a paid role as a firefighter at the time of application or when a conditional job offer is made, according to the city.
Fire cadets who are selected for the program will be compensated in accordance with city pay scales, and if hired on as a firefighter, can receive additional compensation for certifications, level of education and assignment.
Additional information about the program is available at www.roundrocktexas.gov/city-departments/fire.
