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2025-2026 Entry Level Firefighter Hiring: Open August 1, 2025 - Close September 30, 2025

Ignite Your Passion. Find Your Purpose. Join Boise Fire.

A career with the Boise Fire Department offers challenge, growth, and the opportunity to make a real impact. We’re looking for individuals who are committed, dependable, and ready to serve their community.

With over 300 full-time employees, 17 fire stations, and specialized teams in Hazardous Materials, ARFF, Dive, and Technical Rescue, we provide a strong foundation for professional development in a team-oriented environment.

We serve more than 300,000 residents across 130 square miles in Boise and the surrounding area. If you’re ready for meaningful work and a career that makes a difference—consider joining Boise Fire.

Boise Fire Open House & Recruitment Forum

2025-2026 Hiring Process

Just like the fire industry, our hiring process is unique and extremely competitive. Recruit Academy begins February 23, 2026.

Written Exam and Application

August 1, 2025 - September 30, 2025: ONLINE

During this window, all applicants must:

  • Take written exam. Complete online written exam and virtual interview via Public Safety Answers.
  • Submit application online (City of Boise website/NeoGov).
  • Attach EMT/AEMT/Paramedic Certification during online application.

These can be completed in any order, but both must be fully completed by the deadline. Links to these items will be provided beginning August 1, 2025.

NOTE for qualifying applicants:

• Applicants will need to supply their DD2-14 for Veteran's Preference Points via NeoGov during application (5-10 points added to written exam score).

• Applicants will need to supply a current Paramedic Certification & show two years of full-time paramedic experience for Paramedic Preference Points via NeoGov during application (5 points added to written exam score).

• Applicants that submit for Veteran's Preference Points and full-time paramedics with 2+years of experience can receive a total of 15 preference points added to their written exam score.

• Certified paramedics with less than 2 years of full-time work experience are not eligible for the additional 5 preference points.

Physical Fitness Test and Oral Interviews

December 8-13, 2025: IN-PERSON

The top applicants from the written exam stage, will be extended the opportunity to take the physical fitness test. The notice to schedule the fitness test will be sent the first week of December 2024.

Physical Fitness Test Information (PDF)

Boise Fire Physical Fitness Test Manual (PDF)

The physical fitness test is pass/fail. Applicants that pass will have their oral interview the following day at the Fire Training Center.

Paramedic candidates will compete the same physical fitness test as non-paramedic candidates. Paramedics that pass the physical fitness test will then participate in a hands-on paramedic skills evaluation immediately following their oral interview. This evaluation will consist of two scenarios based on national standards in front of a three-person paramedic-peer review panel and will be pass/failure.

Conditional Job Offers Extended

December 15-17, 2025

Conditional job offers will be extended, and once verbal acceptance is received HR will follow up with additional information regarding preemployment screening requirements, such as drug testing and a physical with a Boise Fire Department physician.

Onboarding Day

January 9, 2026: IN-PERSON

Onboarding will take place at the Fire Training Center and will include sizing, presentations and more.

Failure to meet any of these deadlines will disqualify any applicant from the 2025-2026 Entry Level Firefighter hiring. The number of candidates hired for recruit academy varies each year depending on many factors such as retirements and city growth. The city may maintain an active waiting list from which to hold recruits for mid-cycle hiring as needed.

Entry-Level hiring FAQs

Connect with the Boise Fire Hiring Team




Who We Are

We are a proud team of firefighters with diverse experiences who stands behind a common mission to serve our community. We are seeking people who are passionate to answer this call.

Our Vision

Strive to be leaders in public safety, employee wellness, professional advancements and community connection.

Our Mission

Respond to the community with pride, service and dedication.

Our Values

  • Professionalism
  • Respect
  • Integrity
  • Dedication
  • Excellence
Firefighters in training with uniforms and helmets in the background

Qualifications

Entry Level Firefighter

Minimum qualifications for a firefighter position:

  • At least 18 years of age
  • Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Possess a valid driver’s license
  • Possess a current National Registry or state-issued EMT Basic Certification by date of application, with the ability to obtain reciprocity in Idaho within 120 days of employment and maintain certification.
  • Ability to meet physically demanding standards

Applicants MUST NOT:

  • Have any felony convictions over the age of 18
  • Have any visible tattoos above the collar of a standard short-sleeved t-shirt


Background Investigations Regulation

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Teens getting hands-on experience with fire fighting at a Ignite bootcamp

Ignite Bootcamp

Ignite Bootcamp is back in May and June 2025, and applications for the adult women’s, young women’s and young men’s sessions will open in March 2025. Participants will join career firefighters at the Boise Fire Training Center, gaining real experience through hands-on learning.

The program is free for teens and adults, however there are limited spots available.

Learn More

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