Hiring Process

NOTICE OF JOB DISQUALIFIERS:

All Applicants are required to review the Job Disqualifiers carefully before applying, as meeting one or more may prevent your application from moving forward in the selection process.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Office of Professional Standards.

Position	Requirements	Link to Apply
Firefighter Recruit	Must meet ANY of the criteria: No experience Active Georgia or National Registry EMT (“E” number) who will go straight to recruit class. Active Georgia-certified Firefighter I (minimum) and active Georgia or National Registry EMT (“E” number).	APPLY
Firefighter EMT	Must meet ANY of the criteria: Active Georgia or National Registry Advanced EMT (“A” number) who will go straight to recruit class. Active Georgia-certified Firefighter I (minimum) and active Georgia or National Registry Advanced EMT (“A” number).	APPLY
Firefighter/Paramedic	Must meet ANY of the criteria: Active Georgia-certified Firefighter I (minimum) and active Georgia or National Registry Paramedic Active Georgia or National Registry Paramedic who will go straight into a recruit class.	APPLY
Paramedic	Requires a state of Georgia licensure or National Registry licensure. This position only requires you to serve in the capacity of a paramedic. No fire certification required.	APPLY
Nurse Practitioner	Must possess licensure in the state of Georgia.	APPLY

NOTE: It is not required for you to be a certified firefighter or EMT prior to applying for the Firefighter/recruit. Clayton County Fire & Emergency Services will train you if you are selected as a probationary employee. Due to the competitive nature of this job, some qualified applicants may not be chosen for the current class; however, all applicants’ applications will be held for one year after the initial submittal. Do not give up if this is your dream occupation. Many employees have been hired after multiple attempts.

Once the application process is OPEN and you complete the correct one based on your current certification(s), the next step is to begin the NEW HIRE ORIENTATION process. This process consists of three steps:

REVIEW THE APPLICANT PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROCESS BOOKLET FIRST!

Review ALL requirements and disqualifiers. (DO NOT CONTINUE WITH THE PROCESS IF YOU DO NOT QUALIFY) List of disqualifiers
Submit Accuplacer scores to OPS Staff. (Accuplacer testing is required prior to Orientation.)
Respond to the email invitation to attend an orientation and physical fitness evaluation.

NOTE: You are required to complete the orientation BEFORE you are authorized to continue through the process. If you miss your assigned orientation date, you will automatically be removed from the process, unless other arrangements have been made with the OPS staff.

Selection Process and Requirements

Applicants must be at least 18 years old
Must have earned a High School Diploma or GED
Have a current valid Georgia Driver’s License
Written Exam
Physical Agility Test/ Firefighter’s Combat Challenge Course
Polygraph
Physical & Drug Screening
Successfully pass the AccuPlacer exam
Psychological Exam

While attending the orientation meeting, you will:

Provide your drivers license to complete your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) review.
Complete the physical agility test (Combat Challenge) on the same day.

After attending the orientation meeting, you will:

Complete and submit the background packet by the set due date.
Set date for 1st interview: Group Panel interview.

**REVIEW THE APPLICANT PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROCESS booklet BEFORE interviewing**

For those who are continuing through the process, you will be contacted to attend an in-person interview with command staff. It is important for you to research the department and be familiar with its function within the community of Clayton County. During this step, you will be required to complete the following:

Turn in all required paperwork by the set date. Background Form (pdf)
Complete the first Interview with a group panel

If you are chosen to continue through the process, you will be contacted by the Office of Professional Standards to schedule a second interview. Typically this interview is within 1 week from the date of your first interview and all viable candidate information will be turned over to the Fire Chief. Make sure your email and phone number are in working order to allow us to contact you directly.

NOTE: Applicants must pass a comprehensive background investigation including criminal, controlled substance, credit, driving, employment history checks, an oral interview, medical exam including drug screen, polygraph, psychological and physical agility testing.

Firefighter Recruitment Resources

BACKGROUND CHECK

When applying for a position with Clayton County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES), candidates must undergo a comprehensive background check. This process ensures that all potential employees meet the high standards required for public safety roles. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) Check
An MVR check reviews a candidate’s driving history. This is particularly important for roles that may involve operating emergency vehicles. This helps CCFES assess the candidate’s driving behavior and ensure they are fit to operate vehicles safely.
NCIC Background Check
The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) background check is a crucial part of the hiring process. This check helps CCFES verify if a candidate has any criminal history that could disqualify them from employment.
Fingerprinting
Fingerprinting is another essential step in the background check process. It involves capturing the candidate’s fingerprints electronically using a Live Scan machine. This method is highly accurate and helps ensure that the individual’s identity is verified and that they have no undisclosed criminal history.

These checks, along with other evaluations like controlled substance testing, credit checks, and employment history verification, form a comprehensive background investigation to ensure that only the most qualified and trustworthy individuals are hired to serve the community.

POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION

To ensure honesty and completeness throughout the background investigation, a polygraph examination will be done with all candidates by a licensed examiner to verify information from their background. Likewise, to ensure mental and emotional suitability for the unique demands for a career in the fire service, a written and clinical psychological examination with a license psychologist will be conducted.

PHYSICAL EXAM

The physical exam is completed by a physician to determine whether the applicant can perform the functions required by Clayton County Fire & Emergency Services.