Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Depending on qualifications, this position may begin as a Firefighter Trainee, a Firefighter I, or a Reserve Driver/Engineer.

All applicants will be invited to sit for a written exam on Thursday, July 10th, 2025, 8:00am central; location to be determined. An RSVP is required to reserve a seat for the written exam and should be sent to jobs@cookeville-tn.gov. (If you are currently a Certified Firefighter (must have Firefighter I and AEMT), please contact Battalion Chief Snyder at (931)520-5252 for additional information. Applicants who successfully complete, or are exempted from, the written exam will undergo the physical agility course in the afternoon hours of July 10th and should bring appropriate clothing for strenuous physical activity. Additional information regarding the physical agility exam will be given to you at the time of the written exam.

The following forms must be completed and notarized (as required) and brought with you to the testing site. These forms may be found in a fillable format online at: Cookeville Fire Department Careers | Cookeville, TN (cookeville-tn.gov)

1. Physical Agility Physician's Authorization - Your physician must sign this form.
2. Release and Waiver of Claims form - This form must be signed by applicant and notarized.
3. Photograph and Photo ID - Applicants should bring with them a copy of a photo ID to remain with the exam proctor. Applicants will also be required to present a photo ID (such as Driver's License).

Applicants successfully completing the written exam and physical agility course will then be scheduled for a structured interview on Friday, July 11th.

PAY RANGE:

Firefighter Trainee: Beginning Salary- $42,579.46

Firefighter: Beginning Salary- $45,118.46

Reserve Driver/Engineer: Beginning Salary- $47,336.45

Firefighter (Trainee)

​ Job Summary:

​ Employees in this class are under general supervision by an immediate supervisor, typically a Lieutenant. Work is performed in controlling and extinguishing fires, engaging in search and rescue, responding to medical emergencies and treating ill or injured individuals, responds to other emergency calls to protect life and property as directed and performs appropriate actions up to level of training.

Examples of work performed: Controls and extinguishes fires; performs forcible entry, search, rescue, and vehicle extrication; treats ill or injured persons; responds to hazardous materials incidents; performs station and equipment maintenance; responds to alarms; participates in fire prevention and training activities; operates all emergency equipment as qualifications permit; performs daily equipment checks and upkeep tasks; keeps all equipment in a state of readiness; participates in pre-fire planning, and assigned training; maintains and flows fire hydrants; teaches Cardio­ pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Automatic external defibrillation (AED) procedures to non-fire department personnel; may make public presentations or conduct station tours on occasion; uses computer to enter data and generate reports; performs related duties as required.

Required Knowledge and Abilities:

Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations and to determine proper courses of action
Ability to pass an annual physical agility test and medical surveillance
Ability to complete general recruit training at the Tennessee Fire Academy
Ability to learn to operate a variety of fire-fighting, hazardous materials, and emergency medical equipment
Ability to earn certification as CPR/AED instructor
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the public and co-workers

Minimum Qualifications/Certifications

High school diploma or equivalent
Valid Tennessee driver's license
Must be a Tennessee resident within four months of hire date and at least eighteen years of age.
Must be able to pass a criminal background check pre-employment physical and drug screen

​
Must be Tennessee Fire Commission, Pro Board, and/or IFSAC Accredited Certifications
Post Hire:

​
Must complete a sixty-four hour, two week internal training.
Must attain a Tennessee Commission on Firefighting HMA/HMO and Firefighter I certification within twelve months of hire date.
Must obtain Certification as a CPR/AED instructor within twelve months of hire date.
Must attain the position of Reserve Driver/Engineer within twenty-four months of hire date.
Must obtain certification as a Tennessee AEMT within thirty-six months of hire date.
Upon attaining the Firefighter I certification, or reciprocity is awarded, and upon completion of the sixty-four hour two-week internal training program, the member is reclassified as a Firefighter (Grade G).

Essential Functions:

Physical strength and ability to perform very heavy labor and strenuous work for extended periods of time under extremely dangerous and uncomfortable conditions, while wearing bulky protective gear, including self-contained breathing apparatus, weighing in excess of sixty pounds. Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds frequently. Pulls and drags hose. Forces entry, performs ventilation, climbs ladders, works from aerial equipment, performs rescue, endures heat, cold, smoke, and hazardous materials. Must be able to pass an annual physical agility and medical surveillance test. Must be able to work a twenty-four hour shift. Requires fast response or reaction time. Requires good hand-eye coordination to operate equipment.

The City of Cookeville is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Tags

Traineeship, Immediate start, Shift work,

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