FIREFIGHTER - Range 25 / IAFF (8/18/2026 Academy and 1/12/2027 Academy)

About the Department

Open to the general public and any current Municipal employee.

This position is represented by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)- Local 1264 and is subject to the provisions of the current agreement between the Municipality of Anchorage and the IAFF.
 

This application and selection process will be used to fill Academy 26-02 (8/18/2026 to 12/17/2026) and Academy 27-01 (1/12/2027 to 5/14/2027)

DEPARTMENT: Anchorage Fire Department (AFD)
HOURS OF WORK: 56-hour Kelly Schedule
LOCATION: Various Stations

To be considered for employment, applicants must be legally authorized to work and accept employment in the United States. The Municipality of Anchorage is not able to provide any type of sponsorship, including Student Visas and Employment Visas, under any circumstances.

Position Duties

Under the direction of the Fire Captain, provide fire, rescue, and emergency medical care services. As an emergency medical technician or paramedic, examine, treat, care for, and transport sick and injured patients. Complete reports and maintain records. Prevent, combat, and extinguish fires. Provide rescue services. Perform apparatus and station maintenance duties. Complete professional training and study programs. Stand-by for emergency response. Perform other related duties as assigned or required.
 
Firefighter positions require:

• Operating both as a member of a team and independently at incidents of uncertain duration.
• Spending extensive time outside exposed to the elements.
• Tolerating extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing duties. Performing physically demanding work in hot (up to 400 F), humid (up to 100% humidity) atmospheres while wearing equipment that significantly impairs body-cooling mechanisms.
• Experiencing frequent transition from hot to cold and from humid to dry atmospheres.
• Working in wet, icy, or muddy areas.
• Performing a variety of tasks on slippery, hazardous surfaces such as on rooftops or from ladders.
• Working in areas where sustaining traumatic or thermal injuries is possible.
• Facing exposure to carcinogenic dusts such as asbestos, toxic substances such as hydrogen cyanide, acids, carbon monoxide, or organic solvents either through inhalation or skin contact.
• Facing exposure to infectious agents such as hepatitis B or HIV.
• Wearing personal protective equipment that weighs approximately 60 pounds while performing firefighting tasks.
• Performing physically demanding work while wearing positive pressure breathing equipment with 1.5 inches of water column resistance to exhalation at a flow of 40 liters per minute.
• Performing complex tasks during life-threatening emergencies
• Working for long periods of time, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration.
• Facing life or death decisions during emergency conditions.
• Being exposed to grotesque sights and smells associated with major trauma and burn victims.
• Making rapid transitions from rest to near maximal exertion without warm-up periods.
• Operating in environments of high noise, poor visibility, limited mobility, at heights, and in enclosed or confined spaces.
• Using manual and power tools in the performance of duties.
• Relying on senses of sight, hearing, smell, and touch to help determine the nature of the emergency, maintain personal safety, and make critical decisions in a confused, chaotic, and potential life-threatening environment throughout the duration of the operation.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma, GED, or Equivalent, must be at least 18 years old (by time of hire), and have a valid State of Alaska Driver's license with acceptable driving record by time of hire.

Additional Requirements:

• Satisfactory Medical Examination (meets National Fire Protection Association 1582 requirements) at time of hire.
• Satisfactory Psychological Assessment (determines job suitability) at time of hire.
• State of Alaska Firefighter I Certification within 90 days of hire.
• State of Alaska Firefighter II Certification within 90 days of hire.
• Anchorage Fire Department Journeyman Firefighter Certification no later than 48 months from date of hire as a condition of continued employment.
• State of Alaska Emergency Medical Technician I within 90 days of hire for EMT designated positions.
• State of Alaska Mobile Intensive Care Paramedic License or National Registry EMT-Paramedic Certification at time of hire for Paramedic designated positions.
• Physical Performance Assessment (PPA) within one (1) year of hire.

Preferences:

Preference may be given for applicants with previous firefighting experience.

State of Alaska Emergency Medical Technician I Certification or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician Basic Certification (will accept Advanced certifications).

 OR

State of Alaska Mobile Intensive Care Paramedic License or National Registry EMT-Paramedic Certification.

 
Applicants who possess an EMT certification from a different state may qualify for State of Alaska Reciprocity. Please review the State of Alaska EMS Reciprocity program application found at  http://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Emergency/Pages/ems/default.aspxor contact the State of Alaska Emergency Medical Services Certification office at hss.emt.cert@alaska.gov or (907) 465-8741.

Other Qualifications

The Municipality of Anchorage participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-verify Program. For more information, please go to http://www.uscis.gov/E-verify. E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
 
TESTING INFORMATION AND NOTIFICATION:
 
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, have acceptable employment records, and meet Municipal standards related to driving guidelines and criminal conviction history may be invited to participate in the Firefighter Testing Process.

Applicants invited to test will be notified of further instruction via e-mail approximately the week of 5/25/2026. Ensure the email address provided on the application is valid and current.  Testing notifications will only be sent to the email address listed on the application.
 
The upcoming Online Written Examination will evaluate whether you possess the critical, and job-related, skills and abilities necessary for success on the job. Qualified applicants will be given instructions on the process and next steps to follow to take the online entry-level firefighter test on the schedule test date. Every qualified applicant will be given a specific test link ahead of the test day with instructions on how to access the online test. For the test day, applicants will need to ensure that they have a laptop or desktop computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux) and must use one of the following browsers (Chrome, Safari, Edge, or FireFox) to take the online test.
 
Please continue to check http://www.muni.org/Departments/Fire/Pages/AFDRecruitment.aspx for further information regarding updates about the 2026 Entry-Level AFD Entry-Level Firefighter Test.

TESTING WILL BE CONDUCTED ON THE DATES LISTED BELOW - The Municipality of Anchorage and Anchorage Fire Department may adjust the dates in order to accommodate public safety needs. In the event of test adjustment all invited candidates will be notified of the adjustment through their provided contacts. 
 
 

Testing components include:

Online Written Examination – 6/1/2026 to 6/3/2026


In preparation for the recruitment process for the Entry-Level Firefighter position, you may order an optional practice guide. Applicants may order the practice "CEB/PST Candidate Orientation Guide" by clicking the following link: http://www.fpsi.com/product/cebpst-candidate-orientation-guide/. The CEB/PST Candidate Orientation Guide is a helpful tool to prepare for the exam and can be downloaded as a PDF file and saved or printed. Please read through the disclaimer on the order page in order to have a successful download. Payments will be submitted through PayPal via an account or credit/debit card. Once payment is submitted, PayPal automatically redirects you back to the FPSI site where access to the download link will be located on the Order Details-Checkout Status page. Applicants must pay close attention to ALL instructions on both FPSI and PayPal's websites in order to access the instant download successfully!

Structured Oral Interviews – 6/8/2026 to 6/12/2026

The Interview is for candidates selected to move forward in the process following the written test. Candidates will have the option to attend in person or remote (via Teams). Those attending virtually must utilize a webcam.  The interview will be administered by an Anchorage Fire Department panel during which candidates will have 20 minutes to answer multiple situational-type questions. 

Applicants must meet the minimum passing score of 70% for the interview to continue advancement in the selection process.
 

Physical Ability Walk-Through  – 6/13/2026 to 6/14/2026

Applicants must present a current (within 60 days from PAT walk-through or test) Firefighter Fitness Form from a medical doctor, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner which indicates he/she is physically fit prior to beginning the PAT walk-through or test.  The cost to obtain the physical is the applicant's responsibility. Applicants will not be allowed to participate in any PAT walk-through or test without this fully completed documentation on file. A current fitness form is required for participation in an AFD Clinic. 
 
Download the Firefighter Fitness form at: http://www.muni.org/Departments/Fire/Pages/AFDRecruitment.aspx
 

Physical Ability Test (PAT) – 6/15/2026 to 6/19/2026

This is a strenuous test. Applicants will be wearing full turnouts (jacket, pants, gloves, and helmet) that weigh approximately 30 pounds. In addition, applicants will also be carrying (on their back) an air-pack weighing approximately 30 pounds. Applicants will provide their own shoes. Applicants must complete eleven continuously timed stations/tasks within the passing time.
 
The eleven continuously timed stations/tasks are:
 
Event 1: Dry Hose Deployment
Applicant advances pre-connected 1.75-inch dry hose line for 120 feet. Each 50-foot section weighs 11 pounds, for a total of 33 pounds of dry weight. This event simulates extending a dry offensive hose line from an apparatus to a fire scene for fire fighting operations. Dry Hose Deployment Video
 
Event 2: Charged Hose Deployment 
Applicant advances pre-connected 1.75-inch charged hose line for 70 feet. Each 50-foot section weighs approximately 38 pounds, for a total of 76 pounds total weight. This event simulates extending a charged offensive hose line to the seat of a fire for fire fighting operations. Charged Hose Deployment Video

Event 3: Halyard Raise 
Applicant raises and lowers the fly section of a 24-ft aluminum extension ladder with a halyard. The pull resistance of the ladder is approximately 26 pounds. This event simulates raising and lowering the fly of a 24-foot aluminum extension ladder in order to access higher floors for rescue, ventilation, and other fire fighting operations. Halyard Raise Video
 
Event 4: Roof Walk 
Applicant ascends and descends an 11-foot distance walking/crawling on the rungs of a 14-foot roof ladder while carrying a simulated 18-pound chain saw. This event simulates walking on a roof ladder with the appropriate equipment in order to perform ventilation operations. Roof Walk Video
 
Event 5: Attic Crawl 
Applicant crawls a distance of 20 feet across a simulated attic area while carrying a simulated flashlight in his/her hands. This event simulates walking/crawling on joists in an attic to search for the extension of a fire. Attic Crawl Video 
 
Event 6: Roof Ventilation 
Applicant stands on a pitched rooftop and strikes the roof 30 times with a 14-pound sledge hammer. This event simulates making a ventilation opening in a roof with an axe or sledge hammer in order to ventilate a fire. Roof Ventilation Video
 
Event 7: Victim Removal 
Applicant carries or drags a 165 pound dummy for 18 feet. This event simulates removing an injured or unconscious victim from a hazardous area. Victim Removal Video
 
Event 8: Ladder Removal/Carry 
Applicant removes a 24-foot aluminum extension ladder from mounted hooks, carries the ladder 54 feet around a diamond shaped course, and replaces the ladder to the mounted hooks. The weight of the ladder is between 68-70 pounds. This event simulates removing an extension ladder from an apparatus, carrying it to the site of use, and replacing it to the apparatus. Ladder Removal/Carry Video
 
Event 9: Stair Climb with Hose 
Applicant climbs five flights of stairs with a 40-pound hose bundle and places the bundle on the landing of the fifth floor. This event simulates climbing stairs with a hose bundle in order to fight fires in multiple-story buildings. Stair Climb with Hose Video
 
Event 10: Crawling Search/Stair Descent 
Applicant crawls on the platform of the fifth floor for a distance of 60 feet. Applicant places the hose bundle on his/her shoulder and takes it back down the five flights of stairs. Applicant places bundle down at the bottom floor. This event simulates crawling while conducting search and rescue, hose deployment, or attic operations in a burning structure. Crawling Search/Stair Descent Video
 
Event 11: Stair Climb with Equipment/Hose Hoist 
Applicant picks up two air bottles (with a shoulder strap), places air bottles over his/her shoulder, and returns up the stairs to the third floor. On the third floor the Applicant places the air bottles on the floor and hoists a 100-foot section of an extended hose line up and over the balcony rail. The Applicant then picks up the air bottles and returns to the ground floor to end the test. This event simulates hoisting an extended hose line and carrying equipment in a multiple story building to facilitate fire fighting operations. Stair Climb with Equipment/Hose Hoist Video
 
Only those applicants who successfully complete the PAT within the maximum allotted time limit will be advanced to the Structured Interview portion of the testing.

Selection Process – 6/22/2026 to 6/29/2026

Fire Chief's Interview
The top applicants who successfully complete all testing portions may be selected for a Fire Chief Interview for Firefighter positions. Upon completion of the interviews, the Fire Chief may select applicants to be forwarded to the reference checking process.
 
Reference Checks 
Reference checks will be completed for selected applicants. Current and past employers will be contacted. The Fire Chief (or designee) will make the final decision on applicants selected for conditional offers of employment.
 

CONDITIONAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT (COE) – 7/1/2026 to 7/31/2026
 
 The Municipal Employment Office will contact the selected applicants to make a conditional offer of employment between approximately 7/1/2026 to 7/31/2026. The conditional offer of employment is based upon successful completion of the conditions of employment:

• Satisfactory completion of a criminal background investigation (AS 12.62.160 and AS 12.62.400). Accordingly it will be necessary for the selected applicant to provide certain identification information and be fingerprinted. Fingerprint cards must be dated within 30 days from date requested. The processing fee of $47.00 plus the cost of being fingerprinted (variable), is the responsibility of the selected applicant and must be accomplished before beginning work.
• Medical assessments to determine the ability to perform physical requirements of the job, meeting National Fire Protection Association 1582 requirements.
• Psychological assessments to determine job suitability. All information from these exams are the property of the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA) and confidential. Copies of the exams will not be provided to the applicant by either the MOA or the medical provider. Participation in the examinations does not create a doctor-patient relationship with the examiner, as the exams are conducted solely to determine potential suitability for the aforementioned position and not to provide medical services or treatment to the applicant.
• Submission of a current copy of the applicant's State of Alaska driver's license and a current (dated within 30 days from date requested) copy of his/her Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) driving record, including a driving record from previous states if the Alaska driver's license was first issued within one year prior to application, documenting an acceptable driving history. The processing fee(s) are the responsibility of the selected applicant. For information on acceptable driving history, please refer to the MOA Driving Conviction Guidelines. 

NOTE:
 As a condition of continued employment if hired for the position, the selected candidate(s) must obtain:

• State of Alaska Firefighter I Certification within 90 days of hire
• State of Alaska Firefighter II Certification within 90 days of hire
• Physical Performance Assessment (PPA) within one (1) year of hire
• Anchorage Fire Department Journeyman Firefighter Certification within 48 months of hire

All position required certifications and licenses must remain current for the duration of employment.
 

QUESTIONS: 

Questions regarding the Anchorage Fire Department or the testing process should be directed to the AFD Fire Training Center at (907) 267-5002. Questions regarding the application process or pre-employment requirements should be directed to the Human Resources Office at (907) 343-4442.
 

Military Service Interview Preference

Veterans or who wish to be considered for interview preference as permitted in Municipal Personnel Rules 3.30.031 D must attach to the application a copy of their DD Forms 214, DD Forms 256, NGB Forms 22, or a letter from the US Department of Veterans Affairs recognizing the person as a veteran. The attached documentation must show an honorable discharge or general (under honorable conditions) discharge. The minimum qualifications of the position must be met for preference consideration.
 
Individuals currently serving as a member in good standing in the National Guard or the organized military reserves who wish to be considered for interview preference as permitted in Municipal Personnel Rules 3.30.031 D must attach proof of current service to the application. Proof of current service can be shown by submission of a statement of service which, at a minimum, shows full name, date of birth, Social Security Number, date service began, branch of service, rank name of command providing the information, and unit of assignment. The statement of service must be on a form or letterhead of the individual's command organization and show the name, signature, title and contact information for the signer providing the statement of service. The minimum qualifications of the position must be met for preference consideration.
 
The Municipality of Anchorage is an employer of National Service.  Please be sure to include any volunteer work with AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, or other national service programs on your application in the work history portion.
  
Application Process
 

Once an applicant clicks the "Apply" link underneath the header section of a vacancy announcement, they will be directed to the www.GovernmentJobs.com website to log into their existing account (or to create an account) of their application profile.  Applicants will create or review their profile, make any updates necessary, and submit their application from their personal account.  NOTE: The GovernmentJobs website and applicant's profile accounts are not administered by the Municipality of Anchorage.  For technical assistance or customer service regarding an account profile, applicants may contact the GovernmentJobs customer support line at 1-855-524-5627.
  
For general questions regarding Municipal vacancy announcements or the employment process with the Municipality of Anchorage, applicants may contact the Human Resources Department at (907) 343-4447during regular business hours of Monday – Friday 8:00am-5:00pm, Alaska Time.

Municipality of Anchorage provides employment services and maintains records and benefits for current and past employees. The Municipality of Anchorage is also in charge of ensuring that all employment-related rules, regulations, laws, and agreements are followed. It collaborates with various employee unions in the development and administration of collective bargaining agreements, as well as promotes positive relationships through the application of progressive human resource principles, practices, and programs.