Fire Cadet

Join the City of Chattanooga Team

Chattanooga, a vibrant and growing community of over 180,000 residents, is known as the "Scenic City" for a reason. Nestled along the Tennessee River and surrounded by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, we are a hub of outdoor adventure and innovation. Home to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and Chattanooga State Community College
, our city blends a rich industrial history with a tech-forward future—famously powered by the nation’s first community-wide "Gig" fiber‑optic network. The City of Chattanooga was also recently designated as a "National Park City," the first of its kind in the United States.

As a City, we are powered by a dedicated workforce of approximately 2,600 employees committed to excellence in public service. Our team ensures the community thrives through a wide range of municipal services, including:

• Public Safety: Chattanooga Police and Fire Departments.
• Infrastructure & Utilities: Public Works, Waste Resources, and specialized Stormwater management.
• Quality of Life: An award‑winning Parks and Outdoors system and the Chattanooga Public Library.
• Transportation: The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) and citywide transit initiatives.
• Innovation: Leading‑edge digital equity and smart‑city programs.

The City of Chattanooga’s workforce is the heartbeat of our community. We don't just offer jobs; we offer careers with purpose. We are committed to being the premier employer of choice in Southeast Tennessee by providing:

• Competitive Compensation: Robust pay scales that reflect our commitment to our staff.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling where possible.
• Exceptional Wellness: Comprehensive health benefits and wellness programs designed for you and your family that deliver savings to you beyond your paycheck.
• Growth: A focus on professional development and upward mobility within the organization.
• The Great Outdoors:
  Your Backyard Playground: Chattanooga isn't just near nature, it's immersed in it. As one of the most biodiverse cities in North America, the "Scenic City" offers an ecological richness that few places on earth can claim. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a weekend wanderer, world‑class adventure is always less than an hour away.
• Vertical Adventures: Scale legendary sandstone cliffs in what is widely considered the premier rock climbing hub of the Southeast.
• Water & Rapids: From the high‑octane whitewater kayaking of the Ocoee River to world‑class bass fishing and peaceful paddling on the Tennessee River.
• Trails for Miles: Explore a massive network of mountain biking and hiking trails that wind through lush ridges, hidden waterfalls, and deep river gorges.

In Chattanooga, "work-life balance" means you can finish your shift and be at a trailhead or on the water before the sun sets.

Our mission is to work together to build a safe, revitalized, and sustainable city for all Chattanoogans. To do that, it takes a team of skilled and passionate individuals. So, if you’d like to call Chattanooga home – or maybe you already do! – and want to further your career through meaningful work that makes a true impact where you live, we’d love to talk to you.

*** This is a NON-EXEMPT Position
*** Grade FD.0C $50,421.30

The Chattanooga Fire Department is excited to announce the opening of the application window for the 2027 CFD Fire Academy! Applications will be accepted March 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Physical ability testing will take place during the month of May; dates will be published soon. The written test will be given during the month of June; dates will be published soon.

If you currently hold an active EMT Certification, an Associates or Bachelors Degree you will be able to be exempt from the written test - documentation must be provided with your application. The 2027 CFD Fire Academy will begin on October 2, 2026. Graduation will tentatively be April 1, 2027. Please contact CFDrecruiting with any questions.

* Please review the Minimum Qualifications for this position before you apply.

CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY
Incumbents in this classification are…