About the Department

Advance with Purpose. Serve with Honor. Thrive in Excellence.

The Chatham County Fire Department (CCFD) is actively recruiting qualified and experienced firefighters for lateral transfer opportunities. As part of a rapidly expanding, full-service department committed to excellence in emergency response and innovation, CCFD protects more than 109,000 residents across 242 square miles of unincorporated Chatham County, Georgia.

This is your opportunity to join a department with a strong culture of leadership, professional development, and community-focused service. We are looking for motivated professionals ready to bring their experience, energy, and commitment to one of Georgia’s most forward-thinking fire departments.

Position Duties

Under the supervision of a Fire Officer or Apparatus Operator, the Advanced Firefighter (AFF) is responsible for fire suppression, emergency medical response, rescue operations, hazardous materials mitigation, fire prevention education, and station/equipment readiness. AFFs are expected to set the standard in physical fitness, team performance, and ethical leadership.

This position is classified as critical workforce and is subject to emergency callbacks, shift holds, and disaster response activation. Lateral Firefighters are integrated into front-line operations from the outset and are expected to demonstrate leadership, readiness, and commitment to the department's mission and values.

Key Responsibilities

• Respond to fire, medical, hazardous materials, and rescue incidents as part of a fully equipped engine, squad, or truck company
• Provide emergency medical care as certified
• Operate or assist in the operation of fire suppression and rescue equipment
• Participate in fire and life safety education programs and community risk reduction initiatives
• Complete daily station duties, equipment inspections, and facility maintenance
• Engage in physical fitness and continuing education programs
• Comply with all CCFD rules, general orders, standard operating procedures, and regulations
• Support a positive, accountable, and high-performing team culture
• Demonstrate professional conduct on and off duty as a representative of CCFD
• Perform other related duties as assigned by supervising officers

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Competence in firefighting, rescue, hazardous materials, and emergency medical care techniques
• Knowledge of fire service operations, building construction, water supply, fire protection systems, and the incident command system
• Ability to operate in stressful and hazardous conditions with professionalism
• Skilled in verbal/written communication, teamwork, and public interaction
• Ability to adhere to a structured chain of command and organizational procedures

Minimum Qualifications

• At least one (1) year of current full-time paid service in a recognized career fire department
• Completion of a recognized recruit fire academy
• Valid Class F (GA) driver’s license or equivalent
• Georgia Certified Firefighter (or must obtain within 30 days of hire)
• NPQ or IFSAC certifications:
  • Firefighter I and II
  • Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations
• National Registry Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or GA EMT-R (must obtain GA reciprocity within 30 days of hire)
• NIMS ICS 100, 200, 700, 800
• High school diploma or GED
• U.S. Citizenship
• Must be at least 18 years of age

• Preferred Qualifications

  • National Registry or Georgia Licensed EMT-Basic
  • NPQ or IFSAC Fire Instructor I
  • Associate Degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, or a related field

• Pre-Employment and Eligibility Requirements

  Applicants must successfully complete all pre-employment evaluations, including:

  • Written examination
  • Physical agility test
  • Interview process
  • NFPA 1582 medical evaluation and fitness assessment
  • Drug screening
  • Background investigation, including criminal and motor vehicle history
  • Reference verification

• Automatic Disqualifiers Include (but are not limited to):

  • Felony convictions (within 10 years)
  • Certain misdemeanor convictions, DUI/DWI, license suspensions, or reckless driving
  • Any patterns of criminal behavior or ethics violations
  • Untruthfulness or material omissions in any phase of the hiring process

Other Qualifications

Why Join CCFD as a Lateral Firefighter?

• Join an organization focused on operational excellence, innovation, and public service
• Be part of a department with a robust career development and promotional pathway
• Work alongside elite specialty teams including Water Rescue, Behavioral Health Unit, and Tactical EMS (TEMS)
• Access competitive pay, excellent benefits, and a structured, supportive command environment
• Serve a diverse and growing community with meaningful opportunities to make a difference

Apply Today

Ready to take your fire service career to the next level? Apply now to become a Lateral Firefighter (Advanced Firefighter) with the Chatham County Fire Department.

To Apply: https://jobs.chathamcounty.org 

For questions or more information, please contact Chatham County Fire Department administrative office at (912) 219-0420.

This is a safety sensitive position and subject to random drug testing.