<p>Advance with Purpose. Serve with Honor. Thrive in Excellence.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Key Responsibilities</p> <ul> <li>Respond to fire, medical, hazardous materials, and rescue incidents as part of a fully equipped engine, squad, or truck company </li><li>Provide emergency medical care as certified </li><li>Operate or assist in the operation of fire suppression and rescue equipment </li><li>Participate in fire and life safety education programs and community risk reduction initiatives </li><li>Complete daily station duties, equipment inspections, and facility maintenance </li><li>Engage in physical fitness and continuing education programs </li><li>Comply with all CCFD rules, general orders, standard operating procedures, and regulations </li><li>Support a positive, accountable, and high-performing team culture </li><li>Demonstrate professional conduct on and off duty as a representative of CCFD </li><li>Perform other related duties as assigned by supervising officers </li></ul> <p>Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities</p> <ul> <li> <p>Competence in firefighting, rescue, hazardous materials, and emergency medical care techniques</p> </li><li> <p>Knowledge of fire service operations, building construction, water supply, fire protection systems, and the incident command system</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to operate in stressful and hazardous conditions with professionalism</p> </li><li> <p>Skilled in verbal/written communication, teamwork, and public interaction</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to adhere to a structured chain of command and organizational procedures</p> </li><li> <p>At least one (1) year of current full-time paid service in a recognized career fire department</p> </li><li> <p>Completion of a recognized recruit fire academy</p> </li><li> <p>Valid Class F (GA) driver's license or equivalent</p> </li><li> <p>Georgia Certified Firefighter (or must obtain within 30 days of hire)</p> </li><li> <p>NPQ or IFSAC certifications:</p> </li><li> <p>Firefighter I and II</p> </li><li> <p>Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations</p> </li><li> <p>National Registry Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or GA EMT-R (must obtain GA reciprocity within 30 days of hire)</p> </li><li> <p>NIMS ICS 100, 200, 700, 800</p> </li><li> <p>High school diploma or GED</p> </li><li> <p>U.S. Citizenship</p> </li><li> <p>Must be at least 18 years of age</p> </li><li> <p>Preferred Qualifications</p> </li><li> <p>National Registry or Georgia Licensed EMT-Basic</p> </li><li> <p>NPQ or IFSAC Fire Instructor I</p> </li><li> <p>Associate Degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, or a related field</p> </li><li> <p>Pre-Employment and Eligibility Requirements</p> </li></ul> <p>Applicants must successfully complete all pre-employment evaluations, including:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Written examination</p> </li><li> <p>Physical agility test</p> </li><li> <p>Interview process</p> </li><li> <p>NFPA 1582 medical evaluation and fitness assessment</p> </li><li> <p>Drug screening</p> </li><li> <p>Background investigation, including criminal and motor vehicle history</p> </li><li> <p>Reference verification</p> </li><li> <p>Automatic Disqualifiers Include (but are not limited to):</p> </li><li> <p>Felony convictions (within 10 years)</p> </li><li> <p>Certain misdemeanor convictions, DUI/DWI, license suspensions, or reckless driving</p> </li><li> <p>Any patterns of criminal behavior or ethics violations</p> </li><li> <p>Untruthfulness or material omissions in any phase of the hiring process</p> </li></ul> <p>Why Join CCFD as a Lateral Firefighter?</p> <ul> <li>Join an organization focused on operational excellence, innovation, and public service </li><li>Be part of a department with a robust career development and promotional pathway </li><li>Work alongside elite specialty teams including Water Rescue, Behavioral Health Unit, and Tactical EMS (TEMS) </li><li>Access competitive pay, excellent benefits, and a structured, supportive command environment </li><li>Serve a diverse and growing community with meaningful opportunities to make a difference </li></ul> <p>Apply Today</p> <p>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.</p> <p>To Apply: https://jobs.chathamcounty.org </p> <p>For questions or more information, please contact Chatham County Fire Department administrative office at (912) 219-4020.</p> <p>This is a safety sensitive position and subject to random drug testing.</p>