Firefighter 3/C Cadet

Firefighter 3/C (cadet)

The Firefighter 3/C (cadet) will be trained and educated by members of the Albuquerque Fire Rescue Training Division so that the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the duties of a Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician are acquired. Successful completion of the Fire Academy will provide the opportunity to serve the citizens of Albuquerque as a Firefighter. This is a safety-sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Essential and Supplemental Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

1. Cadet will learn the policies, procedures, guidelines, rules and regulations of both the City of Albuquerque and the Albuquerque Fire Rescue.
2. Cadet will learn standard operating guidelines and protocols pertaining to suppression firefighting, wildland firefighting, delivery of emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, technical rescue response, incident command and safety.
3. Cadet will meet all training expectations needed to complete the 19 week (for current State or National Registry EMT-B or higher) or 28 week (for non-EMT) Fire Academy as a Firefighter II certified by the State of New Mexico.
4. Cadet will meet all academic and physical fitness standards established by the Albuquerque Fire Rescue.

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Must be 18 years of age by the academy start date
• If a Veteran must submit an Honorable Discharge, or General Discharge under Honorable Conditions, as stipulated on your DD-214. All other Discharges, with the exception of a Dishonorable Discharge, will be considered on a case by case basis
• Must be a United States Citizen or Legal Resident
• Must possess a valid driver's license (out-of-state applicants must obtain a New Mexico driver's license within 30 days of being hired)
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class E New Mexico driver's license (within 30 days of graduation of the academy)
• All cadets that do not hold an EMT License, will be provided EMT Basic License training and be required to successfully complete the course and obtain New Mexico State License
• Must have valid CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) Certificate.
• If applicants are not New Mexico Licensed but are Nationally Registered EMT and/or Paramedics and are selected as cadets, they will be required to complete the reciprocity process and acquire a State of New Mexico EMT license prior to graduation from the academy
• Males under the age of 25 must be registered for Selective Service ( Click here for more information on Selective Service )
• Create your portfolio by visiting
• Submit all required documentation to

PREFERRED TRAINING, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic, Intermediate/Advanced or Paramedic License
• International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Fire Fighter 1 and/or 2 Certification
• Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations Certification

SELECTION PROCESS

• Must pass the Fire Rescue Cadet Written Examination
• Must pass the Structured Oral Interview
• Must pass the City of Albuquerque medical examination and drug screening
• Must pass a comprehensive background check

Click here for details on the testing process.

Click here for details on minimum qualifications.

Working Conditions

Environmental and Physical:

• Intense 19 or 28 week firefighter and emergency medical technician training academy
• 40 hour work week, Monday through Friday, 0800-1700, with some exceptions
• Indoor and outdoor work performance in hot, cold, windy, dark, smoky, confined spaces, elevated heights, and other environments
• Exposure to heavy and powerful equipment, sharp objects, uneven and slippery surfaces

Government Careers

Show more