The next firefighter hiring process will be in spring 2027. Job opportunities will be posted on the Bozeman Fire Department website and social media pages.  

At this time, we take into account firefighters' salaries based on years of service in comparable professional departments to the Bozeman Fire Department.

There isn't a specific lateral training academy, but we do consider recent graduates of the Gallatin Valley Fire Academy (GVFA) from neighboring departments when hiring. All new firefighters must complete the GVFA. However, if a newly hired firefighter has already completed the GVFA, they may be assigned directly to a shift to begin their one-year probation without needing to attend the GVFA again.

The wage scale is determined by experience. According to the Collective Bargaining Agreement for FY2023 - FY2025, a probationary shift firefighter (with 0-12 months of experience) will receive a gross salary of $5,770 per month, effective as of June 30, 2025. Considerations for a higher starting salary may include years of service at a comparable professional department, qualifying EMS licensure, and other fire-related certifications or achievements.

To begin a career in firefighting with the Bozeman Fire Department, you will need to follow a structured process that includes meeting specific qualifications, passing the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), and participating in a competitive hiring process. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:

 Minimum Requirements

To be eligible, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Hold a high school diploma or GED
• Possess a Montana or National Registry EMT certificate (minimum)
• Have or be able to obtain a Montana driver’s license
• Be of sound physical and mental health
• Have no felony convictions
• Demonstrate high moral character, verified through a background check

 Step 1: Pass the CPAT

You must pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) within 12 months of applying. BFD accepts out-of-state CPAT cards, and the Montana Firefighter Testing Consortium (MFFTC) conducts the CPAT once a year

Step 2: Apply During Open Hiring Periods

• BFD typically hires in the spring and fall, ahead of usual recruit academies in March and August.
• Applications are only accepted during open periods posted on the Careers & Opportunities webpage.

Step3: Application Screening

Applications are reviewed for:

• Completeness and accuracy
• Relevant education and certifications (e.g., IFSAC, Pro-Board, NFPA)
• Prior fire service or related experience

Step 4: Interviews and Evaluations

If selected, you’ll go through:

1. Phone interview (optional)
2. Oral board interview with a panel
3. Psychological evaluation (NFPA 1582 standards)
4. Background check (criminal, driving, credit, references)
5. Medical physical exam (NFPA 1582 standards)

 Step 5: Fire Academy and Shift Work

• New hires attend a 12- to 16-week Firefighter Academy
• After graduation, firefighters work a 48/96 shift (48 hours on, 96 hours off)

Yes. While we encourage individuals interested in becoming firefighters with the Bozeman Fire Department to have prior experience in the fire service, it is not a requirement. To apply, you must meet the minimum qualifications outlined above. Once hired, all new firefighters will undergo a 12-16 week training program at the Gallatin Valley Fire Academy (GVFA). This academy trains participants in current best practices to ensure their readiness for duty. The GVFA is a collaborative effort between BFD, Central Valley Fire Department, and Big Sky Fire Department. It offers a fast-paced, hands-on experience that requires good physical fitness and mental aptitude. Completing the GVFA will provide a strong foundation for becoming a firefighter with Bozeman.

The Bozeman Fire Department is a paid fire department and does not offer volunteer or residency options. While on duty, you will be required to live and work at the firehouse. A typical shift lasts 48 hours, but there are no residency requirements when you are off shift.

The culture at the Bozeman Fire Department focuses on professionalism, compassion, and community service. It emphasizes teamwork, physical and mental readiness, and continuous improvement.

 Here are some key aspects of the department's culture and work environment:

 Core Values and Work Ethic

• BFD is committed to hiring individuals who are dedicated to serving the community with integrity and professionalism.
• Firefighters are expected to maintain high moral character, physical fitness, and mental resilience.
• The department operates on a 48/96 shift schedule, meaning 48 hours on duty followed by 96 hours off. This schedule promotes work-life balance while ensuring 24/7 coverage

Team-Oriented and Inclusive

• The department fosters a collaborative environment, where firefighters work closely in high-stress situations and rely on each other for safety and success.

Professional Development and Standards

• BFD values ongoing training and certification and encourages staff to pursue credentials from national certifying bodies like IFSAC, Pro-Board, and NFPA.
• The hiring process includes rigorous screening, including physical, psychological, and background evaluations, ensuring a high personnel standards.

  Community Engagement

• The department actively engages with the public through events like Fire Prevention Week Open Houses and educational campaigns on fire safety.

The City of Bozeman follows the Montana Veteran's Public Employment Preference Act, which provides preference in public employment for:

• Military veterans
• Disabled veterans
• Eligible relatives of veterans or disabled veterans

How the Preference Works

When applying for a position (including with Bozeman Fire), eligible applicants can claim this preference by submitting the appropriate documentation, such as:

• A DD-214 showing honorable discharge
• A certification of service from the Montana National Guard
• A disability certification from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (for persons with disabilities preference)

Important Notes:

• The preference does not guarantee a job or an interview.
• It must be claimed voluntarily and supported with documentation at the time of application.
• The City of Bozeman also makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.

After applications close, the BFD reviews applications for completeness and accuracy. We also make sure candidates meet the minimum requirements. We screen and rank candidates on numerous criteria, including:

• Relevant education beyond high school

• Prior fire service experience

•  Other relevant experience

•  Training from national certifying bodies such as IFSAC, Pro-Board, NFPA, ICC, etc.

The BFD may interview some candidates by phone as the first step in the hiring process. This is an optional step and may not always happen. 

After the screening and phone interview, the BFD invites successful candidates to continue in the hiring process. Candidates must successfully pass each portion below before moving on. 

Applicants must have passed the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) in the past 12 months.

The MFFTC conducts the CPAT twice a year. Visit the Montana Firefighter Testing Consortium website to learn more.

We also accept valid out of state CPAT cards. For a list of upcoming test dates, visit the Public Safety Testing website.

An panel will interview candidates. The panel will ask structured, standardized questions related to firefighting work.

BFD will rank candidate results to determine which candidates will continue in the process. BFD will then offer candidates a conditional job offer, contingent on completing the rest of the hiring process. 

Selected applicants must pass an extensive background investigation including:

• Criminal history records check

• Driving records history check

• Previous employer professional reference checks

• Credit check

• Verification of application materials and qualifications