The Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD) hires state-certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs). EMTs are expected to provide quality emergency medical care.
Hiring process
The online application process requires candidates to submit all relevant documentation, including college transcripts, licenses, and certifications. You must also provide a detailed description of your education, experience, and credentials.
Candidates are evaluated and scored based upon their training, experience, and credentials.
A ranked hiring list of qualified candidates is published about a month after the application period closes. When the PFD forms an EMT class, candidates will be contacted in their rank order.
The pre-employment process includes a physical exam, background check, and a review to identify potential indebtedness to city agencies.
After accepting a position as a cadet in an EMT class, cadets must complete a 12-week training program at the Philadelphia Fire Academy. Cadets are paid as employees during this training.
Once EMTs have completed training, they are sworn in and mentored in the field for several weeks before being assigned to a medic unit. Each new EMT must complete a one-year probationary period.
EMTs work on a platoon schedule: two day shifts, then two night shifts, followed by four days off.
Salary and benefits
EMTs are paid biweekly and have access to health coverage, retirement benefits, and more.
Salary and other compensation
The annual salary for a first-year Fire Service EMT is $54,155. There are scheduled increases in pay to the present maximum of $75,212 a year. As your career progresses, there are opportunities for promotion, which include a raise in salary.
Additional compensation for this position includes a uniform allowance, holiday time, and other types of pay. Overtime is paid at the level of time and a half.
Benefits
- Healthcare coverage
- Retirement pension
- Deferred compensation (457(b) plan)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Paid vacation
- Paid training
- Career advancement
Employment requirements
Residency
You must live in Philadelphia for one year before your hire date. If you have any questions, contact the Office of Human Resources at hrhelpdesk@phila.gov.
Education
You must be a high school graduate or have your GED.
Physical and medical requirements
You must be able to physically perform the duties and work in the environmental conditions required of the position.
Licensure
You must be a state-certified EMT with a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license. Anyone with a suspended or revoked driver’s license will not pass the background investigation. Any candidate who possesses outstanding fees for traffic violations in the City of Philadelphia must make payment arrangements with Municipal Court’s Traffic Division.
Age
You must be 18 years of age at the time of hire.