Careers

Progressive & Innovative Public Safety Leaders

Each member of our fire team serves our communities with pride, working hard each day to save lives, protect homes and property, and raise awareness about fire safety. We hire the highest qualified, most dedicated applicants and give them a challenging yet rewarding environment in which they can learn, grow, and exceed their goals.

Explore Employment Opportunities

Search job postings on our careers portal to find your new career. This site is updated regularly, so keep checking back, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

What Does It Take to Be a Golder Ranch Firefighter?

We have created a strong, family-focused culture across our 10 fire stations. We believe that the best way to serve our communities is to start within, with inspiring leadership, opportunities for growth and continued education, and a strong sense of team camaraderie.

Our requirements for our firefighters are:

Our preferred application requirements are:

FAQs

What is the work schedule for a Golder Ranch Firefighter? Golder Ranch Firefighters work a 24-hour Shift (starting and ending at 8:00 am) on a rotating “3-4 Schedule”. That means, you work 24 hours, then get 24 hours off, and repeat it until you work three days; then, you get four days off. Do I need any fire certifications to apply to become a Golder Ranch Firefighter? No. If hired, Golder Ranch will train you in fire and EMS skills during our academy. You will be paid during this time. Do Firefighters only fight fires? No! Firefighters are an important part of the community and we respond to a variety of calls which include medical, rope rescue, hazardous materials, fire, car accidents, swift water rescues, wildland fires, and many more. We have a large variety of opportunities to learn new skills which will help advance your career. What are some benefits offered by Golder Ranch? Golder Ranch offers excellent benefits such as health, eye, and dental. Paid time off is available for every employee, and we also offer education reimbursement for classes that are taken to obtain higher degrees or certifications. What are the requirements to become a Golder Ranch Firefighter: The following Minimum Requirements must be met in order to apply for any upcoming firefighter recruitment process: Recruit Firefighter Minimum Application Requirements:
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Must possess a valid Arizona driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
Currently, it is not necessary to have either an EMT certification or a Firefighter I or II certification in order to apply. Recruit Firefighter Preferred Application Requirements:
  • Fire I and Fire II Certifications.
  • National Registry Certification and/or Arizona State EMCT-EMT or EMCT-Paramedic level certification.
    • Contact AZDHS  for questions regarding certification.
  • GRFD Required EMS Certifications for those who possess EMT or Paramedic Cert:
  • Arizona State EMCT-EMT: American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support Provider
  • Arizona State EMCT-Paramedic: AHA Basic Life Support Provider WITH AHA ACLS WITH AHA PALS OR American Academy of Pediatrics PEPP
 
Potential Testing Process: The testing process will include (but is not limited to) an application screening, behavioral and cognitive skills exam (on-line), three-question video interview (submitted on-line), credibility assessment, and in-person (or Zoom) interview(s). The pre-employment process for the successful candidate may include but is not limited to: background checks (i.e. driving record, criminal history, etc.), physical examination, psychological examination, drug screen, and reference checks. Applicants should be aware that successful completion of all phases of the testing process does not guarantee employment. The eligibility list will remain in effect for a minimum of six months and may be extended by the Fire Chief.  Golder Ranch Fire District is an equal opportunity employer. It is unlawful to discriminate in employment matters on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, marital status, and political opinions, beliefs, or affiliations.  Golder Ranch Fire District is a drug-free workplace.

What to Expect From the Application & Testing Process

The testing process will include an application screening, online behavioral and cognitive skills exam, three-question video interview (submitted online), credibility assessment, and series of in-person interviews.

We conduct pre-employment screenings for successful candidates, including background check, physical examination, psychological examination, drug screening, and reference checks.

Successfully completing all phases does not guarantee employment.

Should you be offered a job, we will train you in fire and EMS skills during our academy. You will earn your EMT certification and a Firefighter I or II certification during training and will have additional opportunities to progress in your career.

Helpful Information About Our Department

Who We Serve

We serve our community with PRIDE. The Golder Ranch Fire District spans 244 square miles and includes 10 fire stations throughout Oro Valley, Catalina, SaddleBrooke, and southern Pinal County. Check our district map to see if you’re within our district boundaries.

What We Do

Our firefighters do so much more than fighting fires. We respond to a variety of calls, including medical, rope rescue, hazardous materials, fire, car accidents, swift water rescue, wildland fires, and more.

Benefits & More

We reward our team with competitive pay, a robust benefits package, and a range of other services that we use to recognize their hard work and dedication:

A Day in the Life of a Firefighter

Ever wonder what it’s like to be a Golder Ranch firefighter? Watch this video from our latest recruit class for an inside look at the rigorous training and dedication it takes to serve. You’ll see recruits push through challenging drills at our fire academy and grow into the role with teamwork and heart.