Hiring Process
Application Process
Application Instructions:
- Apply online at www.pghjobs.net during an active recruitment period.
- Subscribe: www.pghjobs.net > click Menu > job descriptions > search Firefighter > click Subscribe! You will receive an email as soon as it is posted.
Application Period | Examination | Eligibility:
- Submit your online application.
- Submit your Preference Points in order to receive the extra points! See below for details.
- Attend the Written Exam Prep Session.
- Attend the Written Exam.
- Attend Physical Ability Test Preparation Session.
- Attend Physical Ability Test.
- Depending on passing scores, receive a rank on the Eligibility List.
Qualifications:
- Background processing packets are mailed to appropriate ranks. Candidates submit packets by deadline.
- All applicants must complete an online City of Pittsburgh application for this position (can be found at www.pghjobs.net), including completion of an employment profile, and supplemental questions for the position.
- You must be 18 years of age at the time of application.
- Applicants must be or become residents of an area of Pennsylvania within 60 minutes of driving time with normal driving conditions from the downtown City-County Building prior to employment and remain a resident within the 60 minute radius throughout employment.
- Click here to view GIS map or download PDF version. (800KB)
- A current, valid Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Operator’s License (Class C) must be presented at the time of filing the application, or prior to the start of employment. A valid PA driver’s license must be maintained throughout employment.
Veterans’ Preference:
Ten (10) Veterans' Preference points will be awarded to eligible candidates who achieve a FINAL passing score. You must attach to this application or email to ronda.sherrill@pittsburghpa.gov your, or your spouse's (if deceased or disabled), ORIGINAL or COPY of original discharge and separation papers (DD-214 Member-4). If you do not possess the Member-4 copy, you may submit the Member-1 copy along with a copy of your Honorable Discharge Certificate. The initial term of active obligated service enlistment must have been completed at the time of the test to include Reservists/National Guard members, or the member must have received a final discharge from active duty, Form DD-214. The Character of Service must be "positive." DD-214 Member-4 must be received before the physical ability examination.
If you are unable to locate your discharge and separation papers (Form DD-214 Member-4), you must complete a "Request Pertaining to Military Records" Form (SF-180) and send it to the appropriate agency. When received, email a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4) to ronda.sherrill@pittsburghpa.gov. Military or National Guard reservists are eligible for veterans' preference if they have completed their initial reserve obligation. Reservists must provide a statement of service letter from their current Reserve or National Guard commanding officer at the rank of colonel (Army, Air Force, Marine), captain (Navy or Coast Guard) or higher. The letter can be taken or mailed to the Human Resources Department Application Counter located on the fourth floor of the City County Building, 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The letter must include:
- Full name.
- A statement that characterizes your current service (i.e., honorable or under honorable conditions).
- Date military or National Guard reserve service began.
- Completion date of initial military reserve obligation.
- Statement if deployed in combat.
NOTE: Any applicant who is serving and was deployed, or was recalled to Federal active duty (regardless of active duty length or place of service, even if they are still within their initial term of Reserve or National Guard enlistment) who provides a DD-214 showing the active duty and a positive Character of Service, is to be awarded Veterans' Preference Points. This does not include the DD-214 that is issued to a Reservist or Guardsman at the end of boot camp.
Pittsburgh Public School Graduate Preference: Five (5) points will be awarded to eligible candidates who achieve a FINAL passing score. You must provide a copy of your Pittsburgh Public High School Diploma by attaching proof to your application or submit it at the physical exam.
City of Pittsburgh Residency Preference: Three (3) points will be awarded to eligible candidates who achieve a FINAL passing score. You must provide proof of City residency at least 1 year preceding application by attaching to your application or submit it at the physical exam.
NOTE: Applicants will be awarded preference points, if eligible, for their highest qualifying category. Points will not be awarded for more than one category.
Candidate Background Processing Form
Office of Municipal Investigations:
The City of Pittsburgh, as a matter of policy, conducts a pre-employment and promotional background investigation on all applicants being considered for positions. Applicants may be disqualified from consideration based on the results of their background investigation (as it relates to the job the applicant is being considered for).
Drug Screen:
The drug screening test will include, but is not limited to, a hair sample analysis. It is therefore important that you have at least a half inch of hair (in length) on your head that the clinicians can cut for this sample. If your head hair is too short, body hair can be used as a substitute.
All firefighter recruit applicants with the City of Pittsburgh, Bureau of Fire are subject to a thorough background investigation to verify the accuracy of statements provided within the applicant materials and to confirm qualification for employment. The background information is reviewed by the Chief and his/her command staff for selection purposes.
Keep the following information in mind:
- It takes approximately one month to grow a half inch of hair.
- Head and body hair do not grow at the same rate.
- Body hair grows at a much slower rate.
Chief’s Selection:
The Fire Chief reviews all background files and may decertify a candidate based upon the information contained in the file.
Public Hearing Process:
Any applicant who is passed over for just cause and disqualified from becoming a Firefighter Recruit for the City of Pittsburgh can request an appeal hearing within ten days of the date of the disqualification notice. The request must be made in writing to the Secretary & chief Examiner for the City of Pittsburgh. Once the request is received the Appellant will be assigned a hearing date. The Appellant may hire an attorney, or represent themselves. After hearing testimony, and reviewing the evidence presented the Civil Service Commission will make a determination to deny, or grant, the appeal request. Please email all requests to: charlene.holder@pittsburghpa.gov.
Academy Class:
Candidates will be given a conditional offer of employment. If the candidate accepts, you will then be scheduled to take a medical (stress test) examination. Once the candidate passes the medical examination the candidate will be given a final offer of employment and a start date for the Fire Academy.
Preparation Opportunities - Sessions will begin in 2024. More info to come...
Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC)
Written Exam Pre-Test Preparation is offered in cooperation with the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). It is anticipated that session will begin in May 2024. You will receive scheduling information via email. Please make sure your contact information is up to date.
Helpful Links
Fitness Preparation: