How to get hired at Gwinnett County Department of Fire & Emergency Services

Written by a career firefighter · Updated 2026-11-04

Hiring statusNot currently hiring

Most recent Firefighter/Paramedic Trainee window listed as open through Oct 20, 2026 (page also shows an older May 23 deadline). County currently recruiting only paramedic-certified Firemedics. src

LocationLawrenceville, GA

Career firefighters910

Stations32

Gwinnett County hires entry-level Firefighter/Paramedic Trainees through its online job portal in recruitment periods. Applicants need one extra qualification (EMT license/NREMT or an associate degree) or qualifying SAT/ACT/ACCUPLACER-type scores, may be interviewed, and after a conditional offer complete a background check, medical, Physical Performance Evaluation and psych evaluation. Trainees attend a paid, roughly nine-month in-house academy earning Firefighter I/II and National Registry EMT.

Apply / get notified Official recruitment page

Minimum requirements

At least 18 years old src
Valid driver's license (Georgia Class C or equivalent) src
High school diploma, transcripts or certified GED src
Proof of citizenship and U.S. work authorization src
One of: NREMT or Georgia EMT-Basic/Advanced license, an associate degree or higher, or qualifying SAT/ACT/COMPASS/ACCUPLACER scores from the past 5 years src

Certifications

EMT: not required
Firefighter I/II: not required (academy provided)

Source: official page

Tests

SAT/ACT/COMPASS/ACCUPLACER scores (written): Only if applicant lacks EMT or a degree; minimum section scores apply src
Oral interview (oral): Not guaranteed src
Physical Performance Evaluation (physical): After conditional offer; not named CPAT src

Hiring process

Apply online
Minimum qualification review
Oral interview
Conditional offer
Background investigation
Fingerprints, drug screen, medical
Physical Performance Evaluation
Psychological evaluation
Final offer
Academy

Source: official page

Starting pay

Firefighter/Paramedic Trainee $51,049-$81,733/yr; 3% (associate) or 6% (bachelor's) degree incentive src

Academy

Paid ~9-month in-house academy; earns NPQ Firefighter I/II and NREMT src

Checked 2026-11-05 against the department's official pages (linked). Hiring windows open and close quickly; always confirm on the official site before you apply. See every academy, EMT program and test site in Georgia.