HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. No matter what time of day or night, firefighters at Huntsville Fire & Rescue are here for you. "The main purpose is I feel like I'm fulfilling the purpose," Captain Cory Green shared about his experience leading the team. "That I'm benefiting my community in a positive way and that's the most important thing to me."
If you think you have what it takes to be part of a time-honored tradition that is a calling more than a career, apply to be a firefighter with Huntsville Fire & Rescue starting at 6 p.m. April 24 through June 2. These positions, which include competitive benefits and a recent pay increase, are only open a limited number of times per year. " We have plenty of opportunities and a different growth in our department with the city growing as fast as it is," Green said.
To apply, prospective candidates must be at least 18 years old, have no felony convictions and possess a high school diploma or GED. Job perks include a flexible work schedule, advancement opportunities, 25-year pension/state retirement, insurance and a great work-life balance.
“We are looking for the best and brightest, who are willing to work hard to provide rapid and reliable emergency services to our citizens,” said Chief Howard “Mac” McFarlen. “Whether you’re just starting out, looking to transfer to a growing department or changing careers, we hope you’ll give Huntsville Fire & Rescue a chance.”
Starting out at $52,416, a cadet’s annual salary jumps to Grade 13, Step 12, or $57,824, when they are hired on as full-time firefighters. After a year, employees become eligible for a yearly step pay increase, effective every 12 months on the anniversary of their first date of employment.
Capt. Green is a shining example of a young person who has risen through the ranks at Huntsville Fire & Rescue. Hired as an entry-level firefighter at 19, Green has been on the department’s HAZMAT Team and currently works for the Heavy Rescue Team.
The 12-year employee was a Driver-Engineer until 2022 when he was promoted to Captain. Green has also been HFR’s lead recruiter since 2020.
“I love everything about my job,” he said. “Before I joined the department, I didn’t know what I wanted to do exactly, but working for Huntsville Fire & Rescue has given me purpose and many opportunities to try new things. Not only do I make a good living, I also get to spend lots of time with my family and have made friends that will last a lifetime.”
As pillars of Huntsville’s public safety infrastructure, firefighters are the backbone of our community. No matter what challenge they face, they always have one goal in mind: save lives and protect property.
Mayor Tommy Battle urges anyone who feels called to serve to apply.
“Great things are happening at Huntsville Fire & Rescue,” he said. “With new fire trucks and a station in West Huntsville coming online soon, we’re confident our current and future firefighters will enjoy a long and rewarding career with the City of Huntsville.”
The City of Huntsville, an Equal Opportunity Employer, is taking a grassroots approach to finding diverse candidates. Throughout the hiring campaign, HFR will offer media content, digital and social advertising, and blogs. Green will also meet with job seekers during local sporting events, career fairs, colleges, trade schools and more.
Make plans to attend one or both of the upcoming meet-and-greet events with Green and other HFR personnel:
Thursday, May 4 – 5-8 p.m.
Fire Station #1
2110 Clinton Ave.
Saturday, May 13 – 10 a.m. to noon
Public Safety Training Complex
5365 Triana Blvd.
Anyone interested in applying can visit JoinHFR.com to learn more about the hiring process and complete an application.