Desirable Schedule
All firefighters work a rotating schedule of 24 hours on, 72 hours off.
Deadline to apply for the Civil Service Exam has now passed. Fill out our interest form to be notified when the next Exam Announcement becomes available.
Join Our Team!
Benefits of Joining the Utica Fire Department
Becoming a firefighter offers the opportunity to serve and protect your community, while receiving great benefits.
Paid Time-off
Paid time-off including vacation, personal, holiday and sick leave.
Retirement Plan
25-year retirement plan with a New York State pension and Deferred Compensation Plan.
Health Insurance Plan
Competitive health insurance plan with dental and vision coverage.
Professional Advancement
Opportunities to advance your career by joining specialized units, becoming an instructor, or advancing the ranks.
Eligibility Requirements
Firefighter - Paramedic
- Graduation from High School or possession of a High School Equivalency Diploma at the time of application.
- Valid NYS Driver's License is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
- Possession of a valid, current certification as a EMT-D - Paramedic is required at the time of appointment.
Firefighter - EMT
- Graduation from High School or possession of a High School Equivalency Diploma at the time of application.
- Valid NYS Driver's License is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
- Possession of a valid, current certification as EMT-B is required for appointment.
Message from the Fire Chief
Scott Ingersoll, Chief of the Utica Fire Department
Hiring Process
In order to begin the hiring process you must apply for the Civil Service Exam.
Interest Form
Submit our interest form and we'll keep in touch!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the length of the Fire Academy?
The Utica Fire Academy is 14 weeks long. Utica Fire Academy Cadets reside at the Fire Academy Monday-Friday for the duration of the Academy.
Are you paid to attend the Fire Academy?
All Fire Academy Cadets hired by the City of Utica are paid the entry level salary of a Firefighter, based on the union's contractual agreement.
What are the firefighters’ work schedules?
Firefighters work 24 hour shifts on a rotating schedule of one day on, three days off.
Do I have to live in Utica to become a Utica Firefighter?
Candidates must be legal residents of New York State at the time of application. Preference may be given to legal residents of the City of Utica. When preference in certification is given to residents of the City of Utica pursuant to subdivision 4-a of Section 23 of Civil Service Law, an eligible must have been a resident of the City of Utica for at least one month prior to the date of certification in order to be included in a certification as a resident of the City of Utica and must be a resident of the City of Utica at the time of appointment.
I am a veteran, do I receive any preferential points?
Veterans may receive five additional points on the written exam. See exam announcement for details.
As a Mohawk Valley Community College Fire Protection Technology Graduate, will I have to complete the Fire Academy again?
No.
Can I cross-file my application with multiple fire departments who are hosting their examinations on the same day?
Yes, please contact the City of Utica Civil Service Department for more information 315-792-0225.
How can I study for the written examination?
Test Guides have been published by the Department of Civil Service for State and Local Government Examinations. Click here for test guides and resources booklets.
How do I become an EMT-B?
EMT classes can be found a www.midstateems.org
How can I contact the Department of Civil Service?
Civil Services can be reached at 315-792-0225.
