Mayor Schember and Chief Len Trott announce Erie Fire Department Recruitment Process

April 17, 2025 - Mayor Joe Schember and Chief Len Trott announced today that the City of Erie Fire Department is now accepting applications. There are more vacancies than usual expected this cycle and this is an excellent opportunity for those who are interested in becoming a firefighter to join a team-oriented, rewarding career in public service. The City of Erie Fire Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To qualify as a firefighter with the City of Erie, all applicantsregardless of prior firefighting, law enforcement, or military experiencemust meet the physical, mental, and psychological requirements established by Pennsylvania State law and the City of Erie Civil Service Board.

To be eligible to apply all applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be between 18 and 45 years old on the date of the Civil Service test.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must have earned a high school diploma or GED
• Must have a valid driver's license at time of application

Applicants who are hired must also obtain the following prior to their date of hire:

• EMT-B certification (or enrolled in a course to be certified before hire)
• Proof of Hepatitis B vaccination or immunity

There is an $80 application fee. There is also an optional Candidate Orientation Guide available for $15.

The deadline for submitting an application is Midnight, April 27, 2025, at

https://efd.erie.pa.us/apply.

The Civil Service Exam will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at LECOM, 2000 West Grandview Boulevard, Erie, PA 16509. Top scorers will move forward to take the Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT), which is pass/fail. Voluntary practice sessions are available.

Applicants who have the following experience will receive the following merit-based bonus points:

• Firefighter I: +2 points
• Firefighter II: +2 points
• EMT-Paramedic: +1 point
• 5 years paid firefighting experience: +1 point
• City of Erie residency: +2 points
• Veterans Preference: +10 points (if eligible)

The Eligibility list will be effective Dec 1, 2025 Nov 30, 2027. Successful applicants must pass a background check before hire and must establish residency within 15 miles of Erie City Hall within 1 year of the date of hire.