Job Prerequisites:
Job Announcement:
Join the Westport Fire Department
The Westport Fire Department is seeking motivated, service-minded individuals to become part of a highly respected and progressive team. We serve the residents and visitors of Westport, Connecticut by protecting life, property, and the environment through excellence in fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, public education, and fire prevention.
Operating from four fire stations, the department offers opportunities for meaningful service, professional growth, and long-term career satisfaction.
Why Westport Fire?
- Intensive training through the Connecticut Fire Academy
- Opportunities for advancement and specialty assignments
- A strong, team-based culture grounded in service, integrity, and community engagement
- A well-resourced department with modern equipment and support systems
- Located in a dynamic coastal town committed to public safety excellence
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- High school diploma or GED
- U.S. citizenship
- Valid driver’s license
- Nonsmoker
To receive a conditional offer, you must also have:
- Valid Connecticut EMT certification
- Valid CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) results
Note: EMT and CPAT are not required to submit the interest card, but must be current prior to receiving a conditional offer.
Application Process
New Firefighter Candidates
- Work toward EMT and CPAT completion
- Participate in written exam, interviews, and credential verification
- If selected, attend the CT Fire Academy Recruit Program
Lateral Entry Firefighters
- Certified firefighters from other departments are encouraged to apply
- Must have valid EMT
- Participate in a lateral interview process
Compensation & Benefits
Base Salary Structure
- Step 1: $65,892
- Step 7: $96,876
Progression through 7 steps over 7 years per the collective bargaining agreement.
Additional Compensation
- Overtime: Paid at 1.0 or 1.5x base rate (depending on assignment and FLSA rules)
- Stipends:
- College Incentive: Up to $1,000
- Master Firefighter: Up to $5,500/year (after one year)
- Holiday Pay: 14 paid holidays, starting at $5,000/year
Benefits
- Leave: 15 vacation days after year one; generous sick leave
- Health Insurance: HSA-based plan with Town match
- Retirement: Hybrid defined contribution plan – Town matches 50% of employee contributions (up to 3%)
- Family Support: Bereavement and family leave available
Testing & Hiring
- Written exam (general aptitude, map reading, judgment)
- HR screening interview
- Oral panel with fire officers
- Swim Test
- Final leadership interview
- Credential and background verification
Take the First Step – Submit Your Interest Card
Whether you're new to fire service or a lateral candidate, we invite you to complete the Westport Firefighter Interest Card. This ensures you're contacted when recruitment opens.
Submit the card at:
www.westportct.gov/fire-interest-card
Contact Us
For more information or help navigating the process:
www.westportct.gov/fire-recruitment
EOE We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status or disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act) with respect to employment opportunities.
Please direct questions regarding this position to jpetrosinelli@westportct.gov
About Public Safety Jobs
Jobs close at 11:59 PM (Eastern) on the deadline date specified, or when the position capacity has been met, or unless otherwise specified in the announcement. If the deadline date is not specified in the announcement, the agency has sole discretion on setting the deadline and jobs may close without notice. It is the applicant's responsibility to thoroughly read and understand the deadline requirements and capacity limits as outlined by the agency.
Applicants are responsible for checking their email and logging into their PublicSafetyApp account to monitor for updates.