BATON ROUGE — The Baton Rouge Fire Department is now accepting applications for entry-level firefighters.

Starting pay for entry-level recruits begins at $39,517 per year. After completing one year of service and earning an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification, firefighters become eligible for an additional $7,200 in annual state supplemental pay, raising the overall salary to $47,904.

To be eligible for the position, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements: be a U.S. citizen, be between the ages of 18 and 35, possess a high school diploma or GED, hold a valid driver's license, pass the civil service exam and Wonderlic cognitive ability test, pass a comprehensive medical exam, physical ability test, and MMPI-2 personality assessment and pass a background investigation and drug screening.

While not required, the department gives preference to applicants who hold an EMT certification, college credits or a degree in fire science, prior firefighting experience, a strong work history or residency in East Baton Rouge Parish.

Applicants must first take and pass the firefighter exam through the Office of State Examiner. After receiving a passing score from the state examiner, candidates must fill out the official Baton Rouge Fire Department application.

Completed applications and supporting documentation should be emailed to brfdapps@brla.gov (preferred method) or mailed/hand-delivered to 8011 Merle Gustafson Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70807

Candidates must also complete the Wonderlic test, clear an 11-event timed physical ability test, and go through the department interview process.

Hired recruits enter the training academy, where they earn national certifications in Firefighter I and Hazardous Materials Awareness. Recruits then move to the front line as probationary firefighters under direct captain supervision. Full certification as a permanent Baton Rouge Firefighter is awarded upon completion of the training academy, EMT certification, and the supervised probationary period.