FAQs
Q: When do interviews occur and does the department hire at certain times of the year?
A: We host interviews twice a year, or more frequently if necessary, in coordination with the two fire academies hosted by the Northwest Arkansas Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association. One academy is held in the Spring and the other is held in the Fall. We recruit firefighters all year and accept applications at any time.
Q: How old do I have to be to get hired as a firefighter?
A: By civil service state law, you have to be between the ages of 18-35 at the time of hiring. If you have previous career experience as a firefighter, exceptions can be made. The number of years of experience is deducted from your age to make you eligible.
Q: What is the starting pay?
A: Starting pay for FF/EMT is $44,719 and FF/Paramedic is $52,744. This does not include scheduled overtime or experience pay.
Q: I am already a career firefighter, do I have to go back through the Northwest Arkansas Regional Fire Academy?
A: If you are a career firefighter, you will be placed in a Verification of Skill Sets (VOSS) Orientation. This is a five-week orientation that will validate your skill sets and allow a quick transition to the Field Operations Division.
Q: What type of shifts do your firefighters work?
A: The Rogers Fire Department is on a 48 hours on-duty and 96 hours off-duty rotation.
Q: Will the Department pay for me to go to Paramedic school?
A: Yes, the Department pays for you to attend paramedic school. In addition, you receive an incentive as a student! Paramedics receive incentive compensation when they are assigned to ambulances as well.
Q: Are there promotional opportunities within the Department?
A: The Department has the following ranks:
- Firefighter/EMT
- Firefighter - Paramedic
- Master Paramedic/Firefighter
- Fire Equipment Officer
- Fire Equipment Operator - Paramedic
- Captain
- Captain - Paramedic
- Captain - Tour Commander Qualified
- Battalion Chief
- Deputy Fire Chief
- Fire Chief
Q: Do you pay incentives for being a paramedic on the ambulance?
A: Yes, working paramedics receive an additional stipend for working on the ambulance.
Q: What are your benefits like?
A: You can find an overview of the benefits at the following link.