Information for the 2026 application process is included below.
Department Information:
- The Mission of the Westlake Fire Department is to preserve life and property by providing community risk reduction and emergency response that exceeds the expectations of our community.
- The Department provides all hazards response service to an approximately 17 square mile response area including the City of Rollingwood, City of West Lake Hills, and areas of Western Travis County. ESD 9 is part of the Regional Automatic Aid Agreement and responds to any incidents it is assigned as the closest emergency unit.
- The Department operates 3 Rescue Engine Companies and a Battalion Chief from two Fire Stations and one temporary station.
- The Department responds to over 2,000 incidents per year
Firefighter Hiring Process Information:
- Submit an Application by December 1, 2025.
- Pass a Written Exam, scheduled for December 5, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. or December 6, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. (Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m.) An optional study guide is available here.
- Candidates may complete a physical agility orientation on their written exam date after completing the written exam. If a candidate completes the agility test in the allotted time, the candidate will pass the test and attendance on December 12, 2025 will not be needed.
- Pass a Physical Ability Test on December 12, 2025.
- Candidates who pass the Written Exam and Physical Ability Test will be invited to an oral interview panel.
- Top candidates will be invited to a Fire Chief Interview
- After a conditional job offer is made candidates will complete and pass a:
- NFPA 1582 Medical Evaluation with drug screen
- NFPA 1582 Occupational Fitness Evaluation
- Background Check.
- Anticipated start date in February 2026.
- Preferred Qualifications that receive additional points in the process:
- Military Points – Candidates who served in the United States Armed Forces for a minimum of two years with a DD-214 evaluation – 2 points
- Advanced Medical Certification:
- EMT-Intermediate, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic – 2 points
- Cleared to Practice by a Travis County Medical Director Partner (DCPE, OMD, ESDs) – 1 point
Hiring Process Quick Links
- Application for Employment
- Hiring Process Announcement
- Hiring Process Details
- Physical Ability Testing Details
- Automatic Disqualifiers for Employment
