Career Opportunities

The Las Cruces Fire Department is now accepting applications for their next academy.

Text JoinLCFD to (575) 219-4942 to chat with a recruiter or complete and submit this form.

For further information, contact the Las Cruces Fire Academy at (575) 528-4250 or email [email protected].

Application Process

  • Written Examination
  • Physical Ability Test
  • Assessment Center
  • Medical Examination & Background Check
Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent. Age 18 by the start of the Fire Academy. Must maintain a level of physical fitness to meet department standards.
  • Valid drivers license required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.
  • LCFD will provide EMT-Basic course as a portion of the current Academy hiring.
  • Prior to the start of the academy and as part of the selection process, candidates must pass:
    • Acrophobia Test
    • Assessment board
    • Background investigation (to include a polygraph test
    • Medical examination upon offer of position (includes drug screening)
    • Physical Ability Test (PAT)
    • Written exam (has no study guide)

If you meet these qualifications, please fill out an application as instructed.

What Makes for a Great Firefighter?

The Las Cruces Fire Department is always looking for men and women who want to be great firefighters.

We want you to know what we are looking for in a fire cadet.

LCFD usually has 20 cadets in each Fire Academy.

Applicants are required to submit an application electronically through the City’s website.

Fire Cadets learn fire suppression techniques, emergency medical services, hazardous material response and vehicle extrication techniques amongst other critical lessons required to be a successful firefighter.

Salary for full-time Fire Cadets is equivalent to $45,136 annually while in the academy.

Graduates of LCFD’s fire academy progress to full-time, regular position firefighters at one of eight Las Cruces fire stations.

Contact Us

Las Cruces Fire Department

Physical Address:
201 E. Picacho Ave.
Las Cruces, NM 88001

Fire Academy: (575) 528-4250

Two Las Cruces Fire Department firefighters standing behind table at National Night Out 2024

Entrance Process

The entrance process consists of a four-phase evaluation including a written examination, a physical performance evaluation, an assessment center, and a complete medical examination and police background investigation. Failure of…
Las Cruces firefighters team with the Mesilla Valley Search and Rescue Team

Fire Academy

The Las Cruces Fire Department is paramilitary in style. Cadets are instructed in the skills of: Firefighting Hazardous Materials Response Technical Rescue Vehicle Extrication Complete this form and watch for our…

Physical Assessment

The Physical Ability Test (PAT) consists of a series of tasks designed to assess important physical abilities necessary for effective job performance as a firefighter. These tasks were developed to…