Augusta, GA 2011

[GTRider245]

Augusta just opened the hiring process for 2011.

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/augustaga/default.cfm

I will do my best to answer any questions about the department, but I know there may be a few other guys here who know more than I do.

[981kirk]

Augusta just opened the hiring process for 2011.

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/augustaga/default.cfm

I will do my best to answer any questions about the department, but I know there may be a few other guys here who know more than I do.

Thanks for the post! I just sent my application in.

[djm7881]

What is the pay scale like? I know it says $26K for trainee, but what are the pay steps? Also, how does it compare to the cost of living?

Thanks Dave

[GTRider245]

What is the pay scale like? I know it says $26K for trainee, but what are the pay steps? Also, how does it compare to the cost of living?

Thanks Dave

I'm not positive as I work for a neighboring department, but I believe you receieve a raise when you graduate rookie school. If you are not already an EMT, they will shoot you into an in house class once your fire training is done. There is another pay raise after you finish your EMT training. Maybe one of the AFD guys can shed some light there.

As far as cost of living goes, that all depends on where you want to live. Houses, land and taxes are a heck of a lot cheaper in Richmond County (Augusta) than they are in Columbia County (Martinez/Harlem/Grovetown). Likewise, I know a lot of Augusta guys who commute anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour who live in some of the rural counties in Georgia and South Carolina. It is all about preference.

[seekingemployment]

Pay scale?

Augusta just opened the hiring process for 2011.

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/augustaga/default.cfm

I will do my best to answer any questions about the department, but I know there may be a few other guys here who know more than I do.

Hi, I'm trying to figure out the way the pay scale and promotions work in the fire dept. at Augusta. When your hired on with the dept. before you go to the academy what are you making pay wise? I saw the base salary for the new fireman would be 26k, when would you get a pay raise? How many years does it usually take to make about 32K or is that even possible in the dept.? Whats the insurance like?

Lame questions I'm sure but all the other perks of the job leave me with questions only about pay. Thanks

[jlcooke3]

I work for AFD so I'll try to clear up some questions.

Base pay is $26K. There is a step increase once your 1 year probation is over. I believe that it is about $1k-$2k. EMT-I is mandatory. EMT classes are held in house with department instructors. IF you do not pass you will be terminated. If your EMT lapses you will be terminated. EMT incentive pay is $1500 per year and is not part of you salary, it is in addition to salary. There is built in overtime due to the 24/48 work schedule. You will more than likely make over $32k your first full year in a company. Insurance is not bad. It is comparable to other local municipalities. I'm not on it (on my wife's plan) but a family plan is approx $110 per pay period, single is cheaper. Retirement is through GMEBS public safety can retire at 55 with 25 years of service. Pay out is currently 1.65% per year of service with pay out being determined by your 60 highest consecutive months. Firefighters also have the option of being enrolled in the sate firefighters pension. It's cheap and pays out good. Leave time is based on years of service. Starting out you get 5 vacation days (can be taken after 1 year of service), 5 Holidays, and 5 sick days per year (sick time accumulates faster after 5, 10, 15, and 20 years of service).

Promotions. Promotions are held essentially as needed by the department. Promotion exams consist of written test and a practical portion. Promotions may be done in house or through a testing agency, I've seen it done both ways. In order to be eligible for promotion you must have 3 years experience in a lower rank in order to be eligible. The rank structure is Private (Firefighter), Sergeant (Engineer), Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, Fire Chief. So in order to run for Sergeant. You will have to be a certified firefighter for 3 years, with 3 years in a company in order to be eligible for promotion.

The good news. It's a great job with a lot of great people. Pay's not bad for the area. Benefits (while they could be better) aren't to shabby. Promotional opportunities look to be very good in the next 5+ years due to many members being eligible for retirement in 5-10 years.

The bad news. Georgia is a right to work state. COLA raises are essentially nonexistent. I haven't had one in 4 years. Promotional pay raises are inconsistent. Raises can be as low as 5% or as high as 15% it all depends on the budget and the Chief.

The UGLY. Furloughs are here. Last year was 16 hours of furloughed leave. This year is 2 full days, with talks of adding more depending on the budget. If I were a betting man, I'd say we are likely to be furloughed again next year for 3 or more days. Morale among the rank and file is at the lowest ever, I haven't seen this low in 7 years and members with 20+ haven't ever seen it this bad. It is definitely tough times for the Fire Department.

[GTRider245]

I work for AFD so I'll try to clear up some questions.

Base pay is $26K. There is a step increase once your 1 year probation is over. I believe that it is about $1k-$2k. EMT-I is mandatory. EMT classes are held in house with department instructors. IF you do not pass you will be terminated. If your EMT lapses you will be terminated. EMT incentive pay is $1500 per year and is not part of you salary, it is in addition to salary. There is built in overtime due to the 24/48 work schedule. You will more than likely make over $32k your first full year in a company. Insurance is not bad. It is comparable to other local municipalities. I'm not on it (on my wife's plan) but a family plan is approx $110 per pay period, single is cheaper. Retirement is through GMEBS public safety can retire at 55 with 25 years of service. Pay out is currently 1.65% per year of service with pay out being determined by your 60 highest consecutive months. Firefighters also have the option of being enrolled in the sate firefighters pension. It's cheap and pays out good. Leave time is based on years of service. Starting out you get 5 vacation days (can be taken after 1 year of service), 5 Holidays, and 5 sick days per year (sick time accumulates faster after 5, 10, 15, and 20 years of service).

Promotions. Promotions are held essentially as needed by the department. Promotion exams consist of written test and a practical portion. Promotions may be done in house or through a testing agency, I've seen it done both ways. In order to be eligible for promotion you must have 3 years experience in a lower rank in order to be eligible. The rank structure is Private (Firefighter), Sergeant (Engineer), Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, Fire Chief. So in order to run for Sergeant. You will have to be a certified firefighter for 3 years, with 3 years in a company in order to be eligible for promotion.

The good news. It's a great job with a lot of great people. Pay's not bad for the area. Benefits (while they could be better) aren't to shabby. Promotional opportunities look to be very good in the next 5+ years due to many members being eligible for retirement in 5-10 years.

The bad news. Georgia is a right to work state. COLA raises are essentially nonexistent. I haven't had one in 4 years. Promotional pay raises are inconsistent. Raises can be as low as 5% or as high as 15% it all depends on the budget and the Chief.

The UGLY. Furloughs are here. Last year was 16 hours of furloughed leave. This year is 2 full days, with talks of adding more depending on the budget. If I were a betting man, I'd say we are likely to be furloughed again next year for 3 or more days. Morale among the rank and file is at the lowest ever, I haven't seen this low in 7 years and members with 20+ haven't ever seen it this bad. It is definitely tough times for the Fire Department.

Thanks for the info. I was hoping you would chime in.

[jlcooke3]

Another tidbit for those who apply. The hiring process can be drawn out. It may take 2-4 weeks before you receive a letter advising when the testing process begins. The testing consists of a written test, CPAT, 100' Aerial Ladder climb, and a interview board.

[nickmiko]

Just put in an application. Thanks for the info.