Now is your chance to become a Philadelphia firefighter

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Philadelphia's bravest are looking for a few more good men and women! Applications are available through Sept. 2.

These are some of the details, according to the department:

The position involves "firefighting and rescue work, controlling and extinguishing fires using a variety of specialized equipment and techniques, evacuating persons from areas of danger, and performing emergency treatment. Work includes inspecting multi-occupancy and commercial buildings for fire hazards and violations of the Fire Code, and instructing the public on the principles of fire preventions. Work is performed under the general supervision of a fire officer. Assignments are stable in nature and are carried out in accordance with standard departmental practices and general work instructions."

Think you can handle it?

Firefighters "must apply and successfully compete in a civil service examination for firefighters. Prospective candidates are selected in rank order from the established civil service list for the processing. The process includes Department interviews, criminal and background investigations, and, if selected for conditional appointment, a candidate must successfully pass a medical examination. Additionally, all candidates must be drug free."

Then, there is "an extensive 16-week academic, practical and physical training program at the Philadelphia Fire Academy. At the Academy, cadets are trained in basic firefighting procedures as well as in basic emergency medical services, for which they must obtain state certification as an emergency medical technician.

"Only upon the successful completion of training are cadets sworn in as Firefighter/EMTs and assigned to a field fire suppression engine or ladder company. As EMT's, firefighters are also assigned as needed to work in Basic Life Support Medic Units."

Still interested?

The yearly salary for a recruit in the Fire Academy is $40,036. After graduating, there are scheduled increases. The maximum is now $55,603. Overtime is paid at time and a half. Opportunities for promotion could lead to raises. Plus, there are lots of benefits.

Applicants should be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and be able to "physically perform the duties and work in the environmental conditions required of the position." Non-city residents will need to move in within six months.

And, all appointees must successfully complete a six-month probationary period.

Click here for more details and how to apply.