The city of Austin has finally lifted a hiring freeze for firefighters and expects to gear up to an all-time high in hiring for open jobs.
Currently the shortfalls, due
to budget restraints, have caused current firefighters to work overtime to cover the open positions. Cadets starting at local academies in August will be able to apply for the positions when they graduate in February. The academies could benefit from the need for firefighters by promoting the program through Brochures and Flyers. The flyers could bring awareness to the city’s population of the need for trained personnel that there are open positions awaiting those who attend the academy.
By the time the newest cadets graduate, the city believes they will need to hire up to 150 firefighters. The city also plans to open up a new station, specifically one expected to open in July on Brodie Lane. New stations created additional positions and can sometimes require 15-20 new hires.
The city hopes to even out its budget with the new hires as the current force is working overtime shifts to cover the shortage of positions. The overtime shifts are being taken by seasoned firefighters with higher salaries. The hiring of new cadets will help lower the costs of manpower.
The situation has made it difficult to predict costs so Austin Fire Department is hopeful with the hiring freeze lifted that they can staff up as needed to protect our city.
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