South Hays is currently accepting applications for Full-Time Driver / Engineer positions. Please submit a detailed resume and SHFD Fire Engineer Application to recruiting@southhaysfire.com.

Download the Driver / Engineer Job Opportunity Flyer

Minimum Qualifications (TCFP Compliant)
         Applicants must possess and maintain the following:

• High School Diploma or GED 
• Valid Texas Class B Exempt Driver’s License 
• Texas Department of State Health Services EMT-Basic (or higher) 
• Current AHA BLS Healthcare Provider CPR Certification 
• TCFP Basic Structural Firefighter Certification (or higher) 
• TCFP Driver/Operator – Pumper Certification 
• NIMS ICS 100, 200, 700, 800 

Preferred Requirements:

• TCFP Fire Officer I 
• TCFP Fire Instructor I 
• TCFP Hazardous Materials Technician 
• TCFP Swiftwater Technician II & Boat Operator (*required within 18 months) 
• NWCG S-130 & S-190 (Wildland Firefighter) (*required within 12 months) 
• Additional NWCG courses (e.g., S-215 Fire Operations in the Wildland/Urban Interface) 
• College degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, or related field

Selection Process:

• Written Exam (minimum passing score: 70%)
  • Study Source: IFSTA Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator, 3rd Edition 
  • Includes hydraulics, pump operations, and apparatus safety 
• Practical Assessment
  • Scenario-based operational tasks (minimum 3 scenarios) 
  • Driving course (apparatus maneuvering and safety) 
• Fit-For-Duty
  • Pass/Fail -South Hays PAT Course within time limit 
  • Pass/Fail -Drug Test 
  • Pass/Fail -NFPA physical exam
• Oral and other Assesments
  • Structured Interview Panel 
  • Background Check & Driving Record Checks 
  • Fire Chief’s Interview (final selection) 

Testing Materials:

• IFSTA Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator 3rd Edition 
• Pump Operator basic calculations and co-efficient for hose, nozzles, pumps etc. 

Testing Details:

• Written testing/PAT/Skills assess/interview is slated for the week of DEC 1st to 5th 2025

Department:

South Hays / Hays County ESD #3 proudly serves 35,000 residents across 140 square 
miles of Hays County, Texas.

• Combination department with 22 full-time firefighters across 3 stations 
• Average 1,550 annual responses 
• Strong mutual aid network 
• Rural district that surrounds the City of San Marcos 
• Committed to professional growth, training, and community service 
• Robust Training Budget 

At South Hays, you’ll find more than just a job-you’ll find a team dedicated to excellence, 
innovation, and service.

Benefits:

• Employee 100% Health, Dental, and vision 
• $50,000 Life insurance 
• Short and long term disabiity 
• 240 hours PTO annually 
• Paid Holidays 
• TCDRS Employer Match 2 to 1 up to 7% 
• Certification Pay eligbility 
• Step-Up Pay if certified TCFP 
• Annual uniform stipen 

Automatic Disqualifications:

• Must not have any felony convictions or disqualifying criminal histories 
• Must not have not been convicted of any felonies. 
• Must not have not been convicted of any Class A or B misdemeanors in the previous 7 years. 

Hays County Emergency Services District #3 is an equal opportunity employer and does not 
discriminate based on sex, race, creed, age, or nationality.