Earn Your Place. Join Our Team.
What to Expect in the BTFD Firefighter Hiring Process
Bluffton Township Fire District is looking for dedicated, community-minded individuals ready to serve with pride and purpose. Whether you’re new to the fire service or bringing prior experience, we’re here to support your journey.
Joining BTFD means becoming part of a respected team committed to excellence, safety, and public service. Below, you’ll find an overview of our hiring process—from submitting your application to completing assessments and interviews.
Application
To apply for a position with Bluffton Township Fire District, complete your application through our secure:
Online Application Portal
If you are certified as a National Registry EMT or Paramedic, please upload a copy of your current NREMT card with your application.
Physical Agility Test (RFPAT)
Firefighting is physically demanding work. To evaluate candidates fairly, BTFD uses the Recruit Firefighter Physical Agility Test (RFPAT)—a timed series of tasks that simulate real fireground activities.
General Requirements:
- All timed tasks are performed while wearing a full SCBA (excluding the face piece).
- BTFD provides gloves and a helmet—personal safety gear is not permitted.
- You’ll wear athletic shoes, long pants or shorts, and a t-shirt. Be prepared to get hot, wet, or dirty.
- Running is not allowed at any time. Repeated warnings may result in disqualification.
- The RFPAT must be completed in 8 minutes or less. Exceeding this time will result in disqualification.
- Each candidate is individually monitored by a designated test proctor during the timed portion of the test.
Note: Only applicants will be allowed on the training site on testing day.
Download the RFPAT Guide
Applicant Preparation Program
Applicants who submit a completed application are eligible to attend optional practice sessions. Each hiring cycle includes two scheduled opportunities for candidates to become familiar with the stations of the RFPAT course and, as time permits, practice completing them under the supervision of BTFD staff. These sessions offer valuable hands-on experience to help applicants prepare for the official test.
Location:
Bluffton Township Fire District Training Facility
19 Ulmer Road, Bluffton, SC 29910
Additional Requirements
After successfully completing the Recruit Firefighter Physical Agility Test (RFPAT), candidates may be invited to continue in the selection process. These additional steps include:
- In-Person Interview
Selected candidates will participate in a structured panel interview conducted by members of the BTFD hiring board. - Standardized Written Exam
This timed assessment evaluates reading comprehension and math skills. It must be completed in order to move forward in the hiring process. The written exam is scheduled following a conditional offer of employment.
Please note: Both the interview and written exam are by invitation only and take place after successful completion of the RFPAT.
Disclaimer
Nothing in this process, website, or related materials is intended to constitute a contractual guarantee of employment. Employment with BTFD is at-will and may be terminated at any time by either the employee or the employer, with or without cause or notice.
No representative or agent of the Bluffton Township Fire District may create a binding employment agreement or guarantee employment terms beyond those stated in official employment offers.