Firefighter

Looking for a dynamic and rewarding career? Become a firefighter and be a community hero! We're seeking brave and dedicated individuals to join the Fort Dodge Fire Rescue team.

The Fire Department requires applicants wanting to become a firefighter to have taken a written general knowledge test and a physical agility test. The recruiting process follows the State of Iowa, Civil Service guidelines. Our EMS staff follow similar procedures. We are a member of the Central Iowa Fire & EMS Testing Consortium (CIFEMSC) and accept the computer-based IO Solutions written test and CIFEMSC physical agility or CPAT or FDFD's local physical agility.

Certifications & Assignment Can Increase Base Hourly Pay

Certification PayAdditional Pay Per HourARFF$0.25HazMat$0.41Paramedic$1.15

Lateral Firefighter Pay & Vacation

To qualify as a lateral firefighter, applicants must be a professional, full-time firefighter and employed by a fire department of equal or greater size than Fort Dodge Fire Rescue. Qualified lateral hires will be placed at a pay rate and vacation hours based on their verified years of experience. All lateral hires candidates must successfully complete all required civil service examinations and procedures in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 400.

Lateral Pay

Years of ExperienceAnnual Salary1 Year$55,677.442 Years$58,472.963-4 Years$61,268.485 Years$64,384.32

Vacation

Years of ServiceVacation Hours Per YearEquivalent Time OffUpon Hire72 hours1 weekYears 2–4144 hours2 weeksYears 5–8216 hours3 weeksYears 9–13288 hours4 weeksYears 14 360 hours5 weeks

Holiday & FLSA Benefits

• Holiday leave: 240 hours (10 24-hour shifts)
• FLSA Leave: Earn 18 hours per 27 cycle. FLSA hours can be used immediately or banked each fiscal year.
  
  

Iowa Central Testing Link:

https://www.iowacentral.edu/ARC/testing.asp

• To Schedule a Test: https://calendly.com/ictesting/fire-testing?month=2023-05&date=2023-05-16
  
  

CIFEMSC Website:

https://www.dmacc.edu/programs/fire/consortium/Pages/welcome2.aspx

Firefighter Physical Agility: https://www.fortdodgeiowa.org/egov/apps/document/center.egov?eGov_searchDepartment=96&eGov_searchType=38

Application Guideline

• Job Announcement Made
• Applicant Applies on the City of Fort Dodge website
• Written Testing will be scheduled at the discretion of the candidate through ICCC or the Central Iowa Testing Consortium at DMACC. To be eligible to move forward, the candidate must have a certificate of a passing score within one year of the job announcement close. The test will be the IO Solutions NFSI test.
• Physical Ability Testing will be held in the spring and fall, as well as with each job announcement at FDFD. We will also accept the Central Iowa Testing Consortium PAT and the CPAT. To receive an interview, candidates must have a certificate of successful completion within one year of the job announcement closing.
• Panel interviews will be held at FDFD; follow-up interviews with the Chief may be requested as needed.
• Candidates who successfully pass the interview process will be placed on the civil service eligibility list and hired as needed.
  
  

Firefighters at Fort Dodge Fire Rescue play a crucial role in emergency and non-emergency situations. In emergencies, they tackle a range of incidents, including fires, rescues, hazardous materials, and life-threatening medical emergencies. They collaborate closely with the police department as a tactical medic. For non-emergency tasks, they focus on fire prevention, conducting inspections, educating the public, and engaging in public relations activities. They also provide standby coverage at the airport and maintain the fire station, apparatus, and equipment.

Their responsibilities encompass responding to emergency calls, performing rescues, administering emergency medical services, and driving and operating fire apparatus. They use various tools, including cutting torches and power jacks, for rescue operations and emergency medical care. Regular inspection and maintenance of emergency equipment and vehicles are part of their duties to ensure readiness. They are skilled in operating fire hoses, climbing ladders, using firefighting tools, and participating in post-fire operations.

Apart from these, they are responsible for daily checks and maintenance of fire engines and apparatus, ensuring everything is in optimal condition. They also handle general maintenance of fire station premises. After exposure to hazardous conditions, they decontaminate the equipment and gear. Continuous training and skill improvement through drills and classes are a part of their job. They are also proficient in report writing, public speaking, and mentoring firefighting and emergency medical services students. Their role extends to enforcing safety codes through inspections, maintaining fire hydrants, and contributing to ambulance services. Finally, they are involved in Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) training, certification, and standby duties for airport operations. Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Possession of a valid chauffeur’s license issued by the State of Iowa. Must be insurable and maintain insurability.
• Within one year of employment, completion of Firefighter (1) and Hazardous Material Operations is expected.
• Iowa EMT certification is expected within 12 months of the start date of the first available course.
• Paramedic certification is expected three years after the first available course and registered with the Iowa Department of Public Health.
  
  

Preferred Requirements Paramedic certification and registered with the Iowa Department of Public Health upon hire. A sign-on bonus may apply.