Firefighter

The City of Wauwatosa, City of West Allis, St. Francis Fire Department, and the North Shore Fire Department are conducting a joint recruitment process to fill current and future vacancies of the entry-level Firefighter/EMT position. The application and recruitment process will be a joint effort; however, each fire department will establish separate eligibility lists.

• Perform firefighting activities including driving fire apparatus, operating pumps and related equipment, laying hose, and performing fire combat, containment, and extinguishment tasks.
• Perform emergency aid activities and provide emergency medical services.
• Participate in fire drills, attend classes in firefighting, emergency medical, hazardous materials, and related subjects.
• Receive and relay fire calls and alarms. Operate radio and other communication equipment.
• Participate in the inspection of buildings, hydrants, and other structures in fire prevention programs.
• Maintain fire equipment, apparatus, and facilities. Perform minor repairs to departmental equipment.
• Perform general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire facilities and equipment; clean and wash walls and floors; care for grounds around the station; make minor repairs; wash, hang, and dry hose; wash, clean, polish, maintain, and test apparatus and equipment.
• Assist in developing plans for special assignments such as emergency preparedness, hazardous communications, training programs, firefighting, hazardous materials, and emergency aid activities.
• Present programs to the community on safety, medical, and fire prevention topics.
• Perform salvage operations such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris.
• Performs duties as a certified EMT-B, EMT-D, or EMT-P, according to criteria and standards set forth by the department.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisors.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION:

SALARY INFORMATION

Firefighter/EMT annual pay range for the participating agencies is $55,627.77 (2023 rate, currently under negotiation for 2026) to $111,571.29. All agencies offer additional paramedic incentive pay for qualified personnel and an excellent benefit package. Agency-specific salary and benefit information will be provided to candidates who advance in the process.

WORK SCHEDULE INFORMATION 

• Wauwatosa & North Shore: Both Fire Departments use a 3-platoon system where employees are on duty for 24 hours and then off duty for 24 hours; employees work three shifts and then are off on the fourth shift. Duty hours, work schedules and assignments to a specific platoon are subject to change by Fire Department administrative directive.
• West Allis: The work schedule for sworn employees will be repetitive tour of duty cycle consisting of (24) hours on continuous active duty, followed by (48) continuous hours off duty; one (24) hour period on duty every (3) days.
• City of St. Francis: The work schedule for sworn employees will be a repetitive tour of duty cycle consisting of (24) hours on continuous active duty, followed by (48) continuous hours off duty; one (24) hour period on duty every (3) days. St. Francis also utilizes three (3) full-time flex shift firefighter positions. The flex shift firefighter position is generally assigned to an adaptive and adjustably scheduled 24-hour duty shift averaging 56 hours per week.

Lateral Transfer Opportunity:

Wauwatosa, West Allis, St. Francis, and North Shore Fire Departments all offer lateral transfer opportunities. Please inquire if interested. 

THE SELECTION PROCESS:
  
 The top scoring candidates who meet the minimum requirements and submit all required supplemental documents will be invited to a pre-screening process that will include all or some of the following steps (depending on the agency):

1. Departmental Interviews: The initial top 100 applicants whose total points (including veteran's preference points and other additional points as described above) will be invited to participate in pre-screening interviews conducted by each department. Applicants must bring a Driver's License to the interview as proof of identification. Additional interviews will be conducted if necessary.
2. Police and Fire Commission Interview
3. Medical Evaluation, Psychological Evaluation, and Drug Screen
4. Background Investigation

**FAILURE IN ANY ONE SEGMENT OF THE PROCESS MAYDISQUALIFY THE CANDIDATE**
 
 PROBATION: A Firefighter is required to serve a probationary period of (1) year. The employee may be subject to discharge without cause at any time during the probationary period.
 
APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL 11:59 pm on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Qualified applicants will be notified via email of any examinations, interviews, or other events required in the selection process.
 
APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Complete the online application at the City of Wauwatosa's website: (www.wauwatosa.net)
  • Attach a copy of your resume to your online application (optional)
  • Attach supplemental documents to your online application (preferred) or submit copies to the City of Wauwatosa's Human Resources Department in person or by mail. Faxed or emailed copies WILL NOT be accepted. 

City of Wauwatosa
 Human Resources Department
 7725 W. North Ave.
 Wauwatosa, WI 53213
 
Documents that must be received by time of hire (approximately April 27, 2026):

** Please note that items submitted will not be returned to the candidate. We do not need original documents, but copies must be legible.  Preference points will not be given if documents are not provided.

1. Copy of high school diploma, transcripts, or GED
2. Copy of DD214 (if applicable - for Veterans)
3. Copy of the State of Wisconsin certification for Firefighter Level 1 or a certificate that bears the seal of IFSAC/Proboard
4. Copy of State of Wisconsin Emergency Medical Technician Basic License
5. Copy of college diploma or transcripts (if applicable)
6. Copy of the certificate of passing the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). The certificate must be from an agency certified by the International Fire Chiefs Association and the International Firefighters Association to administer the exam. The date of the CPAT shall be no earlier than one year before the date of hire.

Several locations offer the CPAT exam:

• City of West Allis Fire Department: http://www.westalliswi.gov/fire
• Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy: www.nipsta.org
• North Central Technical College: www.ntc.edu
 
For more information on the exam and other locations, please visit http://www.candidatephysicalabilitytest.com
  
 For further questions regarding the hiring process or the position, contact Wauwatosa Fire Department’s Office Manager, Amy Rummel, at 414-471-8490 or North Shore Fire's Administrative Coordinator, Kerry Wenzel, at 414-357-0113.

 The City of Wauwatosa, West Allis, St. Francis, and the North Shore Fire Department are equal-opportunity employers. All individuals, including women, minorities, and those with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.