Firefighter/Paramedic

The City of Polk City Fire Department is accepting applications for the position of Full-Time Firefighter/Paramedic. The Firefighter/Paramedic will provide emergency services support to the residents of Polk City and surrounding communities, as well as administrative support to the Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Captains, and Lieutenants for the Polk City Fire Department. Under the general direction of the Fire Chief, the Firefighter/Paramedic will perform fire suppression, rescue operations, fire prevention activities (e.g. public education, fire inspections, etc.) and patient care in emergent and non-emergent settings. The position will also be responsible for performing routine vehicle, tool, and facility maintenance daily, and any special assignments as assigned by the Fire Chief.

Please submit an application, resume, cover letter, certifications, and three (3) professional references to Karla Hogrefe, Fire Chief, at khogrefe@polkcityia.gov. Electronic submissions are required. Email or telephone inquiries for the position may be directed to Chief Karla Hogrefe at 515-984-6304 or khogrefe@polkcityia.gov. The application period closes Friday, May 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM. The position will remain open until filled. The application can be found at https://www.polkcityia.gov/fire-department

POSITION FUNCTION:

Under the general direction of the Fire Chief performs fire suppression, rescue operations, fire prevention activities (e.g. public education, fire inspections, etc.) and patient care in emergent and non-emergent settings. Performs routine vehicle, tool and facility maintenance daily. Special assignments as assigned by the Fire Chief.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responds to emergencies (e.g. fire, medical, rescue, man-made/natural disasters, etc.). May be required to evaluate the situation and assume the appropriate Incident Command Structure when appropriate, directing the response until relieved by Company Officer.
• Provides advanced medical treatment, including, but not limited to, rapid sequence intubation (RSI), chest decompression, intubation, twelve lead EKG interpretation, electrical cardioversion and intravenous initiation/maintenance, and medication administration. Provides accurate medical documentation of all emergency medical treatment provided. Provides accurate medical documentation of all emergency medical treatment provided.
• Ensure fire code enforcement by performing fire/life safety facility inspections.
• Perform routine truck and equipment maintenance, station maintenance and routine facility duties.
• Performs various public education activities to enhance the reputation of the Fire Department by providing station tours, hosting community/school visits and special events, and conducting public education classes on a variety of life safety and EMS topics.
• Maintains proper physical fitness through regular exercise.
• Participates in Fire/EMS related training.
• May be assigned various duties, which may include inventory and ordering of drugs, inventory and ordering of supplies, inventory and ordering of first aid supplies for City Departments, updating and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures and Protocols; maintenance of radios and vehicles.
• If responsible for driving emergency vehicles: Adheres to all department policies and procedures governing the safe operation of fire apparatus and complies with all applicable local, state, and federal traffic laws, and regulations.
• Assures the City and Department’s mission, goals and objectives are fully supported and initiated.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Performs vehicle/squad checks and completes inventory.
• Performs annual equipment testing.
• May provide oversight and direction to paid-on-call (POC) Fire Fighters in the absence of an officer

Any duties assigned by the Fire Chief

This job description is not intended to limit the responsibilities of an employee assigned to this position to those duties listed above. The employee is expected to follow any other reasonable instructions and perform any other reasonable duties requested by the Fire Chief.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the principles and practices associated with administration including budgeting, personnel management, purchasing, general management and public relations. Must speak and write English in a clear and distinct manner which can be understood by a wide variety of citizens. Must apply common sense understanding to the work environment, procedures, programs, and services offered by the Fire Department and follow and carry out general written and/or verbal instructions effectively.

• Ability to perform invasive advanced medical procedures in stressful situations
• Ability to handle confidential information in a sensitive manner
• Ability to take the initiative
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Effective problem solving, decision making and sound judgment skills
• Accurate mathematical skills
• Ability to concentrate in a diverse work setting
• Ability to work forty-eight-hour shift-based schedule varying days of the week, including regular weekend and holiday work. Schedule is subject to change based on needs but will be a full-time position.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to live and work effectively with co-workers during shifts.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent with 2-3 years of post-secondary education preferred
• Successful completion of Department orientation within three months of employment.

• Iowa Fire Fighter I certification or equivalent
• Iowa Fire Fighter II certification within twelve (12) months of employment
• Iowa EMT-Paramedic, prefers National Registry certification, within twelve (12) months after hire.
• Valid Iowa Drivers’ License
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support or equivalent
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support
• Basic Life Support Certification
• Emergency Vehicle Operator

• One to three (1-3) years of Fire Fighting and Emergency Medical Services experience.

• Shall generally be available for off-hour emergencies.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Intermittent periods of standing, walking and sitting
• Ability to lift, carry, push and pull up to 150 pounds
• Frequent balancing, kneeling, crouching, reaching, handling, feeling, talking, hearing, near and far sight acuity, depth perception, color vision, field of vision, concentration, judgment and writing ability.
• Intermittent climbing, stooping, crawling and smelling
• Exposure to extreme weather conditions including cold, heat, wet and/or humid conditions, noise intensity levels, vibration, darkness/poor lighting, moving mechanical parts/hazards, high places, toxic/caustic chemicals, dirt/dust, odors, and other environmental conditions
• Moderate use of protective equipment, including eye wear, footwear, respiratory aid, hard hat, gloves and protective clothing
• Ability to meet all physical standards for the job as specified in NFPA 1582.
• Ability to perform physical functions of the job while wearing personal protective equipment

OTHER NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Iowa driver’s license
• Pre-employment drug testing, NFPA 1582 physical examination and criminal background history check.