Employment

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THE ORGANIZATION

The Cedar Rapids Fire Department is a dynamic and diverse organization that provides an outstanding opportunity for those interested in a public service career.

As a part of the City of Cedar Rapids, the Cedar Rapids Fire Department is dedicated to quality customer service as reflected in our Mission Statement: "The mission of the Cedar Rapids Fire Department is to mitigate threats to the health and property of our community through emergency response, quality education and prevention programs."

FIREFIGHTER - THE CAREER

Firefighters are involved in many functions including but not limited to:

Emergency Medical: Respond to a variety of medical situations and are trained at the Emergency Medical Technician-Basic professional rescuer level. The Fire Department also delivers paramedic-level care.  Perform defibrillation and CPR consistent with American Heart Association standards.

Prevention and Education: Activities that promote effective principles and practices of fire prevention within the city.

Training: Programs to meet specific needs of individual members, as well as meet departmental goals and satisfy state requirements.

Firefighting: Provides direct services, individually and as a member of a team, in the suppression and control of hazardous fires, and other kinds of emergency assistance to the public as circumstances may require, including medical, rescue and natural disasters.

Maintenance: Regular maintenance of stations, apparatus, equipment and grounds.

Specialization: Hazardous Materials, River Rescue, Ice Rescue, Technical Rescue, Extrication, Incident Command, Weapons of Mass Destruction

OVERVIEW OF PROCESS TO BECOME A FIREFIGHTER

You must:

  • Meet all basic requirements.
  • Complete and submit an application to the City of Cedar Rapids.
  • Receive a satisfactory score in a pre-employment written examination.
  • Pass a timed physical qualification test.
  • Successfully complete and pass an oral interview given by the hiring authority.
  • Prior to placement, successfully complete and pass a drug and medical test.

HOW TO APPLY

The Cedar Rapids Fire Department is currently not accepting applications for the position of Firefighter.   The application period is CLOSED. 

Special Notice regarding Firefighter I Certification Requirement:  Current Firefighter I Certification by the Pro Board Fire Service Professional Qualifications System or the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress is required prior to the date of the written examination.

Special Notice regarding Emergency Medical Technician Certification Requirement:  You must be certified and possess a State of Iowa or National Registry EMT card, as well as have a current CPR certification card,  prior to the date of the written examination. 

Individuals who do not submit an application during the recruitment period will not be eligible to participate in the process. The certified eligibility list for this position lasts one year from the certified date. 

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE: If you wish to receive veteran's preference and you were in a reserve unit, it is your responsibility to provide official documentation of any active service in a regular military unit stating dates of active service, etc. For information on how to obtain this documentation, contact your local recruiting office.

The City of Cedar Rapids is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.

REQUIREMENTS

Experience:   

Emergency Medical Technician certification by the State of Iowa or National Registry and Firefighter I Certification by the Pro Board Fire Service Professional Qualifications System or the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress are required by the established date of the written examination.

Age:

Must be 18 years of age by the established date of the written examination.

Education:

Must possess a high school diploma from an accredited high school, or possess an equivalency certificate (GED).

Medical:

Applicants who are given a conditional job offer by the Fire department are required to take a pre-employment drug test and pass a thorough medical examination given by the City of Cedar Rapids medical authority.

 

Other Requirements:

  • Applicant must be able to obtain a valid Iowa Driver’s License & be able to obtain a Class-D or chauffeur’s Driver’s License.
  • Must be able to speak, read, and write the English language.
  • Must not be alcohol or drug addicted. Prior to employment, the City of Cedar Rapids will require drug testing as part of a pre-employment physical for all employees.
  • Must be of good moral character. This implies that the conduct or character of any applicant must be such that his/her job performance as a firefighter would not be impeded in any manner.
  • Must have no felony convictions.
  • Must conform to the current residency requirement. You must reside within 50 miles of Central Fire Station (1010 1st Street NW) within six months of employment.

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS WHILE WEARING PROTECTIVE CLOTHING & BREATHING APPARATUS INCLUDE:

  • Ability to rescue individuals from life-threatening situations, including extrications, water rescue, cave-ins, and high buildings or other structures.
  • Ability to lay hose lines, operate nozzles, pumps, hydrants, fire extinguishers, use firefighting equipment to control or extinguish fire, and climb ladders.
  • Ability to properly utilize the following equipment and tools: wide variety of fire apparatus, equipment and tools associated with the fire control operation and non-fire emergencies, personal protective equipment, multi-gas monitors, fall protection equipment, and self-contained breathing apparatus.

Candidates who successfully complete the written examination will move forward in the hiring process and will participate in the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT).  A video demonstration of the CPAT can be found at: CPAT Training Video. 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Completion and certification of the entry level Firefighter Course Curriculum from an accredited institution.
  • Completion of Iowa Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic or Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic Specialist

BENEFITS

Salary:

Annual salary of $43,351.88 (effective July 1, 2012) with regular increases to top firefighter pay.

Paid Overtime:

Firefighters are eligible for overtime as needed.

Work Schedule:

Firefighters work a 24-hour shift-- average 53-hours per week.

Recruitment:

Full pay during training period.

Continuing Education  Incentive:   

Employees are eligible for reimbursement of 60% of the cost of tuition and books in pursuit of an Associate of Arts Degree (AA) or Certificate in Fire Science. A final grade of at least a “C” must be obtained to receive this reimbursement.

Training:

Continuous in-service programs.

Promotion:

Participation available after five years of service with education prerequisites.

Vacations:

One to five weeks paid, based on years of service.

Sick Leave:

Twelve days per year, unlimited accumulation.

Injury Leave:

Job-related disability coverage.

Holidays:

Thirteen paid per year.

Longevity pay:

Earned after five years of service.

Deferred Compensation:

The City has plans available to employees for their consideration.

Uniform:

Furnished by the Fire Department.

Insurance:

Excellent life, health and dental plans provided.

Retirement:

Paid at the age of 55 with 22 years of service.