Fire Station Captain

Are you an experienced fire fighter looking for a truly worthwhile mission? The State of Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs (DMA) is looking for an experienced Station Captain (Fire/Crash Rescue Specialist Crew Chief) for a lead position at Mitchell Air Base located in Milwaukee, WI.

This position's scheduled workweek is 56 hours and may consist of various 24, 16 and 8 hour shifts as determined by the Deputy Chief and/or Base Fire Chief. This schedule flexibility is necessary to meet the training/operational needs of the department.

The DMA is a great place to work! In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
• Excellent and affordable health, vision, and dental benefits (health plan options start at just $45/month for single plans and $111/month for family plans after two months of employment).
• An exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment, plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program.
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall wellbeing.
• Working for Wisconsin State Government may make you eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Under general supervision of the Base Fire/Crash Rescue Supervisor and/or Base Fire Chief / Deputy Chief, this position serves as Station Captain and or Crew Chief.

As a station captain, monitor fire department daily work activities and ensure that the fire station, fire vehicles and fire equipment is properly maintained and ready for operations. Conducts and participates in daily training and fire prevention activities. Ensure daily ACES FD and NIFERS entries are entered accurately and completely into the computer program and that various e-mail reports required by senior management are completed and e-mailed in a timely manner. As a crew chief, directs the activities of a crew engaged in fire suppression, confined space, hazardous materials or rescue activities. Provide emergency medical treatment to injured persons. Respond with crew to Shared Services /MABAS mutual aid calls and perform tasks assigned by the incident commander. Insure crew member inspects, cleans, and maintains the fire station, fire vehicles, and fire equipment daily. Work with crew to report and document any equipment or vehicle problems. Occupant of this position will be assigned to develop and implement specialized programs needed for the effective operation of the base fire department. Incumbent is required to wear personal protective equipment. Scheduled workweek is 56 hours and consists of two or three 24 hours shifts. Incumbent may be required to fill in for other Station Captains/Crew Chiefs absences or vacancies on other shifts, when directed by the Base Fire Chief. Will fill the role of Assistant Chief as needed when directed by Base Fire Chief / Deputy Chief.

Starting pay will be $25.03 per hour (about $72,887 annually based on 2,912 hours per year) plus an excellent benefits package. This position is in pay schedule/ range 05-13. A 12 month probationary period is required.

These positions also have Protective Occupation Status within the Wisconsin Retirement System, which is an accelerated retirement benefit.

For current permanent state employees, pay will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan.

The Department of Military Affairs does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9.

Conditions of employment:

• Must possess or be eligible to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license as a condition of continued employment.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a military driver’s license as a condition of continued employment. You will be trained on specific vehicles and will receive assistance to obtain the licensure if you do not already possess.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain Milwaukee County Class One and Class Two driver’s licenses. These licenses are required to drive firefighting vehicles on Mitchell International Airport.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a State of Wisconsin EMT certification.
• Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent at the time of appointment.
• Must meet the physical standards established by applicable military regulations. Will be required to pass a pre-employment medical exam, drug screen, and physical agility test. In addition, will be required to pass an annual medical exam and physical agility training.
• In order to gain access to the military facilities and to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled, DMA will conduct a comprehensive background check.
• No applicant will be considered for Fire/Crash Rescue Specialist positions unless they certify that they do not currently smoke tobacco at all and will not do so on or off duty at any time during employment.

All new employees will be required to report to JFHQ in Madison on the Monday of their first week of employment for the New Employee Orientation (NEO) program. Additional information will be sent to the new employees and their supervisors on the Tuesday prior to NEO.

The following certifications are the minimum requirements for this position:

• Firefighter 1
• Fire Officer 1
• Fire Inspector 1
• Fire Instructor 1
• Hazmat Incident Command
• Airport Firefighter

These certifications must be issued by the Department of Defense, OR equivalent certifications from a program or organization which is accredited by IFSAC or ProBoard.

Click “Apply for Job” to start the application process. If you have not signed into your account, you will need to sign in before applying. If you do not have an account, click “Register Now” to register for an account and apply for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. You will be able to save your application as many times as needed and make edits up until the point you submit your application. Please note that once you submit your application, you will not be able to make any updates to the application or any materials submitted.

You will be required to attach a resume as well as answer several yes/no questions. The vast majority of applicants are able to outline their background and experience in their resume in 1-3 pages.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer, voluntary demotion) should complete the online application process by the stated deadline.

Questions regarding the position can be directed to Michele Sorum at Michele.Sorum@widma.gov or 608-242-3149.

If you have technical difficulties, you should refer to the Frequently Asked Questions or the Wisc.Jobs helpdesk is available Monday-Friday, 7:45am-4:30pm at 608-267-1012 or wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov.

The Department of Military Affairs is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For complete information on veterans’ hiring programs that may benefit you, please visit the Employment Assistance page on the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs’ website.

If viewing through an external site, please click here to apply directly at Wisc.Jobs.

The online application process must be completed by 11:59 pm on Monday, May 18, 2026.