Firefighter

Civil Service Status

This is a Civil Service position

Hours of Work

Rotating 24-hour, 7 day/week shift-based schedule

Tentative Start Date

The certified list will be valid for one year should vacancies occur

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Fire Captain, works a rotating 24-hour shift-based schedule performing fire suppression activities to save life and property, rescue operations, and fire prevention activities (school visits, public relations, fire inspections, etc.). Performs a variety of emergency medical operations in coordination with EMS department personnel. Performs routine vehicle, tool, and facility maintenance.

Deadline to Apply

April 30, 2026 at 11:59 pm

Job Description

Firefighter

Requires high school diploma or equivalent; valid driver’s license and good driving record; ability to lift, drag, and/or carry heavy objects in excess of 100 lbs.; the ability to maintain good physical condition as required by the job and MFPRSI standards; and the ability to report to work as scheduled on time.

Firefighter I and EMT certification preferred.

See online job description for complete details.

Residency Requirements

Employees must reside within sixty (60) minutes normal drive time measured on a drivable route from the employee’s residence to the closest West Des Moines city limit.

Steps to Apply

1. Profile : You MUST complete an online Applicant Profile. A link is provided below to our Online Application System.

*Work Experience: Be sure to fill out this section completely. Make sure to click the "Show Details" link to expand your work history.

*Education: Be sure to fill out this section completely. Make sure to click the "Show Details" link to expand your education.

2. Attachments : You are encouraged to attach the following documents to your profile under the Apply For Job section (attachments are job specific, once you click Finish & Apply you will not be able to add any additional documents):

a) High School transcripts, diploma, GED, or other proof of high school graduation (graduation date required)

High school transcripts, diploma, GED or equivalent showing date of graduation are not required to be attached to your application; however, you may be required to provide this information at time of hire.

3. Qualifications/Certifications/Licenses : Under the Resume & Qualifications section, make sure to list any certifications you currently hold, including but not limited to: Firefighter I or II certification, EMT-B or CPR certification.

4. Applying for Position : Once you have completed your profile, you MUST apply for the position (The link to Finish & Apply is located on the Apply For Job section after you have completed your profile. Once you have applied, it will be listed under your My Applications tab. Any applications marked as Status: Incomplete, have not been submitted.)

All steps MUST be completed before the posted deadline to be considered for this position. We will not accept incomplete profiles. Communication throughout this process (including invitations to any examinations and/or interviews) will be made via the email supplied through the City's on-line application system. It is recommended to check your email "Junk" or “Spam” folder for emails from the City of West Des Moines. If you have any questions during the application process, please contact Human Resources at 515-222-3616.

Physical/Drug Testing

Post offer, pre-employment physical, drug test, and psychological evaluation are required.

Civil Service Exam

A Civil Service Examination will be administered. Applicants submitting the required application materials and meeting the minimum requirements will be invited to take a written examination. The written exam is tentatively scheduled for the week of May 25, 2026 . Applicants receiving a passing score on the written exam will be invited to participate in the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). Applicants receiving the top 40 passing scores on the written exam and passing the CPAT will be invited to participate in the Oral Board Interview to be scheduled in September 2026. Applicants must receive a passing score on the Oral Board Interview to be considered for placement on the Certified List.

CPAT Orientation & Practice Sessions will be offered allowing candidates to familiarize themselves with the CPAT requirements and the West Des Moines Fire Department course layout. Each candidate will be provided with an opportunity to attend two orientation sessions and two, timed practice runs using CPAT apparatus. The two orientation sessions and two practice sessions are mandatory unless waived by the applicant by signing the applicant waiver form at the time of their test. Use the links below for additional information regarding the CPAT:

CPAT Information & Schedule

CPAT Orientation & Practice Session Guide

CPAT Orientation Video

Passing CPAT scores administered by an IAFF certified agency on or after June 1, 2025 will be accepted. A copy of your Certified Physical Ability Test Evaluation Form will need to be submitted to Human Resources via e-mail humanresources @wdm.iowa.gov by August 6, 2026 .