Firefighter EMT*

General Description

We are looking for responsible, compassionate individuals who value community service and are interested in a rewarding career. No prior experience in fire or EMS is necessary to apply. Our employees are our most valuable resource, and we are committed to providing learning and development opportunities at all levels. We strive to provide exceptional skill and the highest level of customer service to our community and visitors. Successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to effectively work with diverse communities.

• The protection of life and property from fire;
• Providing rescue and emergency medical services;
• Containing and controlling the accidental release of hazardous materials;
• Special rescue and emergency situations;
• General maintenance and operation of fire department facilities and specialized fire apparatus and equipment;
• Presenting related safety information;
• Community outreach and engagement.

• There is no citizenship requirement for this position.
• Testing is free.
• The initial testing may be completed virtually or in-person at a testing site through the National Testing Network. In early April, qualified candidates will begin receiving instructions to participate in this testing, with a testing deadline of June 15, 2026.
• Applicants are encouraged to regularly visit the Madison Fire Department website where the timeline and dates of future steps in the process will be posted.
• Information related to salary, benefits, and working conditions can be found at the following link (Download PDF reader).
• Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Services, and Training

• Respond to emergency incidents to save and protect life and property under emergency conditions. Operate hand and specialized power equipment and apparatus to suppress various types of fires under diverse conditions. Operate fire department vehicles and apparatus as assigned. Participate in related salvage activities.
• Respond to and participate in rescue operations and/or medical emergencies. Provide emergency medical services to injured or severely ill persons (e.g., restore breathing, heart action, control of bleeding, care of traumatic injuries, emergency maternity cases, conveyance to medical facilities, etc.). Perform duties as a firefighter/emergency medical technician.
• Respond to the release of hazardous materials to protect life and property through the containment and control of dangerous materials (e.g., inflammable, dangerous chemicals, explosives, etc.).
• Maintain an awareness of related fire hazards.
• Participate in various classroom, self-study and field training programs to develop, acquire, and maintain required skills, proficiencies and abilities.
• Prepare written narrative and/or statistical reports as required.

Fire Prevention, Community Outreach/Education, Station/Equipment Maintenance

• Work to prevent fire occurrence through participation in the enforcement of fire prevention codes and ordinances. Conduct fire inspections for code enforcement purposes as assigned.
• Conduct presentations on a variety of fire-related functions, to include fire safety, fire prevention, CPR, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, first aid and related topics. Participate in related community relations activities.
• Participate in the general maintenance and custodial care of fire facilities, apparatus, tools and equipment.
• Operate equipment and vehicles as necessary to achieve the above objectives.

Perform related work as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma at the time of application.
• At least 18 years of age at the time of application.
• Possession of a valid driver's license at the time of application and throughout employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and ability to use computer software applicable to the duties of the position.
• Ability to read and comprehend complex rules, regulations and procedures and to recall/apply them (often under adverse conditions).
• Ability to remain calm and exercise judgment under emergency conditions.
• Ability to perform standard mathematical calculations.
• Ability to follow oral and written direction.
• Ability to effectively work with multicultural communities.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Ability to serve the community in a caring, sensitive manner, and to demonstrate patience and tolerance.
• Ability to adhere to professional standards incorporating honesty and integrity.
• Considerable physical strength, stamina and agility (consistent with hazardous fire suppression and rescue work).
• Physical coordination, strength and acuity inherent in the operation of fire apparatus.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, requiring judgment, under adverse working conditions. Note: Examples of physical demands and working conditions are illustrated below.
• Ability to maintain adequate attendance.

Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required at the Full Performance Level after Completing the 3-1/2 Year Fire Apprenticeship Training Program:

• Working knowledge of:
  • Applicable national, state and local codes and laws relative to the duties of a firefighter.
  • Fire protection systems, water supply considerations, building construction and combustible and flammable material properties and considerations.
  • Principles, practices and techniques of fire control and extinguishment.
  • Various hazardous materials and the principles, practices and techniques utilized in their containment and control.
  • Principles, practices and techniques utilized in rescue operations and medical emergency response.
• Ability to:
  • Conduct fire inspections, and identify and respond to code violations and hazards.
  • Organize and present topics to groups, such as fire safety/prevention, CPR, First Aid (and related).
  • Operate all applicable fire safety, rescue and emergency medical equipment and apparatus.

Special Requirements

All applicants and all current firefighters/paramedics must meet the State of Wisconsin driving regulations, outlined in the Wisconsin DOT Motorists Handbook, throughout employment. The handbook can be found at wisconsindot.gov.

Licensure as an State of Wisconsin Emergency Medical Technician, certification as a Hazardous Material Technician by the State of Wisconsin, Firefighter I and Firefighter II are required upon completion of the initial recruit training. Failure to obtain the licensure and certification within the required time period may result in forfeiture of the position.

Ability to meet prescribed physical/medical standards:

Physical Requirements

While not an exclusive list, the following examples are meant to illustrate some of the extreme physical demands and working conditions inherent in the role of a Firefighter/EMT.

Physical Demands:

• Pick up and advance charged fire hoses.
• Force entry with axe/battering ram.
• Rescue/extricate victims.
• Perform CPR; apply bandages; tie knots.
• Climb stairs with equipment weighing approximately 50 pounds.
• Strip and vent roofs, breach walls, overhaul burned buildings.
• Lift and climb/descend ladders (with victims).
• Visually determine fire status/hazards; assess patient conditions.
• Hear calls for help; identify fire noise, etc.
• Walk on roof tops under adverse conditions.
• Operate power tools and extrication equipment..
• Stoop, crawl, crouch, and kneel in confined spaces.
• Reach, twist, balance, grapple, bend and lift under emergency conditions.
• Run, dodge, jump and maneuver with equipment.
• All of the above may be performed wearing heavy and restrictive protective clothing/gear.

The physical demands of a Firefighter/EMT are characterized by strength, endurance, coordination, agility and dexterity.

Working Conditions:

• Work in extreme temperatures; day and night; in rain, snow and ice.
• Exposure to fumes, gases, noxious odors, dust and poor ventilation.
• Work in closely confined spaces.
• Work around potential hazards: fire, explosives, chemicals, electrical shock, structural hazards, fast moving vehicles, etc.
• Intense exposure to water and/other liquids.
• Exposure to blood, serious injuries and death.
• Exposure to a wide range of highly emotional and traumatic events.
• Exposure to noise and vibration from tools, equipment, machinery, etc.
• Work at height (e.g., on ladders, roof tops, etc).
• Work within restrictions of personal safety equipment (e.g., breathing apparatus, steel-tip boots, hearing and eye protection, firefighting turn-out clothing, and hazardous materials gear).
• Work for extended periods of time.
• Work 24-hour shifts.

• The payroll title is Firefighter.