JOB
The Madison Fire Department is now accepting applications for Firefighter/EMT!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.Under the general supervision of the Company Officer, employees must exercise considerable judgment, initiative and skill in the performance of their duties to include work in: 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.IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS: Information provided in the application is extensively reviewed during the interview and background check phase, so be sure to carefully read all sections and answer all questions to the fullest extent possible. Be detailed, making every attempt to provide information for every applicable question/section. Provide a full record of any employment, self-employment, military service and volunteer experience.SPECIAL NOTES: 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.Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn’t match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Services, and TrainingRespond 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 MaintenanceWork 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.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
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 RequirementsWhile 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.A Firefighter/EMT must perform physically demanding work, requiring judgment, under adverse working conditions.*The payroll title is Firefighter.