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Full-time Firefighter/EMT and Part-time Firefighter EMT or EMR
Essential & Related Job Functions
The City of Onalaska is seeking to establish an eligibility list for filling future vacancies that may occur over the next year or until the next recruitment cycle of Full-Time Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Part-Time Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Firefighter/Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) to join our team – no experience necessary and training is provided. Candidates without certification are encouraged to apply as certain certifications are available upon hire. Part-Time Firefighter/EMTs or EMRs are expected to comply with minimum participation and training requirements (includes training, incident response and meetings). To be considered for Full-Time, candidates are required to successfully complete Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) national certification by hire date. Successful completion of the CPAT is good for 12 months and must be current at date of hire.
Under the general direction and leadership of the Fire Chief, employees in this position have a primary duty to respond to medical, fire, hazardous material, and other disaster type emergencies. This position requires flexibility and physical stamina in order to provide the needed services during sustained emergency operations. When not responding to emergencies, this position requires that fire prevention, public education, and pre-incident response duties shall be performed to maintain the department’s ready-to-serve status at all times.
Essential Job Functions
For full-time positions, the City offers competitive benefits to include health, dental and vision insurance effective the first of the month following 60 days of employment. For 2026 health insurance, the most affordable area plan offered is the Quartz West Plan with premiums at $225.36 per month for a single plan or $554.72 per month for a family plan. There is no deductible or co-insurance amount for the health insurance plan. Dental insurance is through Delta Dental with premiums paid 100% by the City. The position qualifies for automatic enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System (pension plan) providing a lifetime payment once vested and upon eligible retirement. Additionally, the City offers voluntary benefits such as flexible spending, life insurance, disability insurance, deferred compensation, pet insurance, critical illness, cancer, and accident insurance. Paid sick leave, holidays, and vacation. Access to an employee assistance program (EAP). The City of Onalaska is also a qualifying employer under the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Federal Program.
To Apply: To be considered for this excellent opportunity, submit an online employment application by accessing:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/onalaskawi. Applications due by April 13, 2026. For additional information please contact:
City of Onalaska Human Resources – City Hall (1st Floor)
415 Main Street, Onalaska WI 54650
Phone: 608-781-9530 ext. 260
Email: afrandsen@onalaskawi.gov
Additional information: Initial interviews anticipated for the week of April 20, 2026. Selected candidate subject to background check and pre-employment/post-offer physical, psychological and drug screen. The City of Onalaska is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug-Free Workplace.
Requirements Of Work (Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities)
Full-Time Firefighter/EMT: High School Diploma or equivalent; Associates Degree preferred. Current certification as National Registry and/or WI EMT. Current certification as a WI and/or IFSAC Firefighter II. Current certification in HAZMAT Operations.
Part-Time Firefighter/EMT: High School diploma or equivalent. Successfully completed a department-sponsored Firefighter I Certified course. Successfully completed a department-sponsored EMT-B Certified course.
Part-Time Firefighter/EMR (certified): High School diploma or equivalent. Successfully completed a department-sponsored Firefighter I Certified course and a department-sponsored EMR Certified course.
Part-Time Firefighter/EMR (uncertified): High School diploma or equivalent. Encouraged to successfully complete a department-sponsored Firefighter I Certified course within 1 year and a department-sponsored EMR Certified course within 2 years.
For all positions, must be at least 18 years of age. Valid driver's license with good driving record.
Physical Requirements
The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Benefits
The following summarizes regular full-time employee benefits. A complete benefit packet is provided to employees upon hire. Contact Human Resources for details.
Benefits not applicable for those working in very part time firefighter positions.
Health Insurance
The State of Wisconsin Group Health Plan offers $0 deductible and $0 co-insurance. The plan pays 100% for routine and preventative services to include eye exam and regular check-ups. Emergency Room co-pay $60 per visit. Earn a $150 Annual Wellness Incentive for enrolled employees (and spouses) when completing a health assessment, health check and well-being activity.
When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.
2026 Cost: Based on lowest cost plan in area, employees pay:
Dental Insurance
The Delta Dental WI Plan offers basic coverage for preventative services such as routine cleanings, x-rays, fluoride (100% no deductible), orthodontics (60% with $1000 individual max), major services offer coverage for crowns, bridges, dentures (60%). A Vision discount program is included (at no cost) with your Delta Dental plan.
When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.
Cost: City pays 100% of the monthly premium cost for regular full-time employees and 50% of the monthly premium cost for regular part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week.
Vision Insurance
The Delta Dental WI plan for Delta Vision offers a vision exam for a $10 Copay; Retinal Imaging: member pays up to $39; Lenses $10 Copay; Frames: $150 allowance; Contact lenses: $150 allowance; Laser Vision Correction: 15% off retail price or 5% off promotional price. Frequency of Services: Every 12 months: Exam and Lenses or Contacts. Every 24 months: Frames.
When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.
Cost: Employee pays $100%. Employee only: $3.23 semi-monthly; Family: $8.03 semi-monthly
Life Insurance
The State of Wisconsin Group Life Insurance Program offers options to enroll in basic (equivalent to annual salary) with ability to add supplemental (1x salary), additional units (up to 3x salary) and spouse/dependent coverage (up to 20K). Members may continue coverage upon separation.
When eligible: 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.
Cost: Employee pays 100%. Cost varies based on age and coverage level electing. Cost is minimal. City pays administrative fee on premium.
Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)
The Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) is a pension plan providing a lifetime retirement payment once vested (after 5 years) and having reached minimum retirement age (50 for protective service employees). Participation is automatic for eligible employees. Contributions are pre-taxed.
When eligible: Upon hire.
Cost: The City pays the employer share (18.70%) and the employee pays the employee share (7.20%) of your total earnings, based on 2026 rates for those in Protective Services.
Allstate Supplemental Insurance Plans
Allstate Accident Insurance : Cash benefit paid directly to the employee for off-the-job accidental injuries. Pays in addition to other insurances. Low and High plan options available. Annual wellness benefit $75 (low plan) and $100 (high plan) per individual. Coverage is portable after separation. Contributions are pre-taxed.
When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.
Cost: Employee pays 100%. Employee Low plan $6.13/semi-monthly; Employee High plan $9.26/semi-monthly; Employee plus children; Employee plus spouse and family rates also available.
Allstate Cancer Insurance : Cash benefit paid directly to the employee for the treatment of cancer and 29 specified diseases. Pays in addition to other insurances. Annual wellness benefit $100 per individual. Low, Medium and High plan options available. Coverage is portable after separation. Contributions are pre-taxed.
When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.
Cost: Employee pays 100%. Employee Low plan $8.47/semi-monthly; Employee Medium plan $12.18/semi-monthly; Employee High plan $18.07/semi-monthly; Employee plus children, Employee plus spouse and family rates also available.
Allstate Critical Illness Insurance : Cash benefit paid directly to the employee for heart attack, stroke, major organ transplant and end stage renal failure. Additional supplemental benefits also available. Pays in addition to other insurances. Benefit amounts $2,500 - $20,000 depending on illness and plan selected. Coverage is portable after separation. Contributions are pre-taxed.
When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.
Cost: Employee pays 100%. Cost varies based on age, tobacco use and coverage level electing. Rates per employee, employee plus children, employee plus spouse and family.
Income Continuation Insurance (ICI)
The State of Wisconsin ICI program is a voluntary “income replacement” benefit for short- and/or long-term disabilities. ICI provides approximately 75% of the employee’s average monthly earnings (maximum $7,500 per month). Elimination period of 30 days minimum in which the employee must be off work.
When eligible: Coverage effective 1st day of the calendar month that 1st occurs during 30-day enrollment period.
Cost: Provided at no cost to employee.
Pet Insurance
Figo Pet Insurance is a voluntary benefit, covering dogs and cats, offering a 10% discount. Each employee designs their plan picking their deductible and/or annual maximum.
When eligible: Upon hire.
Cost: Varies per plan selected. Employee pays directly to Figo.
Deferred Compensation (457b)
Deferred Compensation is a voluntary program allowing employees to put additional money in a retirement savings program. The benefits include:
Cost: Employee pays 100%. Offered through payroll deduction.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
FSA allows employees an opportunity to set aside money on a pre-taxed basis for medical and dependent care expenses. Medical FSA: Pay for eligible out-of-pocket medical, vision and dental expenses not covered by another plan.
Dependent FSA: Pay for eligible dependent care expenses (childcare).
When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.
Cost: Option to contribute per Company Plan limits. City pays plan administrative fees.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
EAP provides professional and confidential assistance to employees with personal or professional concerns. When eligible: Upon hire.
Cost: City pays 100% up to five (5) visits per topic, per year.
Vacation
For regular full-time (non-union) employees, vacation time is based on a calendar year (January 1 through December 31 of each year). Hours from the date of hire, if not January 1 are prorated.
Year 0 = 3 days (72 hours)
Year 1 = 6 days (144 hours)
Year 4 = 9 days (216 hours)
Year 8 = 12 days (288 hours)
Year 15 = 15 days (360 hours)
Year 21 = 18 days (432 hours)
In addition to the above, employees receive two (2) personal days – (1) on January 1st and (1) on July 1st each year to be used within the calendar year.
Sick Leave
Accrues 18 hours per full month of employment. Max 1,440 hours. Accrued sick leave is available to employees who are unable to work because of personal sickness or injury, or due to sickness or injury of an immediate family member.
Holidays
The holidays listed provide employees with time off from work without loss of pay:
New Year’s Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Good Friday (1/2 day)
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve Day
Christmas Day
New Year’s Eve Day (1/2 day)
Labor Agreement Disclaimer
Those protective service employees who are subject to comprehensive collective bargaining agreement as negotiated or are regulated by the Police & Fire Commission, shall be exempt from the provisions of these benefits that are inconsistent with such agreements or other regulations.
01
Do you have a High School Diploma or equivalent?
Do you possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record?
Are you 18 years or older?
Please List Fire Certifications You Have Obtained
05
Have you ever worked for a paid or volunteer fire department?
Are you interested in Part-Time, Full-Time or both?
The City of Onalaska is seeking to establish an eligibility list for filling future vacancies that may occur over the next year or until the next recruitment cycle of Full-Time Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Part-Time Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Firefighter/Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) to join our team – no experience necessary and training is provided. Candidates without certification are encouraged to apply as certain certifications are available upon hire. Part-Time Firefighter/EMTs or EMRs are expected to comply with minimum participation and training requirements (includes training, incident response and meetings). To be considered for Full-Time, candidates are required to successfully complete Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) national certification by hire date. Successful completion of the CPAT is good for 12 months and must be current at date of hire.
Under the general direction and leadership of the Fire Chief, employees in this position have a primary duty to respond to medical, fire, hazardous material, and other disaster type emergencies. This position requires flexibility and physical stamina in order to provide the needed services during sustained emergency operations. When not responding to emergencies, this position requires that fire prevention, public education, and pre-incident response duties shall be performed to maintain the department’s ready-to-serve status at all times.
Essential Job Functions
- Respond to Fire Calls and EMS emergencies and provide pre-hospital care in accordance with state and county protocols.
- Respond to all other emergency/service calls when on duty (unless specifically ordered not to by an Officer or when on another call) and perform services required of the call.
- Perform scheduled periodic maintenance checks and testing (daily, weekly, monthly, and annually) of all SCBA, personal protective equipment, defibrillator, thermal imaging camera (TIC), radios and pagers, small engines, vehicles and fire hoses.
- Perform daily equipment and apparatus checks to ensure they are operating properly and safely, and are adequately stocked.
- Repair, photograph, report and document maintenance items or safety problem deficiencies to supervisor.
- Assist with pre-planning and inspections of residential and commercial facilities.
- Assist with public education programs and participate in other activities related to promoting fire prevention, fire safety, and first aid.
- Maintain and enhance minimum EMS and Fire certifications as directed by supervisor.
- Perform general maintenance and cleaning of department property, equipment, apparatus, quarters, personal protective equipment, and grounds.
- Assist with flow testing and flushing of fire hydrants as determined by policy.
- Operate computers and complete computerized reports related to position and duties.
- Assist with grant writing (research, apply and implement grants that benefit the department and its operations) as directed by supervisor.
-
Other duties as required or assigned.
For full-time positions, the City offers competitive benefits to include health, dental and vision insurance effective the first of the month following 60 days of employment. For 2026 health insurance, the most affordable area plan offered is the Quartz West Plan with premiums at $225.36 per month for a single plan or $554.72 per month for a family plan. There is no deductible or co-insurance amount for the health insurance plan. Dental insurance is through Delta Dental with premiums paid 100% by the City. The position qualifies for automatic enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System (pension plan) providing a lifetime payment once vested and upon eligible retirement. Additionally, the City offers voluntary benefits such as flexible spending, life insurance, disability insurance, deferred compensation, pet insurance, critical illness, cancer, and accident insurance. Paid sick leave, holidays, and vacation. Access to an employee assistance program (EAP). The City of Onalaska is also a qualifying employer under the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Federal Program.
To Apply: To be considered for this excellent opportunity, submit an online employment application by accessing:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/onalaskawi. Applications due by April 13, 2026. For additional information please contact:
City of Onalaska Human Resources – City Hall (1st Floor)
415 Main Street, Onalaska WI 54650
Phone: 608-781-9530 ext. 260
Email: afrandsen@onalaskawi.gov
Additional information: Initial interviews anticipated for the week of April 20, 2026. Selected candidate subject to background check and pre-employment/post-offer physical, psychological and drug screen. The City of Onalaska is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug-Free Workplace.
Requirements Of Work (Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities)
Full-Time Firefighter/EMT: High School Diploma or equivalent; Associates Degree preferred. Current certification as National Registry and/or WI EMT. Current certification as a WI and/or IFSAC Firefighter II. Current certification in HAZMAT Operations.
Part-Time Firefighter/EMT: High School diploma or equivalent. Successfully completed a department-sponsored Firefighter I Certified course. Successfully completed a department-sponsored EMT-B Certified course.
Part-Time Firefighter/EMR (certified): High School diploma or equivalent. Successfully completed a department-sponsored Firefighter I Certified course and a department-sponsored EMR Certified course.
Part-Time Firefighter/EMR (uncertified): High School diploma or equivalent. Encouraged to successfully complete a department-sponsored Firefighter I Certified course within 1 year and a department-sponsored EMR Certified course within 2 years.
For all positions, must be at least 18 years of age. Valid driver's license with good driving record.
Physical Requirements
The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Benefits
The following summarizes regular full-time employee benefits. A complete benefit packet is provided to employees upon hire. Contact Human Resources for details.
Benefits not applicable for those working in very part time firefighter positions.
Health Insurance
The State of Wisconsin Group Health Plan offers $0 deductible and $0 co-insurance. The plan pays 100% for routine and preventative services to include eye exam and regular check-ups. Emergency Room co-pay $60 per visit. Earn a $150 Annual Wellness Incentive for enrolled employees (and spouses) when completing a health assessment, health check and well-being activity.
When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.
2026 Cost: Based on lowest cost plan in area, employees pay:
- Single Plan: $225.36/month
-
Family Plan: $554.72/month
Dental Insurance
The Delta Dental WI Plan offers basic coverage for preventative services such as routine cleanings, x-rays, fluoride (100% no deductible), orthodontics (60% with $1000 individual max), major services offer coverage for crowns, bridges, dentures (60%). A Vision discount program is included (at no cost) with your Delta Dental plan.
When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.
Cost: City pays 100% of the monthly premium cost for regular full-time employees and 50% of the monthly premium cost for regular part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week.
Vision Insurance
The Delta Dental WI plan for Delta Vision offers a vision exam for a $10 Copay; Retinal Imaging: member pays up to $39; Lenses $10 Copay; Frames: $150 allowance; Contact lenses: $150 allowance; Laser Vision Correction: 15% off retail price or 5% off promotional price. Frequency of Services: Every 12 months: Exam and Lenses or Contacts. Every 24 months: Frames.
When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.
Cost: Employee pays $100%. Employee only: $3.23 semi-monthly; Family: $8.03 semi-monthly
Life Insurance
The State of Wisconsin Group Life Insurance Program offers options to enroll in basic (equivalent to annual salary) with ability to add supplemental (1x salary), additional units (up to 3x salary) and spouse/dependent coverage (up to 20K). Members may continue coverage upon separation.
When eligible: 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.
Cost: Employee pays 100%. Cost varies based on age and coverage level electing. Cost is minimal. City pays administrative fee on premium.
Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)
The Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) is a pension plan providing a lifetime retirement payment once vested (after 5 years) and having reached minimum retirement age (50 for protective service employees). Participation is automatic for eligible employees. Contributions are pre-taxed.
When eligible: Upon hire.
Cost: The City pays the employer share (18.70%) and the employee pays the employee share (7.20%) of your total earnings, based on 2026 rates for those in Protective Services.
Allstate Supplemental Insurance Plans
Allstate Accident Insurance : Cash benefit paid directly to the employee for off-the-job accidental injuries. Pays in addition to other insurances. Low and High plan options available. Annual wellness benefit $75 (low plan) and $100 (high plan) per individual. Coverage is portable after separation. Contributions are pre-taxed.
When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.
Cost: Employee pays 100%. Employee Low plan $6.13/semi-monthly; Employee High plan $9.26/semi-monthly; Employee plus children; Employee plus spouse and family rates also available.
Allstate Cancer Insurance : Cash benefit paid directly to the employee for the treatment of cancer and 29 specified diseases. Pays in addition to other insurances. Annual wellness benefit $100 per individual. Low, Medium and High plan options available. Coverage is portable after separation. Contributions are pre-taxed.
When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.
Cost: Employee pays 100%. Employee Low plan $8.47/semi-monthly; Employee Medium plan $12.18/semi-monthly; Employee High plan $18.07/semi-monthly; Employee plus children, Employee plus spouse and family rates also available.
Allstate Critical Illness Insurance : Cash benefit paid directly to the employee for heart attack, stroke, major organ transplant and end stage renal failure. Additional supplemental benefits also available. Pays in addition to other insurances. Benefit amounts $2,500 - $20,000 depending on illness and plan selected. Coverage is portable after separation. Contributions are pre-taxed.
When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.
Cost: Employee pays 100%. Cost varies based on age, tobacco use and coverage level electing. Rates per employee, employee plus children, employee plus spouse and family.
Income Continuation Insurance (ICI)
The State of Wisconsin ICI program is a voluntary “income replacement” benefit for short- and/or long-term disabilities. ICI provides approximately 75% of the employee’s average monthly earnings (maximum $7,500 per month). Elimination period of 30 days minimum in which the employee must be off work.
When eligible: Coverage effective 1st day of the calendar month that 1st occurs during 30-day enrollment period.
Cost: Provided at no cost to employee.
Pet Insurance
Figo Pet Insurance is a voluntary benefit, covering dogs and cats, offering a 10% discount. Each employee designs their plan picking their deductible and/or annual maximum.
When eligible: Upon hire.
Cost: Varies per plan selected. Employee pays directly to Figo.
Deferred Compensation (457b)
Deferred Compensation is a voluntary program allowing employees to put additional money in a retirement savings program. The benefits include:
- Pre-taxed deductions (Federal and State tax deferred)
- After-tax deductions for Roth IRA plans
-
Allows a choice of three companies: Nationwide, North Shore Bank and Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program
Cost: Employee pays 100%. Offered through payroll deduction.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
FSA allows employees an opportunity to set aside money on a pre-taxed basis for medical and dependent care expenses. Medical FSA: Pay for eligible out-of-pocket medical, vision and dental expenses not covered by another plan.
Dependent FSA: Pay for eligible dependent care expenses (childcare).
When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.
Cost: Option to contribute per Company Plan limits. City pays plan administrative fees.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
EAP provides professional and confidential assistance to employees with personal or professional concerns. When eligible: Upon hire.
Cost: City pays 100% up to five (5) visits per topic, per year.
Vacation
For regular full-time (non-union) employees, vacation time is based on a calendar year (January 1 through December 31 of each year). Hours from the date of hire, if not January 1 are prorated.
Year 0 = 3 days (72 hours)
Year 1 = 6 days (144 hours)
Year 4 = 9 days (216 hours)
Year 8 = 12 days (288 hours)
Year 15 = 15 days (360 hours)
Year 21 = 18 days (432 hours)
In addition to the above, employees receive two (2) personal days – (1) on January 1st and (1) on July 1st each year to be used within the calendar year.
Sick Leave
Accrues 18 hours per full month of employment. Max 1,440 hours. Accrued sick leave is available to employees who are unable to work because of personal sickness or injury, or due to sickness or injury of an immediate family member.
Holidays
The holidays listed provide employees with time off from work without loss of pay:
New Year’s Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Good Friday (1/2 day)
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve Day
Christmas Day
New Year’s Eve Day (1/2 day)
Labor Agreement Disclaimer
Those protective service employees who are subject to comprehensive collective bargaining agreement as negotiated or are regulated by the Police & Fire Commission, shall be exempt from the provisions of these benefits that are inconsistent with such agreements or other regulations.
01
Do you have a High School Diploma or equivalent?
- Yes
-
No
Do you possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record?
- Yes
-
No
Are you 18 years or older?
- Yes
-
No
Please List Fire Certifications You Have Obtained
05
Have you ever worked for a paid or volunteer fire department?
- Yes
-
No
Are you interested in Part-Time, Full-Time or both?
- Required Question
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