Firefighter/EMT

OPENING DATE: August 24, 2026

CLOSING DATE: This position will remain open until filled. The first review of applications will take place on September 8, 2026, and qualified candidates who apply prior to that date will receive priority consideration.

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the general supervision of the Fire Chief; responsible for responding to and rendering appropriate services to emergency situations. This position performs pre-hospital care, fire suppression activities, rescue, damage control, property preservation and fire and safety education. Performs with limited supervision through Standard Operating Guidelines or Procedures, established medical protocols, directives and medical director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist in the protection of life and property by performing firefighter duties, fire prevention and education, emergency rescue, emergency medical aid and hazardous materials handling.
• Perform to the requirement of the Standard Operating Guidelines and Procedures.
• Maintain fire and EMS equipment, fire and EMS apparatus and fire department facility.
• Participate and enforce City and State law, ordinances and codes.
• Participates in regular training with department staff.
• Maintain and achieve the benchmarks established by the medical director with Quality Improvement.
• Promote health and safety of the public through education and prevention.
• Attend training as directed.

PERIODIC JOB DUTIES:

• Performs various public education activities to enhance the reputation of the Fire Department by providing station tours, hosting community/school visits and special events, and conducting public education classes on a variety of life safety and EMS topics.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education - High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
• Experience - one (1) to two (2) years in related work experience in pre-hospital emergency service or fire department environments preferred.

SKILLS:

• Ability to take initiative and work efficiently.
• Ability to work independently with intermittent direct supervision.
• Effective written, oral and interpersonal communication and listening skills including, but not limited to: tact, diplomacy and professionalism when dealing with members of the public and staff.
• Problem-solving ability appropriate to the work situation.
• Ability to perform routine mathematical computations accurately.
• Ability to perform invasive advanced medical and fire command procedures in stressful situations.
• Ability to concentrate in a diverse work setting.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to live and work effectively with co-workers during shifts and have excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to climb up to rooftops, crawlspaces, etc. in order to perform job requirements.
• Ability to operate a personal computer using various software programs for word processing, billing, reports, email, database, training, fire service management systems, etc.
• Ability to perform job functions adhering to safety guidelines and policies set for by the administration and/or supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge and understanding of incident command principles; as well as the ability to organize, deploy, and manage fire department resources in both emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Knowledge of NFPA guidelines and National Fire Code.
• Knowledge of local geography and special hazards within the community.
• Knowledge of the Altoona city limits and Altoona jurisdiction.
• Knowledge of office equipment, including telephone, photocopier, laser printers, personal computers, etc.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Combination normal office environment and frequent outside working conditions.
• Ability to consistently lift, carry, push and pull up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Ability to frequently lift, carry, push and pull up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to occasionally, lift, carry, push and pull up to 200 pounds.
• Occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.
• Intermittent climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling and reaching in tight spaces.
• Periodic exposure to inclement weather and extreme weather conditions (cold and/or heat; wet and/or humid conditions)
• Periodic exposure to high intensive noise levels, vibrations, darkness and poor lighting, dirt/dust, odors, toxic chemicals and other environmental conditions.

REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid Iowa Driver's License
• Establish residency within forty-five (45) miles, which takes forty-five (45) minutes or less to drive to the facility within the first six (6) months of employment with the city.
• Certification of at least Firefighter I preferred, Iowa EMT - Basic (EMT-B) preferred, Haz-Mat Awareness and Operations preferred, NIMS/ICS: IS-100a, IS-200A and IS 700. If these certifications are not possessed by the applicant upon hire, certification as a Firefighter I, Iowa EMT - Basic, and Haz-Mat Awareness and Operations must be obtained within 18 months.
• All licenses and certifications listed must be valid and be maintained throughout employment.
• Must be insurable.

The City of Altoona retains the authority to change the job duties included in this job description at any time. The list of duties is not exhaustive and various requirements are subject to possible modification as a reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual.

The successful applicant will be required to complete a background check and pass a medical examination which includes a drug and alcohol screening prior to beginning work.

The City of Altoona is located in Polk County, Iowa, about five miles from Des Moines, Iowa, and is home to approximately 20,000 residents. Altoona offers many large city amenities but with small town quality and convenience. Altoona hosts beautiful recreational trails, and parks, offers an abundance of shopping and restaurant opportunities, and our entertainment is renowned.

The City of Altoona is an Equal-Opportunity Employer.