Firefighter

Salary: $63,308.04 - $83,786.10 Annually
Location : Fire Department Administrative Office, 216 S Dewey St, Eau Claire, WI
Job Type: Firefighter
Job Number: 2026-00070
Department: FD-SUPPRESSION
Opening Date: 10/21/2026
Closing Date: 11/8/2026 11:59 PM Central


Job Description
We are seeking responsible, compassionate, and courageous individuals who value community service and are interested in a rewarding career. As a member of our team, you will enhance the quality of life for City of Eau Claire residents and visitors by protecting lives and property through fire suppression, emergency medical services, disaster response, fire prevention, and public education.

Join the Eau Claire Fire Department to be part of a professional, inclusive, and progressive team. We are now accepting applications for current Firefighter openings and the hiring eligibility list. We are now accepting lateral transfers!

Requirements:

• High School diploma or equivalent (GED, etc.)
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be at least 18 years old
• Possess a valid CPAT certification at time of hire
• Must be either Nationally Registered or State of Wisconsin EMT certified, and Firefighter I certified,OR be Nationally Registered or State of Wisconsin EMT and Paramedic certified at time of hire with the requirement to train within the department to Firefighter I and II certifications within one year after hire date
• Candidate must currently be a full-time career firefighter with at least one year of completed service to be considered for a lateral transfer.

Wage Range: $63,308.13 to $83,786.19 annual base pay; additional compensation includes holiday, paramedic, education, and specialty pays, plus excellent fringe benefits (including tuition reimbursement)!

Application Deadline : Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Interviews expected to take place November 18, 2026. Candidates will be notified via email if selected to interview.
JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION SCOPE

Working within the Incident Command System, the incumbent will preserve life, stabilize incidents, and conserve property. This will be accomplished by controlling and extinguishing fires, the prevention of conditions and elimination of hazards, which contribute to fires by performing inspections and regulative duties, and providing emergency medical services. The Firefighter may also perform additional functions or assignments as directed by his/her superior officers. As a member of the firefighting team, the incumbent is responsible for performing specialized tasks under the supervision of a company officer. Performs duties under stressful conditions, where personal danger may be present, often requiring independent discretion in decision making.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Responds to EMS calls and provides pre-hospital care for the sick and injured in accordance with the State of Wisconsin, Department of Health and Social Services Standards and Procedures.


Responds to fire calls and other emergencies with company; assists in controlling and extinguishing fires by initiating and directing stream of water or chemicals onto fire; positions, raises and climbs ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings or to assist individuals to escape burning structures; creates openings in structures for ventilation or entrance; protects property from water and smoke damage by use of waterproof salvage covers and smoke ejectors; aids in administering first aid to the injured and resuscitating individuals overcome by smoke; communicates with company officers during fires and other emergencies using portable two-way radio; assists in overhaul and salvage operations under the direction of company officers.

Under the direction of company officers, inspects buildings for fire hazards and compliance with fire prevention codes and ordinances; completes inspection reports; provides advice and guidance to building owners or occupants on reduction of fire hazards, performs assigned tasks in maintaining apparatus, equipment, quarters, fire stations and grounds, identifying hydrants and streets in geographic area served by companies assigned to a station.


Performs assigned tasks in maintaining apparatus, equipment, quarters, fire stations and grounds, identifying hydrants and streets in geographic area served by companies assigned to a station.


Participates or conducts training activities, including classroom, drills and demonstrations, designed to maintain and improve the basic knowledge and skills required of fire-fighters responding to a variety of emergency calls.

May be required to develop individual specialized skills and training. May be required to conduct training at the chief's discretion in their area of specialty or individual expertise.

Participates in continuing education and training programs to maintain or advance knowledge and skills associated with tasks performed by Firefighter/EMT's, including specialized skills such as EMT-D, I or P as applicable.

Participates in fire drills for occupants of buildings within geographic area served by assigned company; participates in other activities related to promoting fire prevention, safety and first-aid.

Use respiratory protection equipment, as needed.


NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs related duties as required.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATIONS

Must possess or obtain (within 30 days) a valid Wisconsin Driver's License.

Must possess a High School diploma or equivalent (GED, etc.)


Must be either Nationally Registered or State of Wisconsin EMT certified and Fire Fighter I certified, OR be Nationally Registered or State of Wisconsin Paramedic certified at time of hire with the requirement to train within the department to Firefighter I and II certifications within one year.

Must be a United States citizen.

Must be at least 18 years old.

Must possess a valid CPAT certification at time of hire.

Must maintain certification as a Wisconsin licensed EMT.

SKILLS/ABILITIES

Basic knowledge of tactics, techniques and equipment commonly used to contain and extinguish fires and control other emergency incidents.

Basic knowledge of flammable liquids, gases, chemicals, toxic and combustible materials, building construction and the use, conditions and events that produce fire as well as behavioral characteristics associated with different kinds of fires.

Basic knowledge of water supply, gas, electrical, mechanical, hydraulic systems and fire protection systems (hydrants, standpipes, sprinklers, alarms).

Basic knowledge of NFPA standards, state laws and administrative codes, and local ordinances related to the prevention of fires; basic knowledge of procedures for inspection and enforcement.


Basic knowledge of fire investigation procedures and methods.

Basic knowledge of and skills used in dealing with other hazardous or life-threatening situations, including those associated with the storage of and transportation of flammable liquids, gases, chemicals, petroleum products, combustible and other hazardous materials; vehicle, aircraft and railroad accidents; medical emergencies; natural and man-made disasters.

Basic knowledge of the organization, staffing and delivery of emergency medical services.

Skills in oral and written communication.

Skills to foster positive public and community relations.

Skills in reading and correctly interpreting written policies, rules, safety procedures and contractual agreements; ability to follow directions and lawful orders given by company officers.


Maintains prompt, predictable, and regular physical attendance.

Must be able to take direction and work well with others.

Must be able to concentrate and perform accurately.

Must be able to react to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned.

Must be able to back-up fellow co-workers.


SUPERVISION/DIRECTION RECEIVED

Fire Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, and Chief.

SUPERVISION/DIRECTION EXERCISED

None.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work in an emergency firefighting environment; work in medical emergency and hazardous material situations, including vehicle accidents, swift water rescues, and other types of medical and rescue emergencies; work in intense life-threatening conditions; exposure to fire, smoke, bodily fluids, cramped and difficult to enter spaces, swift water, heights, and noise. Essential and marginal functions require maintaining physical condition necessary for running, walking, crawling, climbing, stooping and heavy lifting while wearing heavy protective equipment; work in all types of weather conditions and environments.

Must be able to wear a respirator as required. Must be able to pass a respirator medical evaluation questionnaire, medical evaluation, and fit test annually
The City of Eau Claire is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
CITY OF EAU CLAIRE FRINGE BENEFITS

FIREFIGHTER EMPLOYEES

- LOCAL 487 -

(Effective January 1, 2026)

Benefits and leaves are listed below as defined in the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Eau Claire and the Eau Claire Fire Fighters Local 487 union. Other benefits and leaves not contained within can be found in the collective bargaining agreement.

Benefits listed are for full-time employees. Regular part-time employee benefits are prorated based on the budgeted hours of the position except for vacation which is prorated based on the number of hours actually worked.

BENEFITS AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY UPON EMPLOYMENT

Holiday Pay

For calculation purposes only, the Fire Fighter shall receive eight hours pay at the Fire Fighter's regular straight time 40-hour work week wage rate for the following holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the employee's birthday. The Fire Fighter is eligible for four days of holiday pay in the first half of the calendar year and five days of holiday pay in the second half of the calendar year.


Sick Leave

0.8 day per month accruable to 115 days for 56-hour employees.

One day per month accruable to 120 days for 40-hour employees.

Wisconsin Retirement System

As required by state law, the City and the employee are each required to contribute into the Wisconsin Retirement System. The total contribution is 26.11% of earnings, with the City contributing 18.91% and the employee contributing 7.2%.

Deferred Compensation Plans

Available participation in a 457 retirement savings plan offered by the City. Contributions cannot exceed the annual maximum limit allowed by the IRS.

Roth Plans

Available participation in the Roth 457 and Roth IRA retirement accounts offered by the City. Contributions cannot exceed the annual maximum limit allowed by the IRS.

Employee Assistance Program

Available to all employees and their families.

Supplemental Worker's Compensation Pay

Upon the determination of eligibility, the City shall pay a regular full-time employee who is injured on the job the difference between 85% of their regular salary and their worker's compensation payments, as long as the employee is on injury leave, but not to exceed 126 days for the same injury. When an employee has used the full 126 days of injury leave and is still unable to return to work, the employee may petition the City Council for an extension.


An employee who has exhausted their injury leave but continues to receive worker's compensation payments may at their discretion use accrued sick leave in proportion to the amount necessary to receive their full salary.

All working time lost due to injuries incurred on the job shall be considered time worked for the day of the injury.

BENEFITS AVAILABLE THE FIRST OF THE MONTH FOLLOWING 30 DAYS OF SUCCESSFUL CITY SERVICE

Life Insurance (Department of Employee Trust Funds)

Available participation in the Basic, Supplemental, Additional, and Spouse and Dependent life insurance program. The employee is responsible for the monthly premium amount. The amount of insurance is dependent upon the annual salary of the employee.


Active Employee Health Insurance

The City pays 85% of the cost of the health insurance premium for an active regular full-time employee.

Cash Payment in Lieu of Health Insurance

Optional cash payment of $150.00 per month ($69.23 per pay period) for an employee with no employer-paid health insurance. This may be contributed by the employee to any Roth or other deferred compensation plan offered by the City.

Dental Insurance

Employee pays 100% of the monthly premium. Employees working 20 hours per week, or more are eligible.

Vision Insurance

Employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.Employees working 20 hours per week, or more are eligible.

Flexible Spending

Optional participation in a health care and/or dependent care Section 125 pre-tax reimbursement account, subject to IRS regulations. Employees working 30 hours per week, or more are eligible.


Additional Ancillary Benefits

Employees working 20 hours per week or more are eligible for short-term disability, voluntary life/accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity insurances. Employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Retiree Health Insurance

For those employees hired on or before March 1, 2018, upon retirement and between the ages of 50 and Medicare eligibility, the City will contribute a maximum 60% of the lowest family health insurance premium per month toward a family or single health insurance policy. For those employees hired after March 1, 2018, upon retirement and between the ages of 50 and Medicare eligibility, the City will contribute a maximum of 95% of the lowest cost single health insurance premium per month toward a family or single health insurance policy. Upon an employee hired on or before March 1, 2018 becoming eligible for a disability retirement the City will contribute a maximum of 60% of the lowest family premium per month toward a family or single health insurance policy for a period not to exceed ten years, not to exceed the age at which the employee becomes eligible for Medicare. Upon an employee hired after March 1, 2018 becoming eligible for a disability retirement the City will contribute a maximum of 95% of the lowest cost single premium per month toward a family or single health insurance policy for a period not to exceed 10 years, not to exceed the age at which the employee becomes eligible for Medicare. Upon withdrawal from City policies, the retired employee does not forfeit the right to be reinstated, such reinstatement being subject to provisions of state and federal law. Retirement is defined as receiving WRS benefits.

Educational Incentive Pay Plan

City may pay a portion of tuition and offers incentive pay according to details of the plan.


Longevity

Regular full-time employees are eligible for six percent of their base pay after 20 years of employment. Employees hired after March 1, 2018 shall not be eligible for longevity.

Replacement Duty

Fire Department employees who work an average 56-hour work week shall receive one and one-half times their regular rate of pay based on a 56-hour week for replacement duty worked in addition to their regularly scheduled 56-hour week.

Fire Department employees who work an average 40-hour work week shall receive one and one-half times their regular rate of pay based on a 56-hour week for replacement duty worked in addition to their regularly scheduled 40-hour week.

Emergency Duty

Fire Department employees who work an average 56-hour work week shall receive one and one-half times their regular rate of pay based on a 40-hour week for emergency duty. A minimum of two hours call in pay shall be received for all emergency duty.

Hold Over Duty

Fire Department employees who work an average 56-hour work week shall receive one and one-half times their regular rate of pay based on a 40-hour week for hold over duty. A minimum of one hour shall be received for all hold over duty, provided that a person must work at least 15 minutes to be eligible for the one-hour minimum.

Continuing Education Credit Pay

Continuing education credits compensated at a rate of $12.00 per credit and will be paid in a lump sum payment in January following the year in which the points were earned and approved. Continuing education credits do not accumulate. Once annual compensation is granted, credit totals return to zero. All compensation adjustments shall be authorized by the training officer, Fire Chief, or Director of Human Resources.

Hazmat A Pay

City offers Hazmat A pay according to the details of the Hazmat Agreement on file in the Fire Department to eligible regular full-time employees.

VACATION SCHEDULE

56-Hour Employees

Years of Continuous Service

Annual Vacation Accrual

After 1 year completed

3 working days

After 2 years completed

4 working days

After 3 years completed

5 working days

4 thru 5 years completed

6 working days

6 thru 10 years completed

7 working days

11 thru 15 years completed

9 working days

16 thru 20 years completed

11 working days

21 thru 24 years completed

12 working days

25+ years

13 working days

40-Hour Employees

Years of Continuous Service

Annual Vacation Accrual

1 thru 5 years completed

10 working days

6 thru 11 years completed

15 working days

12 thru 24 years completed

20 working days

25+ years


25 working days
01


Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No
• No, however, I can obtain within 30 days from hire

02


Are you a United States citizen?

• Yes
• No

03


Are you at least 18 years old?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you possess a valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)?

• Yes
• No

05


Are you Nationally Registered or State of Wisconsin EMT certified?

• Yes
• No

06


Are you Nationally Registered or State of Wisconsin Paramedic certified?

• Yes
• No

07


Are you a current paramedic student?

• Yes
• No

08


If yes, when do you graduate?
09


Do you currently hold Firefighter I certification?

• Yes
• No

10


Do you currently hold Firefighter II certification?

• Yes
• No

11


If you are not currently Firefighter I and II certified, are you willing and able to obtain those certifications through department training within one year of hire?

• Yes
• No

Required Question