Entry Level Firefighter Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Rate at hire for a fully certified firefighter/paramedic is $58,360.54. Candidates with minimum of emergency medical responder and entry-level firefighter certifications may be considered. CPAT certification must be obtained by the time of hire, prior to starting. Salary will commensurate depending on certifications.

Under supervision and as part of a team, this position is responsible for saving lives and property by suppressing fires, mitigating hazardous materials incidents, providing emergency medical care and transportation to the sick and injured, and educating the public with regard to safety as well as providing various rescue services. This position is responsible for rapidly and efficiently performing various duties under emergency conditions that frequently involve considerable hazard. Persons holding this position must carry out the specific orders and directions of superior officers in firefighting, training, cleaning, and maintenance duties, as well as in the delivery of emergency medical care. Considerable independence of judgment and action is also necessary in circumstances of extreme urgency where referral to a superior for instruction is not practicable. The firefighter/paramedic works under the general supervision of the Lieutenant and/or Captain assigned to the station. He/she is required to maintain the knowledge, skills, and abilities of a firefighter/paramedic position.

• As a member of a team, responds to fire, emergency medical, rescue and hazardous materials incidents.
• Works in hazardous environments while performing various tasks and while wearing a closed circuit, self-contained breathing apparatus as well as other protective equipment necessary for safe operations.
• Operates as a member of a team and utilizes the necessary tools in areas of specialty rescue, including but not limited to rope rescue, confined space rescue, trench rescue, and water/ice rescue.
• Performs general tasks related to fire suppression such as operating portable fire extinguishers, advancing, connecting, and handling fire supply hose lines, deploying salvage covers, ventilating buildings, and operating various firefighting appliances.
• Performs examination of patients at the appropriate level of licensure to determine primary and secondary medical problems by using questioning, physical examination, and use of diagnostic equipment.
• Operates and assists in maintaining the fire apparatus, equipment, and facilities of the station to which he/she are assigned.
• Administers medications and medical interventions according to established protocols.
• Communicates accurately with emergency room staff regarding reports of patient's history, physical condition, and treatment.
• Attends and participates in training programs delivered by the department in areas deemed related to the job.
• Functions under an organized plan of medical control protocols.
• Supervises other firefighters when qualified and acts as Lieutenant or other supervisory position as needed due to absence.
• Performs inspections of businesses and other occupancies for fire and life safety as well as code compliance.
• Delivers public education programs to members of the community.
• Under the direction of a superior officer, occasional supervisory responsibilities may be delegated to the firefighter/paramedic based on job responsibilities.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned by the Administrative Chiefs, which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Minimum Requirements At Time of Hire:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Diploma from a standard senior high school or technical school recognized and issued by a state education agency. A GED certificate recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction showing an equivalent level of educational development will be accepted. The diploma or certificate must be earned prior to the date of appointment.
• Possession of a valid Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
• Emergency medical licensure by the State of Wisconsin to the level deemed appropriate and necessary by the Fire Chief is required.
• Firefighting certification to the level deemed appropriate and necessary by the Fire Chief is required.
• Must possess CPAT certification by the time of hire, prior to starting.
• Any additional requirements as established by the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners pursuant to their authority contained in Chapter 62.13(3) of the Wisconsin Statutes.

Work Environment Considerations:

Individuals must have the ability to meet medical standards defined in the most current version of National Fire Protection Association Standard 1582 – Standard of Medical Requirements for Firefighters and Information for Fire Department Physicians and be able to meet the requirements of Wisconsin SPS 330.

Performance of essential tasks associated with responding to fire alarms and other calls for assistance requires, under emergency conditions:

• Ability to lift heavy objects of up to 50-100 pounds unassisted and larger objects with assistance.
• Capacities to position, raise, climb, and work from ladders.
• Ability to use various hand tools and powered equipment requiring a moderate to high degree of physical strength, hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity.
• Ability to pull and advance empty and water filled firefighting hose lines of various sizes.
• Capacity to work in full in full protective firefighting equipment.

Environmental Adaptability:

The performance of some essential tasks exposes an individual to machinery and its moving parts, toxic gases, hazardous materials, communicable diseases, temperature extremes from well below 0 Fahrenheit to above 300 Fahrenheit in a structure fire. Performance requires the use of heavy protective clothing, helmet, self-contained breathing apparatus, other respirator types, goggles, and gloves. Work is often performed outdoors in inclement weather, and some tasks require work in and around bodies of water.

• Working knowledge of the operation of all apparatus and equipment as well as methods used in fire prevention, fire suppression, and rescue operations.
• Considerable knowledge of pre-hospital emergency medical care.
• Working knowledge of rules and regulations of the Fire Department.
• Working knowledge of the maintenance of equipment and buildings.
• Working knowledge of building materials, building construction, and anticipated collapse patterns.
• Working knowledge of water systems and water mains.
• Ability and strength to do prolonged and arduous work under adverse conditions.
• Above-average physical condition.
• Ability to react quickly and remain calm under duress and strain.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to climb ladders and do effective work under adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to learn new firefighting methods rapidly, as new industrial and building materials are introduced.
• Skill in the operation of all firefighting and rescue equipment, including motor vehicles.
• Working knowledge of hydraulics and ability to produce effective fire streams.
• Interest and willingness to assist in community efforts.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• General computer aptitude for report writing, training, and internal communications.
• Ability to keep accurate records and write reports.
• Ability to complete and maintain appropriate minimum certifications and licensure necessary for the assigned position.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and complete reports and records.
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Ability to write documents and presentations, using original or innovative techniques or style, to convey complex information in a format that can be easily understood.
• Position requires ability to prepare forecasts, calculate and understand various ratios, and perform analytical procedures.
• Ability to act, make decisions, and justify action based on logic, good judgment, and rational thought.

Posting Information: The application window for this position is continuous. Hiring personnel will frequently review applications. Invitations to participate in the interview process will be made once a sufficient candidate pool is acquired.

The City of Sheboygan is an Equal Opportunity Employer.