Salary: $14.00 - $14.50 Hourly
Location : 606 E. Thomas Street, Wausau, WI
Job Type: Temporary
Job Number: 202600539
Department: Fire
Division: Operations Division
Opening Date: 08/04/2026
Closing Date: 8/20/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Purpose of the Position
Start Your Career. Earn While You Learn.
The
Wausau Fire Department is seeking motivated individuals to join our
Firefighter/Paramedic Apprentice (Paid Training Program). This unique opportunity provides temporary full-time paid employment while you complete the education and training necessary to become a professional Firefighter/Paramedic.
No previous fire or EMS experience or certifications are required.
What Makes This Program Different?
- No Fire or EMS certifications required to apply
- Paid full-time employment while attending school
- Firefighter and Paramedic education provided through Northcentral Technical College
- Hands-on training while working as an apprentice with Wausau Fire Department
- Graduate with the certifications needed to become a Firefighter/Paramedic
- Opportunity to apply for future full-time Firefighter/Paramedic positions
During the apprenticeship, you will:
- Attend and successfully complete required fire and EMS training at Northcentral Technical College.
- Earn Firefighter I and Firefighter II certifications.
- Earn Wisconsin EMT and Paramedic licensure.
- Participate in department recruit academy and ongoing hands-on training.
- Work alongside experienced firefighter/paramedics while learning the profession.
- Develop the skills necessary to serve citizens safely and professionally.
Important Apprenticeship Program Information:
This is a grant-funded apprenticeship position with a maximum temporary employment period of 18 months. The apprenticeship is designed to prepare participants for a career as a Firefighter/Paramedic by providing the required education, certifications, and on-the-job experience.
Completion of the apprenticeship does not imply or guarantee permanent employment with the City of Wausau. At the conclusion of the apprenticeship, employment will end. Apprentices who successfully complete the program are encouraged to apply for any available full-time Firefighter/Paramedic positions through the City's competitive hiring process.
Apprenticeship Program MOU:
Recruitment Timeline:
- August 4: Application period opens
- August 20: Application period closes
- August 24 - 26 : Candidate interviews
- September 2 - 3 : Pre-Employment psychological evaluation and physical evaluation exams
- September 17: Apprentices sign apprenticeship contract with the DWD
- September 28: Apprentices official start date
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
As a Firefighter/Paramedic Apprentice, you will:
- Attend all required educational programs leading to Firefighter and Paramedic certification.
- Successfully complete classroom, laboratory, and clinical requirements.
- Participate in recruit academy and department training.
- Assist career personnel with station duties.
- Maintain fire apparatus, equipment, and facilities.
- Participate in physical fitness and wellness activities.
- Observe and assist with emergency operations consistent with training and certification level.
- Learn fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials response, and emergency medical operations.
- Maintain professionalism while representing the Wausau Fire Department.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Possess a High School Diploma, GED, or HSED.
- Possess a valid driver's license.
- Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Be able to meet the physical demands of the position.
- Successfully complete:
- Background Investigation
- Psychological Evaluation
- Medical Examination
- Drug and Alcohol Screening
No previous Fire or EMS certifications are required.
Preferred Qualifications
Although not required, preference may be given to applicants with:
- EMT certification
- Firefighter certification
- College coursework
- Volunteer fire or EMS experience
- Military service
- Customer service experience
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to wear respirators, to include Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.
- Ability to distinguish color within NFPA standards 1582.
- Ability to perform physically demanding work in hazardous environments while wearing personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus.
- Ability to maintain physical fitness necessary to safely perform firefighter duties and complete all required training.
- Ability to learn firefighting and emergency techniques and procedures authorized by the Wausau Fire Department.
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and non-verbally, written or electronic. Specifically, having the ability to accurately document fire reports, fire prevention inspection reports and patient care reports.
- Ability to keep accurate records and use state-of-the-art technology.
- Ability to read and interpret technical written materials, codes, ordinances and standards.
- Ability to establish effective working relationships with others.
- Physical ability and endurance to efficiently and effectively perform strenuous physical labor in threatening and stressful situations.
- Ability to obtain and maintain certifications and licensure as required by the apprenticeship program.
Physical Requirements
Significant physical demands typically found in heavy industry or construction work, and with significant exposure to workplace hazards. Position requires regular and frequent lifting, moving, bending, twisting, and turning. Significant and frequent exposure to disagreeable and environmental conditions which typically requires the use of extensive or specialized clothing and/or personal protective equipment is normal for the position.
Additional Information
IMPORTANT! All applications must completely filled out and have a Resume attached in the "Attachments" section of the application. Applications that are not complete and do not have the required attachment will not be considered.
When completing References section, include 3 professional references with current and valid email addresses. References will not be contacted unless a candidate becomes a finalist for consideration or a conditional offer of employment is extended and accepted.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS:The City of Wausau will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Human Resources Department or phone (715) 261-6630 to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline.
NOTICE TO APPLICANTS:Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record: Each applicant's application, records, recommendations and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the City not provide access to this information.
If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Human Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law.
ADDITIONAL NOTICES:
The City of Wausau is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDNG
Between the City of Wausau and IAFF Local 415
Apprenticeship Program - Terms and Conditions of Employment
Superseding Effect of Memorandum of Understanding: The provisions of this Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) are intended to address matters specific to the Firefighter/Paramedic
Apprenticeship Program. In the event of any conflict, inconsistency, or ambiguity between the
terms of this MOU and any provision of an applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA),
personnel policy, administrative policy, or past practice, the provisions of this MOU shall control
and govern for apprentices participating in the Apprenticeship Program.
Except as specifically modified by this MOU, all other applicable provisions of the Collective
Bargaining Agreement, City policies, and Department rules shall remain in full force and effect.
This MOU shall be interpreted to give full effect to the intent of the parties that the
Apprenticeship Program operate as a distinct training and workforce development initiative, and
any conflicting provision shall be superseded only to the extent necessary to implement the terms
of this MOU.
1. Recognition and Employment Status
Apprentices are temporary, grant-funded employees assigned to the Wausau Fire Department for
the purpose of completing a registered apprenticeship program. Apprentices are included in the
bargaining unit only for matters covered in this MOU. Apprentices do not earn seniority, are not
eligible for promotion.
2. Duration and Probation
Apprentices will be employed for a period not to exceed l8 months. Apprentices shall serve a six
(6) month probationary period. During this period, the City may terminate employment at its sole
discretion and apprentices may not avail themselves of the grievance procedure. The City
reserves the right to terminate employment and its participation in the program during the limited
term of employment in the event grant funding is expended or ceases to be available and will
incur no further expense. All equipment assigned to the apprentice shall be returned to the
department upon leaving for any reason or completing the program. Completion of the
apprenticeship does not guarantee a full-time position; however, graduates may apply for any
posted full+ime vacancy.
3. Wages
Apprentices shall receive the following hourly wage progression: Start: $14.00/hr.;After six (6)
months: $l4.25lhr; After twelve (12) months: $14.50/hr. Apprentices are not eligible for
premium pay, incentive pay, acting pay, or any additional wage enhancements.
4. Hours of Work
To comply with federal apprenticeship and funding regulations, apprentices may not exceed
2,912total work hours annually, inclr"rsive of allwork process hours and related training hours.
Apprentices may follow the standard 56-hour platoon schedule or an approved alternative
schedule as determined by the department.
During certain phases of the program such as the fire academy, EMS orientation, classroom
instruction, and other structured training periods, apprentices may be placed on a 4O-hour
workweek or a modified schedule. Apprentices may attend required schooling or related
instruction during scheduled work hours, regardless of whether they are assigned to a 56-hour or
40-hour schedule at that time.
5. Work Assignment, Calls, and Staffing
Apprentices will be assigned to a crew for training and supervision. Apprentices are permitted to
respond to emergency calls as required under Exhibit A, including fire suppression, EMS
support, rescue, hazardous materials response, and other required competencies. All response
activities must occur under supervision. Apprentices shall not count toward minimum staffing
requirements.
Apprentices will function primarily in an observational role and will only be assigned tasks,
skills, and responsibilities that align with the level of training and competency demonstrated they
have successfully completed up to that point in the program. Duties beyond the apprentice's
verified skill level may not be performed, and all applied skills must be carried out under direct
supervision of qualified personnel.
6. Benefits and Leaves
Apprentices are eligible for temporary employee benefits including health, dental, life insurance,
WRS contributions when required, workers' compensation, and FMLA if eligible. Apprentices
are not eligible for vacation, sick leave, PAL, holidays, clothing allowance, longevity pay, or any
paid leave. Apprentices do not accrue paid time off.
7. Discipline
Apprentices are subject to all department policies and may be terminated at any time for
performance, conduct, or funding-related reasons.
8. Non-Precedent and Non-Waiver
This MOU applies solely to the Federally Funded Apprenticeship Program and shall not be
considered precedent. All CBA provisions remain unchanged unless specifically modified herein.
9. Review of Apprenticeship Completion
The City will provide the Union with a summary of program outcomes at the end of each
cohort's apprenticeship period, including recommendations for future adjustments.
10. Duration and Re-Evaluation
This MOU shall remain in effect for the l8-month duration of the first apprentice cohort. Prior to
the start of the second cohort, the City and Union shall meet to review and, if necessary, revise
this MOU. This MOU shall remain in effect until modified or terminated by mutual consent of
the City of Wausau and IAFF Loca
