FIREFIGHTER

Firefighters respond to a wide range of emergencies, performing rescue, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and firefighting duties. Firefighters also operate equipment, maintain equipment and facilities, engage in fire prevention education, pre-fire planning inspections, and carry out other specialized assignments.

• Respond to emergencies including fire, medical, and other forms of disaster under hazardous conditions.
• Lift, carry, and operate heavy tools and equipment, including hoses, ladders, power saws, pumps, and fans.
• Perform search and rescue operations.
• Perform maintenance of department apparatus, equipment, buildings and grounds.
• Perform general housekeeping duties.
• Participate in on-going training and professional development activities.
• Assist in conducting pre-fire planning inspections.
• Participate in a variety of community service and public relations functions.
• Perform other related functions as assigned, which could include serving on special teams such as hazardous materials, dive rescue, and heavy urban rescue.  

Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

• Firefighters work one 24-hour shift every three days.
• Must successfully complete a 16-month probationary period.
• Maintain Licensure as a Wisconsin EMT.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 

• At least 18 years of age by the application deadline (October 13, 2017).
• United States Citizenship.
• High School Diploma or Wisconsin GED or a GED from a different state that meets Wisconsin GED standards.  A Home Education Diploma will be accepted provided the applicant can provide copies of form PI‐1206 filed with the Department of Public Instruction for applicants who have completed a home school program in Wisconsin, or documentation that the education program has met the requirements of the Department of Education from the state where the home school program was completed. 
• Valid Wisconsin driver license, or a valid driver’s license from the state in which the applicant resides, at the time of background investigation. Must obtain a Wisconsin driver license within 6 months of appointment.  

 

DISQUALIFIERS – Your application will be rejected if any of the following are true

• Applicant has failed a Milwaukee Fire Department background investigation within the last two years.
• Applicant has been terminated or discharged or resigned with charges pending from either the Milwaukee Police Department or Milwaukee Fire Department within the last two years.
• Applicant has a conviction that would render them unable to obtain an EMT license. http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/dhs/110/110/II/06

The current annual salary range is $33,368 to $74,045.  Appointment is at the beginning of the range. After academy training is complete the salary increases to $44,490 annually with excellent benefits.

Selection Process

The examination process may include a written test, oral interview, physical ability test, and background investigation.  All phases of the examination must be successfully completed in order to continue in the selection process.  Failure in any segment of the examination disqualifies a candidate from continuing in the selection process.   

Candidates who successfully complete the written examination will receive information about the date, time, and location of the other testing components.  The written examinations are tentatively scheduled for November 2017 with an anticipated class start date in June 2018.  

Candidates unavailable for one or more portions of the examination due to military service or training, must provide written notification prior to the examination to the Fire and Police Commission, City Hall Room 706, 200 East Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53202.  

Eligible list

Candidates who successfully complete all phases of the examination will be placed on an eligible list for consideration for employment.  

Pre-Employment Tests – Medical Examination, Psychological Evaluation and Drug Test

Candidates offered employment must pass a pre-employment medical examination, psychological evaluation, and drug test as a condition of employment.  

Appointments

Final appointment to the position of Firefighter is contingent upon passing all pre-employment components, the number of vacancies, and approval by the Fire and Police Commission.

Preference Points

Preference points may be added to the final passing score in accordance with State Statutes and Fire and Police Commission Rules. Qualified military veterans, bona fide City of Milwaukee residents and those that have completed an accredited Associate’s degree in fire technology or accredited Bachelor’s degree in fire science will receive preference points.  

In order to receive military veteran, residency, or education preference points, a DD-214 Form, proof of residency, or copies of transcripts must be provided as part of the application.  The preference points claim forms can be found in the following link http://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/cityFPC/OnlineForms/2017FF--PreferencePoints1.pdf, and the necessary supporting documentation may be uploaded to the online application, mailed to the Fire and Police Commission at Room 706, City Hall, 200 East Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI  53202-3554, or emailed to fpcjobs@milwaukee.gov.  Supporting documentation must be received or postmarked no later than 4:45 p.m. on October 13, 2017.  

Application Process

The application process must be completed online. The online application will be available on September 22, 2017 and accepted through October 13, 2017.  The online application form and further information may be obtained from www.milwaukee.gov/jobs or by calling (414) 286-5000.  Online applications may not be submitted after October 13, 2017, unless the deadline is extended.