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Firefighter – Position Details

Purpose:

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.

Essential Functions:

  • 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.

Conditions of Employment:

  • 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:

  1. At least 18 years of age by the application deadline.
  2. United States Citizenship.
  3. 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. 
  4. 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

Current Salary:

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. 

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

The preference points may be claimed via the online application, where you'll be prompted to upload the necessary supporting documentation. Alternatively, the required documentation may be mailed to the Fire and Police Commission at Room 706, City Hall, 200 E. Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202-3554, or emailed to fpcjobs@milwaukee.gov. In all cases, the decision of the Fire and Police Commission is final as to the acceptability of documentation as proof of eligibility.

Veterans Preference Points

Documentation Required:  

  • If you are an eligible veteran, you must attach an undeleted copy of your DD-214. Undeleted means that the copy you submit must include the bottom portion that indicates the type of discharge you received. Note: If you have not yet been released from active duty, you may present individual orders or a letter from your commanding officer attesting to honorable service and the dates thereof, in lieu of the DD-214.
  • Please fill out the Military Preference Points Claim Form and submit it along with your DD-214 to the Fire & Police Commission.

Residency Preference Points (Bona fide resident of the City of Milwaukee at the time of application)

Acceptable proof of residency is:

  • Copies of two (2) documents that verify you live at the City of Milwaukee address that you claimed on your application. Both document(s) submitted must include all of the following: First and last name, Complete numbered street address (post office boxes will not be accepted), City, state and zip code. At least one (1) of the document(s) you submit must verify that you lived at this address during the application period.
    • A list of acceptable documents follows:
      • Unexpired State of Wisconsin driver’s license, Wisconsin State identification card, or any other unexpired official identification card or license issued by a Wisconsin governmental body or unit, or by an employer in the normal course of business (no business cards). Examples include hunting or fishing license, or a professional license.
      • Employment pay check stub. 
      • A bill statement: Examples include bills from a cell phone, auto loan, utility, auto insurance, or other bill statement from a known and reputable business.
      • Bank statement.
      • College record, fee/tuition card or receipt.
      • High school or college transcript.
      • Alternatively, you may submit a signed and notarized affidavit swearing that you are indeed a City of Milwaukee resident.

Education Preference Points

Acceptable proof of education is:

  • A transcript from the accredited institution from which you received your diploma. If you choose to apply for education preference points outside of the online application process, please fill out the Education Preference Points Claim Form and submit it along with your transcripts to the FPC.
    • Graduates of an accredited two year in fire technology program shall be awarded three (3) additional points.
    • Graduates of an accredited four year fire science program shall be awarded five (5) additional points.

Application Process

The previous recruitment closed October 13, 2017.

For more information please visit the Milwaukee Fire Department’s website, where you can learn more about ways you can prepare for a career in the fire service and what to expect from the physical ability test that applicants must pass.

Sign up for Email or Text Message Alerts for Job Openings

If you wish to receive email notifications about protective service jobs with the Milwaukee Fire and Police Departments such as police officer, firefighter, or 911 operator, please sign up for the Milwaukee E-Notify system and select MFD Career Opportunities and/or MPD Career Opportunities. You can also sign up for alerts for other job opportunites with the City of Milwaukee by using the E-Notify system.  

E-Notify

If you wish to receive text message notifications about protective service jobs with the Milwaukee Fire and Police Departments such as police officer, firefighter, or 911 operator, please text the number below with your full name and the position(s) for which you would like to receive alerts:

(414) 519-6190

 

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