Job Opportunities

The Waukee Fire Department is a combination department, made up of both full-time and part-time employees.

Hiring Needs and Certifications

The Waukee Fire Department typically conducts a hiring process once a year based on vacancies and the general needs of the department. All firefighters are required to have IFSAC Firefighter II and EMT certifications through the State of Iowa. Firefighter certifications (Firefighter I, Hazmat Operations and Firefighter II) can be obtained through DMACC or through the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau if already affiliated with a fire department.  The department also employs Paramedics who are not required to maintain firefighter certifications.  

The Waukee Fire Department hires both applicants with and without experience or certifications depending on the needs of the department at the time of hiring. When applicants are hired without certifications, the department will provide training to obtain the required certifications; as a general rule, those training sessions take place one to two nights per week for about three months. EMT classes are collegiate-level and are offered through Mercy College or DMACC. A typical EMT class is held two nights a week for three months and totals 140 hours. Students do not need to be affiliated with a department to attend an EMT class.

There is no residency requirement in order to work for the Waukee Fire Department.

Application Process

When a hiring process begins, the position(s) are posted to the City of Waukee’s online job listing as well as the City’s social media pages and various third-party hiring sites. Sign up for hiring notifications through the City's job portal or on Indeed.com; enter "City of Waukee Fire Department." 

To apply for an open position, a complete application as well as copies of relevant certifications must be submitted. Incomplete applications may be thrown out. The city utilizes the Central Iowa Fire and EMS Testing Consortium (CIFETC) for written and physical ability evaluations with a few exceptions.  Information about the CIFETC can be found by visiting www.iowafiretesting.com.  Testing completed within 1 year of application deadline is accepted.  

Following a review of scores and applications, those selected are invited to participate with an interview process which consists of a panel interview and potentially a Chief’s interview. Any offer of employment that is made is contingent upon a thorough background check and a physical completed at the City’s expense.  

How Shifts Work

Full-time personnel assigned to a shift work 24 hour on and 48 hours off on one of three rotating shifts.  These shifts start at 7 a.m.  

Part-time personnel work 12-hour shifts, either from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Typical shifts include routine station duties, responding to calls, assisting with inspections and conducting company-level training. Sleeping quarters are provided to those working 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Part-time employees are required to work a minimum of 108 hours per quarter with 48 of those hours being during the day or on weekends.  Schedules are assigned based on the employee's availability.