Firefighter

The City of La Crosse is accepting applications for the purpose of establishing an eligibility list for full-time entry-level Firefighters.

Responsibilities include working as a team member to prevent and suppress fires, protect life and property and to provide medical assistance as an emergency medical technician. Successful applicants must possess a current WI Firefighter II certification, a current National or State of Wisconsin EMT license at time of hire, an Associate degree in Fire Science or related field preferred; or equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities. This is an entry level position with an annual starting salary of $62,812.00. Additional pay is available for candidates with a Paramedic license. Experienced candidates may qualify for additional starting pay and increased vacation based on years of service with previous agencies.

Benefits: The City of La Crosse offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical insurance, voluntary dental and vision plan, Wisconsin Retirement plan, flexible spending account, deferred compensation, Roth IRA, life insurance, income continuation insurance, paid holidays, paid vacations, paid sick leave, and a variety of wellness initiatives. Benefit perks: choice of two medical benefit plans, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System, 11 paid holidays. 

Documentation of certifications must be provided when application is submitted. Additionally, applicants must be U.S. citizens, have a valid unrestricted driver’s license, and a high school diploma or GED. Medical, vision and hearing requirements shall be in accordance with NFPA standards 1582. Tobacco use is prohibited on and off duty. Applicants are subject to post offer/pre-employment drug screen, physical exam, psychological exam, and background check. The City of La Crosse supports attaining a representative workforce and workplace equity.

For consideration, all applicants must submit a completed application through www.FireDepartmentHiring.com. This position requires FireTeam exam and CPAT which may be completed           following          the            instructions          at www.FireDepartmentHiring.com  or www.nationaltestingnetwork.com. (The CPAT may be taken at any licensed agency. Please upload documentation confirming your CPAT with your application.)

Applications accepted through January 5, 2026. 

An Equal Opportunity Employer/A Drug Free Workplace

Purpose of Position

This position is responsible for performing fire operations and prevention duties. Work involves activities including fire suppression, rescue, first aid, ventilation, salvage, overhaul, inspection activities, public education, training, engine company and/or ladder truck duties and hazardous materials response. (Fire fighters may be trained in areas of pump and ladder truck operations to make them competent to operate as a Driver/Engineer.) The incumbent may work individually or as a fire suppression team member and works under the regular supervision of a Fire Captain and/or Chief Officer.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Responds to fire and emergency calls as a member of an Engine company, Quint company, Rescue company, or specialty unit.

Performs a variety of technical and manual labor duties required to locate, control and extinguish fires, including connecting to fire hydrants; connecting hoses and nozzles; laying supply and attack lines; using visual, sensory, technical and judgmental criteria to locate fire sources; using fire streams (including portable fire extinguishers); carrying, positioning, raising and climbing portable and aerial ladders; using a variety of hand held and powered equipment necessary to locate, control and extinguish fires.

Performs a variety of technical and manual labor tasks to ventilate structures involved in fire, smoke and odor calls including placing of fans and/or hose streams; mechanically opening of roofs, floors, walls, doors, windows and vents.

Performs forcible entry operations to gain access into structures using a variety of tools.

Performs salvage operations to prevent undue damage to property not involved in fire and/or emergency situations including the placement of salvage covers; removing of property, removing water, smoke and heat from structures, etc.

Perform tasks to extricate individuals safely from wrecked vehicles, structures, earth cave-ins, etc. using a variety of tools, equipment and knowledge.

Performs search and rescue operations to locate and remove individuals and victims from fire and emergency situations.

Performs water rescue functions using specialized equipment such as ropes, harnesses, boats

and exposure suits.

Performs bluff, confined space, and other rescues under the guidance of the Technical Rescue Team

Performs emergency first aid and/or CPR to fire and/or other emergency victims.

Maintains necessary EMS skills and certifications to perform first aid, CPR, defibrillation, and other medical assistance. Employees hired after 1994 must maintain an EMT license.

Maintains, cleans, services, inspects, and loads fire fighting and/or emergency equipment, tools, etc. on company apparatus.

Participates in Company fire inspections of public places of assembly to ensure compliance with local and state codes, and nationally recognized good practices and standards; to become familiar with structures; to inform persons of the benefits of sound fire prevention practices; completes inspection reports.

Participates in training classes and drills to maintain and enhance fire fighting and emergency techniques and responses; may participate in and/or instruct in-station training activities.

Performs at the hazardous materials awareness level.

May serve as a driver/engineer of an engine or truck company after being certified as a relief driver.

May perform in an Acting Officer position on a Rescue vehicle.

Additional Tasks and Responsibilities

Delivers public fire education programs, tours, lectures, etc. as may be necessary to ensure public fire safety.

Maintains, performs repairs and cleans assigned fire station quarters, apparatus rooms, grounds, etc.

Keeps fire station clean and does minor maintenance and repairs of station, apparatus, and equipment.

Maintains landscape of station by performing lawn care and snow removal. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisors.

Participates in company level training activities, including drills and demonstrations designed to maintain and improve the knowledge and skills required of firefighters.

Must have knowledge and perform functions as a firefighter using the Department Suggested Operating Guidelines

Shall be able to perform tasks which expose firefighters to machinery and their moving parts, toxic gases, chemicals, hazardous materials, smoke, and heat under strenuous and extreme conditions while wearing personal protective equipment.

Minimum Training and Experience Required To Perform essential Job Functions

Firefighter II and EMT Basic are required. An Associate degree in a fire related field such as Fire Protection Technician or Fire Medic is preferred.

Physical and Mental Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication

Ability to classify, compute and tabulate data and information, following a prescribed plan requiring the exercise of some judgment. Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure and sort information. Ability to assemble, copy, record and transcribe data and information.

Ability to utilize a wide variety of descriptive data and information such as vehicle maintenance/repair manuals, work orders, computer software manuals, regulations, correspondence and general operating manuals.

Ability to communicate both orally and written with department personnel and the general public.

Shall have the ability to use and operate the current computer software that the department uses for various applications.

Mathematical Ability

Ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide, and calculate percentages, fractions, decimals, volumes, execute fire pump operations including friction loss.

Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability

Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against measurable criteria, in emergency fire situations which may be subject to frequent change.

Physical Requirements

Ability to operate a variety of equipment including fire engines, aerial ladder trucks, firefighting equipment and tools, computer terminal, and other office equipment.

Ability to exert moderate to heavy physical effort from maintenance tasks to emergency fire fighting work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling while wearing personal protective equipment. These duties must be able to be performed outdoors in extreme weather conditions and under emotional and physical stress.

All firefighters shall meet the requirements of NFPA 1582 for all physical standards, including vision and hearing.

Ability to recognize and identify similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes, sounds, odors and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.

Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing movements requiring skill and training.

Environmental Adaptability

Ability to work under conditions which require exposure to environmental factors such as temperature variations and extremes, loud sounds, odors, toxic agents, machinery, traffic hazards, wetness and/or dust. This exposure may cause some discomfort and presents a risk of injury.

The City of La Crosse is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer