Fire Careers
Top Notch Benefits
Officers enjoy 100% paid Health insurance, generous leave time, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement & more. Our 100% paid retirement program is the most robust option through MO LAGERS. Check out all of our benefits here.
Community Outreach
The Springfield Fire Department has a strong commitment and culture of providing service in many forms to our community. While we will always be there to put out a fire, our commitment reaches far beyond a fire hose. SFD Provides both emergency and non-emergency services. Through fire safety education, free smoke alarms, safety surveys and community risk reduction programs, our staff aims to ensure citizen safety anyway we can. Read more here.
Paid Academy & Ongoing Training
Education and training are a top priority. New Firefighters are hired by the City and are paid during a 24-week academy to become Firefighter and EMT certified. Throughout a Firefighter's career, SFD will continue to invest in training, to include advanced academies for specialized assignments and promotional opportunities. At 48 months, a Firefighter is eligible for promotion. These advanced academies provide an education foundation to prepare them for that opportunity. Additional academies are design to offer specialized training in specific areas.
Diverse Assignments & Career Growth
SFD offers a diverse array of special assignment and promotional opportunities. Promotional opportunities include Fire Equipment Operator, Rescue & Salvage Specialist teams include water rescue, technical rescue, training, and hazardous materials (bomb squad).
*Employees do not have to be a Fire Lieutenant or Fire Captain before being eligible to be a Fire Marshal.
Requirements - Minimum Qualifications
- Age 18 or older;
- High School graduation or G.E.D.
- No felony convictions;
- No serious misdemeanor convictions for the past 5 years;
- Vision correctable to 20/30;
- Excellent physical condition.
Candidates must provide supporting documentation that applicant possesses at least one of the following minimum qualifications:
- EMT-B (license)
OR
- Firefighter I and II (certificate)
OR
- 36 accredited college hours (transcript)
OR
- 2 years active duty military service with honorable discharge (DD214)
OR
- Completion of a registered Department of Labor apprenticeship program in construction trade or related area.
Read the complete Firefighter job description.
Additional Information
Candidates must attach a copy of their EMT-B license, firefighter 1 and 2 certifications, college transcript or Military Form DD214 with application. The application packet must be completed. Candidates may attach a summary of additional licenses, certifications or registrations that they would like considered.
Talent and Experience Evaluation
Human Resources and Fire Administration will review each application and rate candidates on their past work experience, education, certifications and other qualifications. These rankings will be used to determine which candidates will be invited to the interview portion of the hiring process.
Interview
- Interviews take approximately 30 minutes.
- Employment interviews with the City of Springfield may be different than interviews with other employers. Check out our interview tips here.
Background Investigation
- Background investigations are initiated after the interview and take several weeks to complete.
- The Department will conduct background investigations on more candidates than there are vacancies. Not all candidates on the eligibility list will go through this process. Candidates with the highest scores are given preference.
- The background investigation is very extensive and requires the candidates sign an authorization form. It will include previous work references, criminal and civil records checks, personal references, and checks with landlords, neighbors, and more.
- Candidates will not be considered without multiple reference checks from previous employment.
Job Offer
- The Human Resources Department will make job offers, conditional on passing the physical examination and drug screen.
- Generally physical examinations this will be conducted within two weeks of the job offer. Candidates will be evaluated by a department-selected physician who will evaluate whether the candidate can safely perform the essential functions of the job, and a drug screen will be given.
Academy
- New Firefighters will attend the Springfield Fire Academy.
- The Academy is typically 24 weeks; Monday-Thursday, 10-hour days.
- New hires must successfully pass the Firefighter Physical Ability Test during the Academy to maintain employment.
View Firefighter benefits.
New Firefighters start at Step 1, and earn annual increases.
Employees of the Springfield Fire Department have the unique opportunity to accept special assignments and teams such as Water Rescue, Technical Rescue, Training and Hazardous Materials.
Step 1 | $41,329.60 |
Step 2 | $43,784.00 |
Step 3 | $45,864.00 |
Step 4 | $48,027.20 |
Step 5 | $50,377.60 |
Step 6 | $52,603.20 |
Step 7 | $55,785.60 |
Step 8 | $58,926.40 |
Step 9 | $66,601.60 |
To review several of the Department's promotional opportunities, including earning potential, click the jobs below:
*This list does not include Chief opportunities.
*Employees do not have to be a Fire Lieutenant or Fire Captain before being eligible to be a Fire Marshal.
We are excited to launch the Southwest Missouri Regional Fire Academy Pre-Apprenticeship Program. This program will introduce candidates to the fire services career and get them ready for public service, as well as create a talent pipeline for the Southwest Missouri region!
The Academy is 14 weeks long, and will include fire, medical, EMT, and hazardous material training. Graduates will receive the following:
- Firefighter I & II
- EMT-B
- Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations certifications.
Requirements
- Age 18 or older;
- Due to the public safety nature of a fire services position, any felony and misdemeanor convictions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility of the applicant.
- Participants in the Pre-Apprenticeship Fire Academy Program must comply with the department’s tattoo policy and meet the physical requirements established by the department through a DOT physical exam. Participants must comply with the City of Springfield's requirement of federal law and regulations related to the Drug Free work Place Act of 1988.
Scholarships
- Applicants may be eligible to attend the Pre-Apprenticeship Program free of charge. There are a variety of circumstances that could qualify a person for assistance.
- Area Fire agencies may also pay costs associated with the Pre-Apprenticeship Program.
- Questions about program fees? Contact Workforce Development at the Missouri Job Center to discuss.
- I want to be a Springfield Firefighter. What are the minimum qualifications for the position?
- I missed the last posting for Firefighter. When will you accept applications for this position again?
- I already have my Firefighter I & II and my EMT-B. Do i still need to go through the entire Springfield Fire Department Academy?
Contact Us
-
Lori Stevens
Human Resources Specialist
Ph: 417-864-1602
E-mail