Fire Careers

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. 

To review several of the Department's promotional opportunities, including earning potential, click the jobs below:

Fire Equipment Operator 

Rescue & Salvage Specialist

Fire Lieutenant

Fire Captain

Fire Marshal

*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.