Firefighter

Performs as member of the Owensboro Fire Department to ensure quality performance in saving lives, property, conservation, extinguishing fires, and responding to medical and other emergencies.  Shift work:  Generally, 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. (24 hrs. on, 48 hrs. off)

Starting Annual Pay:  $56,202/yr.  (Assumes 2,912 annual hrs.; plus State Incentive Pay of $4,562/yr, paid in monthly increments once certified as Kentucky Firefighter.

Progressive agency with great response times and aggressive interior fire tactics

Advanced Life Support Non-Transport Engine Companies

Regional Technical Rescue Team

River Response for Fires and Water Rescue

Promotional Opportunities after 48 months

Minimum hiring age 18 (if additional qualifications are met)

RECRUITMENT PROCESS (Dates subject to change):

• MANDATORY Written Exam:  March 25, 2026 at 9:00am OR 5:30pm (hold both times)
• MANDATORY CPAT Exam April 18, 2026: Appointment times to be scheduled at the written exam (CPAT opportunity will be available locally at no cost)
• MANDATORY Oral Exam:  Week of May 11-15 (tentative); If you successfully complete, then you may undergo
• MANDATORY Further Evaluation (e.g., Background screening, interview, etc.); dates to be determined, and if contingently offered a position, then
• MANDATORY satisfactory completion of post-offer, pre-employment requirements; dates to be determined

General duties include, but are not limited to:

• Examines protective gear, breathing apparatus' (SCBA), hoses, etc.;
• Cleans and inspects trucks, equipment, and tools;
• Drives and Operates fire apparatus and emergency vehicles;
• Tests and inspects hydrants, trucks, and vehicle fluids;
• Inspects commercial and non-commercial buildings to detect fire and safety hazards, and become familiar with structures within assigned district;
• Assists other City departments as needed
• Ensures effective and safe practices in fire/emergency suppression, emergency medical services, and support services

Other Essential  Function(s) include but not limited:

• Maintains firehouse and lawn;
• Performs Spring cleaning (painting, repairs, etc.)
• Maintain professional appearance of all fire apparatus (e.g., washing, waxing);
• Performs special projects as directed.

Emergency responses include, but are not limited to:

• Fire (e.g., House, buildings, cars, dumpsters);
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS);
• Wrecks (e.g., Automobiles, tractor-trailers, trains, planes);
• Hazardous materials (e.g., Chemical spills, radiation, carbon monoxide detectors);
• Alarms (e.g., General, sprinkler, malfunctioning, smoke scares, good intent);
• Water Rescues (e.g., Rivers, lakes, ponds, pools, other waterways);
• High Angle (e.g., Any incident requiring specialized rope training);
• Confined Space (e.g., Sewers, basements, bins, collapsed buildings);
• Mutual aid (e.g., Assists other services)

Age Requirement. The minimum age requirement for firefighters shall be at least age 18 at time they become sworn.  

Education Requirements. The minimum Education Requirements shall be high school or GED.  Other qualifications may be required, as specified in the job description. 

An applicant for the position of firefighter shall provide evidence of completed education and/or active military duty (i.e., evidence of Associates degree or other applicable college hours, and/or Form DD214 or other sufficient military documentation).  Applicants failing to meet such standards shall be disqualified from any further consideration of employment.

Furthermore, pursuant to KRS 95.440, firefighters shall be a person of sobriety, integrity, and an orderly, law-abiding citizen.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  March 14, 2026.  Apply at www.owensboro.org. Click "Join Our Team" and the position link.  First-time users need to create an account as instructed.  If you have questions or wish to confirm receipt of an application, call Elaine Timmel (270) 687-8540 or toll-free (888) 616-8540.  Hearing impaired, call TDD/Voice (270) 687-4459.  If you have a current valid CPAT card, please submit a copy with your application.