Firefighter- EMT or Paramedic

All positions require that the applicant be a resident of Wyandotte county or willing to relocate within (12) months from the date of hire. As a condition of employment all employees must pass a post offer physical examination and drug screen. And submit proof of identity and employment eligibility.

1.      FIREFIGHTER

Firefighting requires skill in combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires, in answering emergency calls, and in operating and maintaining fire department equipment, apparatus, and quarters.  The work involves extensive training in the performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions, which may require strenuous exertion under such handicaps as smoke cramped surroundings.  Although firefighting and rescue work are the most difficult and responsible areas of work, a significant portion of time is spent inspecting premises for the purpose of pre-planning.  Drilling (studying methods, techniques, and organization) and routine station duties round out the broad spectrum of the firefighting profession.

A firefighter will:

1.                  Respond to fire alarm with a company; operate pumps, aerial ladders and auxiliary equipment; lay and connect hose; maneuver nozzles and direct fire streams; raise and climb ladders; use chemical extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines and other equipment.

2.                  Ventilate burning buildings by opening windows and skylights or by cutting holes in roofs and floors.

3.                  Remove persons from danger; perform rescue and administer medical assistance at their trained level.

4.                  Perform salvage operations by placing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris.

5.                  Attend training courses; read and study assigned materials related to firefighting and prevention.

6.                  Participate in drills and attend classes in firefighting and Emergency Medical care.

7.                  Perform assigned fire inspections, checking building exits and related structures for the purpose of pre-planning.

8.                  Drive and operate motor-driven equipment under special instructions and limited conditions.

9.                  Relay instructions, orders, and information and give locations of alarms received from dispatcher.

10.              Perform general clean up and maintenance work in the upkeep of the fire department apparatus and property.

11.              Perform related work as required.

12.              Know the street system and physical layout of their battalion and the city.

13.              Be able to climb ladders and work at considerable heights.

14.              Be able to learn a wide variety of firefighting duties and methods within a reasonable working test period.

15.              Be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.

16.              Be able to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

17.              Perform such other duties as prescribed by their superior officers and/or the Chief.

18. Adhere to all rules and regulations of the Unified Government and the Kansas City Kansas Fire Department.

Applicants applying for Firefighter/EMT must have current certification as a Kansas Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) by the start of the Fire Academy; or currently possess a National Registry Certification. Applicants with the National Registry Certification must complete the conversion process with the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services for Certification as a Kansas Emergency Medical Technician within Sixty (60) days of being hired. Failure to possess Kansas EMT Certification by those sixty (60) days will result in immediate termination. All Firefighter EMT’s will be required to attend an accredited Paramedic Program to obtain a paramedic certification within five years of employment. Once enrolled in the Paramedic Program the firefighter will receive an additional 9% added to their base wage rate. Class attendance must be off duty. The Department will allow time off with pay for the employee to attend mandatory classes only when attendance at the Program conflicts with scheduled duty hours. The applicant must maintain satisfactory academic progress, successfully graduate from the Program, and obtain all necessary licenses and certifications to legally work as a Paramedic in the State of Kansas.  All licenses and certifications must be maintained for the duration of their employment as a paramedic. The approximate starting salary is $48,881.70 per year.

Applicants applying for Firefighter/Pending Paramedic must have current certification as a Kansas Emergency Medical Technician (EMT); or currently possess a National Registry Certification.  Current Kansas Certified Emergency Medical Technician who is currently enrolled in a Kansas Paramedic program; or a National Registry EMT who is currently registered in a National Registry EMT-P program must provide a letter from school of attendance confirming program enrollment and graduation date. Pending-Paramedic applicants must possess their Kansas Paramedic certification within one year from their date of hire; failure to do so will result in immediate termination. Applicants with the National Registry Certification must complete the conversion process with the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services for Certification as a Kansas Emergency Medical Technician within Sixty (60) days of being hired. Failure to possess a Kansas EMT Certification within sixty (60) days will result in immediate termination. The approximate starting salary is $48,881.70 per year plus an additional 9% added to their base wage rate for being enrolled in Paramedic school.

Applicants applying for Firefighter/Paramedic must have a current certification as a Kansas Paramedic; or currently possess a National Registry Certification as a Paramedic (EMT-P).  Applicants with the National Registry Certification (EMT-P) must complete the conversion process with the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services for Kansas Certification within sixty (60) days from the date of hire. Failure to possess Kansas Certification within those sixty (60) days will result in immediate termination. Applicants must have current ACLS Certification. The approximate starting salary is $61,351.08 per year plus an additional 9% added to their base wage for being a Paramedic. A sign-on bonus of $10,000 is to be paid at the successful completion of the Kansas City Kansas Fire Department Fire Academy.

Applicants applying for Firefighter EMT, Pending Paramedic, or Firefighter Paramedic must return the completed application with all of the following. All transcripts can be emailed to gnick@wycokck.org, mailed to Human Resources Attn: Gina Nick, 701 N 7th Street, Suite 646,Kansas City, KS 66101, or hand delivered to Human Resources.

·         Official High School Transcript (ANY AND ALL HIGH SCHOOLS ATTENDED)

·         Official GED displaying scores (IF APPLICABLE)

·         Official College Transcripts – (ANY AND ALL COLLEGES ATTENDED)

·         Birth Certificate (Original State Certified Document) (A COPY IS NOT ACCEPTABLE)

·         Valid Unrestricted Driver’s License

·         Proof of Certification (Must show expiration date)

·         ACLS Certification        (Paramedics only)

·         DD-214 – (If applicant has prior military service)

TENTATIVE HIRING SCHEDULE:

Applications accepted: December 2, 2025 - January 16, 2026

Physical walk-through #1 (voluntary): January 10, 2026 10:00 am - Noon

Physical walk-through #2 (voluntary): January 23 2026 10:00 am - Noon

Mandatory testing event (written, physical agility, Oral Boards): January 28, 2026

Background and CVSA's: February 9 - March 9, 2026

Chief Interviews: March 11 - March 13, 2026

Conditional Offer of Employments sent out: March 13, 2026

Psychological evaluations and Life Scan Physicals: March 16 - April 3, 2026

Final Offers sent out: April 6, 2026

Academy start date: April 30, 2026

Applicants applying for the position of Firefighter EMT, Pending Paramedic or Firefighter Paramedic will be required to pass a written examination and physical ability examination.  Current Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) will be accepted in lieu of taking the physical ability examination, however they will be required to successfully complete the aerial climb portion of the ability test. Selected applicants passing both the written and physical ability may proceed to a preliminary interview, background check, and CVSA (Computer Voice Stress Analysis) evaluation.  Applicants selected for a conditional offer of employment will participate in post offer testing to include a psychological evaluation (which includes a written assessment) and Clinical Assessment Interview with department psychologist, as well as a Medical Physical and Drug Screen. Applicant must be a resident of Wyandotte County or willing to relocate within 12 months from date of hire. 

Criminal Conviction and Other Disqualifiers – Firefighter EMT, Firefighter Paramedic

• DUI charge, diversion, or conviction within the last 3 years.
• Two or more DUI charges, diversions, or convictions within the applicant’s lifetime
• The use or sale of any illicit drug within the last three (3) years, excluding marijuana
• The use or sale of marijuana within the last twelve (12) months
• Falsification of documentation
• Named on a Brady List or Giglio List during applicant’s lifetime

A person who has been convicted of any of the following crimes:

•             A crime that would constitute a felony under the laws of this state.

•             A misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, including a violation of domestic battery as provided by

K.S.A. 21-3412a, prior to its repeal, or K.S.A. 21-5414, and amendments thereto, or any other misdemeanor under federal, state, or municipal law that has as an element the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim.

•             Any other misdemeanor crime within five years preceding the date of application* that reflects on the honesty, trustworthiness, integrity, or competence of the applicant, including (but not limited to) the following and any similar misdemeanor crimes committed in other jurisdictions:

(1)          Vehicular homicide, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5406 and amendments thereto.

(2)          Interference with parental custody, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5409 and amendments thereto.

(3)          Interference with custody of a committed person, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5410 and amendments thereto.

(4)          Criminal restraint, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5411 and amendments thereto.

(5)          Assault or assault of a law enforcement officer, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5412 and amendments thereto.

(6)          Battery, battery against a law enforcement officer, or battery against a school employee, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5413 and amendments thereto.

(7)          Mistreatment of a confined person, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5416 and amendments thereto.

(8)          Mistreatment of a dependent adult, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5417 and amendments thereto.

(9)          Unlawful administration of a substance, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5425 and amendments thereto.

(10)        Stalking, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5427 and amendments thereto.

(11)        Criminal sodomy, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5504(a)(2) and amendments thereto.

(12)        Sexual battery, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5505 and amendments thereto.

(13)        Lewd and lascivious behavior, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5513 and amendments thereto.

(14)        Endangering a child, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5601 and amendments thereto.

(15)        Contributing to a child’s misconduct or deprivation, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5603 and amendments thereto.

(16)        Furnishing alcoholic liquor or cereal malt beverage to a minor, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5607 and amendments thereto.

(17)        Unlawful cultivation or distribution of controlled substances, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5705 and amendments thereto.

(18)        Unlawful possession of controlled substances, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5706 and amendments thereto.

(19)        Unlawfully obtaining and distributing a prescription-only drug, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5708 and amendments thereto.

(20)        Unlawful possession of certain drug precursors and paraphernalia, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5709 and amendments thereto.

(21)        Unlawful distribution of certain drug precursors and drug paraphernalia, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5710 and amendments thereto.

(22)        Unlawful abuse of toxic vapors, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5712 and amendments thereto.

(23)        Unlawful distribution or possession of a simulated controlled substance, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5713 and amendments thereto.

(24)        Unlawful representation that non-controlled substance is controlled substance, as defined in

K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5714 and amendments thereto.

(25)        Unlawfully hosting minors consuming alcoholic liquor or cereal malt beverage, as defined in

K.S.A.    2011 Supp. 21-5608 and amendments thereto.

(26)        Theft, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5801 and amendments thereto.

(27)        Theft of property lost, mislaid, or delivered by mistake, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21- 5802 and amendments thereto.

(28)        Criminal deprivation of property, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5803 and amendments thereto.

(29)        Criminal trespass, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5808 and amendments thereto.

(30)        Criminal damage to property, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5813 and amendments thereto.

(31)        Giving a worthless check, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5821 and amendments thereto.

(32)        Counterfeiting, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5825 and amendments thereto.

(33)        Criminal use of a financial card, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5828 and amendments thereto.

(34)        Unlawful acts concerning computers, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5839 and amendments thereto.

(35)        Interference with law enforcement, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5904 and amendments thereto.

(36)        Interference with the judicial process, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5905 and amendments thereto.

(37)        Criminal disclosure of a warrant, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5906 and amendments thereto.

(38)        Simulating legal process, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5907 and amendments thereto.

(39)        Intimidation of a witness or victim, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5909 and amendments thereto.

(40)        Obstructing apprehension or prosecution, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21- 5913 and amendments thereto.

(41)        False impersonation, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5917 and amendments thereto.

(42)        Tampering with a public record, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5920 and amendments thereto.

(43)        Tampering with a public notice, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5921 and amendments thereto.

(44)        Violation of a protective order, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-5924 and amendments thereto.

(45)        Official misconduct, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-6002 and amendments thereto.

(46)        Misuse of public funds, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-6005 and amendments thereto.

(47)        Breach of privacy, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-6101 and amendments thereto.

(48)        Denial of civil rights, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-6102 and amendments thereto.

(49)        Criminal false communication, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-6103 and amendments thereto.

(50)        Disorderly conduct, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-6203 and amendments thereto.

(51)        Harassment by telecommunication device, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21- 6206 and amendments thereto.

(52)        Criminal distribution of firearms to a felon, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21- 6303 and amendments thereto.

(53)        Promoting obscenity or promoting obscenity to minors, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21- 6401 and amendments thereto.

(54)        Promotion to minors of material harmful to minors, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-6402 and amendments thereto.

(55)        Prostitution, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-6419 and amendments thereto.

(56)        Promoting prostitution, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-6420 and amendments thereto.

(57)        Patronizing a prostitute, as defined in K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 21-6421 and amendments thereto; or

(58)        A second or subsequent occurrence of driving under the influence, as defined in K.S.A. 8- 1567 and amendments thereto. K.S.A. 74-5602(j); K.S.A. 74-5605(b)(3); K.A.R. 106-2-2a(a).

*A conviction for a crime in this category more than five years before the date of application, although not a disqualifier, will be considered in determining whether an offer of employment will be made to the applicant. “Conviction" includes rendering of judgment by a military court martial under the uniform code of military justice, by a court of the United States, or by a court of competent jurisdiction in any state, whether expunged; and any diversion agreement entered into for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and any diversion agreement entered on or after July 1, 1995; for a felony. K.S.A. 74-5605(d).

This list is not inclusive. A candidate also may be disqualified if the totality of the circumstances indicates that he or she would not be suitable as a Firefighter.

It is the policy of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas to maintain a drug-free workplace. Many positions have been identified as “Safety Sensitive” due to the sensitivity and nature of the work and for this reason, employees within safety sensitive positions are subject to random drug and alcohol testing. Kansas City Kansas Fire Department has a rigorous pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident drug and alcohol testing program.

Salary range:

Firefighter/EMT: $48,881.70 per year

Firefighter/EMT/Pending Paramedic: $48,881.70 per year plus 9% base wage for Paramedic school

Firefighter/Paramedic: $61,351.08 per year plus 9% base wage for being a Paramedic and $10,000 sign-on bonus upon completion of the Fire Academy

The Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce.

If you need to reach a member of the Human Resources staff, please contact the mainline (913) 573-5660 or email the staff member.

Company: Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS