Firefighter EMT/Paramedic

The City of Urbandale is accepting applications for full-time Firefighter EMT/Paramedic candidates. The Urbandale Fire Department (UFD) serves the community from three strategically located fire stations, providing rapid response and exceptional service. Internationally accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), the UFD is recognized as a leader in fire and emergency services, committed to the highest standards of excellence. Firefighters operate industry-leading apparatus, utilize advanced EMS and rescue equipment, and work alongside six metro partners through strong automatic aid agreements.

This position follows a 24-hours-on/48-hours-off schedule, averaging 2,904 hours annually. The City of Urbandale offers competitive pay, excellent benefits, paid parental leave, and up to $10,000 in Paramedic tuition reimbursement.

• Firefighter/EMT - $60,104 annually ($20.69/hour)
  
• Firefighter/Paramedic - $72,047 (step 1) - $87,656 (step 5) annually ($24.80 - $31.39/hour)

• Firefighter/EMT - $62,508 annually ($21.52/hour)
  
• Firefighter/Paramedic - $74,928 (step 1) - $91,162 (step 5) annually ($25.80 - $30.18/hour)

• Responds to emergencies (e.g. fire, medical, rescue, man-made/natural disasters, etc.). May be required to evaluate the situation and when appropriate, directing the response until relieved by Company Officer.
• Functions as a member of the assigned fire/rescue crew, performing various fire/rescue tasks under the direction of the crew leader or incident command officer.
• Provides emergency medical treatment within the scope of practice and department protocols of current level of EMT or Paramedic certification. Provides accurate medical documentation of all emergency medical treatment provided, including the use of table-based patient care reporting systems. Complete patient care reporting requirements, including patient medical history, incident history, and billing information.
• Participate in regular reviews of EMS documentation through the department quality improvement program, as well as participating in regular incident reviews.
• Ensures fire code enforcement by performing fire/life safety facility inspections, including the field use of tablet-based safety inspection documentation.
• Performs routine truck and equipment maintenance, station maintenance and routine facility duties, including the use of tablet-based inventory and vehicle maintenance program.
• Performs various community education or community risk reduction activities to improve safety for the community and enhance the reputation of the Fire Department. 
• Will complete initial certification and meet recertification requirements for programs requiring certification in prevention, community education, or community risk reduction.
• Maintains proper physical fitness through regular exercise. 
• Participates in Fire/EMS training. Completes and maintains EMS/Fire/Rescue knowledge and skills proficiency through department provided training, including individual, on-line, credential-based, and in-service training, as well as annual evaluations of knowledge and skills are required.
• May be assigned various operational duties, which may include inventory minor equipment maintenance, regular equipment inspection and testing.
• Complete assigned station duties necessary to maintain and keep clean department facilities.
• Responsible for driving emergency vehicles: Adheres to all department policies procedures governing the safe operation of emergency vehicles and complies with all applicable local, state, and federal traffic laws and regulations.
• Assures the City and Department’s mission, core values, goals and objectives are fully supported and initiated. 
• Familiarity with department policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Performs vehicle/squad checks and completes routine vehicle and station maintenance and inventory.
• Performs annual equipment testing.
• Perform annual or semi-annual cleaning and maintenance on apparatus, equipment, and facilities.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; post-secondary education preferred.
• IDPH Iowa EMT certification required; Iowa Paramedic certification preferred (valid National Registry EMT or Paramedic also acceptable).
• FSTB Iowa Firefighter I certification required (out of state IFSAC or ProBoard FF I certification also acceptable); Firefighter II preferred. 
• Valid Iowa driver's license.
• Must successfully complete the following post-offer, pre-employment requirements: professional reference checks, drug screening, a 411/MFPRSI physical, MMPI evaluation, motor vehicle report check, and background check.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY

Interested candidates must complete the City of Urbandale’s online application at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/urbandale and attach all required documentation no later than 11:59 PM on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Qualified candidates will be notified of next steps and important dates through email notifications from governmentjobs.com. Please use an active email address that you check regularly and consider enabling text message alerts.

Applicants must upload all required documents and attach them to their online application. If you are unable to upload documents, you may email them to jbobst@urbandale.org by no later than 11:59 PM on Sunday, March 29, 2026. Applications that are incomplete or missing required documentation will not be considered after March 29, 2026.

Required Documents

• EMT or Paramedic Certification: Current Iowa or National EMT or Paramedic certification is required. Proof of certification must be submitted by to March 29, 2026.
• Firefighter I Certification: Firefighter I certification is required. Proof of certification must be submitted by to March 29, 2026.
• Additional Certifications (if applicable): Firefighter II, Hazmat Operations, ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800.

Written and Physical Ability Testing

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and submit a complete application will receive an Applicant Information Packet with instructions for scheduling testing. Early registration is strongly recommended.

Candidates who have completed the Central Iowa Fire and EMS Testing Consortium Written Exam on or after April 11, 2025, and received a score of 70% or higher, may use those results in lieu of retesting. Candidates who tested before April 11, 2025, must retest.

Candidates who have successfully completed the Central Iowa Fire and EMS Testing Consortium Physical Ability Test or CPAT on or after April 11, 2025, may use that certification in lieu of retesting. Candidates who tested before April 11, 2025, must retest.

Oral Board Interviews

Candidates who successfully pass both the written examination and physical ability test will be invited to participate in oral board interviews. Panel interviews are scheduled for the week of April 13, 2026.

Eligibility List

Candidates who successfully complete the interview process will be placed on a certified eligibility list. This list will remain active for up to one (1) year from the date of certification. Candidates on the list will be eligible for hire as vacancies occur during that period.