Firefighter

Are you ready for a career where every day brings an opportunity to serve, protect, and make a difference? The Cedar Rapids Fire Department is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team of professionals responding to fires, medical emergencies, technical rescues, disasters, and other critical incidents while serving one of Iowa’s largest and most vibrant communities.

At the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community’s diverse backgrounds, and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community. We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job. If you are an individual with similar experience listed here please consider applying.

Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation.

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city.

Cedar Rapids - Why you should live here!

Provides direct services, individually and as a member of a team, in the suppression and control of hazardous fires, and other kinds of emergency assistance to the public as circumstances may require, including medical, trench, confined space, rope rescue, water rescue, life safety training; USAR and/or natural or manmade disasters.

Works under immediate supervision, though there is often opportunity for individual initiative and judgement during emergency operations.

The City of Cedar Rapids does not offer sponsorship for employment authorization.

** All CPAT testing will take place in Dubuque, IA**

• August 26th, 2026
  - September 18th, 2026
  - Applications Accepted
• Week of September 28th, 2026
  - Written Exam
• September 16th & 19th, 2026 - CPAT Orientation
• October 14th & 17th, 2026- CPAT Practice
• November 21st, 2026- CPAT Final Test
• Week of December 7th, 2026
  - Human Resources & Fire Department Interviews
• Week of December 14th, 2026
  - Civil Service Interviews & Certification of List
• Week of January 11th, 2027
  - Fire Department Interviews
• January 18th
  - February 28th, 2027- MMPI/Contingent Offers/Pre-Employment Physicals
• March 1st, 2027 - Fire Academy First Day

• Responds to fire alarms; lays hose lines, operates nozzles, pumps, hydrants, fire extinguishers, breathing apparatus and other fire fighting equipment to control or extinguish fire; looks for hidden fires; climbs ladders and works from ladders and in high areas;
• Provides emergency medical assistance to injured persons and those overcome by fire and smoke, or in response to non-fire related medical emergency calls such as heart attacks, drowning, poisoning, shock and extrications, in order to medically stabilize and/or sustain major life functions;
• Responds to and rescues individuals from life-threatening situations, including extrications, water rescues, trench, confined space, floods, tornadoes, hazardous materials leaks or spills, rope rescue, cave-ins, and high buildings or other structures, person's stuck or entrapped in manmade or natural environments; to provide technical support services and restore normalcy to area;
• Drives apparatus to emergency site, as assigned; ensures that apparatus is functioning properly, operates pump and other special equipment;
• Participates in salvage operation and post-fire clean-up; protects property from water;
• Participates in drills and training sessions; participates in fire brigade training for community industries. Participates in inspections of commercial and residential properties;
• Participates in pre-fire planning and development of property maps and sketches;
• Cleans,…