Firefighter

Firefighter – Pocatello Fire Department

All individuals interested in employment as a firefighter with the City of Pocatello are required to take and score a minimum of 70% on the Civil Service Exam. The exam, held annually, establishes an eligible register in rank order of exam scores. The eligible register is then used to hire new firefighters for the next year (unless the list is exhausted prior to that date).

The exam window is January 20 – January 27, 2026. Invitations to take the exam will be sent in January.

For those planning to take the exam in the future, review the Entry Level Fire Candidate Study Guide. The City of Pocatello Fire Department utilizes the services of the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR) for its entry‑level firefighter Civil Service examination. Purchase of the guide is voluntary. You may order the guide through Public Safety Compass.

• Respond to emergency and non‑emergency incidents; provide appropriate services including rescue and fire suppression, emergency medical services, search and rescue, and assistance with weather emergencies, hazmat incident operations, vehicle extrication, wildland fire suppression, and general public assistance.
• Respond to fires as a member of a crew and perform fire ground operations and emergency support activities while wearing protective ensembles and SCBA, including hose and extinguisher operations, suppression, ladder operations, forcible entry, ventilation, search, rescue, salvage, clean‑up, and overhaul operations to remove hazards and protect property.
• Assist at an operational level in technical rescue emergencies including high/low angle rescue, trench, confined space, structural collapse, and surface water rescue.
• Assist at an operational level in hazardous material incidents including spills, leaks, and unknown substances.
• Communicate with required internal and external personnel, including coordination of apparatus, equipment, and personnel; follow orders given by superior officers; observe, collect, and relay information.
• Operate and drive various apparatus and emergency vehicles; perform tasks associated with driving; as acting Engineer, operate, inspect, clean, and maintain supplies, materials, and equipment aboard fire and rescue vehicles.
• Perform periodic and daily maintenance of equipment and apparatus at the assigned fire station, including checking and restocking of emergency medical supplies and routine housekeeping chores.
• Operate as an EMT or Paramedic according to level of licensure.
• Maintain overall health and personal wellness (physical, mental, and emotional); participate in wellness activities and critical incident stress debriefings.
• Maintain high levels of stamina and endurance; complete Department mandatory physical fitness programs and evaluations.
• Participate in drills and organized formal classes, scenario‑based training relevant to the position; conduct special training and demonstrations utilizing training and leadership skills.
• Read internal memos and bulletins to keep apprised of new department operations and procedures; maintain familiarity with the city street network, hydrant system, physical infrastructure, and buildings.
• Participate in pre‑fire plan activities; share knowledge and expertise with other firefighters, EMTs, and Paramedics.