Fire Department · Career
Caldwell Fire Department
Caldwell, ID · Canyon County
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Department careers page ↗The Caldwell Fire Department is a full-time career fire service in Canyon County, Idaho, part of the fast-growing Treasure Valley west of Boise. It serves the City of Caldwell along with the surrounding communities of Notus, Greenleaf, and Huston.
The department operates from five primary facilities: four fire stations, a fire administration office, and a dedicated fire training facility. Its firefighters are represented by IAFF Local 1821.
Staffing includes roughly 43 full-time paid firefighters supported by about 25 part-time paid firefighters. A 2023 voter-approved bond funds the construction of new Stations 1 and 4, reflecting the community's continued growth.
The department has a long history in the region, dating back to 1891 when it began as the Magic City Engine Company.
Caldwell Fire hires through the National Testing Network (NTN), building eligibility lists for Entry Level Firefighter, Lateral Firefighter, and Paramedic Firefighter positions. All candidates must complete the FireTEAM written exam through NTN, along with the PHQ (Personal History Questionnaire) and PSSA (Public Safety Assessment), plus the City of Caldwell job application.
After reviewing exam results and applications, the department invites selected candidates to an interview and physical ability test. Conditional offers are extended by the Fire Chief and are contingent on a drug test, an NFPA-compliant medical exam, and a thorough background investigation. Applications and job descriptions are available on the City of Caldwell website or at the City's Human Resources office.
Requirements
- IFSAC or ProBoard certification: Firefighter I
- IFSAC or ProBoard certification: Firefighter II
- IFSAC or ProBoard Hazardous Materials Awareness
- IFSAC or ProBoard Hazardous Materials Operations
- AHA Provider CPR card
- Ability to obtain State of Idaho EMT certification within department guidelines
- Successful completion of pre-employment background check and drug test
- Completion of the FireTEAM exam through National Testing Network
Hiring process
- Complete the FireTEAM exam, PHQ (Personal History Questionnaire), and PSSA (Public Safety Assessment) through National Testing Network
- Submit the City of Caldwell job application
- Department reviews written exam results and applications
- Selected applicants participate in an interview and physical ability test
- Conditional job offer extended by the Fire Chief
- Pass a drug test, NFPA-compliant medical exam, and a thorough background investigation
Benefits
Firefighters are represented by IAFF Local 1821. Health benefits are provided through the IAFF Health and Wellness Trust, including dental, vision, and MERP, with certification pay paid in addition to the hourly rate. The City's full-time benefits package also includes PERSI retirement, a 401(k) with City match, deferred compensation, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, holidays, and paid time off.
How do I apply to become a Caldwell firefighter?
All candidates must take the FireTEAM exam through the National Testing Network (NTN), complete the PHQ and PSSA, and submit the City of Caldwell job application. Applications and full job descriptions are available on the City of Caldwell website or at the City's Human Resources office.
Does Caldwell Fire accept lateral firefighters?
Yes. The department establishes eligibility lists for Entry Level Firefighter, Lateral Firefighter, and Paramedic Firefighter positions.
What certifications do I need?
Candidates need IFSAC or ProBoard Firefighter I and II, Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations, and an AHA Provider CPR card. You must also be able to obtain a State of Idaho EMT certification within department guidelines.
What is the pay and schedule?
Firefighters work a 48/96 schedule. Post-academy entry-level pay is roughly $55,066 to $57,978, and paramedic firefighters earn roughly $58,705 to $61,618, with certification pay added on top of the base hourly rate.
What benefits are offered?
Firefighters are represented by IAFF Local 1821. Benefits include health coverage through the IAFF Health and Wellness Trust (dental, vision, MERP), PERSI retirement, a 401(k) with City match, deferred compensation, EAP, flexible spending accounts, life and disability insurance, holidays, and paid time off.
What does the hiring process involve after the written exam?
After the department reviews exam results and applications, selected candidates take part in an interview and a physical ability test. Conditional offers come from the Fire Chief and require passing a drug test, an NFPA-compliant medical exam, and a background investigation.