Fire Department · Career
Cedar Rapids Fire Department
Cedar Rapids, IA · Linn County
No active openings right now
Watch this department to be notified when Cedar Rapids Fire Department is hiring, or check their careers page.
Department careers page ↗The Cedar Rapids Fire Department protects more than 135,000 residents from a Central Fire Station downtown at 713 1st Avenue SE plus eight neighborhood stations spread across the city's northeast, northwest, southeast, and southwest quadrants.
What began as a volunteer company organized in February 1869 became a fully paid, professional department in 1894. Today the organization spans emergency medical services, fire suppression, hazardous materials response, and special operations, and contributes to Iowa Task Force 1 for urban search and rescue.
The department is guided by values of respect, leadership, teamwork, and service, and has a long institutional history in the community, including union representation dating to 1918.
MissionReducing risk in our community with credible prevention, preparation, and incident mitigation.
Cedar Rapids hires firefighters through the City's civil-service process. Applications are posted on governmentjobs.com under the "Fire & EMS" category; candidates are encouraged to register there for job alerts since openings are announced periodically rather than continuously.
The testing process starts with a written examination, and candidates who pass advance to the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). Firefighter I certification is no longer required before hire, but new firefighters must earn Iowa EMT certification within their first year and must live within 50 miles of Central Fire Station within three months of employment.
Requirements
- Valid Iowa Driver's License (Class D or Chauffeur's)
- Must obtain Iowa EMT certification within the first year of employment
- Firefighter I certification is not required prior to hire
- No felony convictions
- Good moral character; not addicted to alcohol or drugs
- Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English
- Must reside within 50 miles of Central Fire Station (713 1st Avenue SE) within three months of employment
- Ability to perform rescue operations, operate equipment, climb ladders, and use protective gear and breathing apparatus
Hiring process
- Register for job alerts on governmentjobs.com under the Fire & EMS category and apply when a posting opens
- Pass the written examination
- Pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
How do I apply to become a Cedar Rapids firefighter?
Firefighter openings are posted on governmentjobs.com. Register there for job alerts and select the "Fire & EMS" category so you are notified when the department is hiring.
Is the department currently accepting firefighter applications?
As stated on the department's employment page, the firefighter application process is currently closed. Register for job alerts to be notified when it reopens.
What certifications do I need before I'm hired?
Firefighter I certification is no longer required before hiring. You must obtain Iowa EMT certification within your first year of employment and hold a valid Iowa Driver's License (Class D or Chauffeur's).
What does the testing process involve?
Candidates first take a written examination. Those who pass advance to the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). The department provides a CPAT training video and workout programs on its website.
Are there residency requirements?
Yes. You must live within 50 miles of Central Fire Station at 713 1st Avenue SE within three months of employment.
Who can I contact with recruitment questions?
Contact the department at CRFire@cedar-rapids.org or 319-286-5200, weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Past postings, kept for reference. These are no longer accepting applications.