Fire Department · Career
City of Des Moines Fire Department
Des Moines, IA · Polk County
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largest fire department in Iowa
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Department careers page ↗The Des Moines Fire Department serves Iowa's capital city and its approximately 217,000 residents. Traces of organized fire protection reach back to 1865, and the city stood up its first paid department in February 1883, growing over time into what it calls the most equipped and trained fire department in the state.
Today the department staffs 10 fire stations with a fleet that includes 9 engines, 5 ladder trucks, and 9 ambulances, along with two hazmat teams, water tenders, a water emergency team, and a technical rescue team. It fields nearly 300 employees across its EMS and fire operations.
The workload skews heavily toward medical calls. The department ran over 31,000 calls in 2021, roughly 70% of them EMS-related, alongside fire suppression, public safety education, and commercial inspection duties.
MissionA customer-focused, state-of-the-art provider of fire protection, emergency medical services, and related services.
Des Moines hires on a defined cycle rather than continuously. The 2026 cycle runs its application window from January 5 to April 6, 2026, followed by a written exam, a Civil Service oral exam, the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), and interviews with command staff and the Fire Chief, with academy classes starting in January 2027.
Applicants need only a high school diploma or GED to apply; non-certified hires complete a paid 12-14 month academy where they earn Firefighter I & II, Paramedic, and Hazmat Operations certifications. Prospective candidates should subscribe to the city's job alerts to be notified when applications open.
Requirements
- At least 21 years of age
- High School Diploma or GED
- Valid Class D driver's license
- Firefighter I & II, Paramedic, and Hazmat Operations certifications (obtained during the paid academy for non-certified applicants)
Hiring process
- Submit electronic application with supplemental documents
- Pass the written exam (study guide provided)
- Pass the Civil Service oral exam
- Complete the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
- Oral interview with Fire Department command staff
- Oral interview with the Fire Chief
Benefits
Defined benefit pension with 411 continuation option, comprehensive health benefits, and a collective bargaining agreement (covering July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2027). Firefighters earn a 5% paramedic bonus after one year of service, specialty pay for technical rescue, water rescue, and hazmat teams, and overtime opportunities at 100+ community events annually.
Non-certified applicants complete a paid 12-14 month academy, earning Firefighter I & II, Paramedic, and Hazmat Operations certifications before graduating.
What are the minimum requirements to apply?
You must be at least 21 years old and have a high school diploma or GED plus a valid Class D driver's license. Firefighter I & II, Paramedic, and Hazmat Operations certifications are obtained during the paid academy for non-certified applicants.
What is the starting salary?
The starting salary is $82,368 (effective January 2027), with a 5% paramedic bonus after one year of service and additional specialty pay for technical rescue, water rescue, and hazmat team members.
What is the work schedule?
Firefighters work 24-hour shifts, averaging 53 hours per week, with two days off following each shift.
How does the hiring process work?
The process includes an electronic application, a written exam, a Civil Service oral exam, the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), and oral interviews with command staff and the Fire Chief. Hiring runs on a defined cycle rather than continuously.
Do I need to already be a certified firefighter or paramedic?
No. Non-certified applicants attend a paid 12-14 month academy where they earn Firefighter I & II, Paramedic, and Hazmat Operations certifications before graduating.
When can I apply?
Applications open during a defined cycle; for the 2026 cycle the window ran January 5 to April 6, 2026. Subscribe to the city's job alerts to be notified when the next application period opens.