Fire Department · Combination
North Liberty Fire Department
North Liberty, IA · Johnson County
“Service Over Self”
North Liberty Fire Department seeks part-time firefighters with EMT certification. Pay is $17 hourly, no benefits but free access to city recreation centers. Apply continuously.
North Liberty Fire Department seeks paid-per-call firefighters with EMT certification within 30 months. Apply continuously.
The North Liberty Fire Department protects the City of North Liberty and the surrounding Penn and Madison townships in eastern Iowa, a roughly 56-square-mile district that includes a large stretch of Coralville Lake. Sitting in the corridor between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, the department serves one of Iowa's fastest-growing communities.
Founded in 1945, NLFD operates as a combination department. Its roughly 62 members range from full-time command staff and firefighters to part-time and paid-per-call responders, reflecting a values-driven culture built around pride, professionalism, inclusiveness, and family.
The department delivers fire suppression alongside emergency medical services and runs active community programs including fire prevention education, child safety seat checks, and CPR training.
MissionDevoted to the protection and preservation of life and property in the City of North Liberty and the townships of Penn and Madison.
North Liberty hires through the City of North Liberty, with a formal selection cycle that typically runs in fall and winter. Candidates submit a City employment application (online via GovernmentJobs or in person at the fire station or City Hall), then move through application review, physical ability and written testing, an interview, a fit-for-duty physical, and a criminal background screening before starting.
The department recruits part-time firefighters, paid-per-call responders, and EMS responders. New members serve a 12-month probationary period and are expected to earn required certifications on a set timeline. Experienced firefighters and EMS responders may be considered off-cycle. Recruitment questions go to Assistant Chief Bill Schmooke.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- Valid driver's license
- May live outside the 56-square-mile fire district
- NIMS and ICS certification within 3 months
- CPR for Healthcare Providers (AHA) within 3 months
- Hazardous Materials Operations level by end of Year 1
- Firefighter I certification by end of Year 1 (Firefighter II encouraged)
- Iowa EMT certification within 30 months of start date
- Pass criminal background screening before start date
Hiring process
- Submit a completed City of North Liberty employment application
- Application review and processing
- Physical ability and written testing
- Interview (if applicant passes testing)
- Fit for Duty health physical
- Criminal background screening before start date
Benefits
- Fire, medical, rescue, and hazmat training provided
- Free year-round use of the North Liberty Rec Center and Pool
- 10% Columbia Southern University tuition discount
- Tax-deductible mileage
- Annual flu shot
- PPC stipend for each 6-hour shift worked
- Pay based on longevity and certifications
New members serve a 12-month probationary period and complete required fire and EMS certifications on a set timeline, with monthly fire and EMS training plus quarterly hands-on EMS training.
What are the basic requirements to become a firefighter here?
You must be at least 18 with a valid driver's license. You do not have to live within the district. Required certifications include NIMS/ICS and CPR within 3 months, HazMat Operations and Firefighter I by the end of Year 1, and Iowa EMT within 30 months of your start date.
How do I apply?
Submit a City of North Liberty employment application online at governmentjobs.com/careers/northlibertyia, or apply in person at the fire station (25 W. Cherry St.) or City Hall (360 N. Main St.).
When does hiring happen?
The department is currently accepting applications, and the selection process typically occurs in fall and winter.
Can experienced firefighters apply outside the normal cycle?
Yes. Experienced firefighters and EMS responders may be considered off-cycle.
What is the schedule and time commitment?
Part-time members work a minimum of two 12-hour shifts per month, while paid-per-call members are assigned to a duty crew with scheduled shifts. Members also attend monthly fire and EMS training, quarterly hands-on EMS training, and some weekend trainings.
How is pay structured?
Pay is based on longevity and certifications. Paid-per-call responders receive a stipend for each 6-hour shift worked.