Fire Department · Combination
Spencer Fire Department
Spencer, IA · Clay County
Spencer Fire-Rescue is a combination fire department operating from a single station at 10 Grand Avenue, a structure dating to 1941 that was expanded in 2006 with four drive-through bays, a training room, dispatch area, and 24-hour living quarters. Its full-time complement is a Fire Chief, a Deputy Chief, and three firefighter/engineers, backed by roughly 30 volunteers and paid-on-call members, giving the department about 25 personnel available around the clock.
The department protects City of Spencer residents along with 71 rural contract holders and the Spencer Municipal Airport, responding to structure fires, EMS calls, vehicle accidents, water rescues, hazardous materials incidents, technical rescues, and aircraft emergencies. It carries an ISO Public Protection Classification of 3 (as of July 1, 2023).
Training is a central part of the culture, with 50-plus sessions a year, weekly practices, and multi-day schools. Members hold certifications ranging from Firefighter I/II and Hazardous Materials Operations to BLS-EMT and AEMT. The department also runs an active community risk reduction program and a Junior Firefighter Program for local high-school students.
Spencer Fire-Rescue hires primarily into paid-on-call (volunteer) firefighter roles, which require no prior experience: new members complete department-provided training and earn Firefighter I certification, with all training costs covered subject to Fire Chief approval. Career positions require existing firefighting experience and passing a civil service test. Members can be certified at any EMT level or above, as the department operates as an EMT and provisional AEMT service.
Applications are submitted online through the City of Spencer's GovernmentJobs portal, then processed by Human Resources before an interview is scheduled. Prospective applicants can also contact the department directly or pick up an application at the fire station.
Requirements
- Paid-on-call: no prior experience required; must complete training and pass Firefighter I certification
- Career positions: firefighting experience and completion of a civil service test
- EMT certification at any level or above (department is an EMT / provisional AEMT service)
- Junior Firefighter Program: valid driver's license and age 17-18
Hiring process
- Complete the online application via the City of Spencer GovernmentJobs portal
- Application is processed by the Human Resources Department
- Department contacts applicant to schedule an interview
Benefits
The department covers all training costs (with Fire Chief approval), provides Firefighter I and other certifications, and offers 50+ training sessions a year plus multi-day schools.
Paid-on-call members receive department-provided training and earn Firefighter I certification; the department pays all training costs with Fire Chief approval.
What does it take to become a paid-on-call firefighter?
No prior experience is required. You must complete the department's training and pass Firefighter I certification. Applications are available at the fire station or through the online portal.
What is required to become a career firefighter?
Career positions require existing firefighting experience and passing a civil service test.
What EMS certification do I need?
Candidates can be certified at any EMT level or above. Spencer Fire-Rescue operates as an EMT and provisional AEMT service and responds to medical calls.
Do I have to pay for my training?
No. The department covers all training costs, subject to Fire Chief approval.
How often does the department train?
Regular training is held Thursday nights, with additional specialty schools that some firefighters attend, which may require travel. The department runs 50+ training sessions a year.
How do I apply?
Submit an online application through the City of Spencer's GovernmentJobs portal. It is processed by Human Resources, after which the department contacts you to schedule an interview.