Fire Department · Career
Waterloo Fire Rescue
Waterloo, IA · Black Hawk County
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Department careers page ↗Waterloo Fire Rescue has protected the city of Waterloo, Iowa since being organized as a professional department on July 11, 1904. Today the department covers more than 70,000 residents across the city's 80-plus square miles from six fire stations, and extends mutual aid across an 11-county, 6,291-square-mile region of northeast Iowa alongside its role in the Northeast Iowa Response Group hazmat consortium.
Crews work 24-hour shifts organized into three battalions, running roughly 22 frontline apparatus in addition to advanced life support ambulances, a wildland engine, rescue pumpers equipped with hydraulic extrication tools, and boats for water and ice rescue. Firefighter-paramedics deliver fire-service-based EMS alongside structural firefighting, technical rescue, and hazmat mitigation, making cross-trained certification a central part of the job.
The department is led by Fire Chief William (Bill) Beck, the tenth chief in department history, who was sworn in March 14, 2023 after nearly two decades rising through the ranks at Waterloo Fire Rescue. Bargaining-unit personnel are represented by IAFF Local 66.
MissionCreating a safety-conscious community
Waterloo Fire Rescue hires through the City of Waterloo's civil service process. Candidates who want to be notified of the next hiring cycle can complete the department's Job Interest Form. The department gives preference to applicants who have served in the U.S. military and/or hold paramedic certification, and actively encourages minority, female, and disabled applicants to apply.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- High school diploma or GED
- Legally authorized to work in the United States
- EMT-B and Firefighter I certification preferred, or willingness to obtain within the first year
Hiring process
- Civil service written aptitude exam (70% minimum to advance)
- Physical agility test: timed circuit of stair climbing, rope hoisting, forced-entry simulation, hose advancement, victim drag, 75-foot aerial ladder climb, and confined-space crawl in full gear
- Oral interview panel with officers, paramedics, engineers, and firefighters
- Chief's interview for top candidates
- Medical and psychological evaluation after conditional offer
How do I become a firefighter with Waterloo Fire Rescue?
Candidates apply through the City of Waterloo's civil service hiring process, which includes a written aptitude exam, a physical agility test, and an oral interview panel, followed by a chief's interview for top candidates and a post-offer medical and psychological evaluation.
What are the minimum requirements to apply to Waterloo Fire Rescue?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, and be legally authorized to work in the United States. EMT-B and Firefighter I certifications are preferred, or applicants must be willing to obtain them within their first year.
Does Waterloo Fire Rescue give preference to veterans or paramedics?
Yes. The department has given preference to applicants who have served in the U.S. military and/or hold paramedic certification.
What shift schedule do Waterloo firefighters work?
Firefighters work continuous 24-hour shifts, organized into three battalions, handling training, apparatus checks, station upkeep, and equipment inspection between emergency calls.
How do I find out about upcoming Waterloo Fire Rescue hiring cycles?
Interested candidates can complete the department's Job Interest Form to receive future hiring correspondence, since test dates are announced on an as-needed basis.