Fire Department · Career
Hutchinson Kansas Fire Department
Hutchinson, KS · Reno County
89 uniformed members and 1 civilian employee.
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗Hutchinson Fire Department protects the City of Hutchinson and suburban and rural Reno County Fire District #2, an area with the number one wildland-urban interface fire risk in Kansas thanks to thousands of acres of sandhill grass and brush, plus a regional airport, three major rail lines, major highways, high-pressure pipelines, gas storage facilities, and salt-mining-related sinkholes. HFD is one of only 112 fire departments in the world to hold both an ISO Class 1 rating and CFAI international accreditation, reflecting a department built around continuous improvement, defined objectives, and data-driven decision-making.
The department runs six strategically located fire stations out of a total apparatus fleet that includes six engine companies, two truck companies, brush trucks, water tenders, reserve engines, and a heavy rescue trailer. Fire Headquarters sits at the department's Command and Training Center, which includes a four-story training tower with two burn rooms and large paved training pads spread across 53 acres. HFD delivers fire suppression, basic life support EMS response, technician-level hazardous materials response, technical rescue (confined space, high/low angle, structural, and water rescue), and wildland firefighting with the possibility of federal deployment. The Training and Safety Division states its mission as providing 'the highest quality and most progressive education and training to ensure our personnel can safely and effectively deliver exceptional service in all risk-related disciplines.'
MissionThe Fire Department works to save lives and protect property through prevention, preparedness, education and response.
Hutchinson Fire Department is currently building an eligibility list for its next Recruit Academy. Entry-level firefighter candidates apply through the City of Hutchinson's job portal, must pass the CPAT and FireTEAM exam (or the FACT aptitude test if no current FireTEAM score), complete a medical evaluation and background investigation, and then complete HFD's 8-week Recruit Academy before starting on shift.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED required; Associate's degree in Fire Science or related coursework preferred
- Certified as an EMT or higher by the Kansas Board of EMS (out-of-state applicants need National Registry + state certification, with Kansas EMS certification required within 30 days of hire)
- Valid Kansas driver's license
- Must have passed CPAT and scored 70%+ on all sections of the FireTEAM exam within the last 24 months (or pass the FPSI FACT aptitude test if no current FireTEAM score)
- Must meet NFPA 1001/1002 physical and medical standards and clear HFD's background investigation standards
- Paramedic, Firefighter I & II, NWCG Red Card, and Hazardous Materials Operations certifications preferred but not required
Hiring process
- Submit an application through the City of Hutchinson's job portal (hutchgov.applicantpro.com)
- Pass the CPAT and FireTEAM exam (or FPSI FACT aptitude test) with a minimum 70% score
- Complete entrance exams and a medical evaluation
- Pass a background investigation
- Complete HFD's 8-week Recruit Academy covering NFPA 1001 Firefighter I & II, IFSAC standards, HazMat Operations, and Kansas EMT skills, with weekly written/practical evaluations and a final exam (70% minimum)
Benefits
Health, dental & vision insurance; flexible spending accounts (medical and dependent care); Kansas Police & Fire Retirement plus a 457 retirement savings plan; insured disability; life insurance and optional voluntary life insurance; vacation, sick, and holiday pay; an employee assistance program; and an employee wellness program.
New recruits complete an 8-week HFD Recruit Academy run by the Fire Training Division, reviewing IFSAC and NFPA Standard 1001 Firefighter I & II skills, Hazardous Materials Operations skills, Kansas EMT skills, and department policies. Recruits are tested weekly and must pass all written and practical exams with a minimum score of 70%.
How do I become a firefighter with Hutchinson Fire Department?
Apply through the City of Hutchinson's job portal, pass the CPAT and FireTEAM exam (or the FACT aptitude test), complete a medical evaluation and background investigation, and then complete HFD's 8-week Recruit Academy.
What are the requirements to apply to Hutchinson Fire Department?
A high school diploma or GED is required (an Associate's degree in Fire Science is preferred), along with EMT certification through the Kansas Board of EMS, a valid Kansas driver's license, and a passing CPAT/FireTEAM score within the last 24 months.
Is Hutchinson Fire Department currently hiring?
Yes. HFD is building an eligibility list for its next Recruit Academy and accepts applications through the City of Hutchinson's job portal.
What is the work schedule for Hutchinson firefighters?
Firefighters work a modified 56-hour work week on 24-hour shifts, living at the station for the full shift, on an On-Off-On-Off-On-Off-Off-Off-Off rotation that averages about 10 shift days per month.
What is Hutchinson Fire Department's ISO rating and accreditation?
HFD holds an ISO Class 1 rating and is internationally accredited (CFAI) — one of only 112 fire departments in the world to hold both distinctions at once.