Fire Department · Career
Kansas City Fire Department
Kansas City, MO · Jackson County
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Department careers page ↗The Kansas City Fire Department (KCFD) is a large, all-hazards metropolitan department serving Kansas City, Missouri. It responds not only to fires but also to medical emergencies, technical rescues, hazardous materials incidents, and large-scale disasters.
KCFD operates from 35 firehouses, including a station at Kansas City International Airport, and a dedicated EMS operations facility housing dynamically deployed ambulances. Its operations are organized into seven battalions covering roughly 319 square miles and a population of more than 510,000.
The department also provides fire and/or EMS coverage under contract to several surrounding communities. Organized on March 14, 1868, KCFD is one of the oldest paid fire departments in the region and has a long history of professional firefighting in the metro area.
Prospective firefighters start by completing the KCFD Job Interest Form; once submitted, the department follows up with details on the rest of the hiring process. Formal applications are handled online at KCMO.gov/JoinKCFD.
Applicants must be 18 by the close of the application period and cannot have turned 30 before that date, must hold a high school diploma or state-issued GED/HiSET and a valid Missouri driver's license, and must establish residency within Kansas City, Missouri city limits within nine months of hire. Candidates complete the Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT) during academy training or provide certification dated within one year prior to appointment.
Requirements
- At least 18 years of age by the close of the application period
- Must not have turned 30 years of age prior to the close of the application period
- High school diploma or state-issued GED/HiSET from an accredited institution
- Valid Missouri driver's license at time of application and appointment
- Kansas City, Missouri residency, or establish residency within city limits within nine months of hire
- Complete the Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT) during academy training, or hold CPAT certification dated within one year prior to appointment
Hiring process
- Complete the KCFD Job Interest Form / apply online at KCMO.gov/JoinKCFD
- Receive follow-up information on the remaining hiring steps
- Complete the Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT)
- Complete the KCFD training academy as part of onboarding
Benefits
Benefits include multiple medical insurance plan options plus dental and vision coverage; accident, critical illness, and life insurance; long-term disability; FSA and/or HSA accounts; tuition reimbursement; a pension plan; a deferred compensation plan; and paid fire and EMT training.
KCFD operates its own training academy for newly hired personnel; CPAT is completed during academy training if not already certified.
What are the basic requirements to become a Kansas City firefighter?
You must be at least 18 by the close of the application period and not have turned 30 before that date, hold a high school diploma or state-issued GED/HiSET, and have a valid Missouri driver's license. You must live within Kansas City, Missouri city limits or establish residency there within nine months of hire.
How do I apply?
Start by completing the KCFD Job Interest Form. The department then sends details on the rest of the process. Formal applications are submitted online at KCMO.gov/JoinKCFD.
What is the starting salary?
The starting salary for a Kansas City firefighter is $51,480 per year.
Do I need to complete the CPAT before applying?
You complete the Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT) during academy training, or you can provide certification of CPAT completion from a certified agency dated within one year prior to appointment.
What benefits does KCFD offer?
Firefighters receive medical, dental, and vision insurance; accident, critical illness, and life insurance; long-term disability; FSA/HSA accounts; tuition reimbursement; a pension; deferred compensation; and paid fire and EMT training.
Is there a residency requirement?
Yes. You must be a Kansas City, Missouri resident, and non-residents are required to establish residency within the city limits within nine months of being hired.