Fire Department · Career
Lincoln Fire & Rescue
Lincoln, NE · Lancaster County
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Department careers page ↗Lincoln Fire & Rescue (LFR) is the full-time municipal fire department serving Lincoln, the capital of Nebraska. The department provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, and hazardous-materials response across the city, operating engine, truck, and medic companies out of neighborhood stations.
The department continues to grow with the community it serves. A new Station 8 opened in early 2025, and in late 2025 the city secured federal grant funding to add nine additional firefighters, reflecting rising call volume and an expanding service area.
LFR traces its roots to 1872, when Lincoln's first fire companies organized. Today the department is led by Fire Chief Dave Engler, who has headed the organization since April 2021.
Lincoln Fire & Rescue hires at the entry level through its Firefighter Trainee classification, with applications submitted online through the City of Lincoln's GovernmentJobs portal. Because the department requires an EMT license and a current CPAT card at the time of application, candidates should have those credentials in hand before a recruitment window opens.
Qualified applicants advance through an online written examination, physical-ability testing, and a medical/physical evaluation with drug screening for top candidates. New hires who do not already hold firefighting certifications must earn IFSAC/Pro-Board Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Hazardous Materials Operations certifications within 120 days of appointment.
Requirements
- At least 19 years of age
- High school graduate or equivalent (GED)
- Valid driver's license
- Current Nebraska State or National Registry EMT license at time of application
- Current CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) certification obtained within the last year at time of application
- Meet the City of Lincoln's physical and vision standards (strong eye 20/40 correctable to 20/20; weak eye 20/100 correctable to 20/40)
- Obtain IFSAC/Pro-Board Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Hazardous Materials Operations certifications within 120 days of hire
Hiring process
- Submit an online application through the City of Lincoln GovernmentJobs portal during an open recruitment
- Take the online written examination if minimum requirements are met
- Complete physical-ability testing (CPAT)
- Undergo a medical/physical examination as a top candidate
- Complete drug testing
Benefits
As a City of Lincoln position, Firefighter Trainee roles include retirement/pension eligibility and health insurance for benefits-eligible employees. Insurance eligibility requires working at least 30 hours per week and retirement-plan eligibility at least 20 hours per week; temporary and seasonal employees are not benefits-eligible.
Entry-level candidates are hired as Firefighter Trainees and must obtain IFSAC/Pro-Board Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Hazardous Materials Operations certifications within 120 days of appointment.
What are the basic requirements to become a Lincoln firefighter?
You must be at least 19 years old, a high school graduate or equivalent, hold a valid driver's license, and possess a current Nebraska State or National Registry EMT license plus a current (within the last year) CPAT certification at the time you apply.
Do I need to be an EMT before I apply?
Yes. A current Nebraska State or National Registry EMT license is required at the time of application, not something you can complete after hire.
How does the hiring process work?
You apply online through the City of Lincoln's GovernmentJobs portal. Applicants who meet minimum requirements take an online written exam, followed by physical-ability testing, and top candidates complete a medical examination and drug screening.
What certifications do new hires need to earn?
New Firefighter Trainees must obtain IFSAC/Pro-Board Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Hazardous Materials Operations certifications within 120 days of appointment.
What is the starting pay?
Recent Firefighter Trainee postings listed a starting rate of approximately $31.64 per hour, with City of Lincoln retirement and insurance benefits for eligible employees.