Fire Department · Career
Omaha Fire & Rescue
Omaha, NE · Douglas County
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗The Omaha Fire Department traces its roots to 1860, when it began as the Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company #1. Since its first recognized fire chief in 1866, the department has been led by 31 chiefs, with Kathy Bossman serving as the current Fire Chief.
Today the department maintains a complement of about 645 personnel, spanning firefighters, fire apparatus engineers, fire captains, paramedic shift supervisors, assistant fire marshals, battalion chiefs, and assistant fire chiefs. They staff 24 fire stations across the city, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Beyond fire suppression, Omaha runs a full slate of administrative divisions led by battalion chiefs, including Emergency Medical Services, Training & Special Operations, Fire Investigation, Technical Services, and Safety & Wellness.
MissionTo protect the lives, property, and environment of our community through preparation, prevention, and protection in a competent and courteous manner.
Omaha hires entry-level firefighters through a competitive civil-service examination process administered with the City of Omaha Human Resources department. No prior experience is required, and the department provides paid fire academy training; new hires must hold NREMT certification or a Nebraska EMT license by the end of the academy.
Applications open periodically rather than continuously. When a hiring window is closed, the department encourages interested candidates to join its notification email list to be alerted when applications reopen.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- An exemplary employment record
- Top physical and mental condition
- Ability to pass the firefighter physical ability examination
- Pass a comprehensive medical examination (per NFPA standards) and psychological evaluation
- Hold a current NREMT certificate or Nebraska EMT license by the end of the training academy
Hiring process
- Written multiple-choice examination (scored, with an announced cut-off, factored into the final grade)
- Physical Ability Examination (pass/fail)
- Structured Oral Interview
- Comprehensive medical examination, lab analysis, and X-rays following NFPA standards
- Testing and interview by a clinical psychologist
- Successful completion of the paid Omaha Fire Department training academy
Benefits
Full pension retirement through the City's Police & Fire pension system, paid fire academy training, competitive benefits, and tuition reimbursement.
The department provides a paid fire academy for newly hired firefighters. Candidates must hold NREMT certification or a Nebraska EMT license by the academy's completion.
What is the starting salary for an Omaha firefighter?
The starting salary is approximately $69,334 (2026), with paid academy training and no prior experience required.
Do I need prior firefighting experience to apply?
No. No experience is required to apply. The department provides a paid fire academy for newly hired firefighters.
What are the basic requirements to apply?
Candidates need a high school diploma or GED, an exemplary employment record, and to be in top physical and mental condition, able to pass the firefighter physical ability course.
What does the hiring process involve?
A written multiple-choice exam, a pass/fail physical ability examination, a structured oral interview, a comprehensive medical examination, and a psychological evaluation, followed by the fire academy.
Do I need an EMT certification?
You must hold a current NREMT certificate or a current Nebraska EMT license by the end of the training academy.
Applications appear to be closed. How do I know when they reopen?
Omaha opens firefighter applications periodically. When a window is closed, join the department's notification email list to be alerted when applications reopen.