Firefighter

The Springfield Fire Department makes a positive impact with citizens on a daily basis.

This posting is to qualify candidates for the Fall 2026 Fire Academy.

Firefighters hired for the Fall 2026 Fire Academy will have an entry starting salary at $27.52/hour (80/hour pay period) and $19.6571/hour (112 hour pay period). Both wage rates equate to $57,241.60 annually. Firefighters work a 48-hour shift, followed by 96 hours off.

The Springfield Fire Department is a professional organization dedicated to serving our community! Department core values include: professionalism, integrity, compassion, dedication, and courage. The Springfield Fire Department consists of more than 220 professionals and provides services in an 80+ square-mile area from 12 fire stations, 16 frontline apparatus and is ISO 2 accredited.

The primary duty of a Firefighter is to respond to fires, medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, and other emergencies as part of a team to bring it to a successful resolution. Additionally, the Department offers a variety of specialized assignment options such as Technical Rescue, Water Rescue, Hazardous Materials Response, and Investigations and Inspections.

For more information regarding the Firefighter position and selection/hiring process, please visit the City of Springfield's Firefighter Employment Page.

Please be aware that this posting is active through March and individuals selected for interviews will not be notified until after the closing date to ensure a fair process for all applicants.

• Must be a high school graduate or have G.E.D.
• Must possess an Emergency Medical Technician–B license.
• Firefighter I and II certifications.
• Completion of a registered Department of Labor apprenticeship program in construction trade, public safety, or related area.
• 30 hours of college credit from an accredited college or university.
• Two years of cumulative active duty military service with an honorable discharge.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must possess or obtain Firefighter I and II certifications and a valid Emergency Medical Technical–B license during the probationary period and each must be maintained throughout the appointment.

• 18 years of age at commission.
• Vision correctable to 20/30.
• Excellent physical condition.
• Due to the public safety nature of the Firefighter position any felony and misdemeanor convictions will be reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis to determine eligibility of the applicant. Review includes such factors as the nature, type, and recency of conviction as well as other job related factors.
• Must comply with the department's tattoo policy and not have any face, head, or neck tattoos or tattoos that would show in a long sleeve shirt.

For more information on essential functions and other requirements, please see the job description.

• New Firefighters will attend the Springfield Fire Academy.
• The Academy is typically 24 weeks, Monday‑Thursday, 10‑hour days.
• Firefighters are paid employees of the City and receive benefits during the academy.
• New hires must successfully pass the Firefighter Physical Ability Test during the academy to maintain employment.

• Talent and Experience Evaluation: Human Resources staff and Fire Administration will review each application and rate candidates on their past work experience, education, certifications and other qualifications. These ranking will be used to determine which candidates will be invited to the interview portion of the hiring process.
• Selection Process Information: The testing and selection procedure includes the following elements: an oral interview, comprehensive background investigation as well as post‑offer pre‑employment physical examination and pre‑employment drug screen.
• Interview
  • Interviews take approximately 30 minutes.
  • Employment interviews with the City of Springfield may be different than interviews with other employers. Check out our interview tips here.
• Background Investigation
  • Background investigations are initiated after…