What does it take to be a part of the City of Wichita’s Fire Department?

It takes strength, courage, common sense, problem-solving skills and the willingness to want to help others. Do YOU have what it takes?

The Wichita Fire Department wants capable men and women who are interested in a career in fire fighting. As a Fire Fighter, you will perform technical and professional services for the citizens of Wichita. In emergencies such as a fire, flood, tornado, explosion or car and home accidents, Fire Fighters meet their most severe test. They must have the ability and dedication to educate children, residents, and business people to be aware of the need for fire prevention and protection.

The Wichita Fire Department does more than put out fires.
We save lives.

How to Apply

To schedule required testing, CPAT and written exam, please download HCC Fire Science Program Recruitment. All applications are completed online. You will be asked to fill out additional paperwork as the application process continues. The online application can be completed by going to the MyWichita City Employment web site. You will need to create a MyWichita profile first in order to access the online application and check on your application status.

• Age
  Candidates must have reached their 18th birthday at the time of employment.

• Residence
  Fire Department employees are required to live within 30 minutes legal driving distance to the corporate city limits. Fire Fighters must maintain a phone at their place of residence.

• Education
  Candidates must be high school graduates or possess a G.E.D. certificate. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification is required prior to employment.

• Character
  Candidates must have the ability to relate to people in a positive manner. Candidates are subject to an employment history and background investigation by the Wichita Fire Department.

• Physical
  Weight must be proportionate to height. Vision may not exceed 20/40 binocular without glasses, correctable to 20/20 binocular. Extended-wear contact lenses may be worn while on duty.

• Military
  Candidates with prior military service are required to furnish a copy of their discharge.

• License
  Candidates must possess a current, valid Kansas Drivers License at the time of employment, with a good driving record.

• Work Schedule
  The work schedule is 24 hours on duty, then 48 hours off duty. Example of a typical work schedule: On duty 7:00 AM Monday to 7:00 AM Tuesday. Off Tuesday and Wednesday, then on duty again at 7:00 AM Thursday.

• Training
  The Wichita Fire Department provides you continuous training. A recruit is trained prior to becoming a fire fighter and being assigned to a fire fighting company. You will learn about fire prevention, fire suppression and emergency medical techniques. In addition, Firefighters will receive education in Fire Management and Fire Administration. Training never stops; you are kept up-to-date with rapidly advancing technologies.

• Pay
  Fire Recruit entry level pay is $15.65 per hour - 40 hour work week. After probation, you will advance to Firefighter pay of $12.75 per hour for a 56 hour work week.

• Sick Leave
  Upon appointment to the position of Firefigher, employees shall accrue sick leave at the rate of 6 days per year for the first five years of service. Beginning year six through year 15, sick leave will be accrued at the rate of 12 days per year. Beginning year sixteen of service, sick leave will be accrued at the rate of 14 days per year. Recruits do not accumulate sick leave until graduating from the training academy.

• Paid Vacation
  10 (12 hr. days) of paid vacation days per year for the first 4 years. A gradual increase of days beginning the 5th year of employment. 4 Kelly Days per year.

• Holiday Pay
  10 ( 12 hour days) plus 2 undesignated paid holidays per year.

• Uniforms
  Fire Fighters are issued a full set of protective clothing and work uniforms their first year of employment. Subsequent years you are responsible for replacement of work uniforms but will be paid an annual uniform allowance.

• Hospitalization
  The City participates liberally toward the premiums of both single and family health insurance.

• Credit Union
  Personal financial plans for checking and savings are offered.

• Group Life Insurance
  A group, term policy offering excellent coverage for you and your dependents is offered. Additional Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage is also available.

• Job Related Injury Leave
  On-the-job- injury leave provides for up to 90 consecutive days at full pay. Accrued sick and vacation leave can be used to supplement injury leave after 90 consecutive days.

• Retirement
  You can retire after 20 years of service with 50% of final average salary, but cannot receive pay benefits until age 50. Maximum amount of retirement benefit is 75% of final average salary after 30 years of service.

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