Fire Department

City of Madison firefighter/EMT recruitment is conducted approximately every two years. To receive instant hiring and department updates, subscribe to our email lists. The firefighter/EMT recruitment and selection process is extensive and generally takes 9-10 months from initial application to the first round of hiring.

Firefighter/EMT Prerequisites

In order to be considered for employment with the Madison Fire Department, at the time of application you must:

• be at least 18 years of age (there is no maximum age limit)
• be a high school graduate or possess a high school equivalency diploma
• possess a current driver's license
• be of sound mental and physical health

Qualities Desirable in a Firefighter/EMT

• ability to complete a rigorous academic and physical training program
• motivation to serve
• effective communication skills
• physical, mental, and emotional health
• ability to exercise sound judgment
• strong sense of responsibility
• compassion (even when stressed)
• ability to work as a team member
• tolerance
• honesty and integrity
• problem-solving skills
• strong work ethic

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

While not an all-inclusive list, the following examples are meant to illustrate some of the extreme physical demands and working conditions inherent in the role of a firefighter/EMT.

Physical Demands

The physical demands of a firefighter/EMT are characterized by strength, endurance, coordination, agility, and dexterity.

• Pick up and advance charged fire hoses.
• Force entry with axe/battering ram.
• Rescue/extricate victim(s).
• Perform CPR; apply bandages.
• Climb stairs with equipment weighing approximately 50 pounds.
• Strip and vent roofs, breach walls, overhaul burned buildings.
• Lift and climb/descend ladders (with victims).
• Visually determine fire status/hazards; assess patient conditions.
• Hear calls for help; identify fire noise, etc.
• Walk on roof tops under adverse conditions.
• Operate power tools and extrication equipment, and tie knots.
• Stoop, crawl, crouch, and kneel in confined spaces.
• Reach, twist, balance, grapple, bend, and lift under emergency conditions.
• Run, dodge, jump, and maneuver with equipment.
• All of the above may be performed wearing heavy and restrictive protective clothing/gear.

Working Conditions

A firefighter/EMT must perform physically demanding work, requiring judgment, under adverse working conditions.

• Work in extreme temperatures both day and night, in rain, snow, and ice.
• Exposure to fumes, gases, noxious odors, dust, and poor ventilation.
• Work in closely confined spaces.
• Work around potential hazards: fire, explosives, chemicals, electrical shock, structural hazards, fast-moving vehicles, etc.
• Intense exposure to water and/other liquids.
• Exposure to blood, serious injuries, and death.
• Exposure to a wide range of highly emotional and traumatic events.
• Exposure to noise and vibration from tools, equipment, machinery, etc.
• Work at heights (e.g., on ladders, roof tops, etc).
• Work within restrictions of personal safety equipment (e.g., breathing apparatus, steel-tip boots, hearing and eye protection, firefighting turn-out clothing, and hazardous materials gear).

How to Prepare

Our firefighter/EMT application period comes around approximately once every two years. You can prepare by:

• Taking fire and/or EMS classes at a local technical school
• Improving your fitness
• Volunteering
• Getting involved in your community