Job Description

Distinguishing Features of the Class

Protect life, property, and the environment from fire; provide specialized rescue and emergency medical services; contain and control the accidental or illegal intentional release of hazardous materials; perform fire code compliance inspections (company level) and deliver community education programs; operate and perform general maintenance on specialized fire department apparatus and equipment; maintain and enhance skills by participating in drills and training sessions, and clean and maintain fire department facilities.

SPECIAL NOTE: This recruitment requires the review and completion of the 2026 Fire Fighter Recruitment Packet.



For additional information and resources, visit the Fire Department Recruitment page at dsm.city/joinDMFD .



YOUR APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE BY 4:00 P.M. ON MONDAY APRIL 6, 2026 (YOU WILL RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL ONCE YOUR APPLICATION HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY SUBMITTED. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE EMAIL CONFIRMATION, CONTACT HUMAN RESOURCES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, BUT NO LATER THAN THE APPLICATION DEADLINE). ALL ITEMS LISTED BELOW MUST BE ATTACHED TO YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION OR SUBMITTED TO AND RECEIVED BY HUMAN RESOURCES NO LATER THAN 4:00 P.M. ON FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2025 (FRIDAY FOLLOWING THE APPLICATION DEADLINE) OR IT WILL BE CONSIDERED INCOMPLETE AND NOT BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT PROOF OF SUBMISSION.

• Photocopy of driver's license
• Certified state driving record for applicants with a driver's license outside the state of Iowa
• High school transcripts, diploma, GED, or other proof of high school graduation (graduation date required)
• Fire Fighter Physical Conditioning Waiver
• Statement Concerning Your Employment in a Job Not Covered by Social Security
  **All of the above documents must be legible.**

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION MAY BE MAILED, EMAILED OR FAXED TO HUMAN RESOURCES.


EMAIL TO: humanresources@dmgov.org


FAX TO: (515) 237-1680


HAND DELIVER or MAIL TO:
City of Des Moines
Human Resources Dept.
Municipal Service Center
1551 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy.
Des Moines, IA 50317

Acceptable Experience and Training

Graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent by the application deadline, April 6, 2026.

Required Special Qualifications

ON OR BEFORE APPLICATION DEADLINE (April 6, 2026) :

• 21 years of age; and
• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license.
  • Submittal of certified driving record is required if you possess an out-of-state Driver's License. Please submit to the City of Des Moines Human Resources Department; electronically to humanresources@dmgov.org, by fax to 515-237-1680, hand deliver, or mail to 1551 E MLK Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50317 by 4:00 pm CT on April 10, 2026.

PRIOR TO GRADUATION FROM BASIC FIRE ACADEMY: Possession of Firefighter I and Firefighter II certifications, and an Iowa Class C driver's license.



WITHIN 24 MONTHS OF APPOINTMENT: Emergency Medical Technician paramedic-level certification recognized by the State of Iowa.



CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT: Possession and maintenance of Emergency Medical Technician paramedic-level certification recognized by the State of Iowa, Firefighter I and Firefighter II certification, and an Iowa Class C Operator's driver's license are conditions of continued employment. Failure to obtain and maintain required license and certifications may subject the employee to immediate termination.


Sworn members of the Fire Department shall establish residence at locations that permit a member to travel to the corporate limits of the City of Des Moines within 60 minutes.


All appointments will be conditional upon passing the background and reference checks and medical and physical fitness exams required by the State of Iowa. The medical exam includes a screening for drug use.

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

Fire fighters perform a full range of duties preventing and suppressing fires, providing emergency medical services, responding to hazardous materials incidents, performing other duties necessary to preserve life and property, and other related work as assigned.


Please use this link to view and access the complete Fire Fighter job description.

Job Tags

Full time, Immediate start,

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