City of Ames
Fire Department
1300 Burnett Avenue
Ames IA 50010
Phone: 515-239-5108
Fax: 515-239-9932
Emergencies: 911
* * * *
Fire
Department Home
Becoming an Ames Firefighter
The application testing starts by completing a job application form
obtained from Human Resources (515 Clark Ave).
Applications are first reviewed to see if the person has the minimum
qualifications of a high school degree and driver's license. To
improve your chance of becoming an Ames Firefighter, it is
highly recommended to complete and/or become
certified in at least one of the areas listed
below:
*State of Iowa or National Registry is preferred, but the ability to obtain reciprocity in the State of Iowa will be acceptable.
**State of Iowa, IFSAC, or Pro-Board accredited is preferred, but the ability to obtain reciprocity in the State of Iowa will be acceptable.
Human Resources then evaluate the applications to determines an appropriate testing pool with at least one of the preference areas. Though not required, an applicant possessing one of the aforementioned certificates or degrees greatly increase their chances of being hired. Only applicants with one or more of the preference areas were selected during the last four entry-level firefighter recruitment tests.
If your application is selected for further consideration, you would then be notified of the date for the written tests. Prior to becoming eligible to receive a job offer, Firefighter candidates must complete the following:
Pass written test
Pass a physical ability test
After the written test a physical ability test is conducted. Only applicants within the top 40 test scores are selected for the physical ability testing. A description of the test is available from Human Resources. A video showing the physical test can be viewed by appointment at Fire Station #1, (515) 239-5108.
Pass an oral interview
Successfully be certified by the Civil Service board
Applicants who pass the physical ability testing are then placed on a certified list. The list is normally good for one year. Often the department asks the Civil Service Commission to extend the list for an additional year.
Job
description
Applicants must meet the
requirements in the job description.
Interest card
Complete an interest card to be notified when we are accepting
applications; for full details click on the link below for the
City of Ames Human Resources Department.
Des
Moines Area Community College (DMACC)
To obtain the items
mentioned above contact your local community college. In the
Ames area you may contact Des Moines Area Community College.
Hazardous materials awareness course information
A
typical day at the fire station consists of the following:
Ames firefighters work a 24-hour shift with an average week
consisting of 56 hours. During a 24-hour shift,
firefighters respond to emergences, maintain the fire station and
equipment, and present fire safety training
and public education to the citizens of Ames. Firefighters
also spend time performing:
Equipment inspection
and testing
Station duties – cleaning and maintaining the station
Morning briefing to discuss the day’s events that are scheduled
Participating in scheduled events
Cooking meals for the crew
Typically the afternoon is reserved for crew level training such
as the following:
|
Firefighting |
Trench rescue |
Click here to view the Ames Fire Department's residency requirements.
