
Becoming an Ames Firefighter
To become an Ames Firefighter we recommend that the firefighter candidate complete and/or become certified in at least one of the recommended items listed below:
Though not required, an applicant possessing one of the aforementioned certificates or degrees greatly increase their chances of being hired.
Prior to becoming eligible to receive a job offer, Firefighter candidates must also complete the following:
Pass written test
Pass a physical ability test
Pass an Oral Interview
Successfully be certified by the Civil Service board
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 |
Additional information regarding the Ames Fire Department
55 career
members (civil service)
1 civilian
Three fire stations
EMS – First Responder (non-transport basic life support)
Hazardous materials team – Technician level
ISO rating – 3