Ames Fire Department

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:

• First Responder Certificate or higher (i.e., EMT, EMT-I, or EMT-PS)
• Firefighter 1 Certification
• Haz-Mat Awareness Certificate or higher (i.e., Haz-Mat Operations, or Haz-Mat Technician)
• Associate Degree or higher in a Fire or EMS-related discipline

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. 

Fire recruit school

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: