To be employed as an Ames firefighter, you must first apply at Human
Resources 515-239-5199, 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA 50010. Human
Resources maintains an applicant list and notifies them when we
conduct testing. The department conducts new firefighter testing
when positions are open.
The application testing starts by completing a job application form
obtained from Human Resources. If your application is selected for
further consideration, you would then be notified of the date for
the written tests. Applications are first reviewed to see if the
person has the minimum qualifications of a high school degree and a
drivers license. The Ames Fire Department gives preference for
testing to applicants that have at least one of: Fire Science degree
from Des Moines Area Community College or equivalent, Firefighter I
or II certifications, Iowa First Responder certification (or higher
level Iowa EMS certification) or Hazardous Materials Awareness
certification. If Human resources evaluates the applications and
determines an appropriate testing pool can be selected that have at
least one of the preference areas, then only those applicants will
be tested. The last
three times the A.F.D.
tested, only applicants with one or more of the preference areas
were selected.
After the written test a physical abilities test is conducted. Only
the top 40 test score applicants are selected for the physical
abilities testing. A description of the physical abilities testing
is available from Human Resources. A video showing the physical
abilities testing can be viewed by appointment at Fire Station 1,
515-239-5108.
Applicants who pass the physical abilities 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.