Firefighter Cadet

POSITION PURPOSE:
Under the direction of the Assistant Chief & assigned supervisor or higher-ranking fire personnel, the Firefighter Cadet has the opportunity to help Racine’s citizens every day, while also focusing on their educational, physical fitness, and personal and professional development. The ultimate goal is to progress from Firefighter Cadet to a full-time Firefighter with the City of Racine.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND SAFETY RULES:

• Participate in community outreach and public education events, including fire prevention programs, school visits, station tours, smoke/CO alarm installation events, and other community events attended by the Fire Department.
• Assist department members with fire prevention activities and learn the basic principles of fire and life safety inspections.
• Participate in department training appropriate to their level of experience. Training may include hose deployment and advancement, hydrant operations, ground ladders, ropes and knots, forcible entry, search techniques, ventilation, fire extinguishers, SCBA familiarization, apparatus/equipment familiarization, radio communications, EMS skills, and incident command system fundamentals.
• Participate in EMS training and skills practice. Licensed EMT cadets may practice and perform EMT-level skills under the supervision of department EMTs and paramedics.
• Participate in physical fitness and firefighter readiness activities with department members when appropriate.
• Assist with apparatus and equipment checks, cleaning, inventory, restocking, and returning equipment to service.
• Assist with station duties and learn the daily responsibilities associated with working in a fire station.
• Observe and learn about specialized Fire Department operations such as Technical Rescue, Hazardous Materials, Dive/Water Rescue, fire investigation, and Mobile Integrated Health when opportunities are available.
• Participate in department ceremonies, recruitment activities, open houses, demonstrations, and other special events.
• Learn basic radio procedures, department terminology, chain of command, policies, procedures, and professional expectations.
• Shadow firefighters, driver/operators, lieutenants, captains, and chief officers to gain an understanding of the different positions and career opportunities within the Fire Department.
• Remain enrolled and in good standing in required college-level Fire Science courses. Cadets are expected to attend class, study, complete assignments, prepare for examinations, and successfully pass their required coursework. Academic success is an important responsibility of the Cadet Program, and cadets are expected to dedicate the necessary time and effort to their education.
• The overall goal is to expose the cadets to as many aspects of the Fire Department as we safely can while also preparing them academically and professionally for a career in the fire service. The Cadet Program should be a hands-on educational experience that reinforces what they are learning in class.
• Cadets shall understand that their role in this program is an educational experience and may be present in situations requiring a high degree of confidentiality/privacy related to incidents or medical information. Cadets are not allowed to openly share such information with anyone outside the fire department for any reason. Please maintain proper confidentiality/privacy to avoid dismissal.
• Cadets shall not use cell phones during a call or training. No pictures.
• Expectations, friendly, helpful, on time, ask questions, relax.
• Be polite and respectful to everyone.

Failure to maintain proper confidentiality/privacy will be means for dismissal from the program.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. 
• Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. 
• Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. 
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.  
• The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. 
• The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
 1. Meet one of the three criteria (note: you will be required to submit documentation for proof):

• Currently enrolled in a Fire Science, Health Science (Nursing, Biology, Pharmacy, etc.) or EMS program college course.
• Previously interned with the Racine Fire Department for over 150 hours within the last 4 years.
• Currently hold a Wisconsin State Certified Firefighter 1 or Wisconsin EMT – Basic or Paramedic license

2. Grade point average 2.0 or above and maintained throughout the internship
3. Submit a cover letter of at least one page (a minimum of 400 words, not including header or title) addressing the following prompt:
 
What inspires you to serve your community, and how do you hope to make a lasting impact as a Firefighter Cadet for the City of Racine?
  
PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A valid Wisconsin driver’s license

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
In the interest of maintaining high standards and ensuring alignment with program goals, cadets participating in the internship will undergo a comprehensive evaluation every 3 months. This assessment serves to confirm each cadet’s progress, commitment, and adherence to the skills and behaviors required for success in the role. By setting this checkpoint, we aim to support cadets' professional growth and provide constructive feedback that promotes improvement.
 
Cadets who meet or exceed the evaluation criteria will continue in the internship, with additional opportunities for development and mentorship. For those who do not meet the required standards, a review process will be implemented to discuss specific areas for improvement. This evaluative measure is designed not as a barrier but as a steppingstone toward achieving professional excellence and readiness for future responsibilities. This position is effective until December 31st, 2027.
 
Firefighter Cadets are expected to enroll in a Fire Science or EMS program course and achieve a passing grade. (Scholarships are available.)
 
WORK SCHEDULE:

• Up to 25 hours per week
• Schedule will be specific to each student based on school/activity schedule. Official schedule will be determined once hired.
• Cadets will be assigned to a shift and station which includes weekdays & weekends.
• Cadets will work 9-hour shifts 0700 – 1600 hrs. (hours may flex)

WORKING CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Work is performed in a variety of settings including fire stations, non-emergency and emergency scenes, emergency response vehicles; and work may involve off-duty recall for major emergencies. The environment ranges from routine to emergency settings with unusual modes of communications, extreme noise, discomfort and hazard. The emergency environment may require the performance of hazardous task under conditions that require strenuous exertion with limited visibility and the physical ability to utilize all protective turnout equipment including wearing self-contained breathing apparatus. Potential exposure to hazardous or toxic chemicals and gases, extremes in temperature, cramped surroundings, heights, sub-surfaces and infectious diseases.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS STEPS:
Step 1: Application
Step 2: Screening
This is performed by Human Resources to ensure you meet the minimum requirements.
Step 3: Panel Interview
Candidates qualifications, communication skills and other job-related factors will be evaluated by staff members of the Racine Fire Department. 
Step 4: Offer of Employment
Step 5: Pre-employment screenings
Step 6: Swearing-In
Step 7: Orientation

The City of Racine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

If you would like assistance completing an application or have any questions, please contact the HR Recruiter at [email protected].