Firefighter/Paramedic Apprentice

Start Your Career. Earn While You Learn.

The Wausau Fire Department is seeking motivated individuals to join our Firefighter/Paramedic Apprentice (Paid Training Program). This unique opportunity provides temporary full-time paid employment while you complete the education and training necessary to become a professional Firefighter/Paramedic. No previous fire or EMS experience or certifications are required.

What Makes This Program Different?

• No Fire or EMS certifications required to apply
• Paid full-time employment while attending school
• Firefighter and Paramedic education provided through Northcentral Technical College 
• Hands-on training while working as an apprentice with Wausau Fire Department  
• Graduate with the certifications needed to become a Firefighter/Paramedic
• Opportunity to apply for future full-time Firefighter/Paramedic positions 

During the apprenticeship, you will:

• Attend and successfully complete required fire and EMS training at Northcentral Technical College. 
• Earn Firefighter I and Firefighter II certifications. 
• Earn Wisconsin EMT and Paramedic licensure. 
• Participate in department recruit academy and ongoing hands-on training. 
• Work alongside experienced firefighter/paramedics while learning the profession. 
• Develop the skills necessary to serve citizens safely and professionally.

Important Apprenticeship Program Information:

This is a grant-funded apprenticeship position with a maximum temporary employment period of 18 months. The apprenticeship is designed to prepare participants for a career as a Firefighter/Paramedic by providing the required education, certifications, and on-the-job experience.

Completion of the apprenticeship does not imply or guarantee permanent employment with the City of Wausau. At the conclusion of the apprenticeship, employment will end. Apprentices who successfully complete the program are encouraged to apply for any available full-time Firefighter/Paramedic positions through the City's competitive hiring process.  

Apprenticeship Program MOU:  07.22.26 Apprenticeship Program.pdf

Recruitment Timeline:

• August 4: Application period opens
• August 20: Application period closes  
• August 24 - 26 : Candidate interviews
• September 2 - 3 : Pre-Employment psychological evaluation and physical evaluation exams
• September 17: Apprentices sign apprenticeship contract with the DWD
• September 28: Apprentices official start date

As a Firefighter/Paramedic Apprentice, you will:

• Attend all required educational programs leading to Firefighter and Paramedic certification. 
• Successfully complete classroom, laboratory, and clinical requirements. 
• Participate in recruit academy and department training. 
• Assist career personnel with station duties. 
• Maintain fire apparatus, equipment, and facilities. 
• Participate in physical fitness and wellness activities. 
• Observe and assist with emergency operations consistent with training and certification level. 
• Learn fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials response, and emergency medical operations. 
• Maintain professionalism while representing the Wausau Fire Department. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age. 
• Possess a High School Diploma, GED, or HSED. 
• Possess a valid driver's license. 
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States. 
• Be able to meet the physical demands of the position. 
• Successfully complete: 
  • Background Investigation 
  • Psychological Evaluation 
  • Medical Examination 
  • Drug and Alcohol Screening 

No previous Fire or EMS certifications are required.

Preferred Qualifications

Although not required, preference may be given to applicants with:

• EMT certification 
• Firefighter certification 
• College coursework 
• Volunteer fire or EMS experience 
• Military service 
• Customer service experience 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Ability to wear respirators, to include Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.
• Ability to distinguish color within NFPA standards 1582.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work in hazardous environments while wearing personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Ability to maintain physical fitness necessary to safely perform firefighter duties and complete all required training.
• Ability to learn firefighting and emergency techniques and procedures authorized by the Wausau Fire Department.  
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and non-verbally, written or electronic.  Specifically, having the ability to accurately document fire reports, fire prevention inspection reports and patient care reports.
• Ability to keep accurate records and use state-of-the-art technology.  
• Ability to read and interpret technical written materials, codes, ordinances and standards. 
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with others.  
• Physical ability and endurance to efficiently and effectively perform strenuous physical labor in threatening and stressful situations.   
• Ability to obtain and maintain certifications and licensure as required by the apprenticeship program.

Physical Requirements

Significant physical demands typically found in heavy industry or construction work, and with significant exposure to workplace hazards.   Position requires regular and frequent lifting, moving, bending, twisting, and turning.  Significant and frequent exposure to disagreeable and environmental conditions which typically requires the use of extensive or specialized clothing and/or personal protective equipment is normal for the position. 

IMPORTANT! All applications must completely filled out and have a Resume attached in the "Attachments" section of the application.  Applications that are not complete and do not have the required attachment will not be considered.

When completing References section, include 3 professional references with current and valid email addresses.  References will not be contacted unless a candidate becomes a finalist for consideration or a conditional offer of employment is extended and accepted.

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS:
The City of Wausau will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Human Resources Department or phone (715) 261-6630 to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS:
Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record: Each applicant’s application, records, recommendations and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the City not provide access to this information.

If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Human Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law.

ADDITIONAL NOTICES:
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/posters/fmla
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/posters/employee-polygraph-protection-act

The City of Wausau is an Equal Opportunity Employer.