Fire/EMS Pathway Internship Program

Fire/EMS Pathway Internship Program

Salary

$18.17 Hourly

Location

Urbandale, IA

Job Type

Temporary

Job Number

26-Intern Pathway-01

Department

Fire/EMS

Division

Fire/EMS

Opening Date

09/03/2026

Closing Date

9/20/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Summary Description

The Urbandale Fire Department (UFD) is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Firefighter/EMS Pathway Internship Program.

The Pathway Program is designed for individuals who are beginning their careers in the fire and emergency medical services and have not yet obtained all the certifications required to become a Firefighter/EMT or Firefighter/Paramedic. The program provides participants with an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge, skills, and practical experience while working toward completion of their required fire and EMS certifications.

This temporary part-time program has two levels:

• Intern Level - Non-Certified

For candidates who do not currently hold an EMS or Firefighter certification but are enrolled in an accredited fire or EMS training program.

• Cert 1 Level - Certified

For candidates who currently hold an EMS or Firefighter certification.

Current Starting Pay:

• Intern - Non-Certified: $18.17/hour
• Cert 1 - Firefighter only: $18.17/hour
• Cert 1 - EMT only: $18.99/hour
• Cert 1 - Paramedic only: $21.77/hour

Candidates who are accepted into the program will be required to work shifts while simultaneously working towards obtaining their fire and EMS certifications. Pathway Program participants will be expected to demonstrate continued progress in both on-the-job performance and the completion of required certifications within designated timeframes. Successful completion of the Pathway Program may provide an opportunity to advance into a regular part-time position with the Urbandale Fire Department.

The mission of the Urbandale Fire Department is to preserve life, protect property, and promote safety. With three fire stations strategically located across the city, we respond to more than 6,400 calls per year. Through our automatic aid agreements with six neighboring metro departments, participants have the opportunity to train alongside highly experienced professionals in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The UFD is proud to be internationally accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) - a distinction that recognizes our commitment to excellence in fire and emergency services. We are also deeply committed to community engagement and public education, helping to reduce risk and increase safety awareness throughout Urbandale.

This recruitment is for the Pathway Internship Program only. Fully certified candidates are ineligible for the Pathway Program. Certified candidates seeking part-time or full-time employment are encouraged to submit an Interest Card.

Routine Job Duties/Responsibilities

Intern Level - Non-Certified

• Respond to emergency incidents as an observer, including fire, medical, rescue, and man-made or natural disaster incidents. Under supervision, interns may assist with support activities outside of an Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) environment but may not directly participate in patient care.
• Learn about fire code enforcement by observing fire/life safety facility inspections.
• With direct supervision, assist with routine truck and equipment maintenance, station maintenance, and routine facility duties.
• As part of a crew, assist with community education or community risk reduction activities to improve safety for the community and enhance the reputation of the Fire Department.
• With direct supervision, complete physical fitness exercises.
• To the level they have completed in fire or EMS training, may participate in fire/EMS training.
• With direct supervision, various operational duties may be assigned, which may include inventory, minor equipment maintenance, regular equipment inspection and testing.
• Assists with station duties necessary to maintain and keep department facilities clean.
• Assures the city and department's mission, core values, goals, and objectives are fully supported and initiated.
• Familiarity with department policies and procedures.
• Performs vehicle/squad checks and completes vehicle and station routine maintenance and inventory.
• Performs annual equipment testing.
• Performs annual or semi-annual cleaning and maintenance on apparatus, equipment, and facilities.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Cert 1 Level - Certified

• To their level of certification, responds to emergencies (e.g. fire, medical, rescue, man-made/natural disasters, etc.).
• If certified firefighter, functions as a member of the assigned fire/rescue crew, performing various fire/rescue tasks under the direction of the crew leader or incident command officer.
• If certified emergency medical provider, delivers emergency medical treatment within the scope of practice and department protocols of current level of EMT or Paramedic certification. Provides accurate medical documentation of all emergency medical treatment provided, including the use of table-based patient care reporting systems. Completes patient care reporting requirements, including patient medical history, incident history, and billing information.
• Ensures fire code enforcement by participating in fire/life safety facility inspections, including the field use of tablet-based safety inspection documentation.
• Under direct supervision, performs routine truck and equipment maintenance, station maintenance and routine facility duties, including the use of tablet-based inventory and vehicle maintenance program.
• As part of a crew, performs various community education or community risk reduction activities to improve safety for the community and enhance the reputation of the department.
• Provided the opportunity to participate in physical fitness activities.
• To their level of certification, participates in fire/EMS training. Completes and maintains EMS/fire/rescue knowledge and skills proficiency through department provided training, including individual, on-line, credential-based, and in-service training, as well as annual evaluations of knowledge and skills are required.
• As part of a crew, may be assigned various operational duties, which may include inventory, minor equipment maintenance, regular equipment inspection, and testing,
• Completes assigned station duties necessary to maintain and keep department facilities clean.
• Operates emergency vehicles in accordance with department policies and procedures and all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Assures the city and department's mission, core values, goals, and objectives are fully supported and initiated.
• Familiarity with department policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Performs vehicle/squad checks and completes vehicle and station routine maintenance and inventory.
• Performs annual equipment testing.
• Performs annual or semi-annual cleaning and maintenance on apparatus, equipment, and facilities.

Typical Qualifications

Intern Level - Non-Certified

• Must be enrolled in an accredited fire or EMS training program at the time of hire.
• Must possess a valid drivers license.
• Must provide documentation demonstrating a passing score (70% or higher) on the IO Solutions National Firefighter Selection Inventory (NSFI) exam received on or after September 4, 2025.
• Must be able to perform physical functions of the job while wearing personal protective equipment.
• Ability to work a minimum of 48 hours per month.

Cert 1 Level - Certified

• EMS or Firefighter Certification: Must possess one of the following:

• A valid Iowa EMT or Paramedic certification;

• A valid National Registry EMT or Paramedic certification;

• A valid Iowa Firefighter I certification through FSTB; or

• A valid out-of-state Firefighter I certification through IFSAC or Pro Board.

• Must possess a valid drivers license.

• Must provide documentation demonstrating a passing score (70% or higher) on the IO Solutions National Firefighter Selection Inventory (NSFI) exam received on or after September 4, 2025.

• Must be able to meet all physical standards for the job as specified by the Fire Retirement System.

• Must be able to perform physical functions of the job while wearing personal protective equipment.

• Ability to work a minimum of 60 hours per month.

Must be able to pass post-offer/pre-employment: professional reference checks, drug screening, physical, motor vehicle report check, and background check.

For a complete list of desired knowledge, skills, and abilities, please refer to the job description.

Supplemental Information

Candidates will receive notifications via email from www.governmentjobs.com (NEOGOV). Please apply using an active email address that you check often, and consider enabling text alerts.

THE FOLLOWING MUST BE INCLUDED WITH YOUR APPLICATION:

Intern Level - Non-Certified

• Documentation of enrollment in an accredited fire or EMS training program at the time of hire (transcript or letter from your current schools Admissions Office confirming enrollment).

• Documentation demonstrating a passing score (70% or higher) on the IO Solutions National Firefighter Selection Inventory (NSFI) exam taken on or after September 4, 2025.

Cert 1 Level - Certified

• Documentation of the applicable EMS or Firefighter certification listed under the Cert 1 Level qualifications.
• Documentation demonstrating a passing score (70% or higher) on the IO Solutions National Firefighter Selection Inventory (NSFI) exam taken on or after September 4, 2025.
• Applicants will be required to successfully complete the CIFETC Physical Ability Evaluation (PAE) appropriate to their certification level (EMS or Firefighter) as part of the selection process.

Applications must be submitted with all required documents attached and all supplemental questions answered by September 20, 2026 11:59 PM.

Your responses to the supplemental questions should be complete yet concise. All eight (8) supplemental questions will be scored as part of the selection process. Top-scoring qualified candidates will be invited to participate in oral board interviews.

If you are unable to upload documents to your application, you may email them to jbobst@urbandale.org before the September 20, 2026 11:59 PM deadline.

Applications that are incomplete or missing required documentation will not be considered after the September 20, 2026 11:59 PM deadline.

Tentative Timeline:

Posting Closes: September 20, 2026 11:59 PM

Oral Board Interviews: Week of October 5, 2026

Anticipated Start Date: November 30, 2026

For more information, visit www.urbandale.org/firecareers, or email fire@urbandale.org.

The City of Urbandale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Department at hr@urbandale.org or (515) 331-6738 prior to the application deadline.

This position is not eligible for health benefits but may be eligible for IPERS. IPERS eligibility and participation will begin once an employee earns $1,000 or more in two consecutive quarters and will continue for the duration of employment.

01

There's a lot of competition for this role. Explain how you have prepared for this opportunity and what makes you stand out from other candidates?

02

What are some positive traits that a current or previous supervisor, coach, teacher, or instructor has identified in you?

03

Tell us about some constructive criticism you received from a current or previous supervisor, coach, teacher, or instructor. How did you respond to and apply that feedback?

04

Teamwork is critical to success in the EMS/fire service. If you were selected for the Pathway Program, how do you see yourself fitting into the team?

05

In your own words, explain the Pathway Program and describe what you believe our expectations should be of you if selected.

06

Besides courses in fire or EMS, identify a class or training you have taken and explain how that class or training will benefit you in your EMS/fire service career.

07

Please list any awards or recognition you have received as a member of a team, organization, or workplace.

08

What specific professional skills do you want to build over the next year, and how do you plan to use the Pathway Program to achieve them?

Required Question

Employer City of Urbandale

Address 3600 86th St.

Urbandale, Iowa, 50322

Phone 515-278-3900

Website http://www.urbandale.org