Fire Service Technical Assistant

Fire Service Technical Assistant

Salary

$43,742.40 - $64,313.60 Annually

Location

Johnston - 50131 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00297

Agency

595 Iowa Department of Public Safety

Opening Date

07/30/2026

Closing Date

8/20/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Jess Dunn (dunn@dps.state.ia.us)

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

This is not a remote position. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Camp Dodge in Johnston.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety, Division of State Fire Marshal Fire Service Training Bureau is recruiting for a highly motivated Fire Service Technical Assistant.

Organization Background

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a statewide law enforcement agency committed to serving the people of Iowa with leadership, integrity, and professionalism. We uphold the core values of courtesy, service, and protection, and collaborate with federal, state, and local jurisdictions within the criminal justice community to provide for the safety of people living in or traveling through the State of Iowa.

DPS is comprised of the following divisions:

• Iowa State Patrol
• Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)
• Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement
• Iowa State Fire Marshal
• Division of Professional Development and Support Services
• Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center
• Administrative Services Division

Job Description

The Fire Service Technical Assistant will support the mission of the Bureau, which is to establish credibility in providing quality education, training, certification, and professional consultation to Iowas fire service and other emergency responders. The successful candidate will perform diversified training equipment and training grounds maintenance; design, deliver, and set up mobile training units and props; and perform other work as required. This position requires frequent travel within the State of Iowa with nights and weekends possible.

This position supports the Bureaus mission by performing the following duties:

• Coordinates timely and safe delivery and retrieval of mobile training props to facilitate fire service training and education across the State of Iowa, in coordination with the FSTB field programs coordinator.
• Designs, constructs, and maintains fire service training props and equipment (fixed and mobile).
• Schedules, coordinates, and performs routine and at-need maintenance and repairs for Fire Service Training Bureau fleet vehicles, trailers, and mobile training props to ensure readiness status.
• Maintains Fire Service Training Bureau personal protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus, fire extinguishers, pumps and other equipment used for fire service training and education per National Fire Protection Association standards.
• Develops and updates training prop (fixed and mobile), tool, vehicle, and general equipment inventories.
• Maintains and keeps organized Fire Service Training Bureau shop and laboratory areas, following OSHA standards.
• Provides upkeep of Fire Service Training Bureau facilities and training grounds, to include scheduling of routine maintenance, inspections, assisting FSTB staff with classroom preparation, and assists with facility cleanliness for professional appearance and safety.
• Develops and updates policies and procedures relative to vehicle, prop, training ground, and fire equipment maintenance and repair.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The preferred candidate will have experience in carpentry skills, including use of woodworking machines, carpenters hand tools, and power tools and/or experience in the inspection, maintenance, and repair of cars, trucks, tractors, and various agricultural equipment.

Additional Requirements

• Candidates must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation conducted by the Iowa Department of Public Safety investigators before a final letter of employment offer is delivered.
• Candidates are encouraged to upload a current resume and cover letter in support of their application with the NEOGOV application.
• Current or previous fire service experience is required.
• The successful candidate must obtain an unrestricted Commercial Drivers License (CDL)-Air Brakes with HazMat Endorsement within 6 months of hire.
• Operate regular, commercial, and heavy equipment vehicles safely and properly.
• Be familiar with safe use and maintenance of fire equipment, to include personal protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus, fire extinguishers, pumps, power tools, stationary and mobile training props, and general maintenance equipment.
• Schedule delivery and retrieval of mobile training props.
• Maintain and inventories props, equipment, vehicles, and tools for effective operation and in a state of "readiness."
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.
• Develop written policies and procedures for the maintenance, care and operation of FSTB props, vehicles, and other equipment.
• Work with and communicate with internal and external customers, in a polite and courteous manner.
• Project high standards of ethical behavior, exhibiting honesty and integrity.
• Respond appropriately to supervision and follow Department of Public Safety and Department of Administrative Services policies and procedures.
• Display a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments.
• Express information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information.
• The State of Iowa is an E-Verify Employer.
• This is not a remote position.

Benefits

At the State of Iowa, we value our employees' talents and backgrounds, and we are committed to your well-being beyond the paycheck. As a valued team member, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Paid Time Off:

• Vacation accruals that begin on day one and rollover on a yearly basis
• Unlimited sick leave accrual
• Nine (9) paid holidays per year

Insurance Options:

• Health - Affordable plans with the state paying more than 90% of premiums
• Dental - Free for single coverage and affordable family coverage with access to a vision discount program
• Life - $20,000 in life insurance free, with an option to purchase additional coverage (depending upon Collective Bargaining Agreements)
• Long-Term Disability Insurance - Available at no cost

Retirement:

• IPERS Retirement package offering a lifetime monthly financial benefit for vested employees. For every $1 an employee contributes, the state matches with $1.50
• Retirement Investors' Club (RIC) offering a voluntary savings program including a State match of up to $75/month

Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care

Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our benefits webpage: Benefits at a Glance | Iowa Department of Administrative Services

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1) Two years of full-time work experience in fire service training.

2) Possession of International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) certification or Pro Board approved Firefighter 1 or above certification.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Additional Qualification Requirements

Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, employees in this class may be required to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind. Click here to learn more about IPERS.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? Click here to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the information provided on your application and resume must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your knowledge?

Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

How many years of full-time work experience do you have in fire service training?

• Not applicable - I do not have any full-time work experience in fire service training.
• Less than one year of full-time work experience in fire service training.
• One to less than two years of full-time work experience in fire service training.
• Two years or more of full-time experience in fire service training.

04

Do you have possession of the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) certification or Pro Board approved Firefighter 1 or above certification?

• Yes - I have possession of the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) certification or Pro Board approved Firefighter 1 or above certification
• No - I do not have possession of the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) certification or Pro Board approved Firefighter 1 or above certification

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 595 Iowa Department of Public Safety Address 215 E 7th St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website https://dps.iowa.gov/