Fire/EMS Pathway Internship Program

City of Urbandale; Urbandale (IA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Urbandale's Fire Department is seeking candidates for the 2026-2027 Firefighter/EMS Pathway Internship Program. This temporary part-time program offers hands-on exposure while pursuing firefighter and EMS certifications, with two levels: Intern (Non-Certified) and Cert 1 (Certified).

Candidates will gain experience by observing emergencies, receiving classroom and field training, and participating in maintenance, education, and community risk reduction activities as they progress

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in an accredited fire or EMS training program at the time of hire.
• Must possess a valid driver's 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.

Responsibilities

• Respond to emergency incidents as an observer, including fire, medical, rescue, and man-made or natural disaster incidents.
• Learn about fire code enforcement by observing fire/life safety facility inspections.
• Assist with routine truck and equipment maintenance, station maintenance, and routine facility duties under direct supervision.
• Assist with community education or community risk reduction activities to improve safety for the community and enhance the reputation of the Fire Department.
• Complete physical fitness exercises.
• Participate in fire/EMS training to the level completed in training.
• Perform inventory, minor equipment maintenance, regular equipment inspection and testing under direct supervision.
• Assist with station duties necessary to maintain and keep department facilities clean.
• Ensure the city and department’s mission, core values, goals, and objectives are fully supported and initiated.
• Maintain familiarity with department policies and procedures.
• Perform vehicle/squad checks, vehicle and station routine maintenance and inventory.
• Perform annual equipment testing.
• Perform annual or semi-annual cleaning and maintenance on apparatus, equipment, and facilities.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Job 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
• Cert 1 Level - Certified

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.

Intern Level - Non-Certified

• Respond to emergency incidents as an observer, including fire, medical, rescue, and man-made or natural disaster incidents.
• Learn about fire code enforcement by observing fire/life safety facility inspections.
• Assist with routine truck and equipment maintenance, station maintenance, and routine facility duties under direct supervision.
• Assist with community education or community risk reduction activities to improve safety for the community and enhance the reputation of the Fire Department.
• Complete physical fitness exercises.
• Participate in fire/EMS training to the level completed in training.
• Perform inventory, minor equipment maintenance, regular equipment inspection and testing under direct supervision.
• Assist with station duties necessary to maintain and keep department facilities clean.
• Ensure the city and department’s mission, core values, goals, and objectives are fully supported and initiated.
• Maintain familiarity with department policies and procedures.
• Perform vehicle/squad checks, vehicle and station routine maintenance and inventory.
• Perform annual equipment testing.
• Perform annual or semi-annual cleaning and maintenance on apparatus, equipment, and facilities.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Cert 1 Level - Certified

• Respond to emergencies at the level of certification (e.g. fire, medical, rescue, man-made/natural disasters).
• If certified firefighter, serve 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, deliver emergency medical treatment within the scope of practice and department protocols of current level of EMT or Paramedic certification, and provide accurate medical documentation.
• Ensure fire code enforcement by participating in fire/life safety facility inspections, including tablet-based safety inspection documentation.
• Perform routine truck and equipment maintenance, station maintenance and routine facility duties under direct supervision, including tablet-based inventory and vehicle maintenance program.
• Assume various community education or community risk reduction activities to improve safety for the community and enhance the reputation of the department.
• Participate in physical fitness activities.
• Maintain and demonstrate required EMS/fire/rescue knowledge and skills proficiency through department provided training.
• Perform operational duties such as inventory, minor equipment maintenance, regular equipment inspection, and testing.
• Complete assigned station duties necessary to maintain and keep department facilities clean.
• Operate emergency vehicles in accordance with department policies and procedures and all applicable local, state, and federal laws.
• Ensure the city and department’s mission, core values, goals and objectives are fully supported and initiated.
• Maintain familiarity with department policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Perform vehicle/squad checks and complete vehicle and station routine maintenance and inventory.
• Perform annual equipment testing.
• Perform annual or semi-annual cleaning and maintenance on apparatus, equipment, and facilities.

Intern Level - Non-Certified

• Must be enrolled in an accredited fire or EMS training program at the time of hire.
• Must possess a valid driver's 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 driver's 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 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 48 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.

Candidates will receive notifications via email from www.governmentjobs.com.

The following must be included with your application:

• Documentation of enrollment in an accredited fire or EMS training program at the time of hire (transcript or letter from your current school's 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.

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 [e-mail].

The City of Urbandale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Department at [e-mail] or [phone] prior to the application deadline.