Firefighter

City of Elkhart; Elkhart (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated individuals for a critical role in emergency response. This position requires a commitment to public safety, with responsibilities including responding to fires, medical emergencies, and hazardous situations. Successful candidates will undergo rigorous training and testing, ensuring they are prepared to handle high-pressure situations effectively. With a focus on community service, this role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives. Join a team where your skills and dedication will be valued and where you can grow in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Pension Retirement

Paid Time Off

Bonuses for EMS Certifications

Qualifications

• Must be Indiana Certified as NFPA Firefighter I/II and EMT within the first year.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks under hazardous conditions.

Responsibilities

• Respond to fires and emergency alarms, ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Train and maintain equipment, ensuring readiness for emergencies.

Skills

Physical Agility

Emergency Response

Risk Management

Situational Awareness

Training and Instruction

Education

Indiana Certified NFPA Firefighter I/II

Indiana State Licensed/Certified EMT

Valid Indiana Driver’s License

Job description

• Great Pay: Starting at $65,200, increasing with experience and certifications
• Bonuses: Up to $7,000 for EMS certifications
• Paid Time Off: Personal, vacation, and sick days
• Full Benefits: Health, dental, life insurance, and pension retirement (PERF)

What to Expect in the Hiring Process

• Written Test – Basic knowledge assessment
• Physical Agility Test (CPAT) – Eight fitness challenges
• Background Check & Interview – Meet the team
• Final Steps – Psychological & medical evaluations

CITY OF ELKHART – JOB DESCRIPTION

DEPARTMENT

POSITION

DIVISION

STATUS

Full-time,

CATEGORY

FLSA

Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO

DATE

2025

JOB SUMMARY

The purpose of this position is to have available on a 24-hour basis, a person specifically trained to respond to emergency situations involving fire, medical emergencies, hazardous materials or special rescues, and to provide support to fire prevention and public education efforts.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain physical ability to perform required job duties.
• Respond to all fires and emergency alarms.
• Maintain safety and efficiency within all operations.
• Integrate risk management within all operational tasks.
• Make risk decisions at the appropriate level in the chain of command, and not accept or delegate unnecessary risks that may negatively impact life safety.
• Maintain situational awareness to achieve operational safety and efficiency.
• Inspect daily apparatus, equipment, and protective clothing to ensure proper order and condition.
• Train during company or departmental drills, lectures, practical performance and demonstrations, ensuring crew safety and efficiency with operating all tools and equipment.
• Recognize safety concerns and assist in establishing a safety mindset within the culture of the fire department.
• Participate in in-service training, pre-planning public buildings, industry, business, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and places of public assembly.
• Prepare records and reports of company responses to fires or other emergencies, personal actions, activities of the company, and any other required information.
• Maintain full compliance with the minimum standards of the position, Rules and Regulations, and Standard Operating Procedures of the Department and/or direct orders.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Indiana Certified as NFPA Firefighter I/II (required to obtain within 1st year of employment)
• Indiana State Licensed/Certified EMT (required to obtain within 1st year of employment)
• Minimum of 21 years of age by date of appointment.
• No felony conviction.
• Established residence in accordance with Indiana State Code.
• Complete all application requirements set forth by the Merit Commission.
• Must have a valid Indiana driver’s license.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND VISUAL SKILLS

• Ability to exert heavy to extremely heavy physical effort, typically involving a combination of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling objects weighing 20-50 lbs; may occasionally involve objects and materials up to and exceeding 165 pounds.
• Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, toxic agents, violence, disease, or pathogenic substances.
• Performance of essential functions may require life-or-death decisions based on circumstances beyond the incumbent’s control; decisions may affect the general public, co-workers, and the incumbent.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The firefighter will perform at a professional level in suppression, rescue, fire prevention, training, and Emergency Medical Services, which may occur under extreme and hazardous conditions.
• Under the general supervision of the Battalion Chief or another superior officer, the firefighter will perform duties as required by department rules and regulations, codes, ordinances, state statutes, and federal law.
• The FLSA schedule applies to the position, as set in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

POST OFFER TESTING REQUIRED

• The City of Elkhart is a Drug-Free Workplace. Therefore, successfully passing a post-offer drug screen is required (random drug testing may be conducted after employment).
• Annual medical/physical and performance evaluations will be conducted.
• Background checks producing acceptable BMV and criminal history reports are required.

POLICY STATEMENT

• The incumbent is required to possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as the physical, mental, and visual skills described in this job description to perform the principal duties, responsibilities, and essential job functions.
• This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent. Principal duties and responsibilities are intended to describe those functions essential to the performance of this job, while other duties and responsibilities are considered incidental or secondary.
• This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by the Mayor. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.