Internal Only - Fire Equipment Operator

City of Springfield (MO); Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Springfield (MO) invites qualified firefighters to participate in a two-part promotional examination for the Fire Department. Eligible candidates will advance to a written test and a practical exercise designed to assess knowledge and skills required for advanced duties.

The process emphasizes operating and maintaining heavy firefighting equipment, adherence to SOPs, and meeting certification requirements. Final eligibility will be determined by the examination results and merit rules.

Qualifications

• Must have at least three years of continuous service as a firefighter with the Springfield Fire Department as of the announcement closing date and certified to Missouri Division of Fire Safety Driver Operator Core, Pumper and Aerial; OR must have at least four years of continuous service as a firefighter with the Springfield Fire Department as of the announcement closing date and must obtain Missouri Division of Fire Safety Driver Operator Core, Pumper and Aerial certification within 12 months of appointment

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain heavy firefighting equipment including engine and truck companies.
• Complete the promotional examination process as described (written and practical) and achieve qualifying scores.
• Adhere to relevant fire department policies and safety procedures.

Job description

Notice of Promotional Examination

This announcement applies to persons who are receiving pay as regular City employees within the Springfield Fire Department. Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination process detailed below.

Written Examination

Date: September 29, 2026
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Location: Fire Training Center - 2620 W. Battlefield, Room 109, subject to change

Practical Examination

Date: October 26 - 28, 2026
Location: Fire Station 6, subject to change

Dates & times of practical portions will be assigned to candidates individually.

Candidates must arrive 15 minutes prior to all scheduled testing times.

Please Note

The City reserves the right to adjust scheduled dates, times and locations as needed.

Written Examinations (50% of overall score)

The written test will have a total value of 100 points possible with a minimum passing score of 70% of total points possible. The written test is multiple-choice. Questions in the written examination are covered in the following manuals or documents:

Springfield Fire Equipment Operator Study Guide

City of Springfield Fire Department Toyne Spartan Metro Star Operating and Inspection Manual.

City of Springfield Fire Department Apparatus Plan March 2024

ISFTA Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook 4th ed.

Chapters 1 - 10, 16 - 20

Operating Guidelines

• 404 - Breathing Air Response
• 405 - Road and Highway Safety
• 500 - Apparatus Inspection/Maintenance
• 500A - Daily Apparatus Inspection/Maintenance
• 500B - Weekly & Quarterly Apparatus Inspection/Maintenance
• 500E - Fire Apparatus Maintenance & Repair
• 500F - Ground Ladder Maintenance

LexipolPolicy and Procedures

Lexipol Preface: Mission, Vision, Values, and Goals

• Lexipol Policy 221 - Code of Conduct
• Lexipol Procedures 338 - Compressed Air Foam
• Lexipol Procedure 365 - Standard Company Operations
• Lexipol Procedure 366 - Engine Company Operations
• Lexipol Procedure 367 - Tower/Ladder Company Operations
• Lexipol Procedure 369 - Water Supply
• Lexipol Procedure 371 - Changes in Operational Modes
• Lexipol Procedure 372 - Fireground Strategy and Tactics
• Lexipol Procedure 702 - Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS) Maintenance
• Lexipol Procedure 706 - Thermal Image Camera
• Lexipol Procedure 712 - Small Engine Inspections and Maintenance
• Lexipol Procedure 713 - Reserve Apparatus Usage
• Lexipol Procedure 716 - Draining Pumps During Cold
• Lexipol Procedure 717 - Tire Wear and Replacement
• Lexipol Procedure 719 - Gear Procedure
• Lexipol Procedure 720 - Lost or Damaged City Property

CBA

Article 2: Working Conditions

Administrative Memos

• 45: Policy Statement Against Workplace Harassment

Practical Examination (50% of the overall score)

All candidates who successfully pass the written examination will move onto the practical examination. All candidates will complete the entire practical examination, which includes several phases. No scores will be communicated during this portion of the test. The cumulative score of each phase is totaled, resulting in the practical examination score. Candidates must successfully pass each phase of the practical exam to receive a final score.

Operational Skills phase

• Engine evolution: this will be an evolution related the operation of a Fire Department Pumping Apparatus. The evolution will include but in not limited to the operation of the pumping apparatus including the pump, operation and inspection of assigned equipment, and care and use of the apparatus and or equipment.
• Aerial evolution: this will be an evolution related the operation of a Fire Department Aerial Apparatus equipped with a fire pump. The evolution will include but is not limited to the operation of an aerial apparatus equipped with a pump, positioning of the apparatus, stabilization of an aerial device, operation and inspection of assigned equipment, and care and use of the apparatus and or equipment.

Questions or concerns regarding the practical exam will be accepted after completion of feedback sessions, which are expected to take place by Friday , November 6th and the establishment of the eligibility list on or before November 11th. Candidates will have five (5) calendar days from the last day of feedbacks to submit written appeals over the practical exam.

Length of Service:

• Zero points for less than five years' service with the City of Springfield;
• One point for five or more years, but less than ten years' service with the City of Springfield;
• Two points for ten or more years, but less than fifteen years' service with the City of Springfield;
• Three points for fifteen or more years, but less than twenty years' service with the City of Springfield;
• Four points for twenty or more years' service with the City of Springfield

Final Score:

All persons with an overall passing score will be placed on the Eligibility List.

Primary Purpose

Operates and maintains heavy firefighting equipment such as engine companies, truck companies, and support apparatus and vehicles.

Experience, Education and Training

• Must have at least three years of continuous service as a firefighter with the Springfield Fire Department as of the announcement closing date and certified to Missouri Division of Fire Safety Driver Operator Core, Pumper and Aerial;

OR

• Must have at least four years of continuous service as a firefighter with the Springfield Fire Department as of the announcement closing date and must obtain Missouri Division of Fire Safety Driver Operator Core, Pumper and Aerial certification within 12 months of appointment

Licensing/Certification

• Must possess a valid driver's license;
• If appointed to the position of Firefighter after January 1998, must maintain Emergency Medical Technician certification throughout the appointment as Fire Equipment Operator;
• Depending on years of experience, must possess certification through the Missouri Division of Fire Safety Driver Operator Core, Pumper and Aerial or obtain within 12 months of appointment; or if appointed prior to June 2, 2022, have undergone training and course completion of the equivalent of such certifications.

NOTE:

The last service rating received must have been satisfactory per Merit Rule 10.1 (c). The eligible list established by the examination shall expire six (6) months from the date established or when exhausted unless extended per Merit Rule 6.4 (a).

The City of Springfield promotes equal employment opportunities to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Individuals with disabilities who believe they will need an accommodation to undergo any part of the interview, examination, or pre-employment process, should request a reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act prior to the testing or appointment. Requests should be requested by contacting City of Springfield Human Resources by phone, 417-864-1607, or in person at the Municipal Busch Building, 840 Boonville Ave. Springfield, MO 65802.

Proof of United States Citizenship/Authorization to Work in the United States as established by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986 is a condition of employment. We are committed to a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment drug testing is required.