City of Topeka - Career Opportunities

Topeka Fire Department | Career Opportunities

Firefighter Hiring Information | Firefighter Physical Agility Test | Registration link for Firefighter Entry-Level Civil Service Examination
For more information contact the Human Resources Department at 785-368-3867.

The City of Topeka Fire Department offers many career opportunities for those interested. The City of Topeka is an Equal Opportunity employer.

*Note: Firefighter positions which are designated in the bargaining unit by the Kansas Public Employees Relations Board are represented by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local #83. Wages, hours of work and working conditions are subject to contract negotiations.

Work Shifts | Salary And Benefits | Qualifications | EMT Certification

Shifts:
Work 24 hours (am to am); off 24 hours (am to am); work; off; work; off; off; off; off.

Salary and Benefits:
$2,657.84 per month - 2007

Pay Periods:
All City employees are paid every other Friday (normally 26 pay periods per year).

Overtime Pay:
Employees receive overtime pay as provided by the current IAFF contract or City Ordinance (whichever is applicable).

Vacations:

1-4 years = 144 hrs/yr.

5-9 years = 216 hrs/yr.

10-14 years = 252 hrs/yr.

15-19 years = 288 hrs/yr.

20-24 years = 324 hrs/yr.

25+ years = 360 hrs/yr.

Holidays:
10 recognized holidays per year in 2007.

Kelly Days:
7 days per year.

Sick Leave:
11.077 hours of accumulation per pay period with unlimited accumulation.

Uniforms:
New firefighters receive an initial issue of uniforms and equipment.

Health Insurance:
City self-insured plan through Blue Cross-and Blue Shield. Cost of the employee’s membership is paid by the Department.

Retirement:
Through Kansas Police and Fire Retirement System. Employees pay 7% of gross salary. Retirement pay is based on 2.5% of final average salary for each year of service. Maximum retirement of 80% for 32 years of service.

Fireman’s Relief Assoc.:
Provides $75,000.00 life insurance policy and pays 85% of premium while employed with the Topeka Fire Department. Provides payment for certain medical expenses for “Duty Connected” injuries of member.

Workers Compensation:
The City of Topeka provides Workers Compensation benefits for all firefighters injured or disabled at work.

Topeka Fireman’s Credit Union: Firefighters and their immediate families are eligible for membership.

Qualifications
To become a firefighter with the City of Topeka, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:

Register for examination through the Human Resources Department on the City of Topeka Website at www.Topeka.Org
Minimum 21 years or age prior to conditional offer of employment
High school diploma (or GED)
Physically fit
Resident of Shawnee County, or must relocate within 18 months of employment
Valid Kansas driver’s license
U.S. Citizen
No DUI convictions or diversion within 5 years of date of written test and/or conditional job offering or hiring.
No illegal drug usage within 5 years of date of written test and/or conditional job offering or hiring.
Certification by the State of Kansas as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) prior to conditional job offering or hiring
Pass a thorough physical and psychological examination including a drug screening.
Pass a background investigation, which includes work record, police, record, credit record, reference checks and polygraph exam.
Pass an oral Civil Service Board Interview.

Additional consideration will be given to applicants for veteran status.

Employees are required, throughout their employment, to retain certification by the State of Kansas as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). All recertification training and supplies will be furnished by the Fire Department at no cost to the employee.

EMT Certifications
To become EMT certified you must successfully complete an approved course of instruction.

Length of course is 110-160 hours, dependent on the Instructor/Coordinator.
Cost is dependent on location and affiliation
Information on upcoming courses throughout the state can be obtained from Kansas State Board of EMS, 109 SW 6th Street, Topeka, KS 66603-3826. Phone (785) 296-7403
Must be 18 years of age.
Must make application for certification and pay the examination fee within one year from date of last class. (State of Kansas examination/certification fee is $50.00), plus (National Registry fee of $15.00)
Successfully pass the Kansas Board of EMS examination.
If an applicant has had a felony conviction, he/she must be able to document that all legal restraints have been satisfied.