Make a difference at the Topeka Fire Department. Your future starts today! The mission of the Topeka Fire Department is to save lives and protect property by providing excellence and leadership in fire, rescue, emergency medical response, fire prevention and public education. We’d love to have you join our team of trained professionals who care for and serve our community every day. Learn more about the hiring process below. The City of Topeka is an equal opportunity employer.
Overview
- Starting salary of $48,738.08
- Work on average 10 days a month
- 24-hour shifts
- 11 paid holidays per year
- 7 Kelly Days a year
- Vacation and Sick Accrual increases based on years served
- Uniforms and equipment paid for by the department
- Health insurance plans through Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Retirement plans through the Kansas Police and Fire Retirement System
- Topeka Fireman’s Credit Union membership eligibility for city personnel and their immediate family members
- International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) represented department
Requirements
- 20 years of age by hire date
- High school diploma or GED
- Resident of Kansas
- Valid Kansas driver’s license
- Must have a City-insurable driving record
- Pass written test
- Pass a thorough background screening
- Pass a physical abilities test
- Pass a drug screening
- Pass a polygraph examination
- Pass a psychological evaluation
- Complete a Civil Service Commission interview
- Preference given to EMT, paramedics, and veterans
- Non-EMT certified candidates must go through Washburn Tech’s EMT program, paid for by the City of Topeka
- Must not possess any automatic disqualifications
Testing
Written
Registration for each entry-level firefighter exam will open after the previous test has been completed. The 2025 testing dates are:
- January 18
- April 18
- July 19
- October 24
You will receive an email within 14 business days of registering, containing details about your test date and location. Please make sure the email address you provide during registration is accurate.
- If you pass the examination, you’ll be added to the applicant list and considered for hire for one year. Applicants are ranked according to test score.
- You can retake the test, but your latest score will determine your place on the list.
- If you pass the test but fail a later attempt, you’ll be removed from the list until you pass the exam again.
Register for the next test.
You can purchase a practice test or study guide online directly from the test manufacturer.
Physical Abilities
In addition to the written test, you will also have to pass a physical abilities test. The City of Topeka administers its own physical abilities test, known as the City of Topeka Physical Abilities Test (COTPAT). If you have already obtained your Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) certificate, you do not need to take the COTPAT. The COTPAT is only applicable for employment at the Topeka Fire Department. Below is an overview of the COTPAT.
Questions
For questions, please contact Human Resources at 785-368-3867.