City of Topeka Official Website > Human Resources > Fire Department Careers

Fire Department Careers

Firefighter Written Examination Dates

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 24 hour shifts
  • Salary 2023 - $48,738.08
  • Pay days on a bi-weekly basis
  • 11 paid holidays per year
  • 7 Kelly Days per year
  • Sick Accrual
    • 1-4 years = 5.538 hrs/pay period
    • 5-9 years = 8.3.08 hrs/pay period
    • 10-14 years = 9.692 hrs/pay period
    • 15+ years = 11.077 hrs/pay period
  • Vacation Accrual
    • 1-4 years = 144 hrs/year
    • 5-9 years = 216 hrs/year
    • 10-14 years = 252 hrs/year
    • 15-19 years = 288 hrs/year
    • 20-24 years = 324hrs/year
    • 25+ years = 360 hrs/year

Uniforms

New firefighters receive an initial issue of uniforms and equipment.

Health Insurance

Plan through Blue Cross-and Blue Shield.

Retirement

Through Kansas Police and Fire Retirement System.

Topeka Fireman’s Credit Union

Firefighters and their immediate families are eligible for membership.
Register for the firefighter examination

To become a firefighter with the City of Topeka, you must meet the following:
  • 20 years of age by hire date.
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Resident of Kansas.
  • Valid Kansas driver’s license.
  • Eligible to work in the United States.
  • Disqualifiers for Topeka Fire Applicants.
  • Pass the written test.
  • Pass a background screening, which includes work record, police record, credit record, and reference checks.
  • DUI convictions without a diversion within 3 years or other violation that falls within the City Vehicle Policy eligibility guidelines may be a disqualifier. City of Topeka vehicle operation eligibility guidelines.
  • No illegal drug usage within 3 years of date of written test and/or conditional job offering or hiring may be a disqualifier.
  • EMT or Paramedic certification preferred.
  • Valid CPAT Certification or pass the City of Topeka Physical Abilities Test (COTPAT).
  • Pass an oral Civil Service Commission Interview.
  • Have a polygraph exam administered.
  • Pass a thorough physical examination.
  • Pass a drug screen.
  • Pass a psychological examination.
**Preference given to EMTs, Paramedics, and Veterans

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.
Candidates selected for hire who are not EMT certified will be hired as fire/EMS Cadets and go through Washburn Tech’s summer 10-week EMT certification program prior to participation in the Topeka Fire Academy in the Fall.