Fresh Listing

Posted: January 14, 2026 (1 day ago)

This job was posted recently. Fresh listings typically have less competition.

Airport Firefighter

State of Iowa

582 Iowa Department of Public Defense

Fresh

Location

Salary

$16.97 - $16.97

per hour

Closes

January 26, 2026More State jobs →

SES Pay Grade

Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900

Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job is for an Airport Firefighter at a military-civilian airport in Sioux City, Iowa, where you'll respond to emergencies, fight fires, perform rescues, and help prevent hazards to protect people, planes, and buildings.

It's a hands-on role involving shift work, training, and physical fitness, ideal for someone who thrives in high-pressure situations and wants to serve the community through public safety.

A good fit would be a dedicated individual with emergency response experience who enjoys teamwork and staying active.

Key Requirements

  • Possession of current National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) certification, OR Fire Fighter II certification from IFSAC or ProBoard plus current Iowa EMT certification
  • Ability to participate in training programs meeting USAF, ANG, FAA, OSHA, IDPH, AFOSH, and NFPA standards
  • Experience or willingness to respond to emergencies including fire suppression, EMS services, HAZMAT, and confined space rescue
  • Capability to perform daily vehicle inspections, station duties, and physical conditioning
  • Availability for 24-hour shifts (0700-0700) on a 24-on/48-off schedule with a 9-hour Kelly Day every 21 days
  • Residency or ability to work at 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City, IA

Full Job Description

What We Are Seeking

Are you looking for an exciting career helping others? The Iowa Department of Public Defense is hiring an Airport Firefighter to assist the state at the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City.

The successful candidate will perform firefighting, rescue, salvage, fire prevention, and fire protection operations on an assigned shift at a joint use civil/military airport to save persons, aircraft, and facilities from fires; performs related work as required.

Who We Are:

Our Agency directly supports the Iowa National Guard sustainment, readiness and modernization, providing support so they can fulfill their missions in Iowa’s communities or their work for the State during emergencies or times of need.

We are made strong by a highly qualified, diverse and talented staff. Working at the Iowa Department of Public Defense will provide you with the opportunity for a robust career!

What You’ll Do:

  • Actively participates in training programs to ensure USAF, ANG, FAA, OSHA, IDPH, AFOSH, and NFPA requirements are met.
  • Participate in the department’s Fire Prevention Program.
  • Responds when called upon to emergencies to rescue personnel, provide EMS services, fire suppression, HAZMAT, confined space entry and rescue.
  • Perform daily vehicle inspections and station duties.
  • Participate in physical conditioning program.

Location and hours – 185th Air Refueling Wing, 2920 Headquarters Ave. Sioux City, IA 51111

0700-0700 24hrs on/48hrs off; 9-hour Kelly Day each 21 day

Pay: $16.97/hour based off an average 53-hour work week. Providing performance meets or exceeds expectations, increases will be made after the first 6 months and then annually.

Please Note: Candidate must have one of the following:

  • Possession of current National Registry Emergency Medical Technician certification; OR
  • Possession of International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or Professional Qualifications Board (ProBoard) approved Fire Fighter II certification, and Possession of a current State of Iowa Emergency Medical Technician certification.

Benefits:

At the State of Iowa, we are committed to your well-being. As a valued team member, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation with accruals that rollover on a yearly basis, sick leave with no limits on accrual and 9 paid holidays per year.
  • Great Benefits: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options.
  • Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.
  • Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).
  • Life Insurance: Free Life Insurance.
  • Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our benefits webpage.

Why Choose Us?

Choose us for our strong team culture, positive work environment and opportunities for professional growth and development. We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The State of Iowa is an E-Verify employer.

A complete package combining benefits, career and personal development is available here for you. Dive into our recruitment page to explore what sets us apart and come be a part of our team!

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States.

The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

For more information, please visitwww.e-verify.gov


Qualifications

Applicants must meet all of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

  1. Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency; and
    1. Minimum age of eighteen years old; and
    2. Possession of International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or Professional Qualifications Board (ProBoard) approved Fire Fighter I certification. 

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Additional Information

Prior to an offer of employment, applicants must complete a rigorous physical agility fitness test.

Upon offer of employment, applicants must pass a thorough medical examination provided by the employer in compliance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582 standards.

Employees must possess a valid state driver’s license, which must be maintained to continue employment.

Within 30 days of employment, employees must be able to obtain a government vehicle operator’s license.

Within one year of employment, employees must pass a thorough background investigation and obtain a government SECRET security clearance. This clearance must be maintained to continue employment.

Within one year of employment, employee must attain IFSAC of ProBoard approved Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter, and Haz-Mat Operations certifications.

Must also attain certifications for all assigned vehicles: Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) driver/operator, Pumper driver/operator, and Mobile Water Supply driver/operator.

Within six months of employment, employees must attain and maintain certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other emergency care techniques.

Within two years of employment, member must attain a State of Iowa Department of Public Health EMS certification.

Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

Browse Similar Jobs

Posted on NEOGOV: 1/14/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/15/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-iowa-5199058