Possibly Stale

Posted: November 10, 2025 (66 days ago)

Added to FreshGovJobs: December 5, 2025 (41 days ago)

This job has been posted for over a month. It may already be filled.

DETROIT FIREFIGHTER (EMT / PARAMEDIC)

City of Detroit

Fire Department

Stale

Location

Salary

From $43,043

per year

Closes

January 18, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves responding to fires and medical emergencies in Detroit, where you'll put out fires, rescue people, provide basic or advanced medical care as an EMT or paramedic, and maintain equipment.

It's a hands-on role that includes driving emergency vehicles, educating the community on safety, and participating in training.

A good fit would be someone physically fit, quick-thinking under pressure, with a passion for helping others and interest in emergency services.

Key Requirements

  • High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
  • At least 18 years of age
  • U.S. Citizen
  • EMT-Basic certification (for EMT role) or Paramedic certification (for Paramedic role)
  • Ability to pass physical agility test and medical exam
  • Valid driver's license and ability to operate emergency vehicles
  • Willingness to complete Fire Academy training

Full Job Description

DETROIT FIRE DEPARTMENT

FIREFIGHTER EMT STUDENT or FIREFIGHTER PARAMEDIC STUDENT


Upon completion of the Fire Academy, the pay rate will increase to

$45,994.00 for Firefighter EMT Merged Role or $48,648.00 for Firefighter Paramedic Merged Role


The Detroit Fire Department provides a safe environment for Detroit’s citizens and visitors through public education, enforcement of fire codes and deployment of efficient emergency response resources.

The Department has 1,300+ employees assigned to seven (7) Divisions (Communications, Community Relations, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Fighting Operations, Fire Marshal, Fire Investigations, and Fire Training).

Under general supervision, Firefighters respond to emergency incidents with an assigned Company and extinguish fires or mitigate incidents.

Firefighters are responsible for the care and maintenance of various tools, including but not limited to power tools, the cleaning and care of company apparatus, equipment, quarters, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), and other personal safety equipment and performs other related work.

Under general supervision and within the scope of practice of an Emergency Medical Technician (Basic), responds to 9-1-1 calls for service to include medical, trauma and other public emergency situations; administers pre-hospital emergency medical care in accordance with approved medical protocols and Department rules and regulations; operates department issued emergency vehicles and provides transportation of the sick and injured to the closest available hospital.

Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (may perform other duties as assigned)

  1. Provide Life safety rescue measures and protection efforts of property, and water conservation.
  2. Position and climb ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings, or to rescue individuals from burning structures.
  3. Operate a variety of fire department apparatus and vehicles.
  4. Assist with the mitigation of chemical hazardous materials, weapons of mass destruction, and Homeland Security events.
  5. Participate in public education programs and community relations activities to educate the public on how to protect life and property.
  6. Use a variety of equipment and special materials to treat injured people, including airway management and ventilation support equipment, defibrillators, extrication equipment, various kinds of splints, special dressings, and bandages.
  7. Transport injured people to the closest available hospital in emergency and non-emergency medical units.
  8. Recognizes the need for transporting unusual cases to hospitals where specialized treatment is available; continues patient care while in transit.
  9. Attend in-service and other training classes to enhance technical skill.

Qualifications

Qualifications (required)

  • High School Diploma or G.E.D. (General Educational Development) equivalent.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • U. S. Citizen


Licenses, Certifications, and Other Special Requirements

  • A valid State of Michigan Driver's License is required at the time of hire and maintained throughout employment.
  • Any moving violations, license suspensions or an accident record, may disqualify you from the hiring process.
  • Employees in this class will be required to:
    • operate a department apparatus.
    • successfully pass and maintain a State of Michigan EMT license, at a minimum, and all required training.
    • successfully pass and maintain the State of Michigan Firefighters Training Council eligibility standards.
  • A valid State of Michigan EMT or Paramedic License is preferred.


Equivalency

  • Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.


Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Requirement

The Candidate Physical Ability Test is scored on a pass / fail basis.

The test consists of a series of eight (8) events designed to assess the ability to perform the physical aspects of the job of a Firefighter.

Candidates must provide proof of completion of a valid Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) identifying “Pass” or a “Certificate” at the time of interview and hire.Any sanctioned International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) certifying agency

  • National Testing Network: https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/cpat_location.cfm
  • State of Michigan (CPAT) Locations:
    • Schoolcraft College
    • Grand Rapids Fire Department

  • National Registry Emergency Medical Technician

    • National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians may deny an applicant eligibility to sit for the certification examination, or take other appropriate action, if the applicable state licensing authority, in any state in which the applicant holds or seeks a license as an EMS professional, denies the applicant’s eligibility to obtain, or suspends or revokes, authorization to practice, based on a criminal conviction.

    Additional Information

    Evaluation Plan

    • Computerized Based Test (CBT): 100% (65% minimum passing score required)
      • Computer Based Test is made up of five (5) components: Reading Comprehension, Sentence Clarity, Basic Mathematics, Map Reading, and Spelling
    • CPAT: Pass / Fail
    • Interview: Pass / Fail
    • Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications (ETEP): Pass / Fail

    Additional points may be awarded for

    • Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points
    • Veteran Preference Points: 0 - 15 points

    Computer Based Test

    Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to take the Computerized Based Test.

    The City of Detroit - Recruitment & Selection Division will facilitate scheduling of the Computerized Based Test.

    The Computerized Based Test is made up of Reading Comprehension, Sentence Clarity, Basic Mathematics, Map Reading, and Spelling.

    Prior To Interview

    • A passing score on the Computerized Based Test (CBT) is required in order to be interviewed.
    • To Interview - if you are successful in the testing round, you will be invited to an oral interview with a two (2) member panel comprised of operational and support staff from the City of Detroit.

    Required Documentation
    The following documentation "MUST" be submitted in order to be scheduled for an interview;

    • Copy of Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT)
    • Copy of High School Diploma or G.E.D
    • Copy of Valid State of Michigan Driver's License
    • Copies of Proof of Work History ("If applicable")
    • Copy of Proof of Military Service ("If applicable")
    • Copies of Proof of Domicile Credit ("If applicable")
    Eligibility List
    • All applications received during this posting will be considered during the formation of an eligibility list created for this job posting.
    • Qualified candidates that pass the Computerized Based Test (CBT), Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT) and the Oral Interview Board will be placed on the Eligibility List.
    Contingent Job Offers
    • All offers of employment are contingent on;
      • the results of a national background investigation
      • driving record verification reference checks
      • working history verification
      • pre-employment physical examination / drug screen
      • satisfactory completion of a one-year probationary period
    Psychological and Medical Evaluation
    • Psychological and Medical Evaluation has been established for the Detroit Fire Department.
    • Candidates may be required to successfully complete a psychological evaluation to assess their mental and emotional readiness for the demands of firefighting.
    • Candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
    • Employment is contingent upon successful completion of these assessments, as well as the pre-employment background investigation.

    Banding

    • 100 to 65 = Qualified (Q)
    • Below 65 = Not Qualified (NQ)

    Selection will be made from all candidates within the band who are deemed qualified. All other applicants will receive a letter from the department indicating that they are not being considered for the position.

    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

    • Knowledge of the operation and care of motorized emergency vehicles including various types of fire apparatus and the elementary principles of hydraulics as applied to firefighting activities.
    • Knowledge of pertinent laws and ordinances relative to the position including traffic rules and regulations applicable to emergency vehicle operation.
    • Knowledge of location of Detroit streets, hospitals, and landmarks.
    • Skill in determining the general nature of emergency situations and performing pre-hospital medical care at the license level of Medical First Responder (Emergency Medical Technician (Basic) or above for merged roles).
    • Skill in transmitting clear, concise, and accurate verbal and written reports of a technical nature.
    • Skill in determining the most direct route to and from calls for service and destination hospitals.
    • Ability to treat and extricate patients in hazardous environments and to wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
    • Ability to function independently of direct supervision and effectively interact with injured persons, the public, physicians, and other medical and public safety personnel.
    • Ability to maintain emotional stability and mental awareness under stressful conditions.
    • Ability to operate handheld, desktop, and laptop computers, multi-channel radio, and other portable communication devices for emergency and non-emergency purpose.

    Work Environment
    • Work is performed both indoor and outdoor environments with exposure to conditions, which may include fumes, extreme heat and cold, wetness, loud noise, confined spaces, dust, hazardous chemicals, blood, bodily fluids, airborne pathogens, inclement weather, etc.
    Physical Demands
    • The employee frequently engages in strenuous physical activity over long periods of time that requires good dexterity, coordination stamina and strength, which may include operating motor vehicles as well as light and/or heavy equipment for an extended period of time.
    • The employee is expected to move about and ascend/descend (e.g. stairs, ladders, trees etc.) to accomplish tasks.
    • The employee must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 200 pounds.
    Distinguishing Characteristics
    • Must possess sufficient physical agility, mental alertness, and strength to perform the duties and work assignments associated with this classification.
    • Employees in this class can expect to be engaged in strenuous physical activities, over long periods of time, in unpleasant working conditions including wetness, cold and extreme heat and confined spaces while performing hazardous work.

    The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position.

    PLEASE NOTE WHEN APPLYING:

    • All candidates will be notified via email of the disposition of their employment application.
    • You will be notified of each phase of the application process by “Email Only”.
    • Attempts will not be made to contact you if your email returns as undeliverable.
    • We encourage you to check your; “JUNK MAIL, SPAM FOLDER, and IN-BOX EMAIL DAILY”.
    • Only one application is needed for this recruitment at a time.
    • Once an application has been submitted, it cannot be modified. Applications are not accepted after the recruitment closes.
    • After the recruitment closes and all applications have been screened, you will receive an email from the City of Detroit - Human Resources Department with your status and next steps.

    Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

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    Posted on NEOGOV: 11/10/2025 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 12/5/2025

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-detroit-5125137