Fire Department · Career
Columbia Fire Department
Columbia, MO · Boone County
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Department careers page ↗Founded in 1875, the Columbia Fire Department serves the home of the University of Missouri from its administration building at 201 Orr Street. It is a fully career, all-hazards department organized into Operations, Fire Marshal, and Training & Services divisions.
The Operations Division fields about 180 personnel across three shifts working out of 10 strategically placed stations. Every member is certified as an EMT at the Basic or Paramedic level, and the department responds to fire, EMS, hazardous materials, and technical rescue emergencies.
Beyond day-to-day response, the department maintains Special Operations Response Teams for hazmat and technical rescue, a Heavy Rescue Squad based at Station 3, and a regional Hazardous Devices Unit jointly run with local and university law enforcement.
Columbia hires entry-level firefighters through the City of Columbia careers portal at gocomojobs.com, with the selection process detailed in the department's "Redbook." Recruits attend a paid, 18-week (720-hour) academy at the training center on Big Bear Boulevard.
The department also runs an Explorer Post for ages 14-21 as a youth pathway into the fire service, accepting applications on a continuous basis.
Requirements
- All personnel are certified as Emergency Medical Technicians (Basic or Paramedic level)
Hiring process
- Apply through the City of Columbia careers portal at gocomojobs.com
- Review the department's selection process outlined in the "Redbook"
- Complete the paid 18-week (720-hour) recruit firefighter academy
Benefits
- Paid Fire Academy training
- Career advancement path (Firefighter through Fire Chief)
- Defined-benefit pension
- Competitive wages
- Desirable schedule with up to 21 days off per month
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Deferred compensation savings plan
- Job security
Paid 18-week, 720-hour recruit firefighter program at the Training Academy, 700 Big Bear Boulevard.
How do I apply to be a firefighter with Columbia Fire Department?
Firefighter positions are posted and applied for through the City of Columbia careers portal at gocomojobs.com. The department's "Redbook" outlines the full selection process.
What is the work schedule?
Firefighters work a 48/96 schedule: 48 hours on duty followed by 96 hours off, which works out to about ten shift days a month and up to 21 days off per month. Personnel live in dormitory-style quarters while on duty.
Is there an academy, and is it paid?
Yes. New recruits complete a paid 18-week, 720-hour recruit firefighter academy held at the training center on Big Bear Boulevard.
What certifications do firefighters need?
All Columbia firefighters are certified as Emergency Medical Technicians at the Basic or Paramedic level, since the department responds to EMS calls alongside fire, hazmat, and technical rescue incidents.
What benefits does the department offer?
Benefits include a defined-benefit pension, competitive wages, paid vacation and holidays, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, a deferred compensation savings plan, and paid academy training.
Is there a youth or entry pathway before becoming a firefighter?
Yes. The department runs an Explorer Post for ages 14-21 that provides hands-on training in hose and ladder operations, rescue tools, and breathing equipment, and accepts applications continuously.