Fire Department · Career
Springfield Fire Department
Springfield, MO · Greene County
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Department careers page ↗The Springfield Fire Department is a full-time professional department protecting roughly 82 square miles of southwest Missouri from 13 fire stations. Its more than 220 personnel deliver fire suppression, emergency medical assistance, water and technical rescue, hazardous materials response, fire prevention, and investigations.
The department traces its roots to a volunteer ladder company formed in 1847, became an officially organized volunteer force in 1879, and transitioned to a paid professional department in 1897. In 1998 it upgraded to an ISO Class 2 rating, the first department in Missouri to reach that level.
Springfield Fire is accredited by the Center for Public Safety Excellence, first earning that distinction in 2009. It organizes its work around stated core values of professionalism, integrity, compassion, dedication, and courage, and runs an active Community Risk Reduction program alongside operational specialties like a water rescue team and drone operations.
MissionWe are the Springfield Fire Department, a professional organization dedicated to serving our community.
Springfield hires firefighters through the City of Springfield's governmentjobs.com portal, with Human Resources and Fire Administration jointly reviewing each candidate's experience, education, and certifications. Candidates must meet minimum entry standards and then move through an interview, an extensive background investigation, a conditional job offer, and a physical exam and drug screen before entering the training academy.
The department runs a 24-week academy (Monday through Thursday, 10-hour days) that produces Firefighter and EMT certification, and it also offers a 14-week pre-apprenticeship program with free scholarships that awards Firefighter I & II, EMT-B, and Hazardous Materials certifications to help candidates qualify.
Requirements
- At least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or GED
- No felony convictions
- No serious misdemeanor convictions in the past 5 years
- Vision correctable to 20/30
- Excellent physical condition
- At least one of: EMT-B license, Firefighter I & II certification, 36 accredited college hours, 2 years active-duty military with honorable discharge, or completion of a registered apprenticeship
Hiring process
- Application and evaluation by HR and Fire Administration
- Interview (about 30 minutes) with city officials
- Extensive background investigation
- Conditional job offer
- Physical exam and drug screen by the department physician
- 24-week training academy, including the Firefighter Physical Ability Test
Benefits
100% paid health insurance, generous leave time, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement. Retirement is a 100% paid program through Missouri LAGERS. Firefighters become eligible for promotion at 48 months of service.
24-week academy, Monday-Thursday, 10-hour days; paid, and leads to Firefighter and EMT certification. A separate 14-week pre-apprenticeship program with free scholarships awards Firefighter I & II, EMT-B, and HazMat certifications.
What are the minimum requirements to become a Springfield firefighter?
You must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, have no felony or recent serious misdemeanor convictions, have vision correctable to 20/30, be in excellent physical condition, and hold at least one qualifying credential such as an EMT-B license, Firefighter I & II certification, 36 college credit hours, two years of honorable active-duty military service, or a completed registered apprenticeship.
How much do Springfield firefighters earn?
Entry pay starts at Step 3 of $57,241.60 per year and progresses through the firefighter pay steps up to $82,700.80 at Step 11.
What benefits does the department offer?
Firefighters receive 100% paid health insurance, generous leave, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement, plus a 100% paid retirement program through Missouri LAGERS.
What does the fire academy involve?
New hires complete a paid 24-week academy that runs Monday through Thursday with 10-hour days and leads to Firefighter and EMT certification, including passing the Firefighter Physical Ability Test.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the City of Springfield's governmentjobs.com careers portal, where HR and Fire Administration review each candidate's experience, education, and certifications.
Is there a way to qualify if I don't yet have certifications?
Yes. The department offers a 14-week pre-apprenticeship program with free scholarships that awards Firefighter I & II, EMT-B, and Hazardous Materials certifications.
Past postings, kept for reference. These are no longer accepting applications.