Fire Department · Career
Grand Island Fire Department
Grand Island, NE · Hall County
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗The Grand Island Fire Department (GIFD) protects Grand Island and surrounding parts of Hall County, Nebraska, operating out of four fire stations positioned across the city. Founded in 1874, it evolved from a volunteer company into a fully paid, career department in 1921, and began providing paramedic-level EMS in 1981.
GIFD delivers an all-hazards range of services: fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF), and technical rescue. The department is a point of civic pride, having become the first agency in Nebraska rated Class 1 by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) — a distinction shared by only a small fraction of departments nationwide.
The department describes itself as a progressive organization staffed by roughly 77 personnel dedicated to keeping the community safe. Its uniformed ranks include firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs led by captains, battalion and division chiefs, and the fire chief.
The City of Grand Island conducts periodic testing for entry-level Firefighter/Paramedic and Firefighter/EMT positions through its online portal at governmentjobs.com/careers/grandisland. Candidates apply online, then advance through a written exam (a score of 70% or higher is required to continue), a timed physical ability/agility test, and an oral interview, with a composite score of 70% needed to remain eligible.
Finalists undergo a background check and fingerprinting, followed by pre-employment physical, drug, and psychological screening. Firefighter/Paramedic applicants must be nationally registered paramedics (or enrolled in/recently completed a paramedic course) and obtain Firefighter I & II certification within two years of hire.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- Establish residency within a 45-mile radius of Grand Island within 3 months of completing probation
- Currently a Nationally Registered Paramedic, or enrolled in / recently completed a paramedic course, with ability to obtain certification within 12 months; must obtain and maintain a Nebraska paramedic license
- Firefighter I & II certification (IFSAC or ProBoard) within 2 years of hire
- Valid driver's license and maintain insurability
- Tobacco-free upon hire and throughout employment
- Pass an SCBA fit test
- Pass a pre-employment physical, drug screen, and psychological evaluation
- No felony convictions
Hiring process
- Submit an online application through governmentjobs.com/careers/grandisland by the posted deadline
- Pass a standardized written exam with a score of 70% or higher to advance
- Complete a physical ability/agility test (finish within 10 minutes 20 seconds)
- Oral interview
- Achieve an overall composite score of 70% or higher
- Background check and fingerprinting
- Conditional offer followed by pre-employment physical, drug, and psychological screening
How do I apply to become a Grand Island firefighter?
Apply online through the City's job portal at governmentjobs.com/careers/grandisland. Create an account, select the Firefighter/Paramedic or Firefighter/EMT posting, and submit your application before the listed deadline. The City conducts testing periodically rather than continuously.
What certifications do I need to be hired?
Firefighter/Paramedic applicants must be a Nationally Registered Paramedic (or enrolled in / recently completed a paramedic course, obtainable within 12 months) and must earn a Nebraska paramedic license. Firefighter I & II (IFSAC or ProBoard) certification must be obtained within two years of hire.
What does the hiring process involve?
Candidates take a written exam (70% or higher to advance), a timed physical ability/agility test that must be finished within 10 minutes 20 seconds, and an oral interview, needing a 70% composite score. Finalists complete a background check, fingerprinting, and pre-employment physical, drug, and psychological screening.
What is the pay for a firefighter?
The 2025 Firefighter/Paramedic posting listed an annual salary range of about $64,416 to $85,335, with entry-level placement and consideration given to candidates who exceed the qualifications.
What schedule do firefighters work?
Firefighters work 24-hour shifts covering all hours and days of the week.
Are there residency or lifestyle requirements?
New hires must establish residency within a 45-mile radius of Grand Island within three months of completing probation, and must be tobacco-free upon hire and throughout employment.
Past postings, kept for reference. These are no longer accepting applications.
Apply by July 6 for a Grand Island Fire Department position starting at $61,467 annually with benefits including health insurance and retirement plan contributions.
Apply by July 6 for a Firefighter/Paramedic role with Grand Island Fire Department; $69,751–$90,081 annually; must obtain National Registry paramedic certification within 12 months.