Fire Intern - Intern Interest Form

Position Overview

Applications for the Fire Intern are not currently open/being reviewed.

**If you are interested in a Fire Intern position, please complete your profile/this simple application so we have your contact information and we will notify you via email when we officially open up applications again for consideration (anticipated January 2027). **

The Wauwatosa Fire Department will be accepting applications for the position of Intern Firefighter in 2027. This unpaid, training-based internship will allow qualified candidates to gain hands-on experience in the field by experienced professionals. The Intern Firefighter will participate in opportunities to enhance their education and skills in fire suppression, hazardous materials response, rescue operations, emergency medical services, fire inspection, and vehicle and fire station maintenance under the supervision of career members of the Department. This internship will also provide candidates with the following opportunities:

• Determine if this career aligns with the candidate's interests, values, skills, and personality.
• Gain hands-on experience in the field.
• Be mentored by experienced professionals.
• Acquire and utilize team building skills
• Develop effective listening and communication skills
• Work in a profession that supports and gives back to the community.
• Learn to utilize effective time management tools.
• Explore career opportunities within the Fire Department. This unpaid, training-based position will work with one 8 hour a shift a week (Monday – Friday) is required, exceptions will be made to do an 8 hour shift on Saturday/Sunday occasionally. A two-year commitment for this internship is preferred.  

Essential Functions:

• Participates in responses to alarms as a ride-along. The Intern Firefighter also responds to major alarms to provide support functions including staffing of emergency incident rehabilitation and support of incident command functions.
• Participates in experiences to enhance career development and performs to criteria and standards set forth by the department.
• Prepares written reports, in addition to other administrative tasks, as directed.
• Participates in training exercises and classroom lectures.
• Assists with cleanliness of station and maintenance of apparatus, tools, equipment, and all other fire department property.
• Participates in demonstrations, tours, and public speeches on fire safety, fire prevention, CPR, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, first aid, and other subjects to the public.
• Participates in fire inspections.

Minimum Requirements for Applicants:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 18 years of age by due date of application.
• Valid State of Wisconsin Driver's License at time of appointment.
• A two-year commitment for this internship is preferred.  
• Qualified candidates are required to take the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) after 3 months of employment. Candidates are required to pass the CPAT within 6 months.
• Applicants are subject to a background investigation that may include fingerprinting.
• Applicants will be required to submit to a medical examination consistent with the requirements of the position, which will include drug testing, after an offer of Internship and prior to appointment.
• All Wauwatosa Fire Department employees shall remain completely tobacco free as a condition of employment. **Additional Information: **
• This is a temporary, unpaid, non-benefited position.  However, Firefighter Interns may be considered for future employment as a full-time professional.
• Reports to Station Assigned Fire Officer.
• Fire gear and uniform supplied by the City of Wauwatosa.
• CPR certification training provided by the City of Wauwatosa.