Firefighter

Job Description:

Firefighter

Description

Positions available with the Fire Department
Salary Range: $25.75/hour; 40 Hour Shift
Normal Work Days/Hours: Varies
Application Deadline Date: December 14, 2026

Please Note: You must provide a valid email address, as several steps in the process will be communicated via email.

About Us

The Kansas City Fire Department (KCFD) is one of the largest and busiest fire departments in the Midwest, providing comprehensive all-hazards emergency response services to more than 510,000 residents across 319 square miles. Operating from 35 firehouses, including a specialized Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) station at Kansas City International Airport, KCFD responds to approximately 140,000 incidents annually, including fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials incidents, technical rescue, and disaster response.

Guided by a commitment to integrity, compassion, professionalism, and service, KCFD's mission is to protect lives, property, and the environment while enhancing the quality of life for the community we serve. Beyond emergency response, the department is dedicated to public education, community risk reduction, employee development, and building strong partnerships throughout Kansas City.

Whether serving on the front lines or in a support role, every member of KCFD contributes to a mission-driven organization focused on making a difference in the lives of those we serve every day. KCFD offers employees the opportunity to be part of a respected public safety organization committed to excellence, innovation, and service to the community.

Click here for more about KCFD

Responsibilities

Responsibilities of a Kansas City Firefighter:

• Engage in skilled firefighting work, including fire prevention, suppression, and extinguishment.
• Respond to emergency calls and operate departmental equipment.
• Participate in training and activities related to firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical care.
• Learn and operate firefighting apparatus and perform hazardous tasks under emergency conditions, which may involve strenuous exertion in challenging environments (e.g., smoke, fire, heat).
• Execute routine duties related to custodial care and minor maintenance of departmental facilities, apparatus, and equipment. - Perform routine custodial maintenance of quarters.
• Work primarily follows explicit instructions and well-defined procedures but requires initiative and a thorough understanding of firefighting and prevention principles.

How the Process Works

• Step 1: Apply
  Submit your application between November 2 and December 14, 2026. Include any preference point documents with your application.
• Step 2: Eligibility Review
  We begin reviewing applications the week of November 9 and keep reviewing as new ones come in.
  • If you are eligible: You will get an email letting you know you can move forward. It will include how to sign up for the test and a link to practice materials. Kansas City, Missouri residents get free access. The link sent will be unique to you and can only be used once, so please do not share. Non-residents can access the materials for a $6 fee.
  • If you are not eligible: You will get an email letting you know you did not meet the minimum qualifications. You are welcome to apply again in a future recruitment if your situation changes.

Apply early. The sooner you're reviewed, the more time you have to prepare.

• Step 3: Take the Test
  Test between November 16, 2026 and January 8, 2027. The test is given online.
  • In order to take the examination, your computer MUST meet all of the following requirements:
    • PC with Windows 10 or higher or MAC OS12 (Monterey or newer) to operate the Safe Exam Browser
    • Latest version of any of the following web browsers: Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla, FireFox
    • Cookies and JavaScript must be allowed (standard configuration).
    • A dedicated broadband Internet connection is required (DSL, cable, T1 or better).
    • Internet access must not be blocked or restricted by a firewall or Proxy Server.
    • Any pop-up blockers must be disabled during test administration.
    • An Apple iphone or iPad running IOS 15.1 or newer or an Android running • Android OS 8 (Oero) or newer to operate the Go To Meeting app

• Step 4: Scoring and Ranking
  All tests are scored by an outside testing company. Preference points are added to passing scores, and a final ranked list is completed by January 22, 2027.
  
• Step 5: Get Your Score and Rank
  After the ranked list is final, every candidate who tested will receive an email with both their score and their rank.
  • Your score is your test result plus any preference points you earned.
  • Your rank is your place on the list compared to other candidates. Academy selections are made in rank order.

• Step 6: Find Out What's Next
  • If your rank qualifies you for the Fire Academy: Your email will include next steps for your background check and physicals.
  • If your rank does not place you in the first class: You stay on the ranked list and may be selected for a later class within this recruitment cycle, normally 12 months. Keep checking your email.
  • If you did not pass the test: You will not be placed on the ranked list for this cycle. You are encouraged to prepare and apply again next recruitment cycle.

• Step 7: Complete Your Background Check and Physicals
  If you are selected, your email will include a link to complete your criminal history and driving record check, plus instructions for scheduling your required physicals. Complete these documents and be scheduled within 3 business days of receiving the email. All steps must be completed before you can begin the Fire Academy.
  Also, please be aware that when you schedule your physicals, they last 3-4 hours, so be prepared to block off the appropriate time.

• Tips for Success
  • Add the City of Kansas City, Missouri to your email contacts so our messages don't go to spam.
  • Double-check your application before you submit it.
  • Attach your preference point documents the first time. They can't be added later.
  • Use the practice materials. They are the best way to prepare.
  • Add [email protected] to your email contacts so it does not go to spam. Notifications related to the test will come from this email address. Also, if you have any technical difficulties.

Qualifications

Important Dates

• November 2, 2026: Applications open
• Week of November 9, 2026: Eligibility reviews begin
• November 16, 2026: Testing begins
• December 14, 2026: Applications close. This is also the deadline to submit *preference point documents and a copy of your DL to confirm age requirement.
• December 21st-25th, 28th & 29th: Testing will not be available due to the holidays observed
• January 8, 2027: Last day to test
• January 22, 2027: Final ranked list completed
• After January 22, 2027: Scores and ranks sent by email

REQUIRES high school diploma or GED/HiSET from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.. Ability to meet such medical and physical standards as may be required at time of appointment. Must be at least 18 years of age by the application deadline of December 14, 2026. No person shall be appointed if such person is more than 30 years and 0 months of age on the last date that applications are accepted by the Human Resource Department, December 14, 2026. In computing the age of a person, the total length of the time that the person has previously served as a member of the Kansas City Fire Department may be deducted from the person's actual age. This shall not apply to a person over 45 years of age. Must possess a valid driver's license at time of application and within 9 months of employment must possess and maintain a valid state of Missouri driver's license. Must take and pass state Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) examination along with obtaining a Kansas City defibrillator license issued by the Kansas City, Missouri Health Department to graduate from the fire academy and maintain the currency of both licenses.

Residency Requirements:
Non-residents must establish residency within the city limits of Kansas City, Mo., within nine months of hire.
If you live in an area shared by various, cities, counties and townships and would like to verify your residence is within the city limits of Kansas City, MO you can click here: http://maps.kcmo.org/apps/parcelviewer/

Accommodations:
The City of KCMO is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. For testing accommodations, please submit your request to [email protected] with the subject line "Firefighter Testing Accommodation Request".

Preference points will be given for:

• Kansas City, Missouri residents [5] points. Human Resources will verify all addresses
• Paramedics: [3] points. Attach a copy of your current paramedic license or certification.
• Qualifying Veterans: [1] points. Documentation required
• Disabled veterans: [2] points. Documentation required

Veterans' Preference:
To claim veterans' preference, attach a copy of your DD-214 or DD-215. You must have served 180 days of regular active-duty service or 90 days during wartime and be discharged under honorable conditions. No DD-214? Submit an NA Form 13038 (Certificate of Military Service) or a VA Benefit Summary Letter instead.

National Guard and Reserve members: You qualify for these points only if you completed a qualifying period of active duty. Drill and annual training time do not count. Submit the DD-214 from your active-duty service. If you also have an NGB-22 (National Guard) or DD-256 (Reserve), you may include it, but it must be paired with a DD-214 showing your active-duty dates.

Benefits offered:

• Several medical insurance plan options
• Dental and vision insurance
• Accidental and critical illness insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• FSA and/or HSA accounts
• 11 paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Robust pension plan
• Deferred compensation plan
• Paid fire training and academy
• Paid EMT certifications

Disqualifiers for Employment:
For a comprehensive overview of the disqualifiers related to public safety-sensitive positions, including the Firefighter role, please visit the detailed guidelines provided here: Public Safety Disqualifiers. This resource will help you understand the specific criteria and ensure you are fully informed about the qualifications for employment.

Firefighter Testing Details:

• Firefighter testing will take place from November 9, 2026 until January 8, 2027 with multiple test dates and times available.
• Information on how to sign up for the test and request study materials will be emailed to eligible candidates.
• The test will be administered electronically.

To take the test, you will need a desktop or laptop PC running Windows 8.1 (or later) OR macOS 10.13 (or later). You will take the examination on your PC via Safe Exam Browser mobile smartphone or tablet. If using a mobile device or tablet your mobile device will be used to connect to videoconferencing software so that IOS can monitor you while you take the examination.
AND
Your mobile device must meet one of the following requirements:

• iPhone 5 or later running iOS11 - iOS 13,
• iPad 3rd gen or later running iOS11 - iOS 13,
• Android device running Android OS 5 (Lollipop) - Android 10
• A 3G or Wi-Fi connection. Your mobile device and PC must be connected to the internet during the entire test. If you lose your internet connection at any time, you will be locked out of the examination.

Other Information

Military veterans encouraged to apply

Why You'll Love Working with Us - Core Employee Benefits (Benefits offered to all permanent employees unless otherwise specified)

Comprehensive Health Coverage
Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans with multiple options and low employee contributions.

Generous Paid Time Off
Enjoy vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays-with accruals that grow the longer you're with us.

Secure Retirement Planning
City-funded pension plan plus an optional 457 savings plan to help you build long-term financial security.

Support for Life's Big Moments
Paid parental and bereavement leave to help you navigate major life events with peace of mind.

Tuition Assistance
Get reimbursed for eligible education expenses-invest in your future while you work.

Income Protection
Short- and long-term disability coverage options to safeguard your earnings.

Life Insurance Provided
City-paid life insurance with the option to add more coverage for extra peace of mind.

Community Volunteer Leave
Take up to 8 hours annually to give back to causes you care about.

Want the Full Picture?
Click here for a complete benefits summary.

URGENT!!! CRITICAL RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

Applications and/or resumes are evaluated on the information received by the application deadline. Please ensure that your application or resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying, this includes providing all relevant educational dates and a detailed description of relevant work experience, including months/years of employment. Applications and/or resumes may not be considered if information is incomplete.

In order for a resume to be used in lieu of an application the resume must have been submitted online via the City's Applicant Tracking System.

Positions requiring a high school diploma/GED certificate must be obtained from a school/program accredited by the Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

The minimum education requirement for positions that allow for experience equivalency for an accredited degree is a high school diploma. Unless otherwise specified, an accredited degree must be obtained from a college or university listed with the U.S. Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
For positions with a salary grade of EX6 or higher that require an accredited degree, qualifying professional experience must be obtained AFTER the accredited degree is obtained.
Successful completion of a pre-employment criminal history/background check is required for all positions. Some positions require a post offer drug screen and/or physical.

If appointed, non-residents must obtain residency inside Kansas City, Missouri's city limits within nine months.

The City of KCMO is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The City is committed to providing a workplace environment for its employees and citizens free from discrimination based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity. For more information, please see our EEO Policy

The City of KCMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please call 816-513-1908 or send an e-mail to [email protected] .

If claiming military veterans' preference points, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 or a DD-256 (for reservists). To claim veterans' points you must have served 180 days of regular active duty service and be discharged or released under honorable conditions during peacetimes or 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. (DOD) 38 U.S. Code • 4211).

Salary:

$25.75/hour; 40 Hour Shift