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Career Opportunities

Firefighters perform duties related to suppression, vehicle and technical rescue, basic life support and fire prevention activities.  Firefighters work under the direct supervision of a company officer and must adhere to rules and regulations for the safety of all persons. 

Minimum Qualifications for Recruit Firefighter

A Firefighter Recruit must possess the following prior to application deadline:

 

  • High school or general equivalency diploma (GED).

  • Certification under the National Registry or Emergency Medical Technicians AND/OR Kansas Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

  • Successful completion of the following National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) OR International Fire Service Accreditation (IFSAC) certifications through the Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Institute or equally recognized and accredited organization:

    • Firefighter I​

    • HAZMAT Awareness

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A Firefighter Recruit must provide the following at or prior to the Staff Interview:

  • Certified Physical Agility Test (CPAT) within the past 12 Months

                                                           OR​

  • Successfully complete the Ottawa Fire Department's Physical Agility Test the day of the Staff Interview

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Work Schedule

Shift fire personnel work a regular pattern of 24-hour shifts in a 28 day work period.  This includes 24 hours on duty, 24 hours off duty, 24 hours on duty, 24 hours off duty, 24 hours on duty, 96 hours off duty.  This is referred to as the Berkley Rotation.  ​

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Ride-Along Program

The Ride-Along Program allows citizens to accompany the fire department and to observe fire department activities.  Safety of non-firefighting personnel is our primary concern.  Ride-along participants are not permitted to handle any firefighting equipment​

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