Employment Information

Employment Opportunities

The Indianola Fire Department is comprised of both full-time Firefighter/Paramedics and part-time Firefighter/Paramedics and EMTs. Full-time Firefighter/Paramedics are covered under the Iowa Public Employee's Retirement System (IPERS)and are recruited through a Civil Service process. Part-time Firefighter/Paramedics and EMTs are covered under the IPERS and those positions are non-civil service positions.

Recruiting

Recruitment for open positions can be viewed at the city's job opportunities page when available. To learn more about becoming a part-time employee, contact Captain White or Captain Hurt at 515-961-9405.

Why the Indianola Fire Department?

  • Competitive pay
  • Excellent benefits
  • Growing community
  • Advancement opportunities

Qualifications

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Valid driver's license
  • High School Diploma or GED

Part-time EMT or Paramedic Certification

  • Firefighter I and Hazardous Materials Operations certification preferred but not required

Part-time (previously called paid-on-call) Firefighter / EMT

If hired, the Indianola Fire Department will provide training to become certified in Firefighter I & II, Hazardous Materials Operations and additional required certifications. 

Full-time Firefighter / Paramedic

  • Firefighter I and II certification
  • EMT or Paramedic
  • Hazardous Materials Operations

If hired, additional certification classes such as CPR, ACLS, D2 License and/or CEVO may be required.

Firefighting and Emergency Medical Services are not the only required duties while on a 24-hour shift. Other assignments may include:

  • Public Education
  • Building Fire Inspections
  • Hydrant Flushing
  • Training
  • Equipment maintenance*
  • Living at the fire station includes cleaning and cooking

*When fighting fires or responding to EMS calls, turnout gear and equipment exceed a weight of 45 pounds and can reach a weight of 130+ pounds. A significant amount of time is spent inspecting, cleaning, training with and maintaining this gear and equipment.

Physical Training

Interested in becoming a Firefighter with the Indianola Fire Department, but concerned about the physical training requirements? We've partnered with a Certified Personal Trainer to develop a beginning strength training program designed to increase strength, stamina, and endurance specific to a firefighter's needs. Download a Firefighter Workout (PDF) to get started. A document showing our Physical Ability Evaluation can be found here: Physical Test Layout With Pictures. You may also find a video of the Physical Ability Exam at the following location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4p4KepxsU4&feature=youtu.be

Central Iowa Fire and EMS Testing Consortium

If you are interested in applying for future employment opportunities with the City of Indianola, consider completing in advance, the required testing in cooperation with the Central Iowa Fire and EMS Testing Consortium and Des Moines Area Community College. Go to www.iowafiretesting.com to find out more information about the required testing and register to take the written exam and physical ability evaluation.