The City of Onalaska is seeking to establish an eligibility list for filling future vacancies that may occur over the next year or until the next recruitment cycle of Full-Time Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Part-Time Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Firefighter/Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) to join our team – no experience necessary and training is provided. Candidates without certification are encouraged to apply as certain certifications are available upon hire. Part-Time Firefighter/EMTs or EMRs are expected to comply with minimum participation and training requirements (includes training, incident response and meetings). To be considered for Full-Time, candidates are required to successfully complete Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) national certification by hire date. Successful completion of the CPAT is good for 12 months and must be current at date of hire.

Under the general direction and leadership of the Fire Chief, employees in this position have a primary duty to respond to medical, fire, hazardous material, and other disaster type emergencies. This position requires flexibility and physical stamina in order to provide the needed services during sustained emergency operations. When not responding to emergencies, this position requires that fire prevention, public education, and pre-incident response duties shall be performed to maintain the department’s ready-to-serve status at all times.

Essential Job Functions:

Respond to Fire Calls and EMS emergencies and provide pre-hospital care in accordance with state and county protocols.
Respond to all other emergency/service calls when on duty (unless specifically ordered not to by an Officer or when on another call) and perform services required of the call.
Perform scheduled periodic maintenance checks and testing (daily, weekly, monthly, and annually) of all SCBA, personal protective equipment, defibrillator, thermal imaging camera (TIC), radios and pagers, small engines, vehicles and fire hoses.
Perform daily equipment and apparatus checks to ensure they are operating properly and safely, and are adequately stocked.
Repair, photograph, report and document maintenance items or safety problem deficiencies to supervisor.
Assist with pre-planning and inspections of residential and commercial facilities.
Assist with public education programs and participate in other activities related to promoting fire prevention, fire safety, and first aid.
Maintain and enhance minimum EMS and Fire certifications as directed by supervisor.
Perform general maintenance and cleaning of department property, equipment, apparatus, quarters, personal protective equipment, and grounds.
Assist with flow testing and flushing of fire hydrants as determined by policy.
Operate computers and complete computerized reports related to position and duties.
Assist with grant writing (research, apply and implement grants that benefit the department and its operations) as directed by supervisor.
Other duties as required or assigned.

Compensation and Benefits: Starting wage is $18.35 per hour (January 2026 rate, step 1) working a rotating 24-hour shift. Starting wage for part-time positions is $12.00 per hour to $14.00 per hour depending on position, benefits not applicable for part-time.

For full-time positions, the City offers competitive benefits to include health, dental and vision insurance effective the first of the month following 60 days of employment. For 2026 health insurance, the most affordable area plan offered is the Quartz West Plan with premiums at $225.36 per month for a single plan or $554.72 per month for a family plan. There is no deductible or co-insurance amount for the health insurance plan. Dental insurance is through Delta Dental with premiums paid 100% by the City. The position qualifies for automatic enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System (pension plan) providing a lifetime payment once vested and upon eligible retirement. Additionally, the City offers voluntary benefits such as flexible spending, life insurance, disability insurance, deferred compensation, pet insurance, critical illness, cancer, and accident insurance. Paid sick leave, holidays, and vacation. Access to an employee assistance program (EAP). The City of Onalaska is also a qualifying employer under the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Federal Program.

To Apply: To be considered for this excellent opportunity, submit an online employment application by accessing:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/onalaskawi. Applications due by April 13, 2026. For additional information please contact:

City of Onalaska Human Resources – City Hall (1^st Floor)

415 Main Street, Onalaska WI 54650

Phone: 608-781-9530 ext. 260

Email: afrandsen@onalaskawi.gov

Additional information: Initial interviews anticipated for the week of April 20, 2026. Selected candidate subject to background check and pre-employment/post-offer physical, psychological and drug screen. The City of Onalaska is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug-Free Workplace.

Full-Time Firefighter/EMT: High School Diploma or equivalent; Associates Degree preferred. Current certification as National Registry and/or WI EMT. Current certification as a WI and/or IFSAC Firefighter II. Current certification in HAZMAT Operations.

Part-Time Firefighter/EMT: High School diploma or equivalent. Successfully completed a department-sponsored Firefighter I Certified course. Successfully completed a department-sponsored EMT-B Certified course.

Part-Time Firefighter/EMR (certified): High School diploma or equivalent. Successfully completed a department-sponsored Firefighter I Certified course and a department-sponsored EMR Certified course.

Part-Time Firefighter/EMR (uncertified): High School diploma or equivalent. Encouraged to successfully complete a department-sponsored Firefighter I Certified course within 1 year and a department-sponsored EMR Certified course within 2 years.

For all positions, must be at least 18 years of age. Valid driver's license with good driving record.

The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

City of Onalaska

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Full-Time Firefighter/Emt And Part-Time Firefighter EMT Or Emr