All positions require that the applicant be a resident of Wyandotte county or willing to relocate within (12) months from the date of hire. As a condition of employment all employees must pass a post offer physical examination and drug screen. And submit proof of identity and employment eligibility.

1.      FIREFIGHTER

Firefighting requires skill in combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires, in answering emergency calls, and in operating and maintaining fire department equipment, apparatus, and quarters.  The work involves extensive training in the performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions, which may require strenuous exertion under such handicaps as smoke cramped surroundings.  Although firefighting and rescue work are the most difficult and responsible areas of work, a significant portion of time is spent inspecting premises for the purpose of pre-planning.  Drilling (studying methods, techniques, and organization) and routine station duties round out the broad spectrum of the firefighting profession.

A firefighter will:

1.                  Respond to fire alarm with a company; operate pumps, aerial ladders and auxiliary equipment; lay and connect hose; maneuver nozzles and direct fire streams; raise and climb ladders; use chemical extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines and other equipment.

2.                  Ventilate burning buildings by opening windows and skylights or by cutting holes in roofs and floors.

3.                  Remove persons from danger; perform rescue and administer medical assistance at their trained level.

4.                  Perform salvage operations by placing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris.

5.                  Attend training courses; read and study assigned materials related to firefighting and prevention.

6.                  Participate in drills and attend classes in firefighting and Emergency Medical care.

7.                  Perform assigned fire inspections, checking building exits and related structures for the purpose of pre-planning.

8.                  Drive and operate motor-driven equipment under special instructions and limited conditions.

9.                  Relay instructions, orders, and information and give locations of alarms received from dispatcher.

10.              Perform general clean up and maintenance work in the upkeep of the fire department apparatus and property.

11.              Perform related work as required.

12.              Know the street system and physical layout of their battalion and the city.

13.              Be able to climb ladders and work at considerable heights.

14.              Be able to learn a wide variety of firefighting duties and methods within a reasonable working test period.

15.              Be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.

16.              Be able to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

17.              Perform such other duties as prescribed by their superior officers and/or the Chief.

18. Adhere to all rules and regulations of the Unified Government and the Kansas City Kansas Fire Department.

Applicants applying for Firefighter/EMT must have current certification as a Kansas Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) by the start of the Fire Academy; or currently possess a National Registry Certification. Applicants with the National Registry Certification must complete the conversion process with the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services for Certification as a Kansas Emergency Medical Technician within Sixty (60) days of being hired. Failure to possess Kansas EMT Certification by those sixty (60) days will result in immediate termination. All Firefighter EMT’s will be required to attend an accredited Paramedic Program to ascertain a paramedic certification within four years of employment. Once enrolled in the Program the firefighter will receive an additional 9% added to their base wage rate. Class attendance must be off duty. The Department will allow time off with pay for the employee to attend mandatory classes only when attendance at the Program conflicts with scheduled duty hours. The applicant must maintain satisfactory academic progress, successfully graduate from the Program, and obtain all necessary licenses and certifications to legally work as a Paramedic in the State of Kansas.  All licenses and certifications must be maintained for the duration of their employment as a paramedic.

Applicants applying for Firefighter/Pending Paramedic must have current certification as a Kansas Emergency Medical Technician (EMT); or currently possess a National Registry Certification.  Current Kansas Certified Emergency Medical Technician who is currently enrolled in a Kansas Paramedic program; or a National Registry EMT who is currently registered in a National Registry EMT-P program must provide a letter from school of attendance confirming program enrollment and graduation date. Pending-Paramedic applicants must possess their Kansas Paramedic certification within one year from their date of hire; failure to do so will result in immediate termination. Applicants with the National Registry Certification must complete the conversion process with the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services for Certification as a Kansas Emergency Medical Technician within Sixty (60) days of being hired. Failure to possess a Kansas EMT Certification within sixty (60) days will result in immediate termination.

Applicants applying for Firefighter/Paramedic must have a current certification as a Kansas Paramedic; or currently possess a National Registry Certification as a Paramedic (EMT-P).  Applicants with the National Registry Certification (EMT-P) must complete the conversion process with the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services for Kansas Certification within sixty (60) days from the date of hire. Failure to possess Kansas Certification within those sixty (60) days will result in immediate termination. Applicants must have current ACLS Certification.

Applicants applying for Firefighter EMT, Pending Paramedic, or Firefighter Paramedic must return the completed application with all of the following:

·         Official High School Transcript (ANY AND ALL HIGH SCHOOLS ATTENDED)

·         Official GED displaying scores (IF APPLICABLE)

·         Official College Transcripts – (ANY AND ALL COLLEGES ATTENDED)

·         Birth Certificate (Original State Certified Document) (A COPY IS NOT ACCEPTABLE)

·         Valid Unrestricted Driver’s License

·         Proof of Certification (Must show expiration date)

·         ACLS Certification        (Paramedics only)

·         DD-214 – (If applicant has prior military service)

TENTATIVE HIRING SCHEDULE:

Applications accepted: December 2, 2025 - January 16, 2026

Physical walk-through #1 (voluntary): January 10, 2026 10:00 am - Noon

Physical walk-through #2 (voluntary): January 23 2026 10:00 am - Noon

Mandatory testing event (written, physical agility, Oral Boards): January 29, 2026

Background and CVSA's: February 9 - March 9, 2026

Chief Interviews: March 11 - March 13, 2026

Conditional Offer of Employments sent out: March 13, 2026

Psychological evaluations and Life Scan Physicals: March 16 - April 3, 2026

Final Offers sent out: April 6, 2026

Academy start date: April 30, 2026

Salary range:

Firefighter/EMT: $48,881.70 per year

Firefighter/Paramedic: $61,351.08 per year

The Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce.

If you need to reach a member of the Human Resources staff, please contact the mainline (913) 573-5660 or email the staff member.

Company: Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS