Firefighter

Salary: $65,316.00 Annually
Location : La Crosse, WI
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00837
Department/Division: Fire Operations
Opening Date: 07/20/2026

Description
City of La Crosse

Police & Fire Commission Seeks Applicants for:

Firefighter

The City of La Crosse is accepting applications for the purpose of establishing an eligibility list for full-time entry-level and lateral transfer Firefighters.

Responsibilities include working as a team member to prevent and suppress fires, protect life and property and to provide medical assistance as an emergency medical technician. Successful applicants must possess a current WI Firefighter II certification, a current National or State of Wisconsin EMT license at time of hire, an associate degree in Fire Science or related field preferred; or equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities. This is an entry level position with an annual starting salary of $65,316.00. Additional pay is available for candidates with a Paramedic license. Experienced candidates may qualify for additional starting pay and increased vacation based on years of service with previous agencies.

Benefits: The City of La Crosse offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical insurance, voluntary dental and vision plan, Wisconsin Retirement plan, flexible spending account, deferred compensation, Roth IRA, life insurance, accident insurance, income continuation insurance, paid holidays, paid vacations, paid sick leave, and a variety of wellness initiatives. Benefit perks: choice of two medical benefit plans, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System, 11 paid holidays.

Documentation of certifications must be provided when application is submitted. Additionally, applicants must be U.S. citizens, have a valid unrestricted driver's license, and a high school diploma or GED. Medical, vision and hearing requirements shall be in accordance with NFPA standards 1582. Tobacco use is prohibited on and off duty. Applicants are subject to post offer/pre-employment drug screen, physical exam, psychological exam, and background check.

For consideration, all applicants must submit a completed application through This position requires a FireTEAM (Ergometrics) exam and CPAT. To schedule your FireTEAM (Ergometrics) exam, please visit to review the video tutorial. When choosing the department to receive your exam results, please select "Chippewa Valley Technical College". A copy of the results will be attached to your application once they are received. The CPAT can be taken at any licensed agency.

Please upload documentation confirming your WI Firefighter II certification, National or State of Wisconsin EMT license, FireTEAM (Ergometrics) exam results, and a CPAT certificate. Applicants who do not have the above requirements at time of application should attach a document stating the status of the certifications.

This recruitment process will be used to fill current vacancies and to establish an eligibility list for use in filling future vacancies. The City of La Crosse supports attaining a representative workforce and workplace equity. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. For complete application instructions, visit . Applicants who submit a completed application packet by December 20, 2026 and meet minimum qualifications may be invited to participate in an initial interview on January 11, 2027.

Police & Fire Commission

City of La Crosse Human Resources Department

Sixth Floor City Hall

400 La Crosse Street

La Crosse WI 54601

Phone: (608) 789-7595

Fax: (608) 789-7598
An equal opportunity employer/A drug free workplace

APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 20, 2026

SUBMIT APPLICATION ONLINE AT www.cityoflacrosse.org/careers

For additional information, please contact:

CITY OF LA CROSSE HUMAN RESOURCES

400 LA CROSSE ST

LA CROSSE WI 54601

PHONE: (608)789-7595

FAX: (608)789-7598

EMAIL: HR@CITYOFLACROSSE.ORG

Applicants must submit as part of their application package:

1. Online Application
2. Resume
3. Wisconsin Firefighter II Certificate
4. National or State of Wisconsin EMT License
5. FireTeam/Ergometrics Exam Results
6. CPAT Certificate

To apply, visit the web address listed above. Follow the prompts to complete and submit an application. Applicants are required to attach a resume, Wisconsin Firefighter II certificate, National or State of Wisconsin EMT license, FireTeam/Ergometrics exam results, and a CPAT certificate when submitting an application. Applicants who do not have the above requirements at time of application should attach a document stating the status of the certificates.

Applicants who meet the basic requirements and have all application materials on file will be invited by the City of La Crosse to participate in the following:

-January 11th, 2027: Interview with the Fire Department Management Staff

-January 15th, 2027: Human Resources Phone Interview

-January 20th, 2027: Police & Fire Commission Interview and Chiefs Interview

Applicants that pass the initial interview with the Fire Department may be invited to participate in a screening interview with the Human Resources Department followed by an interview with the City of La Crosse Police & Fire Commission and Fire Chief's. Those applicants that pass the interview with the Commission are then placed on an eligibility list used to fill future vacancies.
To follow is a brief summary of the benefits the City of La Crosse offers to its employees. Benefits and benefit eligibility will vary by position. Detailed benefits information can be found on the City's website under Department>Human Resources>Employee Benefits.

1) Medical Benefit Plan - Offered to all full-time, non-represented or unionized employees. Coverage for eligible medical expenses and prescriptions. Note: Employees hired full-time on or after 1/1/14 are not eligible for retiree medical benefit plan coverage.

2) Pension (Wisconsin Retirement System-WRS) - Automatic enrollment for full-time positions. Eligibility for part-time positions varies by position and is determined by the number of hours and duration of the position. For eligible positions, contributions begin date of hire. Employer contributions are paid by the employer. Employees are required to pay 50% of the total WRS contribution rate for "general" employees. 2026 rate is 7.2% of pre-tax earnings.

3) Life Insurance - (follows WRS eligibility) Up to five times the employee's annual salary is available. Spouse/dependent coverage options also available.

4) Income Continuation Insurance - (follows WRS enrollment) A short or long term disability insurance. Various options available for waiting periods.

5) Section #125 Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. This is a flexible spending account to defer money from your paycheck pre-tax in a dependent care or medical account.

6) Vision Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. This is a voluntary plan, completely funded by the employee.

7) Dental Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. This is a voluntary plan, completely funded by the employee. Employees can choose between two different dental plans.

8) 457 Deferred Compensation Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. May enroll at any time. Employees may elect for pre-tax and Roth payroll deductions to be placed in a retirement investment account.

9) Roth IRA - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. May enroll at any time. Employees may elect for payroll deductions to be placed in a Roth IRA.

10) Paid Leave Time - Vacation, sick leave, personal business leave, family care leave, and holidays. Actual leave accrual determined by employee handbook or union contracts.

11) Accident Insurance - pays a cash benefit when you or your covered family members suffer injuries sustained in an accident. The enrollment period for new hires is within the first 30 days of hire. The effective date is when the completed, timely form is received by the employer.