Firefighter

Summary

$5,000 sign on bonus for certified Paramedics, $2,500 to be paid on first pay check, $2,500 to be paid at six-month anniversary.

This is public safety work in firefighting, emergency medical, and hazardous materials response. An employee in this class is responsible for fire prevention and suppression, emergency medical care, and initial response to and mitigation of hazardous materials releases.Work involves an element of personal danger and requires knowledgeand skill acquired only through specialized training. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Fire Department chain of command, and the employee exercises considerable public trust in judgment and in the application of standardprocedures.

Required to pass a security background check, physical exam, and required immunizations.

Responsible for responding to fire alarms, medical emergencies, hazardous materials, technical rescue, and other calls to protect life and property; to participate in fire prevention and training, and to maintain the fire station and firefighting equipment.

Applicants must be at least 19 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. College-level coursework in fire science, fire administration, or a related field is desirable. A combination of education, training, and experience that produces the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the job and related to the essential functions of the position is helpful. Must have a National Registry Emergency Medical Technician-Basic certificate and be licensable by the State of Nebraska at the same level at the time of hiring. Must possess Nebraska State Emergency Vehicle Operations (EVOC) certificate, IFSAC and/or Pro-Board Firefighter-1 and Hazardous Materials Operations certificate at the time of hiring, or within one year of employment, and IFSAC and/or Pro-Board Firefighter II certificate at the time of hiring, or within two years of employment. Candidate shall become certified as an NFPA Haz-Mat Technician within three years of employment. Candidate must become certified as a Paramedic within five years of employment, and will be expected to sign an employment contract acknowledging job requirements and timelines.

This is a Civil Service position and requires a competitive written and physical test, which will take place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the Community Room of the Community Building 2500 14 St, Suite 3, Columbus, Nebraska. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements described above will not be eligible to test, however, your application will remain on file. A practice of the physical agility test will be scheduled for October 10, 2026, and October 24, 2026, at 10 am on both dates. You will need to register with the Assistant Fire Chief by calling 402-564-8127, option 5, if you will be at the practice date(s). The test will be held at Memorial Stadium (Pawnee Park), located at 560 33 Ave, Columbus, Nebraska. A Civil Service interview for candidates with passing scores will take place on a later date to be announced.

Benefits

• Base rate is approximately $52,474.24 - $73,778.12 for EMT and $60,163.48 - $81,439.80 for Paramedic with opportunity for overtime.
• Competitive benefit package

Apply at Columbus City Hall, 2500 14 Street, Suite 3, by 8 AM on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

You may also apply by downloading a city application form from the City of Columbus website, completing it and returning it by fax to 402-564-9348, or by email to Tammy Orender, Human Resources Director, at tammy.orender@columbusne.us by the application deadline. If you would like a full job description, contact Tammy by email or call 402-562-4243.

Download Application

Job Description

$5,000 sign on bonus for certified Paramedics, $2,500 to be paid on first pay check, $2,500 to be paid at six-month anniversary.

This is public safety work in firefighting, emergency medical, and hazardous materials response. An employee in this class is responsible for fire prevention and suppression, emergency medical care, and initial response to and mitigation of hazardous materials releases.Work involves an element of personal danger and requires knowledgeand skill acquired only through specialized training. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Fire Department chain of command, and the employee exercises considerable public trust in judgment and in the application of standardprocedures.

Required to pass a security background check, physical exam, and required immunizations.

Responsible for responding to fire alarms, medical emergencies, hazardous materials, technical rescue, and other calls to protect life and property; to participate in fire prevention and training, and to maintain the fire station and firefighting equipment.

Applicants must be at least 19 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. College-level coursework in fire science, fire administration, or a related field is desirable. A combination of education, training, and experience that produces the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the job and related to the essential functions of the position is helpful. Must have a National Registry Emergency Medical Technician-Basic certificate and be licensable by the State of Nebraska at the same level at the time of hiring. Must possess Nebraska State Emergency Vehicle Operations (EVOC) certificate, IFSAC and/or Pro-Board Firefighter-1 and Hazardous Materials Operations certificate at the time of hiring, or within one year of employment, and IFSAC and/or Pro-Board Firefighter II certificate at the time of hiring, or within two years of employment. Candidate shall become certified as an NFPA Haz-Mat Technician within three years of employment. Candidate must become certified as a Paramedic within five years of employment, and will be expected to sign an employment contract acknowledging job requirements and timelines.

This is a Civil Service position and requires a competitive written and physical test, which will take place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the Community Room of the Community Building 2500 14 St, Suite 3, Columbus, Nebraska. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements described above will not be eligible to test, however, your application will remain on file. A practice of the physical agility test will be scheduled for October 10, 2026, and October 24, 2026, at 10 am on both dates. You will need to register with the Assistant Fire Chief by calling 402-564-8127, option 5, if you will be at the practice date(s). The test will be held at Memorial Stadium (Pawnee Park), located at 560 33 Ave, Columbus, Nebraska. A Civil Service interview for candidates with passing scores will take place on a later date to be announced.

Benefits

• Base rate is approximately $52,474.24 - $73,778.12 for EMT and $60,163.48 - $81,439.80 for Paramedic with opportunity for overtime.
• Competitive benefit package

Apply at Columbus City Hall, 2500 14 Street, Suite 3, by 8 AM on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

You may also apply by downloading a city application form from the City of Columbus website, completing it and returning it by fax to 402-564-9348, or by email to Tammy Orender, Human Resources Director, at tammy.orender@columbusne.us by the application deadline. If you would like a full job description, contact Tammy by email or call 402-562-4243.

Download Application