Fire/EMS Pathway Internship Program

City of Urbandale•Urbandale, IA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Urbandale Fire Department (UFD) is accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Firefighter/EMS Pathway Internship Program. This program is designed for individuals beginning their careers in fire and emergency medical services who have not yet obtained all required certifications. It offers participants valuable knowledge, skills, and practical experience while they work towards completing their fire and EMS certifications. This is a temporary, part-time program with two levels: Intern Level (Non-Certified) for those without EMS or Firefighter certification but enrolled in a training program, and Cert 1 Level (Certified) for those who already hold an EMS or Firefighter certification. Participants are expected to work shifts and make continuous progress in both job performance and certification completion. Successful completion may lead to a regular part-time position. The Urbandale Fire Department is internationally accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) and is committed to preserving life, protecting property, and promoting safety. They respond to over 6,400 calls annually and have automatic aid agreements with six neighboring departments, offering training alongside experienced professionals. The department is also dedicated to community engagement and public education.

Requirements

Must be enrolled in an accredited fire or EMS training program at the time of hire (Intern Level).
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Must provide documentation demonstrating a passing score (70% or higher) on the IO Solutions National Firefighter Selection Inventory (NSFI) exam received on or after September 4, 2025.
Must be able to perform physical functions of the job while wearing personal protective equipment.
Ability to work a minimum of 48 hours per month (Intern Level).
Must possess one of the following certifications (Cert 1 Level): A valid Iowa EMT or Paramedic certification; A valid National Registry EMT or Paramedic certification; A valid Iowa Firefighter I certification through FSTB; or A valid out-of-state Firefighter I certification through IFSAC or Pro Board.
Must be able to meet all physical standards for the job as specified by the Fire Retirement System (Cert 1 Level).
Ability to work a minimum of 60 hours per month (Cert 1 Level).
Must be able to pass post-offer/pre-employment: professional reference checks, drug screening, physical, motor vehicle report check, and background check (Cert 1 Level).

Nice To Haves

Fully certified candidates are ineligible for the Pathway Program.

Responsibilities

Respond to emergency incidents as an observer, including fire, medical, rescue, and disaster incidents.
Under supervision, assist with support activities outside of an Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) environment (Intern Level).
Observe fire code enforcement by participating in fire/life safety facility inspections.
Under direct supervision, assist with routine truck and equipment maintenance, station maintenance, and routine facility duties.
As part of a crew, assist with community education or community risk reduction activities.
Under direct supervision, complete physical fitness exercises.
Participate in fire/EMS training to the level completed in their program (Intern Level).
With direct supervision, perform various operational duties such as inventory, minor equipment maintenance, and regular equipment inspection and testing.
Assist with station duties to maintain cleanliness of department facilities.
Support the city and department’s mission, core values, goals, and objectives.
Gain familiarity with department policies and procedures.
Perform vehicle/squad checks and complete vehicle and station routine maintenance and inventory.
Perform annual equipment testing.
Perform annual or semi-annual cleaning and maintenance on apparatus, equipment, and facilities.
To their level of certification, respond to emergencies (Cert 1 Level).
If certified firefighter, function as a member of the assigned fire/rescue crew, performing fire/rescue tasks under direction (Cert 1 Level).
If certified emergency medical provider, deliver emergency medical treatment within the scope of practice and department protocols (Cert 1 Level).
Provide accurate medical documentation of all emergency medical treatment, including patient care reporting systems (Cert 1 Level).
Complete patient care reporting requirements, including patient medical history, incident history, and billing information (Cert 1 Level).
Participate in fire/life safety facility inspections, including field use of tablet-based safety inspection documentation (Cert 1 Level).
Perform routine truck and equipment maintenance, station maintenance, and routine facility duties using tablet-based inventory and vehicle maintenance programs (Cert 1 Level).
Perform various community education or community risk reduction activities as part of a crew (Cert 1 Level).
Participate in physical fitness activities (Cert 1 Level).
Participate in fire/EMS training to their level of certification (Cert 1 Level).
Complete and maintain EMS/fire/rescue knowledge and skills proficiency through department training (Cert 1 Level).
Operate emergency vehicles in accordance with department policies and procedures and all applicable laws (Cert 1 Level).
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.