Firefighter Hiring Information

We are looking for strong, intelligent, ambitious full-time firefighters who can uphold our four core values: Honor. Compassion. Courage. Loyalty.

The Manhattan Fire Department is currently accepting applications for both Firefighter and Student Firefighter.

Firefighters work in all kinds of weather conditions and in all types of emergency situations. They are on duty for a 24-hour shift period with approximately 10 working shifts per month.

A firefighter operates as a member of a team at emergencies of uncertain duration. While performing duties, the firefighter will be exposed to situations that require spending extensive time outdoors, exposed to the elements and extreme fluctuations in temperature. The firefighter must perform physically demanding work in hot (up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit), humid (up to 100% humidity) atmospheres while wearing equipment that significantly impairs body cooling mechanisms.

The firefighter experiences frequent transition from hot to cold and humid to dry atmospheres; works in wet, icy or muddy areas with unsure footing and limited light conditions; and performs a variety of tasks on slippery, hazardous surfaces such as rooftops and ladders. The firefighter must be capable of wearing 50+ pounds of protective equipment as a part of fire fighting activities.

To Qualify

All applicants, for the position of firefighter, must fully and honestly complete an application for employment and all attached release forms. False statements or incomplete applications will be cause for disqualification from further consideration. A thorough criminal background and reference investigation will be conducted on each application.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age prior to appointment.

Applicants must possess Kansas Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or National Registry EMT within one year of date of hire. If applicant does not have the EMT certification, a class will be provided by the Fire Department and successful completion of State Boards is required. Applicants with the National Registry certification must obtain the Kansas EMT certification within 60 days of date of hire. Copies of EMT certification are required with application if the applicant possesses the certification.

Applicants must have passed the FireTEAM Ergometric through National Testing Network (NTN), within two years prior to application deadline. To register with NTN and schedule a test, go to the National Testing Network website, select 'Find Jobs', then select Firefighter and sign up for Manhattan Fire Department. Applicants possessing a bachelor degree from an accredited college or university are exempt from the FireTEAM Ergometric testing requirement.

Applicant must have a valid (within 1 year of date of issue of application deadline) Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) (PDF) certificate. Applicants who do not possess a valid CPAT certificate should contact AC Dameron at 785-587-4504 for information on test dates organized by the department. A copy of certification is required with application.

CPAT testing sites include:

Hutchinson Community College, 620-728-4460
Johnson County Community College Continuing Education, 913-469-2388
Blue River Community College, Independence, Missouri, 816-604-6736

CPAT Certification will be accepted from other accredited testing sites.

Applicants must either be citizens of the United States of America or legal resident aliens.

Applicants must not have had a felony conviction directly related to the position of firefighter (e.g., arson, burglary, larceny, murder). Conviction records will not be an automatic bar to employment, but will be considered on a case by case review.

Applicants must not have a record reflecting a series of misdemeanor convictions that indicate a habitual disrespect for the law.

Applicants must have a valid driver's license and not have a record which reflects a series of traffic accidents and violations in which he/she was found to be at fault.

Applicants will be required to successfully complete each of a series of tests in order to be considered further. Such exams may include a physical performance assessment, oral interviews, drug screen and a medical examination, and written exam.

Following Appointment

Once appointed, firefighters must:

Have adequate motorized transportation to and from duty assignments for timely reporting to normal and emergency call-back duty.
Reside within the Fire Department's residency area within 90 days of employment.