JOB
CITY OF KALISPELL
Job Description
An Equal Opportunity Employer
(The City of Kalispell is establishing a hiring list for future openings)
Class Title: Firefighter/Paramedic/EMT/EMT Advanced
Department: Fire Department
Union: The International Association of Firefighters, Local Union #547
Salary: EMT-Paramedic
FY26 wages: $29.53 ($26.85 Probationary Wage + $2.68 Paramedic Pay)
FY27 wages: $30.87 ($27.92 Probationary Wage + $2.95 Paramedic Pay)
EMT Advanced
FY26 wages: $27.89 ($26.85 Probationary Wage + $1.04 EMTA Pay)
FY27 wages: $29.01 ($27.92 Probationary Wage + $1.09 EMTA Pay)
Benefits: 100% paid health insurance for employees & reduced rates for dependents. State retirement plan, 3-weeks’ vacation, paid sick leave, 10 State and Federal holidays. This position may be participating in a *VEBA program.
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Date: April 17, 2026
Performs a wide variety of all-risk responses, technical work in fire suppression, emergency aid, hazardous materials, and fire prevention activities. Work includes performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions which may require strenuous exertion under such conditions as smoke and cramped surroundings. A large part of the time is spent on the performance of routine duties at a fire station in cleaning, maintenance, and repair of property and equipment. Considerable time is also spent maintaining skills through drills and other forms of testing This includes risk reduction and prevention, fire suppression, rescue, and hazardous materials operations. The department also provides basic and advanced life support emergency medical response, treatment, and medical transportation. The Fire Department provides all-risk response inside the city limits, emergency medical response to a large service area outside of the city limits, and hazardous materials response statewide. Firefighters may also be called upon to provide office, administrative and/or technical support to Fire Administration on a regular or special projects basis.
Performs under the general guidance of senior Fire Department members, company officers, and chief officers in accordance with department standard operating guidelines, EMS protocols, department rules and regulations, city policy, and state and federal law.
-
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
-
Provide general supervision and guidance to Fire Department members with less seniority.
-
Provide general supervision and guidance to station visitors, tour attendees, and general public as appropriate.
-
Provide supervision, guidance, and precept ride-a-longs, EMS students, and interns.
-
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:
-
Response 50%: Respond to emergency and non-emergency incidents as a member of an emergency services team. Operate fire apparatus and firefighting equipment under emergency conditions. Perform medical care with professional licensure through the State of Montana in accordance with current EMS protocols and scope of practice. Respond from off-duty as needed for additional staffing. May function as a member of a specialized team.
-
Station Duties 35%: Inspect and test fire apparatus and firefighting equipment. Perform general maintenance work, upkeep of fire facilities, and equipment. Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of department property, cleans and washes walls and floors, cares for grounds around station; makes minor repairs, washes, hangs and dries hose; washes, cleans, polishes, maintains and tests apparatus and equipment. Participate in continuing education and training. Timely and accurate completion of job-related reports including but not limited to patient care reports and payroll documentation.
-
Public Education and Fire Prevention 10%: Participate in public education events including, but not limited to station tours, fire prevention training, fire inspections, preplanning, and visiting schools.
-
Other Duties as Assigned 5%: Writes and maintains accurate reports, charts, and software entries. Performs other duties as assigned.
-
COMPETENCIES:
-
Exhibits behavior consistent with the mission, vision, and values of the City of Kalispell and Kalispell Fire Department.
-
Ability to perform prolonged and arduous work under adverse conditions and to maintain an adequate level of physical fitness at all times.
-
Ability to learn a wide variety of firefighting duties and methods within a reasonable working test period.
-
Furthers the mission, vision, and values of the City and Fire Dept. through excellent customer service, creative problem solving, decision making and stewardship of City resources.
-
Contributes to a learning/thinking/renewing department through customer feedback and continuous improvement.
-
Provides teaching, mentoring and motivation to other employees within the organization through the sharing of knowledge, skills, and information; is proactive in performing and improving his/her own work and suggests and participates in projects and activities to improve the function of the entire organization.
-
Demonstrates emotional intelligence in day-to-day work, decision making and problem solving.
-
Initiates and suggests actions to improve departmental and City operations, employee performance, morale, and work methods.
-
Demonstrates a commitment to provide, and require excellent customer service through cooperative team and individual efforts.
-
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Experience):
-
Graduation from a high school, vocational school or GED.
-
Must be 18 years or older at the time of employment.
-
Also see “Special Requirements” section for more details.
-
You must submit with your application a successful completion (passing) of your Candidate Physical Ability Testing (CPAT). CPAT must be taken within the 12 months prior to the application due date either through the Montana Firefighter Consortium or an accredited testing company.
-
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
One (1) year experience or more providing emergency services.
-
Paramedic or Advanced-EMT licensure
-
College level degree in fire science or another applicable field.
-
NFPA Hazardous Materials Technician.
-
Pro Board and/or IFSAC Firefighter I credential or higher.
-
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
-
Knowledge, skill, and ability to perform as an Emergency Care Provider in accordance with scope of practice as outlined by professional licensure with the State of Montana and in accordance with local protocol.
-
Knowledge of or ability to learn two-way radio use in conformance with FCC rules and regulations.
-
Skilled in the safe and efficient operation of the tools and equipment related to the position.
-
Skilled in performing emergency medical assessments and appropriate treatments.
-
Ability to learn the operation of fire suppression and other emergency equipment.
-
Ability to perform strenuous and peak physical effort during emergencies, training, or station maintenance activities for prolonged periods of time under conditions of extreme heights, intense heat, cold, smoke, or other toxic atmospheres.
-
Ability to act effectively in emergencies and stressful situations.
-
Ability to memorize the geography, streets, hydrants and building locations in the geographic areas served, as well as individual characteristics of buildings, including construction, hazards, and built-in protection devices.
-
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
-
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
-
Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.
-
Ability to think clearly, to reason and react quickly and calmly in hazardous and potentially life-threatening situations.
-
Ability to remain professional in a manner that protects the interests of the community, city, and department, at times under stressful and demanding situations.
-
Ability to recall facts and conditions observed while under severe physical and/or emotional stress.
-
Ability to use tools and equipment effectively and safely (section J) along with additional tools and other equipment as assigned.
-
Ability to safely drive and operate department vehicles in all driving and weather conditions.
-
Ability to receive and follow written and verbal instruction.
-
Ability to learn and effectively use computers and programs provided for the performance of job duties.
-
Ability to work as a member of a team comprised of those with varying background and experience levels.
-
Ability to meet the special requirements listed below.
-
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
-
Must possess a valid Montana State driver's license before operating any department vehicles and/or within 60 days of hire. The applicant’s driving history will be reviewed and taken into consideration.
-
Must possess or obtain a State of Montana Emergency Care Provider licensure of the level advertised in the position announcement within 30 days.
-
If hired as an EMT-basic, employee will be required to complete an Advanced EMT course in-house within 12 months of hire as a condition of employment.
-
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Fire apparatus, fire firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, ladders, emergency medical equipment, emergency vehicles, air/gas monitors, radiation monitors, thermal imaging cameras, radio, pager, personal computer, phone, cell phone.
-
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
-
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
-
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell.
-
Firefighters must be able to drag 165 pounds at a minimum, must be able to carry at waist level 100 pounds, and be able to lift 24 pounds to the height of the shoulder.
-
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
-
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
-
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
-
Kalispell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the ADA, the city will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodation with the employer.
-
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside-weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, radiation, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
-
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, except during certain firefighting or EMS activities when noise levels may be loud.
-
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
-
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
-
SELECTION GUIDELINES:
-
Written and signed City of Kalispell Job Applications will be reviewed.
-
Applicants will be required to submit proof of passing a physical ability test with their application.
-
Candidate Physical Ability Testing (CPAT) will be offered through Montana Firefighter Testing Consortium annually.
-
CPAT’s not taken through the consortium must be taken through an accredited testing company.
-
CPAT’s must be taken within the 12 months prior to the application due date.
Note: Because this is considered a strenuous physical test, we highly recommend you consult with your health care provider before participating.
-
Johnson-Roberts Personal History Questionnaire will be completed and reviewed.
-
Applicants will be interviewed and evaluated by an oral board.
-
Successful applicants will be ranked on a list for hire.
- Applicants selected for hire must pass a post-offer comprehensive physical exam, fingerprint background check, background investigation, reference checks, drug, and tobacco screening per MCA, prior to employment start date. Per MCA 7-33-1902 a paid firefighter hired on or after July 1, 2019, must be tobacco free.
- VEBA (Voluntary Employee Benefit Association) is a tax-exempt health reimbursement account used by employees and their eligible dependent to pay for eligible medical expenses. The plan is funded by an employee’s sick and/or vacation banked hours upon leaving City employment.
Posting Date: April 17, 2026
Closing Date: Applications must be received by 4:00 pm on June 16, 2026
ONLY CANDIDATES SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED.
A City application can be obtained from:
- The Human Resource Department with the City of Kalispell, 201 1st Ave East,
Kalispell, MT. Phone (406)758-7774 or (406)758-7757; or
- Kalispell Job Service, 427 1st Ave E, Kalispell, MT 59901. Phone (406)758-6200; or
- Online at the City of Kalispell website: https://www.kalispell.com/236/Human-Resources
Approval: ___________________________________ Date: ____________________________
Department Head/Supervisor
Approved: ___________________________________ Date: ____________________________
Human Resources Director
Approval: ___________________________________ Date: ____________________________
City Manager/Hiring Authority
Revision Date: 4/08/26
