Fire service is more than a job—it is a commitment to service, teamwork, and excellence. At Boise Fire, you will have the opportunity to protect lives, serve your community, and be part of a profession built on courage, integrity, and dedication. We are seeking motivated and dependable individuals who are ready to make a meaningful difference through public service.
With more than 300 full-time personnel, 19 fire stations, and specialized teams in Hazardous Materials, Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting (ARFF), Dive Rescue, and Technical Rescue, Boise Fire provides exceptional opportunities for professional growth, hands-on experience, and career development in a collaborative, team-oriented environment. We are excited you are considering a career with Boise Fire and look forward to learning more about you throughout the application process.
Application Process
Step 1 – complete your application here on Government Jobs:
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You MUST submit your proof of EMT/Paramedic certification with your application on Government Jobs by attaching a copy in the attachments section with your resume and cover letter prior to submitting your application. Failure to attach your EMT or Paramedic certification will result in an incomplete application and you will be disqualified from the process.
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Please only attach the following documents to your application: resume, cover letter, EMT or Paramedic certification, and proof of military service (if applicable).
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Please list any other relevant certifications in the Certificates and Licenses section on your application.
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We recommend downloading a copy of your application for your records.
Step 2 – complete testing with Public Safety Answers:
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Use this link to create your profile or log in to PSA’s website; there is a $50 fee to test, payable to PSA.
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Complete both the written and virtual interview by the deadline of August 23, 2026, 5:00 PM.
Both steps MUST be completed before 5:00 PM, August 23, 2026.
For further testing details and testing timelines, refer to the Join Boise Fire site.
Receives training and develops skills and techniques in firefighting, hazardous materials response, emergency medical and lifesaving activities. Attends and completes training courses on responding to fire scenes, natural disasters, vehicle accidents, and various medical emergencies.
Studies fire prevention, fire protection, firefighting, emergency medical techniques, rescue techniques, fire suppression tactics, and learns to identify potentially dangerous combinations of weather and fire. Reads and studies texts and manuals to learn fire behavior theories. Uses mathematical formulas for computing hydraulics, fire containment and extinguishment practices and procedures.
Learns to administer basic or advanced life support (based on licensure level) at emergency scenes. Observes established medical protocols.
Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.
Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training
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Must complete all training necessary to fulfill state licensure, City and department requirements and ensure professional development.
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Must be a US Citizen or eligible to work in the US in accordance with the US Citizenship and Immigration Service, be at least 18 years of age, and possess a high school diploma or GED at the time of employment.
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Knowledge of rules and regulations of the fire department; maintenance of equipment; symptoms of medical emergencies and of appropriate responses to such conditions.
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Ability to meet physical and medical standards; learn firefighting, fire prevention, fire protection, emergency medical and rescue techniques and methods and to apply such information to specific situations; perform physically arduous work requiring strength and agility during training, in the performance of assigned duties and in all kinds of weather; read, understand and follow written and oral instructions; add, subtract, multiply and divide; work with fractions, decimals, and percentages; plan an appropriate course of action to reach an objective; develop alternative solutions to problems and to evaluate their respective utilities; make sound decisions quickly under pressure; recognize specific signs or symptoms which indicate a larger or broader problem or situation; focus on a task and ignore distractions; extract specific details from a complex set of information; combine details from several sources to reach a solution; compare information from several sources for similarities and differences; recall and apply information (codes, building locations, proper fire extinguishing techniques); remember visual information (photograph, pictorial display, building layout, map, etc.); apply simple mechanical principles (leverage, force, acceleration, friction, etc.); maintain and keep current education, technique, and skills needed for successfully fighting fires, handling hazardous materials, and performing emergency medical and lifesaving procedures; visually recognize colored labels and placards; express thoughts verbally in a clear, understandable manner; explain complicated information in simple language; perform routine and repetitive work; display an attitude of cooperation and work harmoniously with all levels of City employees, the general public and other organizations; communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance; complete assignments in a timely fashion; understand and comply with all rules, policies and regulations; maintain prompt and regular attendance; perform all essential and marginal functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without a reasonable accommodation.
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Must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record, as outlined in the City of Boise Vehicle Usage Regulation in effect when the applicable Contract Labor Agreement is signed.
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Refer to the latest edition of the NFPA 1582 Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments for medical evaluation requirements and standards.
Preferred Knowledge, Experience, and Training
Previous firefighting experience.
Licensing And Other Requirements
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Valid state-issued driver’s license
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Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification: Valid National Registry or state-issued EMT certification with ability to obtain reciprocity in Idaho within 120 days of employment.
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Paramedic: Valid National Registry or state-issued Paramedic Certification with ability to obtain reciprocity in Idaho within 120 days of employment; Advanced Cardiac Life Support or equivalent; Pediatric Advanced Life Support or equivalent.
Special Requirements
Applicants must be able to pass:
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City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
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Driving Record Check
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Post Offer Medical Examination
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Physical Fitness Test
Drug Free Workplace: In accordance with the City of Boise Drug Free Workplace Regulation, this position is designated as safety sensitive and is subject to testing requirements including Post Offer Applicant Testing, Random Testing, Reasonable Suspicion, Post - Accident, etc. Applicants will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to hire. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative pre-employment drug test.
This position is required to perform emergency medical, lifesaving, and/or fire suppression activities.
The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job as outlined by NFPA 1582. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Efforts
While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to perform the 14 essential job tasks as outlined by NFPA 1582:
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Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) while performing firefighting tasks (e.g., hose line operations, extensive crawling, lifting and carrying heavy objects, ventilating roofs or walls using power or hand tools, forcible entry), rescue operations, and other emergency response actions under stressful conditions, including working in extremely hot or cold environments for prolonged time periods.
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Wearing an SCBA, which includes a demand valve–type positive-pressure face piece or HEPA filter masks, which requires the ability to tolerate increased respiratory workloads.
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Exposure to toxic fumes, irritants, particulates, biological (infectious) and non-biological hazards, and/or heated gases, despite the use of personal protective ensembles and SCBA.
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Climbing six or more flights of stairs while wearing fire protective ensemble weighing at least 50 lb. (22.6 kg) or more and carrying equipment/tools weighing an additional 20 to 40 lb. (9 to 18 kg).
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Wearing fire protective ensemble that is encapsulating and insulated, which will result in significant fluid loss that frequently progresses to clinical dehydration and can elevate core temperature to levels exceeding 102.2°f (39°c).
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Searching, finding, and rescue-dragging or carrying victims ranging from newborns up to adults weighing over 165 lb. (90 kg) to safety despite hazardous conditions and low visibility
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Advancing water-filled hose lines up to 2 ½ in. (65 mm) in diameter from fire apparatus to occupancy [approximately 150 ft (50 m)], which can involve negotiating multiple flights of stairs, ladders, and other obstacles.
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Climbing ladders, operating from heights, walking, or crawling in the dark along narrow and uneven surfaces, and operating in proximity to electrical power lines and/or other hazards.
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Unpredictable emergency requirements for prolonged periods of extreme physical exertion without benefit of warm-up, scheduled rest periods, meals, access to medication(s), or hydration.
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Operating fire apparatus or other vehicles in emergency mode with emergency lights and sirens.
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Critical, time-sensitive, complex problem solving during physical exertion in stressful, hazardous environments, including hot, dark, tightly enclosed spaces, that is further aggravated by fatigue, flashing lights, sirens, and other distractions.
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Ability to communicate (give and comprehend verbal orders) while wearing personal protective ensembles and SCBA under conditions of high background noise, poor visibility, and drenching from hose lines and/or fixed protection systems (sprinklers).
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Functioning as an integral component of a team, where sudden incapacitation of a member can result in mission failure or in risk of injury or death to civilians or other team members.
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Working in shifts, including during nighttime, and that can extend beyond 12 hours.
Working Environment
This position works: 48 hours on / 96 hours off
