2026 Entry Level and Lateral Firefighter Job Posting
Entry Level and Lateral Applicants encouraged to apply.
Application opening: July 06, 2026
Application deadline: August 06, 2026
Please watch your email closely for future communications regarding application status, test dates, and other important information during and after you apply.
Please note, in-person attendance is required for all phases of the selection process.
Important dates in 2026:
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Written exam on August 11th at 5:30p.m.
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Physical Agility Exams will be conducted the week of August 31st and the week of September 7th.
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Panel Interviews will be conducted on September 22nd - 24th during normal business hours.
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Chief Interviews will be conducted on or about the week of October 26th.
The Papillion Civil Service Commission reserves the right to modify the schedule if necessary due to extenuating circumstances.
After successful application, you will receive an email containing all elements of the process and the expected duration.
You are required to meet the essential functions of a Firefighter to be eligible for employment. It is important that you review the job description and physical fitness/agility requirements.
You must be able display your physical readiness by passing a job-related physical agility exam. The maximum time allowed to complete the City of Papillion agility course is ten minutes (10:00). Components of the Physical Agility exam include:
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Stair climbing and descent
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Darkened tunnel crawl
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Hose Raise
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Tool Carry
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Dummy Drag
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Simulated ladder raise
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Ceiling breach
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Charged hose drag
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Kaiser sled
The selection process uses only those rating criteria or minimum qualifications that are related to the Firefighter job. Applicants whose applications meet the required minimum qualifications shall be eligible to engage in the initial written exam process. Again, please watch your email closely for these important updates regarding your application status and other information thereafter.
The City of Papillion is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
POSITION TITLE: Firefighter
REPORTS TO: Captain
PURPOSE OF POSITION: Responsible for the performance of professional activities associated with Fire and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) for the city in an effort to protect life and property.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Responds to emergency fire and other disasters and performs fire suppression, salvage and overhaul activities.
Drives rescue squads and fire apparatus in response to emergency situations, as directed.
Safely operates specialized fire apparatus, hand and power tools and equipment
Responds to medical emergencies and/or rescue operations; assesses patient(s) condition and performs emergency medical services utilizing medical equipment, supplies and universal precautions, transports patient(s) to medical facility.
Responds to the release and/or potential release of hazardous materials; assesses scene and identifies area and extent of exposure; performs verification and identification of hazardous material and performs containment operations.
Accurately completes required administrative, inspection, fire and emergency medical reports and documents.
Responsible for the maintenance and operation of fire department facilities as well as specialized fire apparatus and equipment; participates in the general maintenance and custodial care of facilities and grounds, fire apparatus, tools and equipment.
Performs scheduled operational tests and prepares vehicles and equipment for emergency runs.
Attends and participates in various classroom, self-study and field training programs to develop and demonstrate proficiency in fire suppression, fire prevention, hazardous material and emergency medical service functions; obtains and maintains certifications as required.
Performs public education and fire prevention activities including but not limited to giving tours of the station, making presentations to schools, community organizations and other groups on a variety of fire-related topics such as fire safety, fire prevention and CPR.
Physical presence at the assigned job location is an essential function of this role. This position requires onsite attendance during assigned working hours, with remote work arrangements unavailable. Management may consider exceptions under specific circumstances and in accordance with city policies.
MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND ABILITY:
Knowledge of and the ability to apply technical firefighting principles and techniques.
Knowledge of and the ability to apply emergency medical treatment procedures and techniques.
Knowledge of and the ability to apply procedures and techniques associated with the identification and containment of hazardous materials.
Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of specialized fire apparatus, tools and equipment.
Knowledge of and ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
Knowledge of and ability to utilize correct grammar, spelling and punctuation in preparing required reports.
Ability to assess an emergency situation and determine the best strategy for resolution.
Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment under emergency conditions.
Ability to climb ladders and perform duties at considerable heights.
Ability to operate specialized fire apparatus, tools and equipment.
Ability to work effectively under conditions which are conducive to varying degrees of emotional and physical stress.
Ability to acquire and utilize knowledge of the geography of the city and physical layout of the jurisdiction served.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and to complete standardized report forms and compose brief descriptive narratives.
Ability to pass the department's physical agility examination on an annual basis.
Ability to operate standard office equipment and to type accurately using a word processor and/or personal computer.
Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the general public, local law enforcement and fire agencies and supervisors.
Ability to maintain regular and dependable attendance on the job, including attendance and job performance for possibly prolonged periods of time when called out on short notice due to weather conditions, emergencies and similar situations of public necessity.
ESSENTIAL EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION AND/OR LICENSES:
Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license and maintain it throughout course of employment.
Must be at least 19 years of age at the time of hire.
Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
Must have a current State of Nebraska Emergency Medical Technician - Basic certification or Paramedic license.
Must possess a Firefighter I, including Hazmat, certification.
Must maintain all certifications as required.
Must have standard visual acuity of not less than 20/40 in one eye, and 20/100 in the other eye, corrected to 20/20 in one eye, and 20/40 in the other eye. Must also display adequate color and peripheral vision in both eyes.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Firefighters are often placed in a position of physical and mental stress and are required to perform physically demanding work while wearing full protective gear and a self-contained breathing apparatus which may weigh approximately 50-75 pounds. Work requires intense concentration during life threatening situations for extended periods of time. An incumbent in this position will be subject to frequent and constant standing, walking, running, bending, twisting, stooping, squatting, crawling, kneeling, climbing, reaching and lifting above and below shoulder level, pushing/pulling, lifting and carrying up to 100 lbs. or more, with or without assistance.
Firefighters are required to work in indoor/outdoor settings under various weather conditions and amid extreme fluctuations in temperature of heat and cold. Work may be performed in confined spaces, at elevated heights of 100 ft. or more or on slippery or uneven surfaces. An employee may be exposed to blood and other body fluids, infectious agents, hazardous substances, high noise level, sharp objects, smoke, dust, radiation hazards, noxious odors, uninsulated or unshielded electrical hazards and burn injuries.
ESSENTIAL EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION AND/OR LICENSES:
Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license and maintain it throughout course of employment.
Must be at least 19 years of age at the time of hire.
Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
Must have a current State of Nebraska Emergency Medical Technician - Basic certification or Paramedic license.
Must possess a Firefighter I, including Hazmat, certification.
Must maintain all certifications as required.
Must have standard visual acuity of not less than 20/40 in one eye, and 20/100 in the other eye, corrected to 20/20 in one eye, and 20/40 in the other eye. Must also display adequate color and peripheral vision in both eyes.
