Fire/EMS Pathway Program Internship
The Pathway Program Internship is designed for individuals who are beginning their careers in the Fire Service and have not yet obtained all the certifications required to become a Firefighter/EMT. This program provides an opportunity for students enrolled in a regional fire and/or EMS training program to observe and participate (where possible) in day-to-day Fire Department operations - excluding active firefighting and patient care - while working toward the completion of required fire and EMS certification.
The mission of the URBANDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT is to preserve life, protect property, and promote safety. With three fire stations strategically located across the city, we responded to more than 6,400 calls last year. Through our automatic aid agreements with six neighboring metro departments, you’ll have the opportunity to train alongside top-tier professionals in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The UFD is proud to be internationally accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) - distinction that recognizes our commitment to excellence in fire and emergency services. We are also deeply committed to community engagement and public education, helping to reduce risk and increase safety awareness throughout Urbandale.
This is a part-time internship. Under the general direction of the Lieutenant, Pathway Program Interns are expected to meet established outcomes within a defined timeline to remain in good standing and advance through the program.
To learn more about the Pathway Program Internship, click HERE.
This recruitment is for the internship only. Fully certified candidates are ineligible for the internship. Certified candidates seeking part-time or full-time employment are encouraged to visit our CAREERS PAGE, and consider submitting an INTEREST CARD.
Routine Job Duties/Responsibilities:
Intern (Non-Certified) Routine Job Duties/Responsibilities
- As an observer, responds to emergencies (e.g. fire, medical, rescue, man-made/natural disasters, etc.). Under supervision, may be permitted to assist in support activities without operating in an Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) environment or to directly participate in patient care.
- Learn about fire code enforcement by observing fire/life safety facility inspections,
- With 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 to improve safety for the community and enhance the reputation of the Fire Department.
- With direct supervision, complete physical fitness exercise.
- To the level they have completed in fire or EMS training, may participate in Fire/EMS training.
- With direct supervision, various operational duties may be assigned, which may include inventory minor equipment maintenance, regular equipment inspection and testing,
- Assist with station duties necessary to maintain and keep clean department facilities.
- Assures the City and Department’s mission, core values, goals and objectives are fully supported and initiated.
- Familiarity with department policies and procedures.
- Performs vehicle/squad checks and completes vehicle and station routine maintenance and inventory.
- Perform annual or semi-annual cleaning and maintenance on apparatus, equipment, and facilities.
- Performs annual equipment testing.
- Perform annual or semi-annual cleaning and maintenance on apparatus, equipment, and facilities.
- Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
- Enrolled in an accredited Fire or EMT training program at the time of hire is required.
- Valid Iowa Driver’s License.
- Interns will be required to remain enrolled or successfully complete their EMS or fire certification program.
- Interns must successfully pass all certification testing for either EMT or Firefighter I within nine months of their hire date.
- Interns must successfully complete all requirements and be recommended for promotion to the CERT 1 level within nine months of their hire date.
- Interns must be able to pass the EMS only Physical Ability Exam, upon completion of the internship program in order to advance to the Cert 1 level.
- Ability to act with honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, and dependability at all times.
- Ability to perform invasive advanced medical procedures in stressful situations.
- Ability to handle confidential information in a sensitive manner.
- Ability to take the initiative.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Effective problem solving, decision making, multi-tasking and sound judgment skills.
- Accurate mathematical skills.
- Ability to concentrate in a diverse work setting.
- Actively support efforts to maintain and improve cooperation, communication and collaboration between employees, partners and the community.
- Ability to work initial 40-hour work week for orientation, then 24-hour shift-based schedule varying days of the week, including regular weekend and holiday work.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to live and work effectively with co-workers during shifts.
- Ability to perform essential duties at designated work site location at designated hours.
Click HERE to review the full job description.
The Urbandale Fire Department anticipates selecting up to three (3) interns, one per shift, for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The Following Documents Must Be Uploaded with the Application:
-Documentation of enrollment in an accredited Fire or EMT training program at the time of hire (transcript or letter from your current school's Admissions Office confirming enrollment).
-Certification or written test results for passing the IO Solutions National Firefighter Selection Inventory (NSFI) exam.
Applications must be completed online with all required documents attached and all supplemental questions answered. If you are unable to upload documents to your application, you may email them to jbobst@urbandale.org before the 10/26/25 11:59 PM deadline. Your responses to the supplemental questions should be complete yet concise. All eight (8) supplemental questions will be scored as part of the selection process. The top-scoring candidates will be invited to participate in oral board interviews.
Tentative Timeline:
-Posting Closes: 10/26/25 11:59 PM
-Oral Board Interviews: Week of 11/17/25 - 11/21/25
-Anticipated Start Date: 1/5/26
All candidate communication will be via the city's online career site: www.governmentjobs.com (NEOGOV). Be sure to apply with a valid email that you check regularly to receive information regarding all components of the selection process. Candidates are also encouraged to sign-up to receive text message notifications.
The City of Urbandale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Department at hr@urbandale.org or (515) 331-6738 prior to the application deadline.
Position Type: Internship
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