Description
The City of La Crosse is accepting applications for the purpose of establishing an eligibility list for full-time entry-level Firefighters.
Responsibilities include working as a team member to prevent and suppress fires, protect life and property and to provide medical assistance as an emergency medical technician. Successful applicants must possess a current WI Firefighter II certification, a current National or State of Wisconsin EMT license at time of hire, an Associate degree in Fire Science or related field preferred; or equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
This is an entry level position with an annual starting salary of $62,812.00. Additional pay is available for candidates with Paramedic license. Experienced candidates may qualify for additional starting pay and increased vacation based on years of service with previous agencies.
Benefits: The City of La Crosse offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical insurance, voluntary dental and vision plan, Wisconsin Retirement plan, flexible spending account, deferred compensation, Roth IRA, life insurance, income continuation insurance, paid holidays, paid vacations, paid sick leave, and a variety of wellness initiatives. Benefit perks: choice of two medical benefit plans, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System, 11 paid holidays.
Documentation of certifications must be provided when application is submitted. Additionally, applicants must be U.S. citizens, have a valid unrestricted driver’s license, and a high school diploma or GED. Medical, vision and hearing requirements shall be in accordance with NFPA standards 1582. Tobacco use is prohibited on and off duty. Applicants are subject to post offer/pre-employment drug screen, physical exam, psychological exam, and background check. The City of La Crosse supports attaining a representative workforce and workplace equity.
For consideration, all applicants must submit a completed application through www.FireDepartmentHiring.com. This position requires FireTeam exam and CPAT which may be completed following the instructions at www.FireDepartmentHiring.com. (The CPAT may be taken at any licensed agency. Please upload documentation confirming your CPAT with your application.)
Applications received by
January 5, 2026 will be included in the hiring process scheduled for February, 2026.
An Equal Opportunity Employer/A Drug Free Workplace
To follow is a brief summary of the benefits the City of La Crosse offers to its employees. Benefits and benefit eligibility will vary by position. Detailed benefits information can be found on the City's website under Department>Human Resources>Employee Benefits.
- Medical Benefit Plan – Offered to all full-time, non-represented or unionized employees. Coverage for eligible medical expenses and prescriptions. Note: Employees hired full-time on or after 1/1/14 are not eligible for retiree medical benefit plan coverage.
- Pension (Wisconsin Retirement System-WRS) – Automatic enrollment for full-time positions. Eligibility for part-time positions varies by position and is determined by the number of hours and duration of the position. For eligible positions, contributions begin date of hire. Employer contributions are paid by the employer. Employees are required to pay 50% of the total WRS contribution rate for "general" employees. 2025 rate is 6.95% of pre-tax earnings.
- Life Insurance – (follows WRS eligibility) Up to five times the employee's annual salary is available. Spouse/dependent coverage options also available.
- Income Continuation Insurance – (follows WRS enrollment) A short or long term disability insurance. Various options available for waiting periods.
- Section #125 Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. This is a flexible spending account to defer money from your paycheck pre-tax in a dependent care or medical account.
- Vision Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. This is a voluntary plan, completely funded by the employee.
- Dental Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. This is a voluntary plan, completely funded by the employee. Employees can choose between two different dental plans.
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. May enroll at any time. Employees may elect for pre-tax payroll deductions to be placed in a retirement investment account.
- ICMA Roth IRA - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. May enroll at any time. Employees may elect for payroll deductions to be placed in a Roth IRA.
- Paid Leave Time: Vacation, sick leave, personal business leave, family care leave, and holidays. Actual leave accrual determined by employee handbook or union contracts.
