Firefighter Cadet

INTRODUCTION:
The City of Racine and Racine Fire Department are excited to announce the Firefighter Cadet Program! The purpose of the program is to allow current college students the on-the-job experience of being a Firefighter/EMT, specifically with the City of Racine. 
 

POSITION PURPOSE:
Under the direction of the Assistant Chief & assigned supervisor or higher-ranking fire personnel, the Firefighter Cadet has the opportunity to help Racine’s citizens every day, while also focusing on their educational, physical fitness, and personal and professional development. The ultimate goal is to progress from Firefighter Cadet to a full-time Firefighter with the City of Racine.
 

WORK SCHEDULE:

• Up to 25 hours per week
• Schedule will be specific to each student based on school/activity schedule. Official schedule will be determined once hired.
• Cadets will be assigned to a shift and station which includes weekdays & weekends.
• Cadets will work 9-hour shifts 0700 – 1600 hrs. (hours may flex)

WORKING CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Work is performed in a variety of settings including fire stations, non-emergency and emergency scenes, emergency response vehicles; and work may involve off-duty recall for major emergencies. The environment ranges from routine to emergency settings with unusual modes of communications, extreme noise, discomfort and hazard. The emergency environment may require the performance of hazardous task under conditions that require strenuous exertion with limited visibility and the physical ability to utilize all protective turnout equipment including wearing self-contained breathing apparatus. Potential exposure to hazardous or toxic chemicals and gases, extremes in temperature, cramped surroundings, heights, sub-surfaces and infectious diseases.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND SAFETY RULES:

1. Cadets may not be substituted for current firefighters/EMTs.
2. Cadets will report to their assigned fire station at their assigned time.
   • Cadets will be assigned to a shift and station
   • Cadets will work 9-hour shifts 0700 – 1600 hrs. (hours may flex)
   • Officers shall let the Battalion Chief know if an cadet is late
3. Be polite and respectful to everyone.
4. Cadets will respond with emergency crews while “on duty” to all emergency calls. Licensed EMT Cadets will help during the calls (under the supervision of a department EMT or Paramedic).
   • Vitals
   • Assessments
   • Patient movement
5. Cadets will not be allowed to participate in patient care if they do not possess a valid EMT License.
6. Cadets will help carry equipment to and from the call; if you bring it in, make sure you bring it back.
7. Cadets will be issued fire department turnout gear, helmets, boots, and gloves – these items must be worn during fires, vehicle accidents, or any time the officer deems it necessary. 
8. Cadets may enter and perform duties within the designated “hot zone” at any emergency scene. In the event an officer deems the area unsafe, they may instruct the cadet to stay in a safe area.
   • Vehicle accidents
   • Fires – cadets will help clean up; no active fire entry will be allowed. 
     1. Overhaul/FPB investigation shadow after the atmosphere is cleared is acceptable
9.  Cadets must obey and follow the direction of all firefighters and officers.
10. Cadets may climb ground ladders and aerial ladders under the supervision of a department member.
11. Cadets may wear Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) as part of a training session under the direction of department members.
12. Cadets will be expected to participate in all Fire Department training/activities while “on duty.”
13. Training/activities may include but are not limited to hose rolling, cleaning apparatus and stations, emergency scene clean-up, fire prevention visits, public education events, and general administrative duties.
14. Cadets will honor the fire departments appearance guidelines. Cadets should understand the importance of dress and appearance as it pertains to safety and the public’s perception. Proper attire will be dark blue pants, black closed-toe boots or shoes, and a department-issued cadet shirt. The uniform must be clean and presentable.
15.  Cadets shall understand that their role in this program is an educational experience and may be present in situations requiring a high degree of confidentiality/privacy related to incidents or medical information. Cadets are not allowed to openly share such information with anyone outside the fire department for any reason. Please maintain proper confidentiality/privacy to avoid dismissal.
16.  Cadets shall not use cell phones during a call or training. No pictures.
17.  Expectations, friendly, helpful, on time, ask questions, relax.

Failure to maintain proper confidentiality/privacy will be means for dismissal from the program.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Meet one of the three criteria (note: you will be required to submit documentation for proof):

• Currently enrolled in a Fire Science, Health Science (Nursing, Biology, Pharmacy, etc.) or EMS program college course.
• Previously interned with the Racine Fire Department for over 150 hours within the last 3 years.
• Currently hold a Wisconsin State Certified Firefighter 1 or Wisconsin EMT – Basic or Paramedic license

2. Grade point average 2.0 or above and maintained throughout the internship
3. Submit a cover letter of at least one page (a minimum of 400 words, not including header or title) addressing the following prompt:

What inspires you to serve your community, and how do you hope to make a lasting impact as a Firefighter Cadet for the City of Racine?
 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
In the interest of maintaining high standards and ensuring alignment with program goals, cadets participating in the internship will undergo a comprehensive evaluation every 3 months. This assessment serves to confirm each cadet’s progress, commitment, and adherence to the skills and behaviors required for success in the role. By setting this checkpoint, we aim to support cadets' professional growth and provide constructive feedback that promotes improvement.

Cadets who meet or exceed the evaluation criteria will continue in the internship, with additional opportunities for development and mentorship. For those who do not meet the required standards, a review process will be implemented to discuss specific areas for improvement. This evaluative measure is designed not as a barrier but as a stepping stone toward achieving professional excellence and readiness for future responsibilities. This position is effective until December 31st, 2026.

Firefighter Cadets are expected to enroll in a Fire Science or EMS program course and achieve a passing grade. (Scholarships are available.)

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. 
• Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. 
• Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. 
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.  
• The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. 
• The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. 

RECRUITMENT PROCESS STEPS:
Step 1: Application
Step 2: Screening
This is performed by Human Resources to ensure you meet the minimum requirements.
Step 3: Panel Interview
Candidates qualifications, communication skills and other job-related factors will be evaluated by staff members of the Racine Fire Department. 
Step 4: Offer of Employment
Step 5: Pre-employment screenings
Step 6: Swearing-In
Step 7: Orientation

This job description is intended to identify essential duties and also illustrates other types of duties that may be assigned. It should not be interpreted as describing all of the duties that will be required of an employee or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments that an individual is required to perform. In addition to the responsibilities and duties listed, it is expected that employees maintain a consistent and reliable attendance record. Job descriptions are subject to revision at any time at the discretion of the City of Racine.

The City of Racine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.