Job Description
FIREFIGHTER/EMT
Salary: Grade 145/Step 1 – Step 7 DOE $58,593.60 - $65,977.60/per year
OR
FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC
Salary: Grade 150/Step 1 – Step 7 Range DOE $61,526.40 - $69,284.80/per year
Applicable experience gained through service with career or volunteer fire departments may be evaluated and credited toward initial salary placement, subject to verification and department guidelines.
Application Deadline: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 5:00 P.M.
IPAT: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Interviews: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Application forms and complete position descriptions are available at City Hall Human Resource Office or online at http://www.watertownsd.us/Jobs.aspx . Applications must be received in the Human Resources Office at City Hall no later than 5:00 P.M., on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, for initial applicant review. **Applicants do not need an EMT certification in order to apply, however proof of enrollment of an EMT course must be provided. **
All applications will be reviewed, successful candidates will be scheduled to take the Individual Physical Ability Test (IPAT) on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. All candidates will be required to sign a waiver form prior to IPAT. IPAT information can be found at this website: http://www.watertownsd.us/WFRhiring
Applicants that successfully complete the IPAT may be granted an interview on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
Firefighter/EMT Minimum Qualifications:
- High School diploma or equivalent;
- A minimum of a valid EMT-Basic certification from the National Registry by time of hire;
- Must possess a valid Driver’s License;
- Must complete ARFF Training within one (1) year from date of hire;
- Must complete HazMat Training within one (1) year from date of hire;
- Must obtain Firefighter I and II Certification within one (1) year from date of hire;
- Must obtain NREMT Paramedic Certification within five (5) years from date of hire;
- Must establish and maintain residency within 15 miles of the Watertown Regional Airport Terminal within 6 months from date of hire.
Preferred Qualifications:
- NIMS All Hazards Certification.
Firefighter/Paramedic Minimum Qualifications:
- High School Diploma/equivalent;
- Current Paramedic Certification;
- Current Firefighter I Certification;
- Must possess a valid Driver’s License;
- Must complete ARFF Training within one (1) year from date of hire;
- Must obtain HazMat Training within one (1) year from date of hire;
- Must obtain Firefighter II Certification within one (1) year from date of hire;
- Must establish and maintain residency within 15 miles of the Watertown Regional Airport Terminal within 6 months from date of hire.
Preferred Qualifications:
- NIMS All Hazards certification preferred.
A successful candidate must successfully pass Pre-employment and Post-offer Testing, including a background investigation and drug screen. Failure to comply with or meet standards will result in the revocation of the employment offer.
Veteran’s preference is acknowledged in the City’s hiring process.
The City of Watertown’s Personnel Policy, including the City’s policy on Nepotism, can be obtained at the City Finance Office or on our website at www.watertownsd.us .
The City of Watertown does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services. EOE
Human Resources Office
City of Watertown, SD