JoinLFR

Application Period: Closed

On-line Exam: TBD

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
Must be 18 to take the CPAT 

We are accepting those that have successfully passed CPAT within one year of hire date. Please upload a copy of your current CPAT card below on the registration form. 

Program Overview:

• 8 week course that includes in depth mentoring sessions (access to a mentor up to the time of the final test
• 2 Orientation sessions (includes familiarization of the entire test)
• 2 Practice sessions (hands on familiarity of CPAT equipment & a practice run)
• 1 Final test and certification
• Candidates may attend up to 2 orientation sessions and 2 practice sessions
  
  

Video Resource

Orientation Guide(PDF, 117KB)

Preparation Guide(PDF, 1MB)

If you choose to not participate in the 8 week course, you must sign this waiver prior to the official test day.  (Submit the waiver using the registration form below.)

Waiver(PDF, 92KB)

Click HERE to Register!

First Orientation Days  (Candidate will attend 1 - 4 hour session per day)
October 24 and October 26, 2024
Two sessions per day 
8 am - 12 pm    |     1 pm - 5 pm

Second Orientation Days (Candidate will attend 1 - 4 hour session per day)
November 1 and November 2, 2024
Two sessions per day
8 am - 12 pm      |     1 pm - 5 pm

First Practice Session
November 14 and November 15, 2024
- Candidates will be notified of their slot

Second Practice Session
December 12 December 13, 2024
- Candidates will be notified of their time slot

Official Test Date of CPAT
December 20 and December 21, 2024
- Candidates will be notified of their time slot  

February 2025 TBA (Current High School Students)

Learn about the average day of a firefighter and firefighter/paramedic; candidate qualifications and LFR expectations. 

Get hands on experience with:

• Search a room for victims
• Fundamentals of handling a fire hose
• Hands Only CPR
• Advance airway placement
• Stop the Bleed
  
  

Waiver

Each participant must have a signed Waiver on file with Lincoln Fire & Rescue. 

Click here to sign up to receive notifications for application periods. (Check Fire & EMS box.)

LF&R promotes a diverse workforce that represents the community it serves. LF&R encourages females, minorities, and people from all backgrounds to apply.

How Should I Prepare to be a Firefighter or Firefighter / Paramedic?

1. Acquire the National Registry Paramedic certification.
2. Find out as much as you can about Lincoln Fire & Rescue. What do they do? What are the minimum requirements?
3. Prepare yourself physically. For example, run stretch, lift weights, carry things up and down stairs, and practice the physical ability test. Push yourself so you are prepared.
4. Prepare yourself for the interviews. Practice interviews. Be prepared to answer questions about yourself, your education, and your past experience/jobs.
5. Do volunteer work, such as with the Red Cross First Aid team, at community centers, schools, volunteer fire departments, athletic teams. Play on athletic teams. Any activity is a plus.
6. Increase your education, in any field. Post high school education in fire science, a current EMT License, Firefighter I Certification, or a National Paramedic Certification is desired.

Desired Qualifications

• Read, write, and speak foreign language or languages.
• Advanced degree or education
• Veterans encouraged to apply
• Prior experience in fire/EMS services
• Trade work/experience

If you have questions, please call the City/County Human Resources Department, Employment Office at (402) 441-7597 or send an email to: jobs@lincoln.ne.gov and someone will be happy to help you.

Links to Paramedic Programs in Nebraska

• Mid-Plains Community College (Traditional Paramedic)
• Mid-Plains Community College (Accelerated Paramedic)
• Creighton University Paramedic Program
• Creighton University Paramedic Certification for Healthcare Providers
• Southeast Community College
• Metro Community College
• Northeast Community College
• Central Community College Grand Island

Minimum Requirements

• Proof of authorization to work in the US
• High school graduate or GED equivalency
• Paramedic State Certification at time of application. (Paramedic certificate can be from any state in the U.S.)
• EMT Certification
• National Registry Paramedic Certification at the time of hire
• Nineteen (19) years of age or older
• No felony convictions
• Valid drivers license within 30 days
• Eyesight requirements: strong eye 20/40, correctable to 20/20. Weak eye 200/100, corrected to 20/40, must not be color blind 
• Good physical condition, able to complete 1.5 miles run in under 15 minutes
• Speak, read, and write English
  
  

Entry level firefighter testing is conducted by the City of Lincoln Human Resources. Testing currently includes a written exam and oral board interviews.

Written Exam
An online exam will be held as the first part of the testing process. Candidates must receive a passing score as determined by City of Lincoln Human Resources.

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is a standardized physical fitness test used by many fire departments and emergency response agencies to evaluate whether candidates possess the necessary strength, stamina, and agility required for the job. It typically includes a series of job-related tasks, such as stair climbing, hose dragging, equipment carrying, and rescue operations, all performed within a set timeframe. Successfully completing the CPAT demonstrates that a candidate is physically capable of handling the demanding duties of a firefighter or emergency responder.

Captain's Interviews
Candidates who successfully complete the written exam/pat will be notified of the date, time, and location of the oral board interview.

The oral board interview is a structure panel interview during which candidates provide information about their skills, qualifications, background and interests.

Candidates who pass the oral board interview are placed on an eligibility list according to performance during the written and oral board interview.

EMS Interviews (for paramedics only)
The second interview includes questions that assess the applicants knowledge, skills, and abilities specific to paramedicine.

Chiefs Interview
The role of the City of Lincoln Human Resources Department is to establish an eligible list of candidates who pass the written exam and oral board interview. Candidates will be selected for a final interview with the Fire Chief of Lincoln Fire & Rescue.

Background Check
Candidates will be subject to an extensive background check.

Conditional Offer
Prospective employees of LF&R will receive conditional offers from the Fire Chief. The final hiring decision will depend upon the results of a psychological and medical evaluation.

Questions
Questions about the testing process, including questions regarding the application process, test dates and veteran's scoring criteria should be directed to the City of Lincoln Human Resources Department at 402-441-7597.

For all other questions about the hiring process, please email joinlfr@lincoln.ne.gov.

Once offered a position, all candidates must successfully complete our in-house, paid recruit training program. Upon successful completion of recruit academy, firefighter recruits are assigned to an operations division company to complete their probationary period. Recruits will be required to complete a fire taskbook as well as a paramedic preceptorship which will be at separate times. Paramedic preceptorship will consist of 28 days functioning on a medic unit under the supervision of Lincoln Fire & Rescue paramedic preceptor.

In addition to comprehensive classroom instruction, the program includes training in firefighting techniques and equipment use. Lincoln Fire & Rescue recruit academy is known as a hands-on, drill-intensive training program. Recruits are evaluated daily and must successfully complete all training elements in order to graduate.

This physically and mentally intense 18 week academy prepares firefighters for a career with Lincoln Fire & Rescue. Candidates who complete the recruit academy, will earn Firefighter I certification as well as receive training in technical rescue, hazardous material and EMS.

Preparing for Recruit Training
Before recruit training begins, and orientation night is offered by Lincoln Fire & Rescue. This orientation is provided to the new recruit and their significant other/family to learn more about the training program and what to expect, as well as ideas on how to prepare for this intensive time.

There are times that the demands on the recruit may impact family members and/or partners. The department offers recruits a number of resources and support systems during this time.

Recruitment Videos

• Marcus Benjamin: How he landed his dream job with LF&R
• Dawn Campos: Being a firefighter/paramedic, wife, and mother
• Annette Woehrer: Hoping that by doing her job, she can help someone else. Even if it might be one of their worst days

• Medical, dental and vision benefits for employee and family.
• Operational firefighters work approximately ten 24-hour shifts per month.
• City of Lincoln pension plan.
• Tax deferred compensation and Roth accounts available.
• Vacation leave.
• Sick leave.
• Life and Disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program counseling.
• Uniform / quartermaster.
• Paid military leave.
• Other leaves include emergency, funeral, maternity, jury duty, family, and medical.
• Eligibility for public service loan forgiveness.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) 644 union membership available.
• Employee discounts (gym membership, cellphone service, and more.)

Pay scale

Contract
Agreement between Lincoln Firefighter Association, Local #644, International Association of Firefighters and the City of Lincoln, Nebraska.