Firefighter Lieutenant

OPENING DATE: June 16, 2026

CLOSING DATE: June 26, 2026

POSITION OVERVIEW: The City of Altoona, Iowa is accepting applications for up to three (3) Firefighter Lieutenants in the Fire Department.

THIS OPENING IS FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS FROM THE ALTOONA FIRE DEPARTMENT ONLY!

Interested candidates need to complete a resume, cover letter, and employment application in BambooHR.

REPORTS TO: Deputy Chief of Operations, Deputy Chief of EMS

DIRECT REPORTS: FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC, FIREFIGHTER/EMT

POSITION SUMMARY: Serves in a supervisory position under the general supervision of the Deputy Fire Chiefs; performs supervision of assigned direct reports through the department’s Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG), established protocols and directives. Maintains a state of readiness of facilities and equipment. Promotes health and safety of the department and community through education. Responsible for responding to and rendering appropriate services to emergency situations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist in the protection of life and property by performing firefighter duties, fire prevention and education, emergency rescue, emergency medical aid and hazardous materials handling.
• Plan, supervise, and direct the work of direct reports as instructed by Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chiefs.
• Perform to and enforce the requirements of the Standard Operating Guidelines and Procedures.
• Conducts post-incident analysis as appropriate.
• Participate and enforce City and State law, ordinances, and codes.
• Coordinates and participates in regular training with department staff.
• Lead and participate in the CQI process to meet benchmarks established by the department and the medical director.
• Assures fair and consistent treatment of all employees in assigned unit and that all employees comply with all City and Department policies and procedures.
• Promote health and safety of the public through education and prevention.
• Attend training as directed.
• Shall plan, supervise, and direct the work of subordinates.
• Shall assign overtime as required.

• Assists in the development and implementation of departmental goals and performance objectives.
• Reviews the work of staff from personal observation and written reports.
• May issue written and verbal disciplinary actions as appropriate.
• Recommends suspension, demotion and termination of members as outlined in the department's disciplinary procedures.

• Responds to step 1 grievance in the union contract.

PERIODIC JOB DUTIES:

• Ensure the efficient operations of the station by ensuring that all needed supplies are ordered and received.
• Ensure all fire and EMS equipment, fire and EMS apparatus and fire department facilities are maintained.
• Lead inspections of commercial businesses.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directly supervises full time employees of the Fire Department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the City’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include assisting in the selection process, training and disciplining of employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; addressing complaints, resolving problems.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education – High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent; Associates Degree in Fire or EMS Science preferred.
• Experience – five (5) years in related work experience in clinical/medical and fire experience.

SKILLS:

• Ability to take initiative and work efficiently.
• Ability to work independently with intermittent direct supervision.
• Effective written, oral and interpersonal communication and listening skills including, but not limited to tact, diplomacy and professionalism when dealing with members of the public and staff.
• Problem-solving ability appropriate to the work situation.
• Ability to perform routine mathematical computations accurately.
• Ability to perform invasive advanced medical and fire command procedures in stressful situations.
• Ability to prioritize and concentrate in a diverse work setting.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to live and work effectively with co-workers during shifts and have excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to operate a personal computer using various software programs for word processing, billing, reports, email, database, training, fire service management systems, etc.
• Perform job functions adhering to safety guidelines and policies set forth by the Fire Department and the City of Altoona.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Advanced knowledge of fire/rescue techniques and advanced emergency medical treatment practices including, but not limited to HazMat and technical rescue training.
• Knowledge and understanding of incident command principles; as well as the ability to organize, deploy, and manage fire department resources in both emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Knowledge of NFPA guidelines and National Fire Code.
• Knowledge of local geography and special hazards within the community.
• Knowledge of the Altoona city limits and Altoona jurisdiction.
• Knowledge of office equipment, including telephone, photocopier, laser printers, personal computers, etc.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Combination normal office environment and frequent outside working conditions.
• Ability to consistently lift, carry, push and pull up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Ability to frequently lift, carry, push and pull up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to occasionally, lift, carry, push and pull up to 200 pounds.
• Occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.
• Intermittent climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling and reaching in tight spaces.
• Periodic exposure to inclement weather and extreme weather conditions (cold and/or heat; wet and/or humid conditions).
• Periodic exposure to high intensive noise levels, vibrations, darkness and poor lighting, dirt/dust, odors, toxic chemicals and other environmental conditions.

REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid Iowa Driver’s license.
• Public safety employees must live within a 45-minute response time of Altoona to allow for an emergency.
• Certification as Fire Officer I, Firefighter II, Fire Instructor I or equivalent, Pumper-Engine Operator, Paramedic (PM), and Haz-Mat Operations, NIMS/ICS: IS-100a, IS-200a, IS-700, IS-800.
• Obtain NIMS/ICS IS-300 and IS-400 certification within six (6) months.
• All licenses and certifications listed must be valid and be maintained throughout employment.
• Must be insurable.

The City of Altoona retains the authority to change the job duties included in this job description at any time. The list of duties is not exhaustive and various requirements are subject to possible modification as a reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual.

The City of Altoona is an Equal-Opportunity Employer.