Job Description

Description
**Now accepting applications for upcoming March 2026 class.
Southwest Missouri Regional Fire Pre-Apprenticeship Academy
Funding for this Pre-Apprenticeship Program is provided through Workforce Development Department and State of Missouri Grants. This application and acceptance into the Pre-Apprenticeship Program does not constitute an offer of employment from the City of Springfield or Springfield Fire Department.
The Springfield Fire Department, in partnership and joint collaboration with regional fire departments and agencies, is recruiting for its next class of the Southwest Missouri Regional Fire Pre-Apprenticeship Academy. The Academy will be 15-weeks long program and consist of block training to include, but not limited to: fire, medical & EMT, and hazardous-materials (hazmat) training. This training program is intended to introduce candidates to the Fire Services field and provide training and education; candidates will not be participating in the dynamics of fire fighting at this time. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive Firefighter I&II, EMT-B, Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations certifications, CPR, and NIMS 100, 200, 700 & 800.
The Southwest Missouri Regional Fire Academy (SMRFA) will provide individuals who would not otherwise have the opportunity to become firefighters a chance to embark on a new career. This program will help create a talent pipeline of candidates for Fire Services for the Southwest Missouri region.
Program length and training content subject to change at any time by Department.
Qualifications and Requirements
Program eligibility will be determined by Workforce Development and Fire Administration staff.
Requirements - Minimum Qualifications of Fire Service

• Age 18 or older;
• Due to the public safety nature of a fire services position, any felony and misdemeanor convictions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility of the applicant. Review includes such factors as the nature, type, and recency of conviction as well as other job related factors.
• Participants in the Pre-Apprenticeship Fire Academy Program must meet the physical requirements established by the department through a DOT physical exam. Participants must comply with the City of Springfield's requirement of federal law and regulations related to the Drug Free work Place Act of 1988.
• Participants in the Pre-Apprenticeship Fire Academy Program must meet current Missouri State Workforce Development Grant program residency eligibility requirements. Participants must be a resident of the state of Missouri and eligible county to be qualify. Eligible counties may include, but is not limited to: Barry, Dade, Dallas, Christian, Greene, Lawrence, Polk, Stone, Taney, and Webster Counties.

Functions
History on the program:
In September 2021, Springfield City Council voted to approve an agreement between the Springfield Fire Department and the U.S. Department of Labor, giving permission for the SFD to begin registering all new firefighters in the U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program. The Springfield Fire Department sought out the program to provide opportunities for firefighters to earn credit while accomplishing their formal fire academy and fire service-related on-the-job training.
Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a nationally recognized, portable credential. Apprenticeship is not just for the private sector - many municipal and federal government agencies, including the U.S. military, have apprenticeship programs. The Springfield Fire Department continuously works to promote programs that will be both beneficial to the Springfield community as well as the region. For better than the last decade the department has worked to build stronger relationships with regional neighbors. Together, the regional fire departments have worked on such programs as Greene County Arson Task Force, the Southwest Missouri Community Risk Reduction Workgroup, Greene County Training Association, and many more creating a healthy collaborative environment. As part of those efforts, the Springfield Fire Department has worked to establish a jobs programs with not only partner agencies but also with Workforce Development.
The Department of Labor - Apprentice Program has led to the Springfield Fire Department merging again with some regional departments to host the Southwest Missouri Regional Fire Academy (SMRFA). The SMRFA will provide individuals who would not otherwise have the opportunity to become firefighters a chance to embark on a new career. The department has partnered with the City's Workforce Development and Human Resources Departments and have worked together very hard to provide some of the necessary funding and support for the merger.
Firefighters from this program are currently serving in the Willard, Nixa, Logan-Rogersville, and Ozark fire protection districts, and in the Springfield and Republic fire departments.
Additionally, more than 25 individuals have graduated from the DOL apprenticeship program, providing validated training to those new employees and a credential that is accepted across the United States.
Check out these videos from previous Pre-Apprenticeship Fire classes!
Other Requirements
Funding for this Pre-Apprenticeship Program is funded through Workforce Development Department and State of Missouri Grants. This application and acceptance into the Pre-Apprenticeship Program does not constitute an offer of employment from the City of Springfield or Springfield Fire Department.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability and Vet
The City of Springfield promotes equal employment opportunities to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
Individuals with disabilities who believe they will need an accommodation to undergo any part of the interview, examination, or pre-employment process, should request a reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act prior to the testing or appointment. Requests should be requested by contacting City of Springfield Human Resources by phone, 417-864-1607, or in person at the Municipal Busch Building, 840 Boonville Ave. Springfield, MO 65802.
Proof of United States Citizenship/Authorization to Work in the United States as established by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986 is a condition of employment. We are committed to a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment drug testing is required.
All interested candidates MUST complete the City of Springfield on-line application in its entirety. The candidate profile must include all employment history with accurate and complete information prior to submission. Resumes alone will not be accepted as the application, but they may be submitted as supplemental documentation.
This position is not eligible for benefits.

Skills Required