Career Opportunities

Minimum Requirements for employment as a Firefighter

• You must be 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED
• You must possess a valid Kansas Driver's License with no suspension or revocations in the last three (3) years
• Must reside or be willing to establish residency within a thirty (30) mile radius of Junction City.
• Must be a Kansas certified EMT
• Employees are required, throughout their employment, to retain at a minimum the certification by the State of Kansas as an EMT.

Hiring Process

Applicants must under go and pass an extensive hiring process which includes; a physical strength and agility test, structured oral interview by command staff, stringent background investigation, and a medical examination.

Starting Salary

Firefighter/EMT $27,418.80 per year

Pay Periods

All city employees are paid biweekly

Work Schedule

The Fire Department is manned 24/7 by three separate shifts. Each shift works 24 hours on duty and is followed by 48 hours off duty.

Overtime Pay

Employees receive overtime pay as provided by the current contract between IAFF Local 3309 and the City, or the City Personnel Policies and Guidelines Employee Handbook (whichever is applicable).

Vacations

• From 6 months through 5 years: 120 hours (5 hours / pay period)
• From 5 years & 1 month through 10 years: 180 hours (7.50 hours / pay period)
• From 10 years & 1 month through 15 years: 204 hours (8.50 hours / pay period)
• From 15 years & 1 month through retirement: 240 hours (10 hours / pay period)

Members of Local 3309 may accumulate 20 days (480 hours) of vacation leave without loss, based on the fiscal year.

Holidays

10 recognized holidays per year.

Personal Leave

All 24 hour shift personnel receive 48 hours of personal leave each contracted year to be used in that contracted year. Personal leave may be used in any combination of time blocks with a minimum of one hour.

Sick Leave

Members of Local 3309 will earn 16 hours of sick leave per month with pay, or 192 hours per fiscal year. Sick leave may accumulate for Local 3309 members with no limit.

Uniforms

The City furnishes all uniforms and protective gear with the exception of uniform shoes and belts.

Health Insurance

The City has a self-insured plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield. The cost of the employee’s plan is paid by the City of Junction City. Family coverage is around $441.22 per month and is optional.

Dental Health Insurance

The City has dental insurance with Delta Dental that cost the employee $14.76 a month.

Retirement

Through Kansas Police and Fire Retirement System (KPF). Employees pay 7% of their gross salary. Retirement pay is based on 2.5% of final average salary for each year of service. Maximum retirement of 80% for 32 years of service.

Fireman's Relief Association

Provides life insurance policy and pays 85% of premium while employed with the Junction City Fire Department. Provides accident and sickness insurance policy also.

Worker's Compensation

The City of Junction City provides Workers Compensation benefits for all firefighters injured or disabled at work.

NOTE – Firefighter positions which are designated in the bargaining unit by the Kansas Public Employees Relations Board are represented by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local #3309. Wages, hours of work, and working conditions are subject to contract negotiations.