Description
Purpose
Fire Cadets are uniformed civilian employees who work in an apprentice-style program designed to prepare Cadets for a career as Milwaukee Firefighters. Duties include training, education, community relations, as well as fire house duties. The assignments are widely varied so that the Fire Cadet will gain a broad range of operational and administrative experience. Fire Cadets are required to meet established program criteria to complete a prescribed college curriculum in para-medicine and a physical fitness program prior to being considered for appointment to Firefighter.
Current Salary
The current annual starting salary is $38,227.28 for City of Milwaukee residents. The non-resident annual starting salary is $37,113.96. The city offers a generous benefits package including 12 days of vacation, 12 paid holidays and 12 days paid sick leave per year; plus, health, dental, and life insurance, and tuition and textbook reimbursement.
Requirements
Minimum Requirements
Must be at least 17 years old at time of application deadline; and may not be more than 19 years old on the starting date of the Fire Cadet Class which is tentatively scheduled for August 17th, 2026.
Individuals born after December 5th, 2008 -or- born on or before August 17th, 2006 do not qualify.
Graduation from an accredited high school or completion of a G.E.D., high school equivalency certificate or State of Wisconsin home school certificate prior to July 1, 2026.
Familiarity with web browsers such as Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, as well as phone or web-based email word processing systems such as MS Word and Outlook.
Physically and academically able to perform Fire Cadet – and eventually Firefighter Paramedic – training and job duties.
Must possess a valid State of Wisconsin driver’s license within six months of date of hire, and maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment with the Department.
Must not have been terminated / discharged or resigned with charges pending from the Department of Emergency Communications, Milwaukee Fire Department or the Milwaukee Police Department within the last two years from the date of application.
Must successfully pass a background investigation. Applicants who have failed a Milwaukee Fire Department background investigation, including appeal, may not apply for two years after the date of disqualification.
Must successfully pass pre-employment medical and psychological evaluations, and drug screening.
