About the Department
Central Emergency Services (CES) is one of Alaska’s largest and most dynamic combination fire and EMS departments. We proudly serve more than 1,000 square miles on the scenic Kenai Peninsula, covering the City of Soldotna and the communities of Sterling, Ridgeway, Kasilof, Funny River, and Kalifornsky Beach (K-Beach).
Located south of Anchorage, CES protects a year-round population of 25,451, which doubles during the summer with the arrival of tourists, anglers, and seasonal workers. Our region is known for its stunning natural beauty, tight-knit communities, and world-class outdoor recreation—from glacial lakes and snowmobile trails to fishing rivers and the expansive Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
CES operates five fire stations with a dedicated team to provide a full spectrum of emergency services, including:
- Structural and wildland firefighting
- Emergency medical services (EMS)
- Technical rescue
- Dive and water rescue
- Specialized off-road rescue using boats, ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles
Under the general direction and supervision of the Central Emergency Service (CES) Fire Chief or their designee, the
Firefighter I / Paramedic performs emergency procedures in order to preserve and maintain life and property. Firefighters are also responsible for maintaining facilities, apparatus and equipment.
Residency: The Firefighter I must reside within at least a 20-minute response time by roadway to the nearest department fire station.
** Wage Advertised includes 10% Paramedic certification pay. Paramedic II is an additional 5% certification pay.Effective 7/11/26, contingent upon Assembly adoption of FY27 budget, and Collective Bargaining Agreement, base wage will increase to $27.49 hr. / $80,050.88 annual - which includes + 10% Paramedic certification pay.Position Duties
Required Minimum Qualifications:
EDUCATION:
- High School Diploma or GED
CERTIFICATIONS and LICENSING:
- IFSAC or State of Alaska Firefighter I, or obtain within 12-months of hire, shall obtain Firefighter II certification within 24 months of hire.
- Required Paramedic level certification as noted on posting. This minimum level must be maintained as a condition of employment.
- A valid, unrestricted Alaska driver's license
ParamedicCertifications and Licensing:
- State of Alaska – Mobile Intensive Care Paramedic (MICP) or
- National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians – Paramedic (NRP) and obtain State of Alaska - MICP within 12-month probationary period.
*Shall successfully complete CES Paramedic 2 training and testing within 24 months.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications:- Experience as a volunteer firefighter with Central Emergency Services
- Paramedic certification preferred
- College degree in Fire or EMS-related science
ADDITIONAL APPLICATION STEPS
All applicants, must go through registration and pass the written examination with National Testing Network in addition to submitting an application for employment. Please visit their website at www.nationaltestingnetwork.com to register and complete the Firefighter Written Exam. Your written examination will be good for one year after test completion and will not need to be retaken if there are future openings within that same test year timeframe.
Minimum Qualifications
- Performs firefighting duties according to standard operating procedures including directing water or chemical agents for the control and extinguishment of fires, positioning and climbing ladders for rescue and fire extinguishment, creating openings into buildings, protecting property from water and smoke damage, and emergency rescue operations for fire-trapped victims.
Performs emergency medical skills as defined by the State of Alaska and departmental Standard Operating Guidelines.
EMS Certification levels shall be maintained as a condition of employment.
- Responds to fire, medical, rescue and other emergency calls. Drives vehicles, positions apparatus, and operates equipment.
- Performs assigned duties in maintaining apparatus, buildings, equipment, grounds and hydrants as directed by supervisor.
- Participates in scheduled drills, attends firefighting and EMS courses to improve knowledge and skill level, learns hydraulics and pump operation to perform engineer duties, and assists emergency responder volunteers with their departmental education.
- Has a working knowledge of the proper use of fire department emergency tools and equipment.
- Has a working knowledge of proper radio procedures.
- Knows and follows departmental safety policies and procedures.
Additional Functions:- Participates and assists in training programs for department staff.
- If qualified to receive incentive pay, maintains required certifications and attends required training.
- Prepares records and reports as assigned.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Other Qualifications
Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk, use hands to feel or handle objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk and hear; and smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must frequently transport up to 50 pounds, and occasionally transport over 100 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Examination:
- Firefighter medical examination
- CES Physical Ability Test
- May be required to complete CES Engineer Training Program and testing within time frames set by department.