Firefighter/Paramedic - Lateral Transfer

APPLICATION PERIOD: 10/1/2026 – 10/31/2026

The City of Bowling Green is accepting applications from October 1 through October 31, 2026, and is establishing a Lateral eligibility list for the position of Firefighter/Paramedic. All documents must be completed by October 31, 2026.

Job Description

The Firefighter/Paramedic job description is available at https://tinyurl.com/5b622hrx.

Job Requirements

Must be eligible to work in the United States. Must have high school diploma or equivalent. Must have a valid Ohio driver's license. Lateral entry Firefighter/Paramedic candidates must have a minimum of two consecutive years of experience as a full-time firefighter/paramedic, with no break in service of more than one year, at the time of application. Valid State of Ohio Paramedic certification - proof of certification must be submitted at the time of application. Valid Firefighter II Certification – proof of certification is must be submitted at the time of application.

Salary and Scheduling Information for Certified Firefighter/Paramedic

Starting Rate : $33.82 per hour
Annualized Salary : $97.253*
* Annualized salary is based on the Fire Department's 24-hour shift schedule and includes 11 paid holidays.
Work Schedule : 24 hours on duty / 48 hours off duty
Annual Scheduled Hours: 2,704 hours
Kelly Days: 9 annual scheduled Kelly Days
Holiday Pay: Additional pay at double time for hours worked on designated holidays.
Training: Overtime pay is provided for eligible training conducted outside of regularly scheduled work hours.
Probationary Period: All hires must serve a one-year probationary period.

Application and Testing Process

National Testing Network (NTN): NTN testing is not required for lateral candidates. However, all lateral candidates must successfully complete the Firefighter Mile or the Bowling Green Fire Division's physical ability test. Candidates may satisfy this requirement by completing the Firefighter Mile through NTN or by providing proof of successful completion of the Firefighter Mile with their City application. If completing the Firefighter Mile through NTN, candidates must register with NTN at www.nationaltestingnetwork.com. All required information and documentation must be submitted by October 31, 2026. Candidates are responsible for any costs associated with completing the Firefighter Mile.

Physical Agility Test: All Candidates must complete and pass the Firefighter Mile or the Bowling Green Fire Division's Physical Agility test by October 31, 2026. Candidates wishing to take the BGFD agility test must contact the Fire Division at (419) 352-3106 to obtain an information packet and schedule an appointment. Firefighter Mile and Physical Agility test results are valid for 12 months.

City of Bowling Green Application for Employment : A City of Bowling Green application is available online at: https://gis.bgohio.org/JobApplication/employmentapplication_add.php#1 and must be must be completed by 4:30 p.m. on October 31, 2026.

Benefit Information

The City of Bowling Green offers an outstanding comprehensive benefit package, including medical/prescription, dental, and vision insurance; City-paid life insurance; Ohio Deferred Compensation, and participation in the Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund. The Bowling Green Fire Division also offers paid holidays, sick leave and vacation accrual, and paid job-related training opportunities. The Division places a strong emphasis on work-life balance and offers competitive leave accrual rates, beginning at 5.98 hours of sick leave and 10.75 - 16.75 hours of vacation per pay period. More information is available in the current IAFF collective bargaining agreement, available online at https://tinyurl.com/3upc7kd8.

Department Overview

The Bowling Green Fire Division is a career combination fire and emergency medical services department providing all-hazards emergency response to approximately 31,000 residents of the City of Bowling Green, including Bowling Green State University students. The Division has earned an ISO Class 2 rating. The Fire Division provides fire and EMS coverage to approximately 12.6 square miles of urban area within City limits, as well as fire protection to approximately 3.4 square miles in rural Plain Township, and responds to approximately 4,100 emergency calls annually from two fire/EMS stations. The Division is staffed by 39 firefighters, 5 chief officers, 3 captains, and 9 shift lieutenants and is committed to continuous improvement in service delivery through progressive and ambitious goals. Please visit our website to learn more about us. You can find us online at https://www.bgohio.gov/287/Fire-Division.

Area Information

The Bowling Green Fire Division is located in Bowling Green, Ohio, a suburban community in Wood County covering approximately 12.6 square miles. Located in Northwestern Ohio, Bowling Green is approximately 15 miles south of Toledo.

Salary: Starting Rate : $33.82 per hour Annualized Salary : $97.253*

Application Deadline: 2026-10-31