Career duty officers are full-time employees of the fire district who work 24-hour shifts staffing three of the District’s fire stations. Each shift is supervised by a shift commander (normally with the rank of Battalion Chief). Many of the duty officers also have supervisory duties and tertiary responsibilities, such as coordinating training for the District, performing fire inspections, delivering fire prevention and education programs to the public, and performing maintenance on fire trucks, buildings, and other equipment owned by the District.

Being a duty officer at Shawnee Heights Fire District is not an entry-level position. Duty officers must have advanced training and experience in fire suppression, emergency medical treatment, rescue techniques, hazardous materials response, and incident management. Duty officers normally have proven their abilities as relief duty officers with the District or other fire departments.

Career Duty Officers work the popular Kelly shift schedule, which uses three teams (A, B, and C shifts) to provide 24/7 coverage. The Kelly shift schedule consists of a 9-day cycle where each team works one 24-hour shift, followed by 24 hours off duty, works another 24-hour shift, followed by 24 hours off duty, then works a final 24-hour shift, followed by 4 consecutive days off duty. Career duty officers work an average of 56 hours per week or 112 hours per two-week pay period. In addition to their scheduled shifts, career duty officers are expected to be available for call-back to assist with fires and other major emergencies while off-duty. Career duty officers receive overtime pay for additional duties that they perform for the District.

Career duty officers receive competitive pay and benefits, including health, disability and life insurance, paid vacation, holidays and sick leave. Career duty officers also receive service credit towards retirement through the Kansas Police & Firefighters (KP&F) Retirement System and benefits through the Shawnee Heights Firefighters Relief Association.