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Dod Fire Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Experience with DoD fire protection requirements, such as NAVSEA OP-5 and UFC 3-600-01 * Experience with ultra-high-speed FPS * Experience with ultra-violet/infrared (UV/IR) detection technologies

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Dod Fire information

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$31K

$105.6K

$183K

How much do dod fire jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for dod fire in the United States is $105,577.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $124,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by DoD Firefighters, and how can new hires best prepare for them?

DoD Firefighters often face unique challenges such as adapting to a strict chain of command, responding to emergencies in secure or hazardous military environments, and maintaining readiness for a wide range of incidents, including aircraft and hazardous materials responses. New hires can best prepare by familiarizing themselves with military protocols, participating actively in ongoing training, and developing strong communication skills to work effectively with both civilian and military personnel. Building physical endurance and resilience is also crucial, as the role can involve long shifts and physically demanding tasks.

How hard is the DoD fire Academy?

The DoD Fire Academy is a rigorous training program that emphasizes firefighting skills, emergency response, physical fitness, and safety protocols. Trainees must pass physical fitness tests, demonstrate technical knowledge, and complete hands-on drills, making it a challenging but essential step for military fire service careers.

What is a DoD fire department?

A DoD fire department is a firefighting unit operated by the Department of Defense to provide emergency response and fire protection services on military installations. These departments typically require specialized training, certifications such as Firefighter I and II, and may operate 24/7 to ensure safety of personnel and property on military bases.

How to be a DoD firefighter?

To become a DoD firefighter, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass physical fitness tests, and obtain firefighter certifications such as the Firefighter I and II certifications. Applicants must also undergo background checks and medical examinations, and may need to complete specialized training at military or federal fire academies. Security clearance requirements may apply depending on the position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a DoD Firefighter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Department of Defense (DoD) Firefighter, you need comprehensive knowledge of fire prevention, emergency response, rescue operations, and must meet DoD Fire and Emergency Services Certification requirements. Familiarity with specialized firefighting equipment, hazardous materials handling, and systems like the Incident Command System is essential, along with certifications such as Firefighter I & II, HazMat Awareness, and CPR. Strong teamwork, physical fitness, quick decision-making, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in high-pressure situations. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure the safety of personnel and property during emergencies on military installations.

What are DoD Firefighters?

DoD Firefighters are civilian or military personnel who work for the U.S. Department of Defense, providing fire protection, emergency response, and rescue services on military bases and installations. They are responsible for responding to fires, hazardous material incidents, and medical emergencies, as well as conducting fire prevention inspections and training. Their work helps ensure the safety of military personnel, property, and resources both in peacetime and during emergencies.

Are DoD firefighters getting paid during shutdown?

DoD firefighters are federal employees, and during a government shutdown, they typically do not receive paychecks unless Congress authorizes back pay. However, some essential personnel may continue working and receive pay, depending on the shutdown's specifics and agency policies.

What is the difference between Dod Fire vs Dod Security?

AspectDod FireDod Security
CertificationsFirefighter certifications, CPR, First AidSecurity clearances, Security certifications
Work EnvironmentFirefighting, emergency response, hazardous conditionsAccess control, surveillance, protective security
Employer & IndustryMilitary bases, government facilities, emergency servicesMilitary installations, government agencies, security firms

Dod Fire personnel focus on firefighting, emergency response, and hazardous situations, requiring firefighting certifications. Dod Security staff handle access control, surveillance, and protective security, often needing security clearances. Both roles serve military and government facilities but differ in their primary responsibilities and required credentials.

More about Dod Fire jobs
What cities are hiring for Dod Fire jobs? Cities with the most Dod Fire job openings:
What states have the most Dod Fire jobs? States with the most job openings for Dod Fire jobs include:
Infographic showing various Dod Fire job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,577 per year, or $50.8 per hour.
Fire Protection Inspector

Fire Protection Inspector

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

$57K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 535 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to the DoD workforce.
About the Position: This position is located at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Harford, MD.
This position is included under the provisions of Special Retirement Coverage (SRC) and may have both a maximum entry age and a mandatory retirement date. Click here for more information on SRC for Firefighters (Primary/Rigorous)Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Specialized Experience for GS-07: One year of specialized experience which includes (1) Controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized fire department; (2) Assisting with providing training in fire protection and prevention; and (3) Participation in conducting inspections of facilities/buildings and alarm, detection, and suppression systems. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the Federal service (GS-06).
OR
Specialized Experience for GS-08: One year of specialized experience which includes (1) Conducting fire/safety inspections to identify, reduce or eliminate the hazards that cause fires; (2) Assisting with conducting and providing education programs on the prevention, detection of fires to other firefighters and/or community; and (3) Reviewing plans for new construction, alterations and/or modifications to buildings and/or structures to ensure compliance with fire codes and/or fire prevention practices.
Selective Placement Factors:In addition to the above requirements, this position requires the incumbent to have and maintain the following certifications issued by one of the following: Department of Defense (DOD), International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or National Professional Qualification System (NPQS)/Pro-Board.
To qualify at the GS-07 grade level, this position requires the incumbent to possess and maintain the following certifications:(NOTE: You must attach copies of your certifications with your application).
  • Fire Inspector I
  • Fire Instructor I
  • HAZMAT Awareness
  • Fire Inspector II (Must obtain within 12 months from date of entry into DoD fire service).
  • Fire Life and Safety Educator (FLSE) (Must obtain within 12 months from date of entry into DoD fire service).
OR
To qualify at the GS-08 grade level, this position requires the incumbent to possess and maintain the following certifications:(NOTE: You must attach copies of your certifications with your application).
  • Fire Officer I
  • Fire Inspector II
  • Fire Instructor I
  • HAZMAT Awareness
  • Airport Firefighter
  • Fire Life and Safety Educator (FLSE)
  • Emergency Medical Technician (CURRENT State or National Registry).

Maximum Entry Age (MEA) The MEA for Firefighters is 37. An employee originally hired into a covered position must be hired by the last day of the month he/she reaches 37.
Maximum Reentry Age An employee who previously served on a covered position may be rehired past the MEA as long as he/she is able to complete 20 years of covered service by his/her mandatory retirement age. The maximum re-entry age for the individual is calculated by determining the total amount of time he/she has served on a covered position and subtracting that from age 57 if a firefighter. The employee's current age is compared to the calculated maximum re-entry age to determine if he/she can be rehired into the covered position.
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone -- no substitution of education for experience is permitted.Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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