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Entry Level Firefighter Jobs in Diamondhead, MS (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Firefighter information

See Diamondhead, MS salary details

$22.7K

$47.6K

$79.8K

How much do entry level firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level firefighter in Diamondhead, MS is $47,559.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,300.00 and $55,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Firefighter vs Firefighter Trainee?

AspectEntry Level FirefighterFirefighter Trainee
Required CertificationsCPR, EMT, Firefighter 1 certificationTypically in training, may have basic certifications
Work EnvironmentActive firefighting, emergency responseTraining environment, supervised drills
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesFire academies, training programs

Entry Level Firefighters are fully qualified to respond to emergencies and perform firefighting duties, while Firefighter Trainees are in training, gaining necessary certifications and experience before becoming full firefighters.

What is an entry level firefighter?

Entry level firefighters are individuals who have recently been hired or are beginning their careers in fire services, typically after completing required training and certifications. They are responsible for responding to emergency calls, extinguishing fires, rescuing people, and providing first aid. Entry level firefighters also participate in fire prevention, equipment maintenance, and continuous training to improve their skills. Their duties are often supervised by more experienced firefighters or officers as they gain experience on the job.

What does an entry level firefighter do?

As an entry-level firefighter, your responsibilities are to suppress fires and respond to emergency calls as part of a fire brigade or company. You also have numerous duties in the firehouse, such as inspecting and maintaining equipment, cleaning, and completing administrative tasks. The term firefighter typically denotes the lowest rank in a company, and this rank is often divided into several categories to indicate your level of experience. As a firefighter, you take orders from your superiors, such as the driver or engineer, lieutenant, and captain of the company.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level firefighter, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Firefighter, you need a high school diploma or GED, physical fitness, basic emergency response knowledge, and successful completion of fire academy training. Familiarity with emergency communication systems, firefighting equipment, and CPR or EMT certifications are typically required. Teamwork, problem-solving, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are standout soft skills. These abilities are essential to effectively respond to emergencies, ensure public safety, and work cohesively within firefighting teams.
What cities near Diamondhead, MS are hiring for Entry Level Firefighter jobs? Cities near Diamondhead, MS with the most Entry Level Firefighter job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Firefighter job openings in Diamondhead, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,559 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Gulfport Firefighter Recruit

City of Gulfport

Gulfport, MS • On-site

$39K - $49K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Firefighter Recruit

City of Gulfport, Mississippi

Department: 290 Fire

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $39,590.20 - $49,657.32
Per Mississippi State Statute 21-31-63: Any applicant for a position of any kind under civil service must be a citizen of the United States and an elector of the county in which he resides and must meet only such bona fide occupational residency requirements as may be determined by the civil service commission or the governing authority of the municipality.


Position Overview:
The Firefighter Recruit position is an entry-level, probationary role with the Gulfport Fire Department. Individuals selected for this position must meet all requirements and be accepted for employment in accordance with the City of Gulfport Civil Service Rules and Regulations. Applicants for the Firefighter Recruit position are required to successfully complete a multi-step selection process, which includes passing a Civil Service Test, a Physical Agility Test, and in-person interviews. Applicants will be notified of testing dates after submitting an application. Candidates are selected for hire based on departmental vacancies. This position is classified as a Critical personnel classification for Emergency Response. This means that during an emergency response, this position is part of a subset of essential personnel who must be physically present due to the nature of their role. Critical status is defined as employees whose duties are vital to maintain basic municipal functions during an emergency.
Responsibilities:

This position involves skilled firefighting work in combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires; responding to emergency calls; and operating and maintaining fire department equipment, apparatus, and facilities.
Performs skilled firefighting duties in combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires
Responds on assigned apparatus to fire alarms and other emergency call
Performs forced entries and rescues individuals, or assists with rescue operations during fires or other emergencies, as directed
Maintains fire department apparatus, quarters, buildings, equipment, grounds, and hydrants
Operates departmental vehicles under non-emergency conditions, as assigned
Uses manual, gas-powered, and mechanical cutting tools
Ventilates buildings or aircraft, as directed, to remove heat, smoke, and hazardous gases
Responds to multi-story fires or rescue incidents, utilizing ground ladders and aerial apparatus
Performs other related duties as assigned that are consistent with the nature and scope of the position
All other duties as assigned by your direct supervisor, director or mayor.
Essential Job Functions:

Essential job duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following:
Responds to emergencies as a member of a fire company or rescue unit
Makes forced entries and rescues individuals, or assists with rescue operations during fires or other emergencies, as directed
Maintains fire department apparatus, equipment, quarters, buildings, grounds, and hydrants in a clean and operable conditio
Administers emergency first aid, as required, and operates departmental vehicles under non-emergency conditions
Uses manual, gas-powered, and mechanical cutting tools
Responds to multi-story fires or rescue incidents, utilizing ground ladders and aerial apparatus
Ventilates buildings or aircraft, as directed, to release heat, smoke, and hazardous gases
Participates in fire prevention, public education, and inspection activities, as assigned
All other duties as assigned by your direct supervisor, director or mayor.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Must possess the required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
Possesses basic knowledge of firefighting methods and modern fire prevention practices
Demonstrates skill in the operation and care of fire apparatus and equipment
Exhibits the ability to learn the operation of heavy motorized equipment and a variety of firefighting, fire prevention, and related tasks
Requires the ability to engage in moderate to strenuous physical activity and to work extended hours during emergency situations
Demonstrates the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public
Exhibits the ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
Possesses the ability to read and interpret a variety of maps, plans, and diagrams
Demonstrates the ability to perform detailed report writing and record-keeping duties
Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent is required. Previous firefighting experience is preferred but not required.
Licenses of Certifications

Must possess a valid Mississippi Driver's License
Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, twisting, and kneeling while performing essential job functions, as well as the use of arms and back for climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and occasional crawling. The employee must be able to routinely lift and/or move a minimum of 50 pounds. The role requires sufficient visual acuity to see close objects, distinguish colors, adjust focus, and perceive depth, along with hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to safely operate equipment. Good hearing ability is critical to adequately perform job-related functions. Physical agility, strength, and endurance are required to perform duties involving significant exertion, such as moving victims and climbing ladders, and to handle objects over prolonged periods of time in hazardous weather, atmospheric, and environmental conditions.