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Federal Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ASRC Federal Holding

Firefighter

Enid, OK · On-site

$21.94/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

ASRC Federal is a leading government contractor furthering missions in space, public health and ... Firefighters are assigned a specific duty related to equipment operation or fire suppression. Keep ...

ASRC Federal Holding

Firefighter Trainee

Enid, OK · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

ASRC Federal is a leading government contractor furthering missions in space, public health and ... Firefighter Trainee will attend an 8-Week, in-person firefighter course comprised of intense ...

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Federal Firefighter information

See salary details

$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do federal firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal firefighter in the United States is $59,606.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a federal firefighter?

Federal firefighters are trained professionals employed by the U.S. government to protect federal property, personnel, and natural resources from fire and other emergencies. They may work for agencies such as the Department of Defense, National Park Service, or the U.S. Forest Service. Their duties include fire prevention, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, and rescue operations on federal lands or installations. Federal firefighters often operate in unique environments, such as military bases or national parks, and must meet specific federal training and certification requirements.

What does a federal firefighter do?

A federal firefighter works for a federal agency and provides firefighting services to structural or wildland fires. The Bureau of Land Management, the U.S Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Forest Service, and branches of the U.S. Military are just some of the agencies that employ federal firefighters. These positions are available to people in the military and civilian firefighters. Your responsibilities in these positions involve responding to fire alarms, hazardous materials incidents, and medical emergencies, and maintaining the firefighting equipment and station. Wildland firefighter duties include prescribed burning, fire preparedness, refugee assistance, and wildfire suppression.

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

To thrive as a Federal Firefighter, you need strong knowledge of firefighting techniques, emergency medical response, and hazardous materials handling, typically supported by certifications like Firefighter I/II, EMT, and CPR. Familiarity with fire suppression equipment, SCBA systems, and incident command software is essential. Physical fitness, teamwork, quick decision-making, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for protecting lives and property in high-pressure, rapidly changing emergency situations.

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

Federal firefighters often encounter unique challenges such as responding to emergencies on large federal properties, adapting to strict protocols, and working in remote or hazardous environments. New hires should be prepared for extensive training, rotating shifts, and the need to collaborate closely with other federal agencies. Building strong teamwork skills, maintaining physical fitness, and staying up-to-date with federal safety standards can help new firefighters adapt quickly and perform effectively in this demanding role.

What is the difference between Federal Firefighter vs State Firefighter?

AspectFederal FirefighterState Firefighter
CertificationsFirefighter I & II, EMT certification often requiredSimilar certifications, often including EMT or paramedic
Work EnvironmentFederal facilities, national parks, military basesState and local fire departments, public safety facilities
Employer & IndustryFederal government agencies like FEMA, DOI, DODState government fire departments, local municipalities

Federal Firefighters and State Firefighters share similar certifications and work environments, focusing on fire suppression and rescue. The main difference lies in their employers—federal agencies versus state and local departments—affecting jurisdiction and specific duties.

Are there federally employed firefighters?

Yes, federal firefighters are employed by government agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Federal Emergency Management Agency. They respond to wildfires, structural fires, and other emergencies on federal lands and facilities, often requiring specialized training and certifications. These positions typically offer competitive pay, benefits, and a structured work schedule.

Is 27 too late to be a federal firefighter?

Federal firefighting agencies typically require applicants to be at least 18 years old, and there is often no upper age limit as long as candidates meet physical and medical standards. Age should not be a barrier if you are physically fit, pass background checks, and obtain necessary certifications such as firefighter training and EMT certification.
More about Federal Firefighter jobs

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Cities with the most Federal Firefighter job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Federal Firefighter jobs?

The most popular types of Federal Firefighter jobs are:

What states have the most Federal Firefighter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Federal Firefighter jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Federal Firefighter jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Federal Firefighter jobs are:

Federal Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Firefighter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Firefighter (Basic Life Support)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Tomah, WI • On-site

$50K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

This position is organizationally aligned to the Facilities Service Line - Tomah VA Medical Center Fire Department, at the Tomah VAMC (676) a Level 3 Complexity VHA Facility) located in Tomah WI. Incumbent works under the general supervision of the Supervisory Firefighter (Captain) and supervision by the Assistant Fire Chief.Qualifications:To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/10/2026.
Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS 7 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS 6. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.
You may qualify based on your experience as described below:
  • Basic Requirements
  • To be eligible for employment as a VA Firefighter you must have received a Certification in Basic CPR (BLS).
  • Valid State Driver's License.
  • To be eligible for employment as a VA Firefighter you must have received a Certificate as IFSAC/Pro Board Firefighter II in accordance with NFPA 1001.(Certification Form Required.)
  • To be eligible for employment as a VA Firefighter you must have received a Certificate as IFSAC/Pro Board HAZMAT Operations in accordance with NFPA 1001.(Certification Form Required.)
  • Incident Command Systems - ICS-100 & 200.
  • National Incident Management Systems - ICS-700 & 800.
  • To be eligible for employment as a VA Firefighter you must have or willing to obtain a Certificate as IFSAC/Pro Board Apparatus Operator - Pumper or applicable certification for apparatus on site within 24 months of employment.
  • Newly employed VA Firefighters must have or be willing to obtain IFSAC/Pro Board Fire Inspector I & II in accordance with NFPA 1031 within 24 months of employment.
  • National Registry Emergency Medical Basic License.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
  • A. For initial appointments, applicants cannot have reached their 37th birthday by the day of appointment.
    B. Applicants who have passed the designated entry age limit noted, but who have previously served in a covered position, may be eligible to re-enter the fire service provided that they:
    1. Meet all applicable qualifications for the position; and
    2. Will be able to complete a total of 20 years of covered and creditable Federal firefighter service by the time the Federal firefighter reaches the age of 57. Prior service in covered positions and creditable towards retirement may be subtracted from the applicant's age to determine if the Federal firefighter meets the maximum entry age.
    Driver's License
    Routine and assigned duties requires the operation of government vehicles, therefore a valid state driver's license is required. Applicant will be required to provide proof of their possession of a valid state driver's license.
    MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT OPERATOR QUALIFICATIONS
    For those positions requiring the operation of specialized firefighting pumping equipment, mounted pressurized systems, dispensing devices, and/or rescue tools, applicants may be required to demonstrate the ability, before appointment, to operate the specific equipment to which they will be assigned, or similar related types of hydraulic equipment.
    PERFORMANCE TEST
    Agencies may require candidates to demonstrate satisfactory performance of the minimum physical abilities necessary to perform safely and efficiently the essential tasks of a particular position. The abilities may be demonstrated through prior satisfactory performance in the same or a similar position, or agencies may choose to use a task demonstration. A task demonstration must be directly related to the essential job tasks, and thus, must consist of a sample of operations or steps that reflect a reasonably faithful representation of those selected job tasks. Any demonstration required must be uniformly applied to all similarly qualified candidates; the level of proficiency required cannot exceed that which is required in actual job performance; and reasonable accommodation must be provided where necessary.
    MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
    Applicants for positions that have duties of an arduous or hazardous nature must meet the medical standards described below. Since individual positions may not include all such duties, a physical condition or impairment may be disqualifying for employment only if there is a direct relationship between the condition and the nature of the duties of the specific position to be filled.
    Employees in positions involving firefighting duties or other duties involving arduous physical exertion may be subject to periodic (e.g., annual) medical examinations following appointment to determine fitness for continued performance of the duties of the position. (See 5 CFR 339.)
    Any serious deviation from sound medical condition may be grounds for rejection of an applicant regardless of whether the condition is named below. Remediable defects or curable diseases will not exclude a person from consideration, but proof that such defects have been remedied or the disease cured must be received during the life of the eligible register before persons otherwise qualified may be considered for appointment under civil service rules.
    In addition to the basic and eligibility requirements the Applicant must also meet the GS-6 Specialized experience.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS 7:
Applicants must have One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-06) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include but are not limited to: (1) controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade; (2) rescue operations; (3) detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards; (4) operation of fire communications equipment; (5) controlling hazardous materials incidents; (6) Performs initial and on-going focused patient assessment and physical examination; and (7) Conducts regularly scheduled and unscheduled inspections of all safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, automatic sprinkler systems, fire alarms, fire doors, exits, stairways, indicator posts, standpipe systems, self-contained breathing masks, as well as special inspections to ensure equipment is always operational. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.Education:There is no educational substitution at this grade level.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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