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Federal Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

PA · On-site

$63K/yr

Serves as a Lead Firefighter for the Installation, which is composed of a large nationally critical ... One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service ...

ASRC Federal Holding

Firefighter

Enid, OK · On-site

$21.94/hr

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

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 ...

US Department of the Navy

FIREFIGHTER

Albany, GA · On-site

$46K/yr

... the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized ... Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and ...

US Department of the Navy

FIREFIGHTER

Barstow, CA

$46K/yr

... the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized ... Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and ...

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Federal Firefighter information

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$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do federal firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 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 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 federal firefighters?

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 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.

Can a diabetic be a firefighter?

Federal firefighters, like other firefighting roles, can generally be held by individuals with diabetes if their condition is well-managed and they can meet physical and medical requirements. Candidates may need to undergo medical evaluations and provide documentation from healthcare providers to demonstrate their ability to perform essential job functions safely. Each agency may have specific policies regarding medical conditions, so consulting the hiring agency's medical standards is recommended.

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 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.

Can a firefighter be on blood thinners?

Federal firefighters, like other emergency responders, are generally required to be in good health and able to perform physically demanding tasks. Being on blood thinners may affect a firefighter's ability to safely perform duties due to increased bleeding risk, and medical clearance is typically required during the hiring process. Candidates should disclose medication use during medical evaluations and consult with a healthcare professional and the hiring agency for specific policies.

Can an epileptic be a firefighter?

Federal firefighters are required to meet medical and physical standards, and epilepsy can be a disqualifying condition depending on severity and control. Candidates with epilepsy typically need to provide medical documentation and may need to demonstrate stability and safety in emergency situations. Each agency's policies vary, so consulting specific job requirements is essential.

Does the federal government hire firefighters?

Yes, the federal government hires firefighters, primarily through agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Department of Defense. Federal firefighters often require specialized training, certifications, and physical fitness standards, and they may work in various environments including national parks, military bases, and disaster response sites.
More about Federal Firefighter jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Firefighter jobs? 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Lead Firefighter (HazMat Tech/Basic LS)

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

PA • On-site

$63K/yr

Other

Posted 20 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 536 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 50 rated military and defense

Job description

This position is located in the Washington Headquarters Services, Raven Rock Mountain Complex (RRMC) in the fire and Emergency Services Division. Serves as a Lead Firefighter for the Installation, which is composed of a large nationally critical underground communications facility and three satellite sites with substantial quantities and varieties of combustible and valuable equipment and supplies.Qualifications:The employee assigned to this position is designated as a MISSION ESSENTIAL EMPLOYEE. Mission essential employees are required to report for, or remain at, work during dismissal or closure situations due to adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, or other emergencies causing disruptions to government operations. You must maintain contact with your supervisor during any closure situation unless specifically excused.
In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the requirements described below.
You may qualify at the GS-08 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) that demonstrates your experience:
  • Applying tactical firefighting techniques in hazardous environments and managing rescue efforts; and
  • Providing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at the Basic Life Support (BLS) level (such as performing initial patient assessments, recording vital signs, stabilizing patients); and
  • Operating firefighting apparatus and equipment (such as pumps, hoses, SCBA).


In addition to meeting the specialized experience described below, applicants must possess and maintain the following professional certifications. You must upload copies of these active certifications with your application package to be deemed qualified for this position. Failure to submit copies of these mandatory certifications at the time of application will result in an automatic rating of ineligible.

DoD, IFSAC, or Pro Board Certifications:

  • Firefighter I and Firefighter II
  • Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Awareness, Operations, Technician
  • HazMAT Incident Commander
  • Fire Officer I
  • Fire Instructor I
  • Fire Inspector I
  • Public Telecommunicator I and Public Telecommunicator II
  • Airport Firefighter
  • Driver/Operator-Pumper
  • Driver/Operator Mobile Water Supply
  • Airport Firefighter and Driver/Operator Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting
Additional Required Training (Non-Pro Board/IFSAC):
  • Confined Space Rescue Awareness
  • Confined Space Operations
  • Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC) - Must successfully complete and maintain EVOC in addition to any driver/operator certifications listed above.

Special Retirement Provisions: This position is covered as a rigorous position under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) special retirement provisions for federal firefighters 5 U.S.C. 8401(14), 5 U.S.C. 8412(d), and 5 CFR 842.802. Covered under the Deputy Secretary of Defense (formerly Under Secretary of Defense) Memorandum, dated December 30, 2004. Note: This coverage requires a mandatory retirement age (typically age 57 with 20 years of covered service) and is subject to maximum entry-age restrictions for initial appointment.


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.
All qualifications and education requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement and clearly documented in your resume. Your resume may not exceed two (2) pages. For qualifications determinations, it is recommended that applicants include their months and hours worked per week for each employment listed on their resume. If a determination is not able to be made about the duration of your creditable experience for qualification requirements, you will be removed from consideration.
Read more about what should I include in my federal resume at https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include
ACTIVE-DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: Federal agencies treat active-duty service member as veterans, disabled veterans, and preference eligible, when they submit, as part of their application package, a "certification" of active service in lieu of a DD-214, indicating the service member is otherwise eligible and will be discharged or released within 120 days from the date of submission. A "certification" letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. This "certification" must include your rank, dates of active-duty service, type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable), and date any terminal leave will begin. It must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters. Active-duty members that fail to provide a valid "certification" of service with their initial application will be found "not eligible". Members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if they are on terminal leave.
Current or Former Political Appointees: Agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level. If you are currently or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Human Resources Office.
Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement and clearly documented in your resume.Education:Education cannot be substituted for experience.
Employment Type: OTHER

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