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Federal Firefighter Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Firefighter/Paramedic The Village is seeking candidates for Firefighter/Paramedic. The Firefighter ... All candidates will be fingerprinted and a record check made of local, state or federal authorities.

Firefighter/Paramedic

Greendale, WI · On-site

$66K - $97K/yr

The Firefighter/Paramedic is responsible for fire suppression, fire inspection, vehicle and fire ... All candidates will be fingerprinted and a record check made of local, state or federal authorities.

Firefighter/Paramedic The Village is seeking candidates for Firefighter/Paramedic. The Firefighter ... All candidates will be fingerprinted and a record check made of local, state or federal authorities.

Caddie

Schofield, WI · On-site

$12 - $15.75/hr

... Firefighter, EMS personnel, Other Outdoor or Recreational Roles. Candidate Selection Process ... federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from ...

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Federal Firefighter information

See Wisconsin salary details

$28.8K

$60.2K

$100.9K

How much do federal firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal firefighter in Wisconsin is $60,164.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $69,600.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Federal Firefighter jobs in Wisconsin?

For Federal Firefighter jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Federal Firefighter job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,164 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Firefighter (Basic Life Support)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Tomah, WI • On-site

$50K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

This position is located within the Facilities Services Line at the VA Medical Center in Tomah, WI. The Firefighter (Basic Life Support) performs work to control and extinguish fires, rescue persons endangered by fire, and reduce or eliminate potential fire hazards. It also includes providing basic life support and other non-invasive medical procedures.
Qualifications:AGE REQUIREMENT: Maximum Entry Age
For initial appointments, applicant cannot have reached their 37th birthday by the day of appointment. 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.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position.
REQUIREMENTS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATION: Applicants must possess and maintain a valid State motor vehicle operator's license of the appropriate classification or kind. Applicants also may be required to pass a practical road test and provide information on their driving record. Please do not upload a copy of your license at this time. If an interview is requested, you may be required to provide a copy of your current, valid, and unrestricted state driver's license.
In addition to the meeting the above requirements, you must also meet the following Selective Factors -Certification Requirements* for this position. You must submit copies of your certifications with your application to receive credit.
This position includes Selective Placement Factors (skill, knowledge, ability or other worker characteristic basic to - and essential for - satisfactory performance of the job). Selective Placement Factors are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for a position. Applicants who do not meet it are ineligible for further consideration.
The Selective Placement Factors for this position are:
To be eligible for employment as a VA Firefighter, applicants must possess the following certifications. Please submit a copy of each required certification with your application to receive credit - no photos please.
  • Must have received certification as either an International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or Pro Board HAZMAT Operations Level Responder. (Proof of Certification Required)
  • Must have received certification as either an International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or Pro Board-Certified Firefighter I and II. (Proof of Certification Required)
  • Must have received certification in Incident Command Systems - ICS-100 & 200. (Proof of Certification Required)
  • Must have received certification in National Incident Management Systems - ICS-700 & 800. (Proof of Certification Required)
  • Either have received certification as either an International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or Pro Board Apparatus Operator - Pumper or you must be willing to obtain within 24 months. (Proof of Certification Required)
  • Either have received certification as either an International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or Pro Board Fire Inspector I and II or you must be willing to obtain within 24 months. (Proof of Certification Required)
  • Must possess a current, valid, state, or national registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)- Basic certification. (Proof of Certification Required)
In addition to meeting the above requirements, applicants must also meet the following:
Specialized Experience:
Applicants must possess at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-6 level in the Federal Service that has given you the knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position. Specialized experience includes: (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 and/or (6) developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention. These duties would have been performed exercising independent judgment and under general supervision.
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: Candidates may be required to demonstrate satisfactory performance of the minimum physical abilities necessary to perform safely and efficiently the essential tasks of this position.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: All applicants for positions that have duties of an arduous or hazardous nature must meet and maintain specific medical standards. 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)
Physical Requirements: The Firefighter/EMT must maintain an adequate level of physical fitness to react quickly and have the stamina to endure the physical exertion and stress of firefighting, they must complete 1 hour of physical activity per day per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1500 and annually complete a Fire Department Physical Agility Test outlined in NFPA 1500 and NFPA 1583. Fire Department personnel must complete an annual Firefighter physical with Employee Health to be cleared for duty. Employee must maintain physical condition to don personal protective equipment consisting of coat, helmet, boots, gloves, bunker pants, and self-contained breathing apparatus, which weighs 75 pounds. Employee must wear this equipment when responding to and during all emergency calls regardless of temperature. Employee is expected to enter buildings and atmospheres that are unsafe due to fire, oxygen deficiencies, etc. and perform very strenuous types of work carrying heavy equipment and victims.
The requirements of the job are such that the employee must maintain alertness, self-control and emotional stability when working under conditions of stress, confusion, panic and where physical injury or death are present.
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.
Employment Type: OTHER