Fire Chief Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

This is a Firefighter Recruit position, not a trained or experienced Firefighter position. 

Role Summary:

This is beginning level training in firefighting and emergency medical services (EMS) in order to meet the requirements to become a firefighter for the City of Ann Arbor. This position will be expected to successfully complete the coursework and testing needed to obtain State of Michigan Emergency Medical Technician licensure, Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council Firefighter I&II certification, and Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). Employees in this position are expected to be able to perform any and all work tasks and comply with any work schedules, attendance, or duty requirements which may be established by City or department rules. Work is reviewed through observation, conferences, written examinations, performance tests, and an evaluation of training records and reports.

Closing Date: August 28th, 2026

Hourly Rate: $19.24

Benefits offered for this opportunity: Non-Union Benefits Summary 

Duties:

Duties are performed under the direct supervision of the Assistant Chief, Training Officer, EMS Coordinator, Logistics Officer, Fire Officer, or Designee and may include the following:

Essential Duties:

• Attends fire academy and EMT classes and other formal training programs established to qualify the incumbent for certification and licensure as a Firefighter / EMT.
• Clean apparatus and equipment and perform general custodial duties.
• Participate in ride-alongs with on-duty crews.
• Participate in and complete academic and physical training program in preparation for future Firefighter duties.
• Participate in classroom instruction and clinical medical rotations.
• Lift, carry and operate heavy tools and equipment.
• Perform maintenance of departmental equipment, buildings and grounds.
• Perform administrative and clerical duties such as typing, filing and data entry.
• Answer and direct phone calls.
• Assist with safety education, community and recruitment events.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Education, Training and Experience Required:

• A minimum of 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• One of the following: (verification must be attached with application)
  • Fifteen (15) credit hours from an accredited college
  • DD214/active military guard/or reserve
  • EMPCO score of 75% or more

Licensing Requirements:

• Valid Driver’s License
• Within 90 days of successful completion of the emergency medical technician course, the employee shall successfully obtain licensure as a State of Michigan Emergency Medical Technician. The employee shall be allowed three attempts to successful pass the written National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians examination. 
• Within 90 days of successful completion of the fire academy, the employee shall successfully obtain certification licensure as a Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council Firefighter I&II. The employee shall be allowed two attempts to successfully pass the written examination and two attempts of the practical examination of the Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council Firefighter I&II certification.
• Within 90 days of successful completion of the fire academy, the employee shall successfully pass the Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT). The employee shall be allowed two attempts to successfully pass the CPAT examination

Equipment:

Fire suppression equipment, medical equipment, hand tools, extrication equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), specialized technical equipment, specialized hazmat equipment, portable radio, and standard office equipment.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to adhere to all physical requirements necessitated for a firefighter position.

Essential and related duties may require maintaining good physical condition necessary for sitting, standing, walking, running, climbing ladders, bending, stooping, crouching and kneeling for prolonged periods of time; as well as the ability to lift, drag, hoist and carry different types of fire equipment and other objects. Requires stamina and physical endurance needed to sustain prolonged, rigorous physical activity during emergency situations. Requires physical dexterity as needed to don equipment quickly, tie knots, etc.

In addition, positions in this classification typically require: grasping, reaching, handling and/or feeling, talking, hearing and seeing (including peripheral vision, night vision, focus, color perception and depth perception).

Physical demands include the ability to lift, push/pull, hold and carry in excess of 50 pounds. The ability to climb step stools, step ladders, extension and aerial ladders, as well as 3 or more flights of stairs.

Very Heavy Work: exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of forces constantly to move objects.

Physically able to operate assigned apparatus and equipment. 

Operating office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movements.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that may be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.