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Fire Fighter Trainee Jobs in Nevada (NOW HIRING)

Fire Fighter Trainee information

See Nevada salary details

$14

$21

$36

How much do fire fighter trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire fighter trainee in Nevada is $21.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $24.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire fighter trainee?

Fire Fighter Trainees are individuals who are undergoing training to become professional firefighters. They participate in structured programs that teach them essential skills such as fire suppression, emergency medical response, hazardous materials handling, and rescue operations. Trainees learn both in the classroom and through hands-on exercises, preparing them to respond effectively to a variety of emergency situations. Upon successful completion of their training, they may be eligible for certification and full-time firefighter positions within a fire department.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire fighter trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Fighter Trainee, you need physical fitness, basic emergency medical training, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, personal protective gear, and systems such as incident command protocols is often required, and some departments may seek CPR or EMT certification. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for handling high-pressure situations. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring safety, quick response, and collaboration during emergencies.

What are some common challenges fire fighter trainees face during their initial training period?

Fire Fighter Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to the physical demands of the role, learning to operate specialized equipment, and mastering emergency response protocols under pressure. The training is both physically and mentally rigorous, requiring teamwork, quick decision-making, and resilience. Trainees also need to develop strong communication skills to coordinate effectively with team members during simulations and real emergencies. Overcoming these challenges is key to building the confidence and competence needed for a successful firefighting career.

What is the difference between Fire Fighter Trainee vs Fire Fighter?

AspectFire Fighter TraineeFire Fighter
Required CertificationsBasic EMT, Firefighter IFirefighter I, EMT or Paramedic certification
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, fire stations, supervised callsActive firefighting, emergency response, rescue operations
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning firefighting techniques, assisting in drillsResponding to fires, rescues, hazardous situations

Fire Fighter Trainees are in training, focusing on learning skills and gaining certifications, while Fire Fighters are fully qualified personnel actively responding to emergencies. Trainees work under supervision, whereas Fire Fighters operate independently in the field.

How do you start a career as a fire fighter trainee?

To start a career as a fire fighter trainee, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass physical fitness and medical exams, and obtain relevant certifications such as CPR and EMT. Many fire departments require completion of fire academy training and a valid driver's license before beginning as a trainee.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Fighter jobs in Nevada?

The most popular types of Fire Fighter jobs in Nevada are:

What are popular job titles related to Fire Fighter Trainee jobs in Nevada?

For Fire Fighter Trainee jobs in Nevada, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Nevada are hiring for Fire Fighter Trainee jobs?

Cities in Nevada with the most Fire Fighter Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Fighter Trainee job openings in Nevada as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,796 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

FIREFIGHTER 2 - ELY

State of Nevada (NV)

Carson City, NV • On-site

$55K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


State Of Nevada rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 50 rated states


Job description

***THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE*** Job Summary The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (NDCNR), protects, manages, and enhances the State's resources to provide the highest quality of life for Nevada's citizens and visitors. The NDCNR with over 900 employees consists of the Director's Office and the following divisions and programs: Environmental Protection, Forestry, State Lands, State Parks, Water Resources, Outdoor Recreation, Natural Heritage, State Historic Preservation Office, Off-Highway Vehicles, Sagebrush Ecosystem, and the Conservation Districts Program.

The Department also provides support staff to the Nevada Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and has responsibility for numerous Boards, Commissions, and Councils. The Department has locations and/or provides program services in every community of the State. The Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) is recruiting for one Firefighter 2 position located at the Ely Industrial Shop in Ely, Nevada.

This position, under the supervision of the Fire Captain, acts as a lead member on an interagency wildland fire module/handcrew with multiple firefighters that participate in all functional areas of wildland fire and resource management. This includes wildfire training, public education and prevention, fire suppression and rehabilitation, fuels reduction treatments, and natural resource landscape restoration projects. Incumbents will need to be NWCG Firefighter I and become an NWCG Faller B (FALBt) trainee upon hire and become fully qualified within 3 years; able to obtain their CDL class B within one year of appointment and complete the NDF Natural Resource Task Book within 3 years.

To verify the eligibility requirements for the position, a copy of your Red Card, or equivalent, MUST be attached to application at time of submittal. Applicants must pass a work capacity test at the arduous level prior to appointment and annually for continued employment. The test consists of a three (3) mile walk, carrying a forty-five (45) pound pack, in less than forty-five (45) minutes.

NOTE: This position does not include fighting structural fires. Positions in this series manage, supervise, and participate in wildland fire suppression; fire prevention and education; presuppression; equipment and facility maintenance; and forestry and fire law enforcement. Assist the Forestry Program Manager - Fire to ensure that the components of the divisions Wildland Fire Protection Program are managed and operated in an efficient, accurate and safe manner consistent with federal, State, and division regulations, policies and procedures.

Essential Qualifications Graduation from high school or equivalent education and three years of firefighting experience; OR two years of experience as a Firefighter I in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above. Job Duties Manage, supervise and participate in functional areas of fire protection; compile information, develop plans and make recommendations concerning training, prevention, suppression, emergency operations, fuels management, support services and administration; develop plans, regulations, guidance documents and reports on regional wildfire activities; implement and coordinate regional wildfire activities with federal, State, and local partners. Exercise leadership through direct command or implementation of the Incident Command System (ICS).

Respond to wildland fires, floods, and other emergencies. Control wildland fires; build hand lines, fall trees, lay hose lines and direct nozzles; lead dozers; set backfires; direct aerial drops; provide structural protection; and mop up and patrol fire areas to safeguard life, natural resources and structures. Supervise and/or participate in presuppression activities; develop preplans and preattack fire plans; check fire access roads, gates, and water supplies; and review and update dispatch response cards.

Supervise and/or participate in hazardous fuels mitigation; determine fuel types and fuel loading; and plan, direct and implement fuels management activities including prescribed burning. Supervise and/or participate in fire prevention activities; inspect areas designated for prescribed burning; advise land owners of regulations; determine approval/denial of fire permit; check campfires; advise the public of fire danger, safety and fire restrictions; make safety presentations to homeowners, students and civic groups; conduct defensible space inspections; and post signs to educate the public and reduce fire occurrence. Train volunteer fire departments, cooperative fire agencies, and various firefighting personnel; schedule classes or demonstrations; review materials, techniques, and strategies; and provide on-the-job training to improve firefighting techniques and effectiveness.

Enforce forestry and fire laws and prosecute offenders; investigate complaints of illegal burning, camp fires and plant materials harvesting; interview witnesses and suspects; collect evidence, preserve the crime scene, and determine the point of origin and cause of fire; advise the public of applicable laws, write citations and testify in court. Supervise or maintain fire apparatus and equipment to maintain constant readiness; make daily inspections and follow preventive maintenance schedules; check, clean, sharpen, adjust and make minor repairs to equipment; report mechanical problems and arrange for repairs; and replace used equipment and supplies. Perform related duties as assigned.

Under general supervision, incumbents have greater responsibility in operating and maintaining fire apparatus (i.e., pump and hydraulic systems and emergency vehicles and equipment) than a Firefighter I. Incumbents perform the full range of emergency response and presuppression duties described above. Incumbents perform leadwork duties and are required to obtain and maintain the required certifications as identified by the agency

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities This job specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level. Working knowledge of: pump operations and hydraulic systems; federal and State forestry and fire laws; emergency vehicle and equipment operation.

General knowledge of: principles and practices of fire prevention and investigation; applicable regulations and standards. Ability to: apply the principles of ICS to an incident of moderate complexity; operate power driven fire apparatus such as 4-wheel drive trucks, engines and water tenders; use and maintain fire tools; perform basic maintenance to vehicles and equipment; make observations and prepare reports; use specialized resources such as helicopters, tactical aircraft, air tankers, bulldozers and fire suppression crews. Recruiter Contact Information: Susan Ashley - q.ashley@admin.nv.gov The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them

All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages. Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement.


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About State of Nevada

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Nevada isn't a company in the traditional sense, but rather a governing body that manages and directs the operations of the state of Nevada. Its headquarters are located in Carson City, NV, United States. The organisation is engaged in various sectors like education, transportation, business and industry, health and human services, conservation and natural resources, and many more. It is responsible for implementing and maintaining the law and order of the state, in addition to providing essential services to its residents.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Carson City, NV, US

Year founded

1864