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Fire Fighting Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

In order to ensure the perpetuation of the prestige and reputation of the Shipshewana Fire Department, each applicant must meet the minimum qualification requirements and successfully complete each ...

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Fire Fighting information

See Indiana salary details

$29.5K

$100.5K

$174.1K

How much do fire fighting jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire fighting in Indiana is $100,463.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,200.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is fire fighting?

Fire fighting jobs involve responding to emergencies such as fires, accidents, and hazardous situations to protect lives, property, and the environment. Firefighters are trained professionals who extinguish fires, rescue people and animals, and provide first aid. They also conduct fire prevention inspections, educate the public about fire safety, and maintain firefighting equipment. Firefighters often work in physically demanding and high-stress situations, requiring teamwork, quick decision-making, and strong problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a firefighter?

To thrive as a Firefighter, you need strong physical fitness, emergency response skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent—often supplemented by completion of a fire academy program. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, breathing apparatus, and emergency medical certifications like EMT are typically required. Teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience under pressure are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring effective emergency response, personal safety, and the protection of lives and property during high-stress incidents.

What are some common challenges firefighters face during emergency responses, and how do teams address them?

Firefighters often encounter unpredictable and hazardous conditions, such as rapidly changing fire behavior, limited visibility, and structural instability during emergency responses. To address these challenges, fire departments emphasize rigorous training, strong communication, and teamwork. Firefighters rely on clear protocols, regular drills, and mutual trust to coordinate effectively and ensure everyone's safety. Additionally, ongoing education in new firefighting techniques and equipment helps teams adapt to a variety of emergency situations.

What is the difference between Fire Fighting vs Fire Prevention?

AspectFire FightingFire Prevention
CertificationsFirefighter certification, EMT/Paramedic licenseFire safety certifications, inspection licenses
Work EnvironmentActive emergency response, on-site firefightingInspection, education, planning
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesBuilding safety agencies, industrial facilities

Fire Fighting involves responding to emergencies, extinguishing fires, and rescuing victims. Fire Prevention focuses on reducing fire risks through inspections, safety education, and code enforcement. Both roles are essential in fire safety but differ in daily tasks and objectives.

Is fire fighting a high paying career?

Fire fighting can offer a stable income, with salaries varying by location, experience, and rank. In general, firefighters earn a moderate to good salary, often supplemented by overtime, benefits, and retirement plans, but it is not typically considered a high-paying profession compared to other specialized fields.

What are popular job titles related to Fire Fighting jobs in Indiana?

For Fire Fighting jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Fire Fighting job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,463 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Supervisory Wildland Fire Fighter (Fire Engine Operator)

Bedford, IN • On-site

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

$62K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 21 days ago


USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
Serves as first line supervisor on a High Complexity Fire Engine Module. The primary purpose of the position is to perform wildland firefighting work and to provide leadership for a crew performing such work.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for contact information.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-07: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GW-06 in the Federal service.
Specialized experience is defined as examples of the following: Evaluated initial fire situations to determine suppression method to use, hose lays, deployment of crew, point of initial attack, type of tools to use, and application of water; Communicated with dispatcher and superiors on the progress on fire situation requesting additional resources when applicable; Demonstrated safety practices relative to all-hazard incident management involving crews, resources, and equipment; Served as a working leader on a wildland fire engine; Directing others and provided leadership in wildland fire operations including prescribed fire.
For the GW-08: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GW-07 in the Federal service.
Specialized experience is defined as examples of the following: Operated and maintained pump engine and specialized equipment used to respond to wildland and prescribed fire situations; Assisted with search and rescue incidents, victim recoveries, automobile accidents, and hazardous materials incidents during local responses involving multi-jurisdictional and multi-agency co-operators; Served as Initial Attack Incident Commander on wildland and/or urban interface and all-hazard incidents; Directed project work in support of ecosystem management such as prescribed fire, including development of burn plans.
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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Selective Placement Factors
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Engine Boss (ENGB) -AND- Successfully completed the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4).
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.
For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
This position has been identified as HIGH Complexity under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) or Forest Service Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM or FS-FPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications at the applicable complexity level to be considered eligible for this position.
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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS, MODERATE, or LIGHT level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER

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