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Fire Service Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Fire Chief

Walker, MI ยท On-site

$112 - $145/hr

Are you a collaborative, forward-thinking fire service leader who can guide a growing department through organizational change, strengthen its leadership structure, and support the transition to a ...

Responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction and managing quality of product and service delivery. Develop relationships with all Fire and EMT decision-makers in designated territory. Dinges Fire ...

Responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction and managing quality of product and service delivery. Develop relationships with all Fire and EMT decision-makers in designated territory. Dinges Fire ...

Responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction and managing quality of product and service delivery. Develop relationships with all Fire and EMT decision-makers in designated territory. Dinges Fire ...

Responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction and managing quality of product and service delivery. Develop relationships with all Fire and EMT decision-makers in designated territory. Dinges Fire ...

Responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction and managing quality of product and service delivery. Develop relationships with all Fire and EMT decision-makers in designated territory. Dinges Fire ...

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Fire Service information

See Michigan salary details

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How much do fire service jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire service in Michigan is $20.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.46 and $22.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is fire service?

Fire service professionals are trained personnel who respond to fires, emergencies, and disasters to protect people, property, and the environment. Their duties include extinguishing fires, rescuing individuals, providing emergency medical care, and conducting fire prevention inspections and education. Fire service roles can include firefighters, fire officers, fire inspectors, and fire investigators, all working together to ensure public safety. These professionals are often employed by municipal or regional fire departments, but may also work in specialized industrial or wildland fire services.

What are the most common challenges faced by new recruits in the fire service, and how can they best prepare for them?

New recruits in the fire service often face challenges such as adapting to the physical demands of the job, mastering complex emergency response procedures, and integrating into a close-knit team environment. To prepare, it's crucial to maintain a high level of physical fitness, familiarize yourself with firefighting equipment and protocols, and develop strong communication skills. Building resilience and seeking mentorship from experienced firefighters can also help new hires successfully navigate the transition and thrive in their roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the fire service, and why are they important?

To thrive in the Fire Service, you need comprehensive knowledge of fire safety, emergency response procedures, and physical fitness, typically supported by a high school diploma and completion of fire academy training. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, emergency medical systems, and certifications such as EMT are commonly required. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and resilience under pressure are crucial soft skills for this demanding role. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring effective emergency response, public safety, and the well-being of both the public and firefighting teams.

What is the difference between Fire Service vs Firefighter?

AspectFire ServiceFirefighter
CertificationsFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic licenseFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic license
Work EnvironmentEmergency response, fire suppression, rescue operationsEmergency response, fire suppression, rescue operations
Employer & IndustryFire departments, emergency servicesFire departments, emergency services

Fire Service is a broad term encompassing all roles within fire departments, including Firefighters. Firefighters are the frontline personnel responsible for fire suppression and rescue. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same environment, but 'Fire Service' refers to the entire sector, while 'Firefighter' specifies the individual role.

How to become a fire service in Texas?

To become a firefighter in Texas, candidates must complete a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a physical fitness test, and obtain Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification. Applicants typically need to attend a fire academy for training and meet age and background check requirements set by the hiring agency.
Infographic showing various Fire Service job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,207 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Fire Chief

Gulfshoresal

Walker, MI โ€ข On-site

$112 - $145/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Are you a collaborative, forward-thinking fire service leader who can guide a growing department through organizational change, strengthen its leadership structure, and support the transition to a sustainable 24/7 staffing model? If so, apply to be the City of Walker's next Fire Chief! We're looking for an exceptional, relationship-focused leader who is:

  • A clear communicator who builds trust with employees, City leadership, partner agencies, and the public
  • An experienced mentor who develops personnel and strengthens organizational capacity
  • A decisive, safety-focused administrator with sound operational judgment
  • Adaptable, accountable, and prepared to lead a department through continued modernization

The City of Walker is a thriving suburban community located in Kent County, adjacent to Grand Rapids, Grandville, Ottawa County, and Alpine Township. The Walker Fire Department provides fire suppression, fire prevention, public education, emergency response, training, inspections, investigations, records management, and regional mutual-aid services. Reporting to the City Manager, the Fire Chief serves as the department's chief operating and administrative officer and provides overall leadership for full-time and paid-on-call personnel. The ideal Fire Chief candidate will be both an organizational builder and a steady, experienced operator. Walker needs a Fire Chief who can establish trust, create structure, and promote sustainable performance while the department continues its transition to a full-time, 24/7 operating model.

Required qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Fire Science or a closely related field
  • Increasingly responsible experience with a fire department comparable to or larger than the City of Walker's department
  • At least eight years of upper-level administrative responsibility within a fire department or public safety organization
  • Firefighter Training Council Instructor certification
  • Fire Officer III certification
  • Valid Michigan driver's license, satisfactory driving record, and ability to maintain both throughout employment
  • Knowledge of modern firefighting, emergency response, training, fire prevention, equipment, and apparatus
  • Knowledge of budgeting, personnel administration, labor relations, purchasing, and operations management
  • Ability to successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation, physical examination, and psychological examination
  • Ability to report to the City of Walker within one hour
Preferred:
  • Fire and Arson Investigator certification, or the ability to obtain it as soon as possible after appointment
  • Experience using data to assess community risk and organizational vulnerabilities
  • Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, change management, succession planning, and organizational innovation
  • Experience guiding a department through conversion from paid-on-call operations to a full-time, 24/7 staffing model
  • Familiarity with NFPA standards, fire prevention codes, municipal ordinances, and applicable state and federal regulations

The salary range is $111,529.90-$144,988.91, depending on experience and qualifications.

For more information on this position, contact: Rudy Jackson, Senior Vice President Executive Recruitment

RudyJackson@governmentresource.com | 817-897-8080

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