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Firefighter Driver Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hazardous Material Technician Driver/Operator Pumper Driver/Operator Aerial NOTE: FIREFIGHTER SPECIAL RETIREMENT COVERAGE MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE: Title 5 U.S.C. 3307 authorizes the head of any agency to ...

Minimum Certified NH Firefighter I Required, NH Firefighter II is preferred. * Nationally ... NH Driver-Operator Certificate within 1-year of hire. Pay Rate: $26.92/hourly, full-time. The Town ...

Firefighter/EMT

Seabrook, NH · On-site

$26.92/hr

Minimum Certified NH Firefighter I Required, NH Firefighter II is preferred. * Nationally ... NH Driver-Operator Certificate within 1-year of hire. Pay Rate: $26.92/hourly, full-time. The Town ...

Minimum Certified NH Firefighter I Required, NH Firefighter II is preferred. * Nationally ... NH Driver-Operator Certificate within 1-year of hire. Pay Rate: $26.92/hourly, full-time. The Town ...

Firefighter Engineer

Davidson, NC · On-site

$57K - $60K/yr

... driver / operators exist in the department to fill vacancies should they occur. The Firefighter Engineer is subject to all hazards associated with firefighting and rescue work in both inside and ...

Driver/Operator will report directly to the assigned vehicle Lead Firefighter. Mandatory Requirements: * Firefighter I and II are mandatory prior to employment and must be accredited by the ...

$56K/yr

Airport Firefighter (includes Firefighter I, II), HAZMAT Awareness, HAZMAT Operations, HAZMAT Technician, Apparatus Driver Operator - Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator - Aircraft Rescue and ...

$56K/yr

Airport Firefighter (includes Firefighter I, II), HAZMAT Awareness, HAZMAT Operations, HAZMAT Technician, Apparatus Driver Operator - Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator - Aircraft Rescue and ...

Firefighter

Cypress, TX · On-site

$72K/yr

Firefighter , One (1) open position plus a one (1) year hiring eligibility list. Status: Full-time ... TCFP Driver Operator Certification * TCFP Driver Operator Aerial Certification * TCFP Instructor I ...

$56K/yr

Airport Firefighter (includes Firefighter I, II), HAZMAT Awareness, HAZMAT Operations, HAZMAT Technician, Apparatus Driver Operator - Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator - Aircraft Rescue and ...

Fire Instructor I, Fire Officer I, Fire Inspector I, Apparatus Driver Operator-Aerial (ADO-A), and ... Firefighter/Engineer/Paramedic Master Firefighter/Engineer/Paramedic What is the selection process?

Firefighter/Paramedic Lateral

Provo, UT · On-site

$67K - $102K/yr

Fire Instructor I, Fire Officer I, Fire Inspector I, Apparatus Driver Operator-Aerial (ADO-A), and ... Firefighter/Engineer/Paramedic Master Firefighter/Engineer/Paramedic What is the selection process?

The Firefighter responds to alarms, drives and operates equipment related to the suppression of ... Driver/Operator: Emergency Vehicle Driver Training * FEMA Independent Study Courses: IS-100 ...

The Firefighter responds to alarms, drives and operates equipment related to the suppression of ... Driver/Operator: Emergency Vehicle Driver Training * FEMA Independent Study Courses: IS-100 ...

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Firefighter Driver Operator information

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$8

$19

$27

How much do firefighter driver operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for firefighter driver operator in the United States is $19.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Firefighter Driver Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Firefighter Driver Operator, you need a solid background in fire science, vehicle operations, and emergency response, typically supported by completion of firefighter training and a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). Proficiency with fire apparatus, pumping systems, radio communications, and incident command software is essential. Attention to detail, calm under pressure, and strong teamwork are vital soft skills. These abilities ensure safe, efficient transportation of personnel and equipment, effective response to emergencies, and the protection of lives and property.

What are Firefighter Driver Operators?

Firefighter Driver Operators, also known as fire apparatus operators or engineers, are firefighters who are specially trained to drive and operate fire trucks and other emergency vehicles. They are responsible for getting the apparatus safely to the scene of an emergency and then controlling the various systems on the vehicle, such as pumps or aerial ladders. In addition to vehicle operation, they may assist with firefighting tasks, equipment maintenance, and ensuring a reliable water supply during fire suppression. Their role is crucial for both the safety of the crew and the effectiveness of emergency response.

What are some common challenges faced by Firefighter Driver Operators during emergency responses?

Firefighter Driver Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating large emergency vehicles through congested streets, adverse weather conditions, and unfamiliar areas under high-pressure situations. They must also ensure the safe operation and positioning of apparatus to provide optimal access for firefighting and rescue activities. Additionally, maintaining constant communication with the crew and other emergency personnel is crucial for coordinated and effective response. Staying calm and making quick, informed decisions are essential skills for overcoming these obstacles.

What is the difference between Firefighter Driver Operator vs Firefighter?

AspectFirefighter Driver OperatorFirefighter
CertificationsFirefighter certification, CDL or specialized vehicle operation licenseFirefighter certification
Work EnvironmentOperate fire apparatus, drive emergency vehicles, assist in firefightingRespond to fires, rescue, and emergency scenes
Job ResponsibilitiesDriving, operating fire pumps, maintaining vehiclesFire suppression, rescue, first aid

Firefighter Driver Operators focus on driving and operating fire apparatus, ensuring vehicles are ready for emergencies, while Firefighters primarily respond to fires and rescue situations. Both roles require firefighting certifications, but Driver Operators also need specialized vehicle operation licenses. The roles often overlap in fire departments, with Driver Operators supporting firefighting efforts through vehicle management and operation.

More about Firefighter Driver Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Firefighter Driver Operator jobs? Cities with the most Firefighter Driver Operator job openings:
What states have the most Firefighter Driver Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Firefighter Driver Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Firefighter Driver Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 3% Full Time, 88% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,998 per year, or $19.2 per hour.
FIREFIGHTER

$42K/yr

Other

Posted 21 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

This announcement uses the Defense Industrial Base, major Range and Test Facilities Direct Hire Authority to Recruit and appoint Qualified Candidates to certain positions in the competitive service.
The Secretary of Defense has ordered a department-wide hiring freeze subject to certain limited exceptions. This position is subject to the DoD hiring freeze. Offers of employment related to this vacancy announcement will not be executed until the position has an approved exemption.Qualifications:GS-05: Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-04 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Performing the duties of rescue operations in fires and fire related emergencies involving structures, aircraft, motor vehicles, wild land, and hazardous materials and providing emergency medical treatment to include but not limited to CPR.
GS-04: Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-03 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Performing the duties of rescue operations in fires and fire related emergencies involving structures, aircraft, motor vehicles, wild land, and hazardous materials and providing emergency medical treatment.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0000/fire-protection-and-prevention-series-0081/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (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.
Certifications required for this position. Must be issued by either the DOD, the Pro-Board, or the international Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC):
GS-05:
Firefighter I
Firefighter II
Airport Firefighter
Hazardous Materials Awareness
Hazardous Materials Operations
National Registry of EMT
GS4: Incumbent has 1 year to complete the following certifications:
Firefighter I
Firefighter II
Airport Firefighter
Hazardous Materials Awareness
Hazardous Materials Operations
National Registry of EMT
Additional requirements:
Hazardous Material Technician
Driver/Operator Pumper
Driver/Operator Aerial
NOTE: FIREFIGHTER SPECIAL RETIREMENT COVERAGEMAXIMUM ENTRY AGE: Title 5 U.S.C. 3307 authorizes the head of any agency to establish a maximum entry age for the original appointment of individuals to the position of primary and rigorous firefighter. The date immediately preceding an individual's 37th birthday is the maximum entry age for original appointment to a position as a Firefighter (Paramedic). This age restriction does not apply to those who have previously served in a Federal civilian firefighting position covered by title 5 U.S.C. section 3307 provisions OR qualified veteran preferenceeligible covered by title 5 U.S.C. 3307.Primary Position- The employee's primary duties must be performing work directly connected with the control andextinguishment of fires (CSRS and FERS). In general, if an employee spends an average of at least 50% of his/hertime performing a duty or group of duties, they are his/her primary duties. Fire Protection Inspectors, Fire ProtectionSpecialists and positions that are predominantly supervisory in nature or perform training are not consideredprimary positions.Education:
The following education may be substituted in lieu of the specialized experience:
GS-05: Successful completion of a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university in Fire Training, Fire Science, or another related field of study leading to a bachelor's degree.
or
GS-04: Successful completion of a 2-year course of study in an accredited college or university in Fire Training, Fire Science, or another related field of study. A combination of experience and education as described above that equates to one year of experience. The percentage of the required education plus the percentage of the required experience equal one hundred percent.Employment Type: OTHER

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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