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Firefighter Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service

$26.79/hr

Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles) Reliability and Dependability as an Engineering Equipment ... Incumbent is subject to medical screening and must meet the Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical ...

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How much do firefighter engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighter engineer in the United States is $82,979.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $98,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a firefighter engineer?

Firefighter Engineers, also known as Fire Apparatus Engineers, are specialized firefighters responsible for operating and maintaining fire engines and other emergency vehicles. They ensure that all equipment functions properly, drive vehicles to emergency scenes, and often assist in firefighting and rescue operations. In addition to technical skills, Firefighter Engineers must have a strong understanding of hydraulics, pump operations, and safety protocols. Their role is critical in ensuring rapid and effective emergency response by the fire department.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a firefighter engineer?

To thrive as a Firefighter Engineer, you need strong knowledge of fire suppression, emergency response protocols, and the operation and maintenance of fire apparatus, typically supported by fire science coursework and relevant certifications. Familiarity with hydraulic calculations, pump operations, and systems like CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are critical soft skills for performing safely under pressure and coordinating with crews. These competencies ensure quick, safe, and effective emergency response, which is vital for protecting lives and property.

What challenges does a firefighter engineer face while operating and maintaining fire apparatus during emergency responses?

Firefighter Engineers often face the challenge of quickly assessing and adapting to rapidly changing emergency situations while ensuring the safe and efficient operation of fire engines and related equipment. They must maintain focus under pressure, troubleshoot mechanical issues on the spot, and coordinate closely with the firefighting crew to deliver continuous water supply and support. Balancing equipment maintenance duties with active response tasks requires strong technical knowledge and the ability to make fast, informed decisions. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as Firefighter Engineers play a critical role in both the safety and success of emergency operations.

What is the difference between Firefighter Engineer vs Firefighter?

AspectFirefighter EngineerFirefighter
CertificationsFirefighter certification, EMT/Paramedic license, Firefighter Engineer certificationFirefighter certification, EMT/Paramedic license
Work EnvironmentOperates fire apparatus, maintains equipment, assists in fire suppressionPerforms fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services
ResponsibilitiesDrives fire trucks, maintains equipment, supports firefighting operationsRescues victims, extinguishes fires, provides emergency medical care

Firefighter Engineers are trained to operate fire apparatus and maintain equipment, supporting firefighting efforts. Firefighters focus on fire suppression, rescue, and medical services. Both roles require similar certifications but differ mainly in operational responsibilities and equipment handling.

What does a firefighter engineer do in firefighting?

A firefighter engineer operates and maintains fire apparatus, such as fire engines and pumps, during firefighting operations. They are responsible for ensuring equipment functions properly, assisting with fire suppression, and often hold certifications in firefighting and emergency medical services. Their role requires technical skills, physical fitness, and the ability to work under stressful conditions.
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What cities are hiring for Firefighter Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Firefighter Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Firefighter Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Firefighter Engineer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Firefighter Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Firefighter Engineer jobs are:

Firefighter Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Firefighter Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,979 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Engineering Equipment Operator Helper)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Bristol, TN

$26.79/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist the fire dozer operator with initial attack, fire, and fuels management activities.

  • Support other natural resource projects as needed.

  • Perform day-to-day activities related to mobile equipment operation, vehicle driving, and maintaining work practices.

United States Department Of Agriculture rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

456th of 856 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
This position assists the fire dozer operator with initial attack, fire, and fuels management activities. The helper assists in support of other natural resource projects.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for Regional contacts.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.
Basic Requirement:
You must possess the Basic Requirements identified below to be considered eligible for this position. Your application or resume must clearly show that you possess the appropriate experience requirements to successfully perform the duties of Engineering Equipment Operator Helper.
Applicants will be evaluated on their ability to perform the duties of the position rather than length of experience. Eligibility will be determined by the relevance, scope and quality of all experience and training, regardless of where or how acquired. Applicants will be assessed based on their knowledge of the job elements identified in this announcement.
Screen-out Job Elements: Applicants who do not meet the screen-out job elements will not be further evaluated.
  • Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision.
In addition to the above requirements, applicants will be assessed based on their knowledge of the job elements identified below:
  • Operation of Motor Vehicles (such as automobiles, pickup trucks, or vans to perform such duties as cutting, moving, digging, grading, and rolling earth, sand, stone, and other materials on flat and stable terrain).
  • Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean, and in order)
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (related to mobile equipment operation)
  • Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles) Reliability and Dependability as an Engineering Equipment Operator
  • Ability to Operate Safely (Non-Motor Vehicle)
Selective Placement Factors:
  • Position may be required to drive vehicles that require a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License, based on type or kind of equipment being operated.
  • Incumbent is subject to medical screening and must meet the Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Qualification Standards for moderate level duty wildland firefighting

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.
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 MODERATE 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 this position.Employment Type: OTHER

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