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Firefighter Lateral Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Frankfort Kentucky

Firefighter

Frankfort, KY · On-site

$56K/yr

Paramedic Incentive of $8800 (if eligible) Applications are being accepted for Firefighter Recruits & Firefighter Lateral Transfers The Frankfort Fire & EMS Process is Civil Service based and ...

City of Fargo

Lateral Firefighter

Fargo, ND

$22.99 - $30.81/hr

This opening is restricted to Lateral Firefighter applicants only. Please review the minimum qualifications.* Job Summary: The Firefighter's primary duty is to prevent, educate, and respond by ...

City of Henderson, KY

Lateral Firefighter

Henderson, KY · On-site

$51K/yr

LATERAL FIREFIGHTER PURPOSE OF CLASSIFICATION The purpose of this classification is to perform firefighting and rescue operations in emergency situations, such as structural fires, motor vehicle ...

City of Fargo, ND

Lateral Firefighter

Fargo, ND · On-site

$22.99 - $30.81/hr

This opening is restricted to Lateral Firefighter applicants only . Please review the minimum qualifications.* Job Summary : The Firefighter's primary duty is to prevent, educate, and respond by ...

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How much do firefighter lateral jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighter lateral in the United States is $59,606.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What kind of responsibilities will I have on my first shift as a Firefighter Lateral?

As a Firefighter Lateral, you’ll typically be expected to perform the full range of duties similar to other experienced firefighters, including responding to fire and medical emergencies, participating in training exercises, and conducting equipment checks. You’ll collaborate closely with your new crew, adapting to department protocols and learning the specific procedures unique to your new station. Many lateral hires are given a brief orientation or onboarding process to familiarize them with local geography, equipment, and reporting structures. Your previous experience will be valued right away, but you may also be assessed for compatibility with the team’s operations during your initial shifts.

What is a Firefighter Lateral job?

A Firefighter Lateral job is a position for experienced firefighters who are transferring from another fire department. These positions allow qualified personnel to join a new department without starting at an entry-level rank. Lateral firefighters typically must meet specific experience, certification, and training requirements. This process helps departments bring in skilled professionals who can quickly integrate into operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Firefighter Lateral position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Firefighter Lateral, you need proven firefighting experience, thorough knowledge of fire suppression, rescue operations, and emergency medical response, typically supported by Firefighter I/II certification and EMT or Paramedic credentials. Familiarity with specialized firefighting equipment, apparatus operations, and incident management systems like ICS is important. Outstanding teamwork, quick decision-making, and strong communication skills are key soft skills for excelling in this role. These abilities ensure effective emergency response, safety for both the public and crew, and seamless integration into an existing fire department team.

More about Firefighter Lateral jobs
What cities are hiring for Firefighter Lateral jobs? Cities with the most Firefighter Lateral job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Firefighter Lateral jobs? The most popular types of Firefighter Lateral jobs are:
What states have the most Firefighter Lateral jobs? States with the most job openings for Firefighter Lateral jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Firefighter Lateral jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Firefighter Lateral jobs are:
Firefighter Lateral jobs near you
Infographic showing various Firefighter Lateral job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Firefighter

City of Frankfort Kentucky

Frankfort, KY • On-site

$56K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Description
Firefighter Recruit Information
BENEFITS PACKAGE INCLUDE:
  • Retirement through the Kentucky Public Pension Authority beginning second year
  • Generous vacation, sick, and holiday paid leave with no waiting period
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurance with no or low employee premiums
  • State Firefighter Incentive $4653
  • Paramedic Incentive of $8800 (if eligible)

Applications are being accepted for Firefighter Recruits & Firefighter Lateral Transfers
The Frankfort Fire & EMS Process is Civil Service based and contains several phases to be completed for the firefighter recruit position.
POSITION SUMMARY
Under the direction of academy staff, the Firefighter-Recruit participates in the rigorous academic and physical training programs of the Frankfort Fire Department's Training Academy. This curriculum prepares the candidate for fire suppression, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and both emergency and non-emergency incident response, as well as fire code enforcement, public education, and station maintenance. While enrolled, employees are assigned to a 40-hour work week under the close supervision of a Fire Captain acting as the Fire Training Officer. This officer evaluates all work in progress and upon completion to ensure conformance to standard operating procedures.
Upon successful graduation from the Academy, the role transitions to entry-level fire prevention, inspection, and suppression activities. Responsibilities include performing routine fire station and equipment maintenance, driving ambulances, and assisting Emergency Medical Technicians or Paramedics, along with other related duties as required. At this stage, the work schedule shifts, requiring the Firefighter-Recruit to work24-hour shifts within a 56-hour work week.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Respond to emergency fire, rescue, medical aid and public service calls; operate a variety of firefighting equipment and fire apparatus and perform essential fire suppression and rescue functions.
• Performs entry-level, fire prevention inspection and suppression activities.
• Responds to hazardous materials incidents and performs within certified level of training under the direct supervision of the HAZ-MAT Incident Commander.
• Lays and connects hoses, directs water stream to control or extinguish fire; performs other fire- fighting duties on site as directed.
• Performs salvage and overhaul at fire scenes; protects property from water and soil damage, and removes excess solid and liquid debris from structure and grounds.
• Maintains assigned vehicles and ensures they are properly equipped.
• Must operate emergency vehicles in a safe and responsible manner at all times, under both normal driving conditions and while under emergency conditions using red lights and sirens.
• Performs general station and other equipment maintenance; sweeps and mops floors, washes dishes and windows, cleans furniture and facilities, hangs and dries hoses and makes minor equipment repairs.
• Attends training classes in firefighting, emergency medical service, pre-planning and various other related subjects as directed.
• Study street and occupancy locations in assigned district; study building plans and fire prevention systems in buildings in assigned district.
• Use departmental computer equipment to input, review and access records, information and other various data.
• Performs duties associated with providing emergency medical care to the sick and injured in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations and department EMS policies.
• Other duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES
• Demonstrates the ability to maintain composure and self-control.
• Demonstrates the ability to react quickly and calmly with good judgement in emergency situations.
• Assesses situations accurately and determines appropriate action.
• Manages difficult and emotional situations effectively.
• Complies with departmental performance standards.
Requirements
  • Must possess and maintain valid drivers' license issued by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
  • Must successfully pass physical examination and background investigation.
  • Must successfully complete IFSAC I&II certification, Hazmat awareness and OPS certifications within 12 months of employment. .
  • Must successfully complete required basic training and complete required annual training throughout employment.
  • Must complete EMT certification and HAZ-MAT Technician Level certification within12 months of employment.

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
No previous work experience requirements; see KRS Chapter 95 for additional requirements.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Graduation from high school or equivalent.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Work is performed both within the fire station in close proximity to other workers and in various outdoor climates and conditions.
  • Incumbent must be physically able to perform strenuous and hazardous tasks under emergency conditions and must have the stamina and the mobility to work a minimum of a 24 hour shift and to respond to major fire alarms and medical calls for service. Running, bending, stooping, climbing, pulling, and repetitive lifting of heavy objects.
  • Incumbent must be able to pass the medical examination required of fire personnel to ensure fitness for duty. Ability to see and hear in the normal range with or without correction and communicate verbally and in written form with great clarity and must be able to be understood in situations with high degrees of noise. Possess the strength, stamina, and aerobic capacity to work effectively during prolonged periods of strenuous activities including hiking, lifting heavy objects, climbing ladders, operating heavy machinery, repetitive body movement, crawling, all while wearing protective clothing and equipment. Ability to work at heights, confined spaces, and dark environments while wearing protective gear and breathing apparatus. Sufficient manual dexterity which permits the employee to operate equipment used in firefighting. Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, which permits the employee to perform all duties involved in protecting life and property. Sufficient vision and other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to effectively operate at a fire or related emergency scene.
  • Work is performed in a variety of environmental conditions, both indoors and out, with exposure to wide temperature variations, noise, vibrations, fumes, smoke, grease, machinery and its moving parts, odors, dust and irritating or hazardous materials and chemicals. Protective clothing helmets, gloves, boots, etc., are required while responding to emergency calls.
  • Incumbent will be required to respond to emergencies after regular working hours and on weekends and must be willing to work an irregular schedule, which will include weekends, holidays, evenings and/or varying hours.

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