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Firefighter Recruit Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Shelby County

Firefighter Private (Fire)

Memphis, TN · On-site

Successful recruits will be assigned to a Fire Lieutenant to perform public safety work involving ... State of Tennessee Firefighter I or Firefighter II Certification (Nonresidents must qualify for ...

City of Reno

Firefighter

Reno, NV · On-site

$67K - $91K/yr

FAQs on Firefighter Recruitment Please wait to apply until you have met all of the necessary requirements All documentation and certifications must be attached at the time of application. Can the ...

Sutter County, CA

VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER

Yuba City, CA · On-site

This is a volunteer firefighter recruitment; applicants will be contacted on an as needed basis. Please note that you will NOT be contacted unless there is an opportunity available. Under direct ...

City of Reno, NV

Firefighter

Reno, NV · On-site

$67K - $91K/yr

FAQs on Firefighter Recruitment Please wait to apply until you have met all of the necessary requirements. All documentation and certifications must be attached at the time of application. Can the ...

City of Burbank, CA

POLICE RECRUIT

Burbank, CA · On-site

$98K/yr

This is an unrepresented job title that is a Police Recruit or Firefighter Recruit The City of Burbank offers excellent employee benefits, please click on the following link for additional ...

City of San Luis Obispo

Firefighter

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$84K - $115K/yr

CLICK HERE to view the full recruitment flyer and learn more about this amazing opportunity. ENTRY-LEVEL APPLICANTS must be active on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide ...

City of La Verne

Firefighter

La Verne, CA · On-site

$94K - $114K/yr

Description INTERNAL RECRUITMENT OPPORTUNITY This recruitment is open to all City of La Verne ... Serve as a hose operator in firefighting situations including pulling working lines, holding the ...

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Firefighter Recruit information

See salary details

$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do firefighter recruit jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighter recruit 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 is a firefighter recruit?

Firefighter Recruits are individuals who are undergoing training to become fully qualified firefighters. They participate in rigorous educational and physical programs designed to teach them firefighting techniques, emergency medical procedures, and safety protocols. During this period, recruits learn how to operate firefighting equipment, respond to emergencies, and work as part of a team. Upon successful completion of the recruit training, they are typically promoted to probationary firefighters and begin working in the field under supervision.

What are some common challenges faced by firefighter recruits during their initial training period?

Firefighter recruits often encounter physical and mental challenges during their initial training, including rigorous fitness requirements, learning technical skills, and adapting to a paramilitary team environment. Recruits must quickly develop proficiency in using firefighting equipment, following safety protocols, and working effectively under pressure. Building strong communication and teamwork skills is essential, as recruits regularly collaborate with peers and seasoned firefighters to complete tasks and simulations. Overcoming these challenges requires resilience, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to continuous self-improvement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a firefighter recruit, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Firefighter Recruit, you need physical fitness, basic emergency medical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, emergency response systems, and CPR/EMT certifications are commonly expected. Teamwork, resilience under pressure, and strong communication help individuals excel in high-stress, life-threatening situations. These skills ensure effective emergency response, personal safety, and public trust during critical incidents.

What is the difference between Firefighter Recruit vs Firefighter?

AspectFirefighter RecruitFirefighter
Required CertificationsCPR, EMT, Firefighter I & II certificationsSame certifications, plus additional training and experience
Work EnvironmentTraining academy, probation period, supervised fire stationsFull-duty fire stations, emergency response, community engagement
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning firefighting skills, assisting in drills, basic emergency responseResponding to fires, rescues, medical emergencies, community safety

The main difference between a Firefighter Recruit and a Firefighter is that the recruit is in training and gaining necessary certifications, while a Firefighter has completed training and actively responds to emergencies. The recruit stage focuses on learning and observation, whereas the Firefighter role involves full operational duties.

More about Firefighter Recruit jobs

What cities are hiring for Firefighter Recruit jobs?

Cities with the most Firefighter Recruit job openings:

What states have the most Firefighter Recruit jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Firefighter Recruit jobs?

For Firefighter Recruit jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Firefighter Recruit jobs near you
Infographic showing various Firefighter Recruit job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Firefighter Private (Fire)

Memphis, TN • On-site

Shelby County
10K+ employees
Learn more about Shelby Countyexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

Works under the direct supervision of a Training Officer to learn the techniques of fire suppression, emergency medical services, and emergency and non-emergency incident response. Successful recruits will be assigned to a Fire Lieutenant to perform public safety work involving the protection of life and property.

Reports To:     Fire Lieutenant
 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Must be at least 21 years of age upon date of employment.
  • Graduation from an accredited High School or possess a GED.
  • Be a U. S. citizen. 
  • Be of good moral character and integrity.
     

Preferred Minimum Qualifications

  • Paramedic or EMS Certification OR
  • Two (2) or more years of college OR
  • U.S. Military Service with Honorable Discharge OR
  • State of Tennessee Firefighter I or Firefighter II Certification (Nonresidents must qualify for reciprocity)
  • PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED
     

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Responds to fire, medical and other emergency and non-emergency calls.
  • Performs ladder operations and hose evolutions.
  • Locates and rescues individuals from burning buildings.
  • Ensures that all necessary equipment is available.
  • Checks operation of equipment and apparatus.
  • Creates openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance.
  • Administers medical service to persons needing assistance.
  • Inspects buildings for fire hazards and compliance with fire prevention ordinances.
  • Selects hose nozzle according to type of fire and directs water stream or chemicals onto fire.
  • Maintains apparatus, living quarters, and emergency equipment.
  • Protects property from water and smoke by use of waterproof covers, smoke fans, and deodorants.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned or directed.
     

KSAs

  • Ability to follow directions.
  • Ability to work with the public under stressful and/or dangerous conditions and make quick, accurate decisions concerning human life.
  • Ability to conform to and work in a para-military environment.
  • Ability to work in stressful situations under adverse weather conditions, such as extreme heat, thick smoke, and toxic fumes.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Ability to operate various fire apparatus, including an axe, pry bar, high pressure hose, ladders, safety equipment, breathing apparatus, two-way radio, chemicals, related firefighting equipment, and emergency medical equipment.
  • Ability to perform demanding physical tasks required in firefighting and emergency medical work, such as lifting and carrying a victim, hose, or other equipment weighing up to 200 lbs. while wearing turnouts, air tank, air mask, gloves, etc.; extinguishing fires; making routine inspections of buildings, hydrants, and immediate surroundings for existence of fire hazards; and walking, running, crawling, standing, lifting, climbing, or stooping for long periods of time while wearing/carrying heavy equipment.
  • Ability to work a twenty-four (24) hour/ fifty-six (56) hour work week.
  • Ability to perform firefighting duties in emergency vehicles, such as trucks, engines, or other apparatus at the scene of fire, medical, and/or other emergency and non-emergency calls.
  • Knowledge of the proper use of medical equipment.
  • Knowledge of local streets and hospital locations.
  • Knowledge of emergency communication codes and procedures.
  • Knowledge of hydraulic principles involved in properly extinguishing a fire.
     

Special Requirements

  • Must pass all pre-hire screening, including physical examination and eye exam.
  • Must pass psychological test, drug screen, and criminal background check.
  • Must pass the Shelby County Fire Department Physical Agility Test.
  • Must pass Firefighter Entry Level test. A study guide is available at www.publicsafetycompass.com.  
  • Must successfully complete the Shelby County Fire Department Training Academy within the prescribed time.
  • Must become certified by the State of Tennessee as a Firefighter I and II, and with Shelby County Fire Department as Firefighter III, within three (3) years of being hired. Must maintain certification throughout employment.
  • As dictated by staffing needs, some Firefighter Recruits will be required to complete coursework/testing and become Paramedics licensed by the State of Tennessee within the timeframe (below) based on their medical certification level at time of employment and maintain licensure, as a condition of continued employment.
  • Successful applicants will be notified if this requirement applies to them at the time of the employment offer.

Emergency Medical Licensure Requirements - Deadline to obtain License from date of course enrollment

                          License Level on Date of Hire

                         EMT                           AEMT                           PARAMEDIC

No license                 12 months*               24 months*                48 months*

EMT Basic                  N/A                             12 months*                36 months*

AEMT                          N/A                             N/A                              18 months*

            *Must successfully complete licensure program, testing, application requirements, and submit license at specific deadlines, to be defined and communicated by Shelby County Fire Department, as a condition of continued employment. 

  • Must possess and maintain throughout employment adequate physical fitness in order to fulfill the physically demanding (and potentially hazardous) tasks that a firefighter performs.
  • Must possess a valid Tennessee Driver's License.
  • Must have access to an operable automobile and meet County standards for automobile insurance upon date of employment.
     

Disclaimer 

This position is subject to a background check for any convictions that have a substantial relationship to potential job duties. Only convictions that are substantially related to potential job duties will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate. 

Shelby County Resident Disclaimer
 

All employees hired after September 1, 1986, must be residents of Shelby County and shall continue to reside in the County as a condition of their employment.  The residency requirement shall not apply to certain public safety/civil service employees.  This means exemption from this policy is in effect for the following departments and positions: (1) Sheriff Deputy Patrol Officers, Deputy Jailers and Dispatchers, employed by the Sheriff Department, (2) Correction Officers employed by the Division of Corrections, (3) Firefighters, Paramedics and Dispatchers employed by the Shelby County Fire Department.  The residency exemption for public safety/civil service employees does not include Appointed positions with Sheriff's Office, Division of Corrections or the Fire Department. 

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