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Firefighter Recruit Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Town of Chapel Hill, NC

FIREFIGHTER I

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$53K/yr

Must meet and maintain all requirements of Firefighter Recruit as well as: * NC Firefighter Certification * NC Hazardous Materials Operations * NC EMT or National Registry EMT * NIMS 100, 200, 700 ...

DeKalb County

Firefighter- Pre-Qualified

Decatur, GA · On-site

$57K/yr

Hiring Rate $57,750 IF YOU ARE NOT CURRENTLY A CERTIFIED FIREFIGHTER, APPLY TO FIREFIGHTER RECRUIT Purpose of Classification: The purpose of this classification is to prevent, suppress and extinguish ...

City of Ventura

Firefighter-Paramedic Recruit

Ventura, CA · On-site

$5.8K - $7.4K/mo

Firefighter-Paramedic Recruits undergo an 18-week fire academy and may undergo additional departmental training designed to provide an overview of the fire service, training in various regulations ...

City of Virginia Beach

$57K - $90K/yr

Firefighter Recruit Pay Range: $55,057.60 - $58,302.40 Starting Salary - Minimum of the Pay Range Firefighter Pay Range: $57,803.20 - $90,084.80 Starting Salary - Minimum of the Pay Range Job Exempt ...

City of Ennis

Firefighter

Ennis, TX · On-site

$74K - $91K/yr

Brief Description Firefighter Recruitment Brochure - Click Here Our recruitment brochure provides an in-depth look at our organization, this position, and the benefits of joining our team. We ...

City of Ennis, TX

Firefighter

Ennis, TX · On-site

$74K - $91K/yr

Fire Opening Date: 08/14/2026 Brief Description Firefighter Recruitment Brochure - Click Here Our recruitment brochure provides an in-depth look at our organization, this position, and the benefits ...

City of Champaign

Entry-Level Firefighter

Champaign, IL · On-site

$75K/yr

August 31, 2026 APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSTING ARE BEING ACCEPTED FOR ENTRY-LEVEL FIREFIGHTER RECRUITMENT TESTING The City of Champaign is accepting applications for the position of Entry-Level ...

City of Tucson Arizona

Fire Fighter Recruit

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$22.15/hr

Performs core firefighting skills through regular drills and live or simulated training evolutions ... Recruiter Name Toni Linden (200998) Recruiter Email TFDHR_Payroll@tucsonaz.gov For Human Resources ...

Shelby County

Firefighter Private (Fire)

Memphis, TN

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 ...

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Firefighter Recruit information

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$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do firefighter recruit jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 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 job categories do people searching Firefighter Recruit jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Firefighter Recruit jobs 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 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

FIREFIGHTER I

Town of Chapel Hill, NC

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site

$53K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Town Of Chapel Hill (North Carolina) rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Salary: $53,000.00 Annually
Location : Fire Department-Station 1, Chapel Hill, NC
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26/27-02062
Department: FIRE
Division: EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
Opening Date: 08/11/2026
Closing Date: 8/20/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Summary
The purpose of this position is to perform firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical services to protect the life and property of the Citizens of Chapel Hill. This is accomplished by responding to calls for service, delivering public education, attending required mandatory training, maintaining a positive image to the public and maintaining response readiness.
Essential Functions
  • Responds to emergency incidents as required by departmental policy.
  • Completes fire control and rescue operations by establishing scene safety; locates hydrants and other sources for water; forces entry into structures; enters burning structures; utilizes systematic search procedures to find victims searches for victims and fire sources; operates hose lines; ventilates smoke from structures; extinguishes fires; examines fire damage and assist in fire investigations; cleans fire scenes; determines safe evacuation paths; and uses equipment and apparatus.
  • Provides emergency medical services as an Emergency Medical Technician; evaluates and administers care for cardiac, respiratory, allergic conditions and trauma incidents; provides life support; maintains EMS equipment and supplies; and maintains required certifications.
  • Provides highly specialized rescue and/or firefighting services such as swift water rescue, hazardous materials response, and technical rescue; performs decontamination procedures; participates in drills; demonstrates consistent and thorough knowledge of specialized area; maintains records, logs and reports; and maintains required certifications.
  • Maintains equipment and facilities by performing daily readiness checks and preventive maintenance; testing fire equipment; maintaining facility's outdoor appearance; performs weekly equipment checks; and checking hydrants.
  • Assists with special events and weather-related incidents; educates the public on fire and life safety; educates the public on child safety seats; visits schools and provides education about fire safety procedures and prevention; oversees fire extinguisher classes; maintains necessary certifications and training.
  • Completes all other duties as assigned.
Supervision
This position has no responsibility for the direction or supervision of others.
Physical Demands
The work typically requires intermittent standing, stooping, climbing, crawling, heavy lifting and carrying. The employee uses equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity and must be able to exert at least 100 pounds of effort.
Work Environment
The work is typically performed in a variety of environments and locations involving high heat, extreme temperatures, difficult terrain, and varying heights, confined spaces, limited visibility and hazardous atmospheres. Work environments include fire stations, vehicle, and at emergency scenes.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:
  • Firefighting, fire suppression and rescue techniques.
  • Fire apparatus and equipment.
  • Department rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Streets and other local geography.
  • Emergency driving practices and laws.
  • Hazardous materials.
  • First-aid and CPR.
  • Radio usage and procedure.

Ability to:
  • Successfully complete NFPA Annual Firefighter Physical
  • Work successfully in a team environment and in high stress situations.
  • Use web-based software systems.
  • Use Microsoft Office tools relevant to the position.
  • Solve problems and make sound decisions.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and customers.
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Model behavior that is consistent with our values of RESPECT.

Education
A high School diploma or equivalent required.
Experience
Firefighter I - Completion of the Chapel Hill Fire Department Recruit academy. If laterally hired, must meet the certification requirements of the CHFD.
Firefighter I requirements:
Must meet and maintain all requirements of Firefighter Recruit as well as:
  • NC Firefighter Certification
  • NC Hazardous Materials Operations
  • NC EMT or National Registry EMT
    • NIMS 100, 200, 700, 800
    • Child Passenger Safety Seat Technician
    • The employee will be given 18 months to obtain this certification if it is not already acquired.
    • NC Technical Rescuer
    • The employee will be given 18 months to obtain this certification if it is not acquired.

Supplemental Information
  • You may be randomly drug tested while on the job.

  • You will be subject to the .

The Town of Chapel Hill does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
The Town of Chapel Hill offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to regular full time and part time employees.
Health and Dental Insurance
Health and dental insurance are effective the first day of employment. The town will provide full-time employees group medical and dental insurance including family coverage. Employees and the town will share equally in the additional cost of the medical plan for dependent coverage if employees desire to purchase such coverage for family members. Employees are responsible for the full cost of dependent dental insurance.
Retirement Health Savings Plan
Employees hired after June 30, 2010, in a regular full-time or regular part- time position are required to participate in the Retirement Health Savings Plan. Contributions are taken on a pre-tax basis. The current contribution amount is 1%.
Paid Time Off
  • Vacation/Annual Leave: Employees in regular full or part time positions earn between 12 and 26 days per year depending upon length of Town service.
  • Sick Leave: Employees in full or part time regular positions earn 12 days per year.
  • Paid Parental Leave: Eligible employees receive 6 weeks of Paid Parental Leave after birth or placement of a child in the home for adoption or foster care. This leave does not come from Employee's leave bank.
  • Paid Holidays: There are 12 official Town holidays. Employees in full or part time regular positions are eligible for paid holiday time.
  • Personal Leave: All employees in full or part time regular positions are granted 3 days of personal leave per year. This leave is non-cumulative

Local Government Retirement System
All employees in regular full or part time position are required to contribute to the retirement system. Contributions are taken on a pre-tax basis. The current contribution amount is 6%.
Supplemental Retirement Plans
  • NC 401(k)-The Town makes a contribution of 5% to the 401(k) for all regular full and part time employees. There is no employee match required. Employees have the option of making contributions on a pre or post tax basis. The plan is administered by Empower.
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan-Town of Chapel Hill employees have the option of making contributions to a 457. The Town does not make contributions to this plan. The plan is administered by MissionSquare.

Disability Insurance
  • Town Provided: The Town provides both short term and long term disability insurance to all regular full or part time employees. The plan will pay up to 50% of the employee's base income up to $462 per week for non-job related injuries.
  • Voluntary Short Term Disability: Employees have the option of purchasing supplemental disability insurance. This plan will pay employees a maximum of 25% of their base weekly earnings up to $400.

Life Insurance
The Town provides full and part time regular employees with an individual term life insurance policy. Employees have the option of purchasing additional life insurance for a small fee. Dependent life insurance is also available.
Direct Deposit
All employees hired after July 1, 2007 are required to have direct deposit.
Other Benefits
  • Credit Union: Employees of the Town of Chapel Hill are eligible to open accounts at Civic Federal Credit Union.
  • Parking is provided free of charge at or near worksites
  • Annual longevity payment beginning with the 5th year of full or part time regular employment
  • Tuition assistance is available upon completion of the initial probationary period
  • Town has a Housing Assistance Program that assists employees secure housing in Town see the following https://www.chapelhillaffordablehousing.org/employee-housing

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