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Firefighter Schedule Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Firefighters in the Merit System work to combat, extinguish, and prevent fires. Employees in this ... by performing scheduled cleaning, inspections, and maintenance to enable safe and effective ...

Firefighters in the Merit System work to combat, extinguish, and prevent fires. Employees in this ... by performing scheduled cleaning, inspections, and maintenance to enable safe and effective ...

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Prior firefighting experience is preferred but not required. Applicants must possess a current ... Applicants must be able to work scheduled shifts that fall on holidays and work more than 24 ...

Firefighter Paramedic

Dupont, WA · On-site

$82K - $109K/yr

The Fire Department works a 48/96-hour shift schedule (including events, call back, deployments ... Firefighters have a high risk of exposure to hazardous conditions, toxic chemicals and infectious ...

Firefighters in the Merit System work to combat, extinguish, and prevent fires. Employees in this ... by performing scheduled cleaning, inspections, and maintenance to enable safe and effective ...

Position is Non-Exempt and requires employee to work regularly scheduled overtime with the ability ... Perform all duties as set forth in the for Firefighter Fire Equipment Operator. * Respond to ...

Firefighters are assigned to work on special assignments which call for special abilities and ... Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules. * Ability to communicate efficiently and ...

... island with occasional scheduled trips back to Honolulu. Responsibilities: * Controls and ... Performs crash/rescue and firefighting duties at airfields handling predominantly large or complex ...

Firefighter

Sells, AZ · On-site

$22.85 - $27.84/hr

Firefighters are assigned to work on special assignments which call for special abilities and ... Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules. * Ability to communicate efficiently and ...

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Firefighter Schedule information

See salary details

$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do firefighter schedule jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighter schedule 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 schedule do most firefighters work?

Most firefighters work rotating shifts that typically include 24-hour shifts followed by 48 hours off, or a similar pattern such as 10- or 24-hour shifts. These schedules ensure continuous coverage for emergency response and often require working nights, weekends, and holidays.

Is it true firefighters only work 2 days a week?

Firefighters typically do not work only two days a week; their schedules often involve shifts that can range from 24-hour shifts to 48-hour workweeks, depending on the department. Many firefighters work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to ensure 24/7 coverage. The specific schedule varies by department and region, but a two-day workweek is uncommon for this profession.

Do firefighters have a flexible schedule?

Firefighters typically work in shifts that can include nights, weekends, and holidays, making their schedules less flexible than standard 9-to-5 jobs. Shift lengths often range from 8 to 24 hours, depending on the department, requiring firefighters to adapt to a rotating or fixed schedule that ensures 24/7 coverage. Flexibility is limited due to the need for continuous emergency response readiness.

What is a typical firefighter schedule like?

A typical firefighter schedule often involves working 24-hour shifts followed by 48 or 72 hours off, though this can vary by department. Some firefighters work rotating shifts that cover nights, weekends, and holidays, ensuring that fire stations are always staffed. The 24-hour shift model helps maximize coverage and allows firefighters to rest and perform other duties at the station between emergency calls. In some areas, firefighters may work 10- or 12-hour shifts, especially in larger cities or departments. Overtime and mandatory holdovers can also occur during emergencies or staff shortages.

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

To thrive as a Firefighter, you need physical fitness, emergency response knowledge, and completion of fire academy training, often with EMT certification. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, hazardous materials protocols, and emergency communication systems is essential. Strong teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience under pressure are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are critical for ensuring effective and safe emergency responses, protecting lives, and working cohesively in high-risk environments.

What is a 1/3 2/3 shift schedule?

A 1/3 2/3 shift schedule for firefighters involves working one week on a 24-hour shift followed by two weeks off, then working two weeks on and one week off, creating a repeating cycle. This schedule allows for extended rest periods and continuous coverage, often used in fire departments to balance staffing and workload. Firefighters typically work 24-hour shifts, and this pattern helps manage fatigue and ensure readiness.

What are the typical shift patterns and work-life balance considerations for firefighters?

Firefighters often work in shifts that can include 24 hours on duty followed by 48 or 72 hours off, or variations such as 10- to 14-hour shifts in rotation. This schedule allows for extended periods of time off but can also mean working nights, weekends, and holidays. Managing rest and personal commitments can be a challenge, especially after long or physically demanding shifts. Many firefighters find that the unique schedule offers flexibility for family time and personal pursuits, but it's important to be prepared for the irregular hours and the need for adaptability.
More about Firefighter Schedule jobs
What cities are hiring for Firefighter Schedule jobs? Cities with the most Firefighter Schedule job openings:
What states have the most Firefighter Schedule jobs? States with the most job openings for Firefighter Schedule jobs include:
Infographic showing various Firefighter Schedule job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% Locum Tenens, 8% Internship, 36% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 31% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

TARGET CLOSE DATE:

07/24/2026

PAY GRADE:

Grade 19

TYPE:

Full time

JOB SUMMARY:

Firefighters in the Merit System work to combat, extinguish, and prevent fires. Employees in this job class respond to emergency medical calls, rescue operations, and a variety of non-emergency calls to protect lives and property as well as participate in the custodial maintenance of fire station equipment, fire-fighting apparatus, rescue vehicles, and quarters. Firefighters spend time studying methods and techniques, and perform routine duties in the care and maintenance of fire department property and equipment. Work is performed within established policies and procedures and is reviewed by a Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, Fire Chief, or through performance evaluations.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Agencies provide competitive pay and comprehensive benefits packages to include medical and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plan (pension), generous paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, and more.
Applications for this position will be considered for the following Merit System employing agencies. The pay range for this job varies depending upon the Merit System employing agency.
Bessemer: $16.34 - 25.35
Birmingham: $20.10 - 31.18
Fairfield: $14.49 - 22.48
Fultondale: $17.90 - 27.76
Gardendale: $18.73 - 29.06
Homewood: $19.07 - 29.57
Hueytown: $16.35 - 25.37
Irondale: $20.13 - 31.22
Leeds: $18.25 - 28.30
Midfield: $13.42 - 20.82
Mountain Brook: $20.06 - 31.12
Pleasant Grove: $17.33 - 26.89
Tarrant: $16.50 - 25.60
Vestavia Hills: $18.45 - 28.63

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The following are job-related qualifications that are required for employment consideration for this position:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.

  • Must have a high school diploma or a G.E.D. certificate.

  • No felony convictions.

  • Driver's license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

The following are job-related qualifications deemed desirable by Merit System agencies. These qualifications may be considered by a hiring agency when reviewing applications and inviting candidates to participate in subsequent steps in the selection processes.

  • (Pro Board or IFSAC) Certified Firefighter I or Firefighter I/II as recognized by Alabama Fire College.

Individuals possessing one of the following certifications issued by a Pro Board or IFSAC accredited organization (e.g., the Alabama Fire College) may be allowed to exempt the written examination and be placed directly onto the Firefighter list upon verification of the certification:

  • Firefighter I

  • Firefighter I/II

  • Certified Volunteer Firefighter*

*Note that individuals who are hired with this VFF Certification will be required to complete the five-week Bridge program through the Alabama Fire College in order to obtain the Firefighter I certification.

TYPICAL JOB DUTIES:

  • Administers non-invasive healthcare to patients/victims by following accepted medical guidelines and using specialized medical equipment for treating various health-related conditions.

  • Ensures proper operation and readiness of apparatuses, equipment, and personal gear used for incident response by performing scheduled cleaning, inspections, and maintenance to enable safe and effective incident response and mitigation.

  • Conducts fire safety activities for the general public that are designed to reduce the risk of fire related incidents from occurring and enhance awareness of general fire safety precautions.

  • Deploys fire hoses of varying diameters with different nozzle specifications and incorporates available appliances into fire suppression activities.

  • Carries out officer/incident commander's fire suppression orders by following incident response guidelines to extinguish the fire and ensure life safety of victims.

  • Operates aerial or ground ladder during ladder operations while accounting for situational variables to complete operations.

  • Assists in developing pre-fire plans for businesses, public buildings, and residences to include surveying buildings, collecting information regarding hazardous materials, occupancy, hydrant location, etc. to prevent and/or minimize damage and losses caused by fire-related incidents.

  • Participates in activities that project a positive image of the department to the public by attending off-site facilities or hosting visitors at the station to conduct trainings, tours, and other community-related activities.

  • Operates fire apparatus pump system during incidents requiring water using the control panel to enable fire suppression activities.

  • Minimizes property loss from incidents by inspecting the scene, assessing what areas of the incident should be preserved for investigation, protecting property from unnecessary damage, and determining what debris should be left undisturbed to permit later investigation.

  • Locates and removes victims from incident scenes by utilizing specialized rescue techniques and equipment for extrication of victims to minimize trauma, ensure life safety, and transport to the appropriate patient care facility.

  • Participates in duties related to the maintenance and appearance of the fire station.

  • Participates in formal and informal training, sessions, and drills to acquire the proper training needed to carry out assigned duties in accordance with department policies and procedures and national guidelines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Job involves moderate physical exertion required for occasional prolonged periods of lifting, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, or running. May involve occasional lifting of items or objects weighing up to 75 lbs. Work involves physical ability necessary to combat/extinguish fires and respond to emergency medical calls.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is conducted both indoors in employer-owned facilities (e.g., fire station) as well as regular field visits to external places of business, residences, and Emergency Medical facilities. Work involves use of firefighting/lifesaving equipment. May be exposed to hazardous weather conditions, roadway traffic, infectious diseases, and angry/irate citizens.

EEO STATEMENT:

The Personnel Board of Jefferson Countyprovides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment with the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Each Merit System member city/agencyoperates its own equal employment opportunity policies available on the individual city/agency website.

ACCOMMODATION:

To request an accommodation in the application or hiring process due to your own ongoing medical condition or disability, please contact our Accommodations Coordinator at accommodationrequest@pbjcal.org or phone at 205-279-3500 (select option 1) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time. The accommodation process is reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or accommodation in the job application process.

NOTE:

This job posting may close before, or be extended beyond, the listed Target Close Date based on the employment needs of the Merit System. More detail regarding this job is available by clicking Apply.

DISCLAIMER:

This job posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required for this position and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time.