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Firefighter Second Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Application can be obtained from the Human Resources office at the Morristown City Center (2nd ... City of Morristown - Firefighter - PO Box 1499, Morristown, TN 37816. Testing is scheduled for ...

Firefighter Paramedic

Dupont, WA · On-site

$82K - $109K/yr

The Firefighter Paramedic is a full-time, non-exempt position. The hourly rate range for this is ... probationary, third, second, and first class. SUPERVISION RECEIVED Works under the close ...

Full-Time Firefighter

Faribault, MN · On-site

$27.16 - $37.27/hr

Salary: $27.16 - $37.27 Hourly Location : 122 2nd St NW, Faribault, MN Job Type: Full Time Job ... Full-time firefighters are also required to be in charge of emergency response and daily operations ...

Firefighter Paramedic

Dupont, WA · On-site

$82K - $109K/yr

... probationary, third, second, and first class. SUPERVISION RECEIVED Works under the close ... on firefighting, emergency medical services, disaster control, etc. • Maintain skill level ...

The successful candidate in this position will bring their firefighting experience to the City of ... 2nd floor computer kiosk or Civil Service Office, Nevada Job Connects, local libraries, or ...

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Firefighter Second information

See salary details

$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do firefighter second jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighter second 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 second jobs do most firefighters have?

Many firefighters take on second jobs such as security work, emergency medical services, or instructing firefighting training due to their physical fitness and emergency response skills. These side jobs often offer flexible hours that complement their primary firefighting schedule.

Can you work a second job while being a firefighter?

Firefighters often work second jobs, especially in volunteer or part-time roles, but it depends on department policies, shift schedules, and physical demands. Balancing multiple jobs requires good time management and ensuring it does not interfere with emergency response readiness or required certifications.

What does 5 5 5 mean to a firefighter?

In firefighting, the sequence 5 5 5 often refers to a radio code or shorthand used during operations, but it is not a standard or widely recognized code across all fire departments. It may be specific to a particular department's communication system or a personal shorthand among firefighters. Understanding such codes typically requires familiarity with the department's communication protocols and training.

What are some common challenges a Firefighter Second faces during their shift, and how are they supported by their team?

As a Firefighter Second, you may encounter challenges such as responding to high-stress emergency situations, working in hazardous environments, and managing physical and emotional fatigue during long shifts. Teamwork is essential—crews rely on clear communication, established protocols, and mutual support to ensure safety and effective response. Senior firefighters and officers often mentor newer team members, providing guidance and debriefing after difficult calls, which helps build confidence and resilience.

Why do so many firefighters have second jobs?

Many firefighters have second jobs to supplement their income due to the relatively low pay and demanding schedules of firefighting. Additional employment can also help develop skills, provide financial stability, and support personal or family needs.

What are Firefighter Seconds?

Firefighter Seconds are experienced firefighters who serve as the second-in-command on a firefighting team, supporting the Firefighter Officer or Captain. They are responsible for leading crews during emergency responses, ensuring safety procedures are followed, operating firefighting equipment, and sometimes mentoring less experienced firefighters. Their role is critical in coordinating efforts during fire suppression, rescue operations, and other emergencies.

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

To thrive as a Firefighter Second, you need solid training in fire suppression, emergency response, and basic medical care, typically supported by completion of firefighter academy and relevant certifications like EMT. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, breathing apparatus, and incident management systems is essential. Strong teamwork, problem-solving, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring effective emergency response, personal safety, and the protection of lives and property.

What is the difference between Firefighter Second vs Firefighter First?

AspectFirefighter SecondFirefighter First
Required CertificationsCPR, EMT, Firefighter I & IICPR, EMT, Firefighter I & II
Work EnvironmentFire scenes, emergency calls, trainingFire scenes, emergency calls, training
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesFire departments, emergency services

Firefighter Second and Firefighter First roles share similar certifications and work environments, often working together on emergency scenes. The main difference is that Firefighter First typically indicates a higher level of experience or seniority, often with additional responsibilities. Both positions are essential in fire service operations, with Firefighter Second serving as a vital team member supporting firefighting efforts.

More about Firefighter Second jobs
What cities are hiring for Firefighter Second jobs? Cities with the most Firefighter Second job openings:
What states have the most Firefighter Second jobs? States with the most job openings for Firefighter Second jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Firefighter Second jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Firefighter Second jobs are:
Infographic showing various Firefighter Second job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 3% Internship, 62% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 19% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

LATERAL Firefighter & Firefighter/Paramedic

West Pierce Fire & Rescue

Tacoma, WA

$8.3K - $11K/mo

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Position Description West Pierce Fire & Rescue (WPFR) anticipates hiring up to 26 positions, to begin employment in January 2027. Please see the LATERAL Firefighter & Firefighter/Paramedic FAQ on our Career Resources webpage for more information. The minimum requirements for lateral entry at time of application are (clarification provided June 25): > Currently employed as a Firefighter or Firefighter/Paramedic with a minimum of 12 consecutive months of full-time paid service with a municipal fire department, fire district, fire authority, or comparable public fire agency.

*Employment with an industrial fire department, within the military and/or private corporations are not considered municipalities and do not qualify for lateral status. > Successful completion of probation with current employer. > Current National Registry or Washington State EMT or Paramedic certification.

*This is required at the time of application. Previous National Registry and/or Washington State certification does not qualify for lateral status. > IFSAC or Pro Board Firefighter I and Firefighter II certifications.

> HazMat Awareness and Operations certifications. > Ability to obtain Washington State reciprocity/certifications prior to completion of probation. If you do not meet the lateral requirements, there is an ENTRY-LEVEL Firefighter & Firefighter/Paramedic job posting on the Employment Opportunities webpage.

Lateral Firefighter/EMT 2026 monthly base salary range is $8,389 to $9,781. Lateral candidates shall be paid one pay grade below their experience. Pay grade shall be no lower than 4th Class nor higher than 2nd Class.

Lateral employees proceed through the pay grades in accordance with the time frames indicated: $8,389 4th Class (7-12 months) $9,056 3rd Class (13-24 months) $9,781 2nd Class (25-36 months) Lateral Firefighter/Paramedic 2026 monthly base salary range is $9,438 to $11,004. $9,438 4th Class (7-12 months) $10,188 3rd Class (13-24 months) $11,004 2nd Class (25-36 months) Personnel shall be accepted and serve as paramedics in the District's program in accordance with the following parameters: a) Personnel hired for their paramedic certification shall serve in the District's program and shall be ineligible to leave the paramedic program and continue employment for a minimum period of six years from the date of employment. WPFR provides a generous benefits package and opportunity for a variety of pay incentives.

Please see the Benefits tab for more information. Longevity Pay: Lateral hire employees shall receive longevity compensation based upon their aggregate qualifying years of full-time paid fire service at the time of employment with West Pierce Fire & Rescue. Qualifying service shall include full-time paid service as a Firefighter, Firefighter/EMT, or Firefighter/Paramedic with a municipal fire department, fire district, fire authority, or comparable fire agency with West Pierce Fire and Rescue.

Longevity compensation shall be paid in accordance with Article 2.2 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the employee's total qualifying years of service. 2027 Longevity Schedule > 60 months: 2% of base salary > 120 months: $1,025 plus an additional 4% of base salary > 180 months: $1,025 plus an additional 6% of base salary > 240 months: $1,025 plus an additional 8% of base salary > 264 months: $1,025 plus an additional 10% of base salary > 300 months: $1,025 plus an additional 12% of base salary Vacation Accruals: Effective upon successful completion of probation and one (1) year of continuous employment with WPFR, lateral entry employees hired into the suppression division shall accrue vacation leave based on the tier below that corresponds with their aggregate qualifying service (as defined via Longevity Pay notation). 24-Hour Shift Annual Vacation Accrual > 0-36 months: 144 > 37-72 months: 180 > 73-108 months: 216 > 109-144 months: 252 > 145-299 months: 288 Academy & Probation: Lateral hires must successfully complete an six-week Mini Academy and six-month probationary period, consisting of a minimum of 36 full 24-hour shifts

Conditional offers are based on successful completion of: criminal history background investigation, driving abstract review, medical exam with drug screening, psychological/suitability assessment and verification(s) of employment to confirm aggregate qualifying service. Verification of qualifying service is required as a condition of employment. Human Resources will provide details on the verification process at the time of employment offers.

WPFR pays all costs associated with conditions; successful completion is required by December 4. Essential Job Functions The Firefighter is a uniformed, LEOFF position performing emergency and non-emergency duties with the legal authority and responsibility to direct and/or perform fire protection activities that are required for and directly concerned with preventing, controlling and extinguishing fires. Such activities include, but are not limited to: fire suppression, driving fire apparatus, performing as a pump operator and/or ladder company operator, emergency medical services, execution of training drills, business inspections, code enforcement, public education, and inspection and maintenance of fire equipment and high value apparatus.

Firefighters may be assigned to any division of West Pierce Fire & Rescue, and may be provisionally appointed to a Captain position. Controls over work: The position shall report to and is accountable to a Captain within their division. Performance is evaluated through observation of their ability to adequately perform all facets of the job duties and responsibilities associated with the position.

The position will work a schedule in accordance with contractual agreement. The position shall: Respond to fire incidents, mass casualty incidents, natural disasters and other emergency incidents, serving as an active member of the incident management system (IMS) as assigned by the incident commander, up to and including actively, physically participating in efforts to effectively mitigate the incident. Drive district response vehicles to emergency incidents, non-emergency incidents and during routine duties.

Performs duties at emergency incidents, such as placing equipment, laying and connecting hoses and nozzles, serving as the pump operator and/or ladder operator, raising and climbing ladders, removing persons from danger, using chemical extinguishing agents and other tools and equipment, etc Deliver/administer medical treatment and transportation to injured and ill patients, as required, in accordance with local, state, and nationally recognized standards. Participate in training activities, pre-fire planning, inspections, public education, and other programs that enhance a high state of readiness to respond to all types of emergency situations. Attend meetings and training sessions, as required by local, state, and contractual requirements.

Maintain necessary and accurate records and incident reports. Communicate to a culturally diverse community in a tactful and effective manner. Obtain and maintain EMT-B certification within Pierce County.

Perform other duties as assigned. The position shall have demonstrated the ability and/or skill to effectively: Adopt quick and reasonable courses of action during emergency operations with due regard to surrounding hazards, circumstances and safety. Perform as a pump operator and/or ladder company operator.

Perform emergency medical services within the scope of their certification level - EMT or Paramedic. Carry out general and special assignments in a timely manner that fulfills the mission and needs of the district. Communicate using the English language, both orally and in writing.

Work with the general public, co-workers, and related agencies. Operate various electronic/digital multimedia equipment and a personal computer with various software applications connected to a networked system Recruiting Requirements Minimum (in addition to those identified per above): High school diploma or equivalent. Valid driver's license allowing legal driving in the State of Washington.

Desirable: Experience in all of the major function areas of the job description. College level education and continuing education opportunities that enhance the candidate's ability to perform essential functions of the job. Ability to communicate in language(s), in addition to English.

The position shall have the demonstrated physical ability to: Maintain good physical conditioning and have the ability to carry out physically demanding tasks under dangerous and stressful conditions. Move about an emergency scene unencumbered. Withstand and work in extreme heat, fire, dusty/smoky conditions, and toxic materials when participating as an active member of the IMS team at the scene of an emergency incident.

Possess acceptable auditory and visual senses to meet the requirements of the job. Meet all of the above demands while wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Supplemental Information Our primary form of communication is email.

It is important to check messages frequently. The timeline and date(s) are subject to change without notice. We will advise candidates of any changes as quickly as possible via email.

*WPFR does not charge application and/or exam fees. There is no cost to participate in this process. Please see the FAQs for specific details about this process.

Any question not addressed may be sent via email to employment@westpierce.org. Monday, June 22 to Sunday, July 26 Online application period Required application documents: > GovernmentJobs online application in its entirety There are three attachment fields within the online application: > Cover Letter is required (maximum one page) > Resume is required (maximum of two pages) > Other is required for: EMT or Paramedic certification, FF1, FF2, HazMat Ops and HazMat Awareness certifications, Veteran documentation (if applicable), and letters of recommendation (optional, to a maximum of three) If you need to combine multiple files, we suggest using ilovepdf.com. Wednesday, July 15 Lateral Informational Session hosted by Local 1488 This session is not a required phase of testing

Attendance options are in-person or remote. It's a great opportunity to meet employees and learn about the organization. *To attend, registration is required by 1700 (PDT) July 9.

To register, email employment@westpierce.org and note if you'd like to attend in-person or remote. By August 3 Email invites for remote introductory interviews Candidates will be provided detailed information on date and time options, with Zoom generally utilized as the remote platform. Week of August 10 Remote Introductory Interviews This first phase of testing will be for candidates to engage with WPFR personnel, in a less formal setting than Oral Boards

By August 17, invites to Oral Boards. Week of August 24 Oral Board Interviews & Medical Assessment for Paramedics Conducted in-person at Station 31. By September 14 Certification of Hiring List & Conditional Offers All candidates will be notified of results via email.

Conditional offers will occur via phone and email. December 4 Deadline to successfully complete employment conditions. January 4, 2027 Hire Date Mini Academy begins January 11.