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Firefighter Trainee Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Firefighter Trainee information

See Indiana salary details

$13

$20

$34

How much do firefighter trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for firefighter trainee in Indiana is $20.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $23.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Firefighter Trainee, you need strong physical fitness, basic emergency response knowledge, and typically a high school diploma or GED. Firefighter trainees often learn to operate firefighting equipment, use protective gear, and may need CPR or basic first aid certification. Teamwork, quick decision-making, and strong communication are essential soft skills for success in this position. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safety, effective response during emergencies, and smooth collaboration with firefighting teams.

What does a typical day look like for a Firefighter Trainee?

As a Firefighter Trainee, your days are structured around a mix of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and physical conditioning. You’ll learn about fire behavior, emergency medical procedures, and equipment use, as well as participate in drills that simulate real-life emergencies. Trainees often work alongside experienced firefighters, gradually gaining exposure to live fire scenarios and rescue operations under supervision. The role requires adaptability, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous learning to prepare you for the full responsibilities of a firefighter. This training environment helps build the essential skills and confidence needed for a successful firefighting career.

What is a Firefighter Trainee job?

A Firefighter Trainee is an entry-level position for individuals preparing to become full-fledged firefighters. Trainees undergo rigorous training in fire suppression, emergency medical response, hazardous materials handling, and rescue operations. They work under the supervision of experienced firefighters while learning department protocols and safety procedures. This role is designed to develop the necessary skills and knowledge required to pass certification exams and advance to a firefighter position.

What are the most commonly searched types of Firefighter jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Firefighter jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Firefighter Trainee jobs in Indiana? For Firefighter Trainee jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Firefighter Trainee jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Firefighter Trainee jobs in Indiana are:
Infographic showing various Firefighter Trainee job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 77% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,860 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
Jeffersonville IN Harbor Deckhand

Jeffersonville IN Harbor Deckhand

Evansville Marine Service

Jeffersonville, IN • On-site

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Description

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Responsible for the overall safety of the towing vessel.
  • Responsible for aiding in the safety of all coworkers.
  • Responsible for informing the Master-on-Duty of any unsafe or hazardous conditions on the vessel.
  • Report any and all hazardous or unsafe conditions and making corrections when able.
  • Make and break tow for customer vessels and other EMS boats.
  • Pick up and deliver barges to and from customer docks.
  • Perform look-out duties for the Master-on-Duty when transiting locks & dams, bridges and other high-risk maneuvers.
  • Tie lines and lay wires on barges.
  • Operate winches and ratchets.
  • Handle, splice, and throw lines.
  • Perform daily routine maintenance of all the vessel's critical systems, including propulsion, steering, and electrical systems.
  • Perform daily inspection of the vessels firefighting and lifesaving equipment.
  • Help to keep the engine room and all its components clean and in good working order.
  • Perform routine housekeeping duties - ability to clean-as-you-go is a must.
  • Participate in all drills and safety meetings.
  • Learn and perform assigned duties in emergency situations.
  • Learn when to use PPE and know the right type(s) to use for any task.
  • Ordering stores and supplies on a regular basis.
  • Taking on fuel, water, oil, etc.
  • Provide continuous training for other new hires and Job Corps trainees.
  • Conduct daily safety inspections of equipment and vessel structure, including walking and visually inspecting the exterior of each deck, the engine room, the wheelhouse, and any other areas of the vessel that are critical to the safety of the vessel and the crew.
  • Assist new crewmembers on tow for training purposes, including donning PPE, which may include a personal flotation device (PFD), as well as eye protection, face protection, splash protection, foot protection, hearing protection, or hand protection, depending on the task.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Speak, read, and write English well enough to maintain vessel logs, read training materials, and follow written instructions.
  • Climb at least 3 sets of stairs or ladders in short succession (from wheelhouse to engine room).
  • Hear and respond to radio communications with significant background noise.
  • Lift, pull, push, and carry ship's stores, vessel's rigging and other equipment up to 70lbs over distances of up to 1000'.
  • Perform general vessel maintenance in tight quarters, including stooping, crouching, and crawling while using hand tools and power tools.
  • Routinely walk and maintain balance across uneven, slippery, or unstable surfaces without assistance
  • Step over high doorsills, bullrails, and other structural obstacles.
  • Walk up or down a ramp with an incline of up to 10 (17% grade), and length up to 100'

EMERGENCY DUTIES

In addition to the routine physical standards above, a Deckhand may face emergency situations that require brief but intense physical activity during drills and training. As mariners, we are our own First Responders, and must be able to:

  • Participate in drills that may include carrying firefighting equipment up several flights of stairs, retrieving objects from the water, and carrying dewatering pumps in a short amount of time.
  • Assist an injured person from a barge to the boat.
  • Carry a 40lb extinguisher up one or more flights of stairs.
  • Crawl on all fours across steel decking to escape a smoke-filled area.
  • Extract an unconscious person from a vessel in distress.
  • Hear, and rapidly respond to, alarms, bells, and whistles.
  • In short succession, carry a 50lb de-watering pump, carry a 5g gas can, and carry accompanying hoses (20-30lbs each);
  • Set up and start the de-watering pump and effectively operate a firehose under high pressure.
  • Retrieve an unconscious adult from the water and onto the boat.
  • Throw a 5lb ring buoy at least 25' and retrieve it with an adult attached.
  • Unface and face-up the boat alone to retrieve unconscious or immobile victims from the water or from a barge.

This list is not exhaustive. Deckhands are expected to perform any duties required of them by the Master-on-Duty of the vessel to which they are assigned, and those duties may include assisting other teams at EMS as needed.

Requirements

  • Applicants must meet the Physical Requirements and be able to perform the Emergency Duties itemized above..
  • Applicants must have reliable transportation to and from work.
  • Applicant must be able to pass a TSA background check.
  • Applicant must be able to pass a pre-employment DOT 5-panel Urine Drug Test.