1

Firefighter Trainee Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Perform daily inspection of the vessels firefighting and lifesaving equipment. * Participate in all ... Provide continuous training for other new hires and Job Corps trainees. * Conduct daily safety ...

Perform daily inspection of the vessels firefighting and lifesaving equipment. * Participate in all ... Provide continuous training for other new hires and Job Corps trainees. * Conduct daily safety ...

Perform daily inspection of the vessels firefighting and lifesaving equipment. * Help to keep the ... Provide continuous training for other new hires and Job Corps trainees. * Conduct daily safety ...

Performing daily inspection of the vessels firefighting and lifesaving equipment. Helping to keep ... Providing continuous training for other new hires and Job Corps trainees. Conducting daily safety ...

Performing daily inspection of the vessels firefighting and lifesaving equipment. Helping to keep ... Providing continuous training for other new hires and Job Corps trainees. Conducting daily safety ...

Perform daily inspection of the vessels firefighting and lifesaving equipment. * Help to keep the ... Provide continuous training for other new hires and Job Corps trainees. * Conduct daily safety ...

Firefighter Trainee information

See Kentucky salary details

$12

$18

$31

How much do firefighter trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for firefighter trainee in Kentucky is $18.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $21.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a firefighter trainee?

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 does a firefighter trainee do?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a firefighter trainee?

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 are the most commonly searched types of Firefighter jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Firefighter jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Firefighter Trainee jobs in Kentucky?

For Firefighter Trainee jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Firefighter Trainee jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Firefighter Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Firefighter Trainee job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,207 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Helitack)

Winchester, KY • On-site


U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

455th of 851 rated public administrative organizations

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$62K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

These positions are located on a USDA Forest Service Unit.
The incumbent serves as first line supervisor of a crew of helitack personnel/firefighters that are established to provide fast initial attack, and large fire support and utilizes helicopters in support of all types of incidents.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for Regional contacts.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-07 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-06) in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Oversaw helicopter service contract and enforced contract provisions; Conducted training in the techniques of aviation, fire suppression, prescribed burning and fuels reduction methods; Performed many technical specializations such as helicopter rappelling, long line, felling, saw repair or water handling used in fire suppression and prescribed burning independently; Communicated critical information pertaining to incident objectives, situations and tactics to pilot(s), crews and dispatchers.
For the GW-08 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-07) in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Planned and coordinated complex fire and aviation operations at a temporary or fixed base work location; determined helicopter load limits, takeoff and landing sites, and estimated time requirements; analyzed fire conditions and determined attack methods and resources required; conducted hands-on training pertaining to program and personnel needs related to fire and aviation.
Selective Placement Factors
Successful completion of the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Helicopter Manager, Single Resource (HMGB) and Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4). In addition, successful completion of the Secondary NWCG Core Requirements of Helibase Manager Trainee (HEBM(t)).
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.
For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
This position has been identified as (HIGH) or (MODERATE) or (LOW) Complexity under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) or Forest Service Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM or FS-FPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications at the applicable complexity level to be considered eligible for this position.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS, MODERATE, or LIGHT level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER


What United States Department Of Agriculture employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom