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Full Time Fire Fighter Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Firefighter/EMT

Kodiak, AK · On-site

$66K - $72K/yr

Kodiak, AK Job Type: Full-Time (Non-Exempt) Job Number: 27-00003 Department: Fire Department ... Drives and operates (as certified), and maintains fire fighting and suppression apparatus and ...

Firefighter/EMT

Kodiak, AK · On-site

$66K - $72K/yr

Description The City of Kodiak is recruiting for regular, full-time Firefighter/EMT positions in ... Drives and operates (as certified), and maintains fire fighting and suppression apparatus and ...

Full Time Fire Fighter information

See Alaska salary details

$21.2K

$52K

$90.4K

How much do full time fire fighter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time fire fighter in Alaska is $52,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,300.00 and $59,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time fire fighter?

Full time fire fighters are professionals who work for municipal or governmental fire departments, responding to emergencies such as fires, medical incidents, hazardous material spills, and rescues. Unlike volunteer or part-time fire fighters, full time fire fighters are employed on a regular schedule and often work in shifts to provide 24/7 coverage. Their duties include fire prevention, emergency response, equipment maintenance, and public education. They also undergo extensive training and certifications to ensure they are prepared for a wide range of emergency situations. This career demands physical fitness, teamwork, and a commitment to public safety.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a full time fire fighter?

To thrive as a Full Time Fire Fighter, you need physical fitness, emergency response knowledge, and completion of fire academy training, often supported by EMT certification. Proficiency with firefighting equipment, rescue tools, and communication systems is crucial on the job. Teamwork, resilience, and strong decision-making are standout soft skills that help in high-pressure situations. These abilities are essential for ensuring public safety, effective emergency response, and reliable collaboration under stress.

What challenges do full time fire fighters face during their shifts, and how are they addressed?

Full time firefighters often encounter physically demanding situations, exposure to hazardous environments, and unpredictable hours, which can be both mentally and physically taxing. To address these challenges, fire departments emphasize rigorous safety training, strong teamwork, and rotating shift schedules to prevent burnout. Regular debriefings and peer support systems are integral to helping firefighters manage stress and maintain resilience, ensuring a supportive work environment where everyone's well-being is prioritized.

What is the difference between Full Time Fire Fighter vs Volunteer Fire Fighter?

AspectFull Time Fire FighterVolunteer Fire Fighter
CredentialsFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic license often requiredBasic training, certification varies by department
Work EnvironmentPaid, full-time employment with scheduled shiftsUnpaid or part-time, on-call basis, often local community-based
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal fire departments, government agenciesCommunity organizations, local volunteer departments

Full Time Fire Fighters are paid professionals working full-time for municipal fire departments, requiring certifications and working scheduled shifts. Volunteer Fire Fighters are unpaid or part-time, serving their communities on an on-call basis with varying training requirements. Both roles are vital for fire safety, but differ mainly in compensation, training, and work commitment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Fighter jobs in Alaska?

The most popular types of Fire Fighter jobs in Alaska are:

Infographic showing various Full Time Fire Fighter job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,012 per year, or $25 per hour.

Airport Technician Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighter (ARFF)

Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK

Ketchikan, AK • On-site

$28.35 - $30.54/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Salary: $28.35 - $30.54 Hourly
Location : Ketchikan International Airport, 1000 Airport Terminal Building Suite 10, Ketchikan, AK
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number: 2026-8.17
Department: Airport
Opening Date: 08/17/2026
Job Description
$28.35-$30.54 /hour starting salary, depending on qualifications
Responsible for performing a variety of tasks requiring skilled and semi-skilled abilities involved in the operation, maintenance and improvement of airport roads , structures and related facilities under the general supervision of the Operations Manager and for performing Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), emergency medical response and all other duties required by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) part 139 regulations.
Examples of Duties
  • Operate a variety of airport maintenance equipment including trucks, front-end loaders, graders, snow plows, forklifts, sweepers, spreaders, aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicles, boilers and various other equipment.
  • Repair runway/taxiway and associated systems, roads, bridges, culverts, docks and other airport facilities such as buildings, equipment and signs.
  • Perform general and skilled maintenance and repairs to buildings and systems that may involve painting, sandblasting, carpentry, plumbing and electrical work.
  • Perform snow/ice removal and control operations using snow/ice removal and control equipment and materials.
  • Operate manual and power hand tools including saws, jack hammers, pumps, brush cutters, generators, compressors, welders and various other equipment.
  • Perform minor equipment repairs and maintenance and provide assistance to the equipment mechanics.
  • Provide the primary response to emergencies at the airport involving disabled aircraft or other life threatening situations.
  • Apply trained rescue and lifesaving emergency medical procedures for the health and benefit of the general public at the airport.
  • Work with other unit members to analyze the extent of an emergency and determine an appropriate course of action.
  • Operate specialized aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicles including the use of specialized rescue procedures, materials and tools.
  • Provide required primary aircraft rescue and firefighting coverage for scheduled air carrier operations at the airport.
  • Respond to structural fires and rescue of endangered persons in the terminal or other airport facilities.
  • Pursue and ensure satisfactory completion of any necessary initial and recurrent ARFF and emergency medical training as provided by the Borough.
  • Issue and cancel Notices to Airmen regarding airfield surface conditions, obstructions or lighting problems.
  • Perform surface friction measurements on all aircraft movement areas during freezing weather.

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES:
  • Provide instruction to other employees of this or a similar job classification in all aspects of procedure and technique relating to the duties required by this job description unless such instruction requires a specialized certification which the employee doing the training does not have.
  • Perform related other duties as directed by the Operations Manager.
  • Serve as Acting Operations Manager as assigned by the Airport Manager.
  • Serve as temporary airport lead person, as assigned by the Airport Manager.

Qualifications
Knowledge of use of various power tools, including jack hammers, saws, etc. Ability to operate and assist in the routine maintenance of heavy equipment and vehicles in all types of weather. Ability to perform all assigned manual labor tasks, both skilled and unskilled, under rigorous conditions. Physical stamina and endurance. Must have a minimum of forty (40) hours of emergency medical training and be certifiable by the State of Alaska as an Emergency Trauma Technician (ETT) or willingness to pursue ETT training and obtain ETT certification at the earliest opportunity. Required attendance at training sessions in ARFF and emergency medical procedures. Out of state travel may be required. Willingness to cooperate with others and perform the various job related duties as assigned. Ability to follow oral and written directions, willingness to apply himself/herself, and ability to remain current on airport geography, facilities, systems and procedures.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
  • Must be able to hear. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, power tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch; and taste or smell. Each of the listed activities also requires standing, sitting, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, climbing on stools and ladders, and routinely lift and carry items and boxes up to fifty (50) pounds.
  • Ability to drive vehicles. Physically capable of performing emergency medical assistance while applying Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Basic Life Support (BLS) procedures. Ability to transport a victim in an emergency. Physically capable of operating emergency equipment such as quicky-saws, extrication equipment, cutting axes and tools, and SCBA equipment. Ability to rapidly negotiate steps and ladders to the top of the ARFF vehicles and be able to lift and rapidly deploy and place in service at least 300 feet of fire hose without assistance. Ability to rapidly transport, erect, and climb fire extension ladders used in fire and other emergency rescue responses while in full turnout protective clothing and equipment. Ability to rapidly climb at least five flights of stairs while carrying one fifty-foot section of two-and-one-half inch fire hose.

Requirements
LICENSES:
  • Valid State of Alaska driver's license with an acceptable driving record
  • Current CPR (or BLS) card. ETT certification within 1 year of hire.
  • Within one year of hire, and periodically thereafter as required: Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting per FAA FAR §139.319

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • High school diploma. Rescue and emergency medical training preferred.
  • Two (2) years of facility maintenance experience strongly desired.

Any combination of related education and/or related experience will be considered if the candidate possesses the demonstrated ability.
KGB employees in the Alaska Public Employees Association (APEA) Bargaining Unit can find information through the following links:
• Participation in the Alaska Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS);
• Health, vision and dental benefits provided by the Borough through Meritain Health effective the first of the month following your start date. The premium associated with health benefits are $25 per pay period, however, the Borough encourages participation in the Healthy Merits Wellness Program, which allows each covered employee to "buy back" the anticipated premium through wellness participation.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrued at a rate of 176 hours or 22 days per year for the first two years and thereafter at higher levels set out in the Borough Code (KGBC 3.30.030).
• Eleven paid holidays every year and two annual floating holidays.