Full Time Firefighter Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $23.62 Hourly
Location : 5145 Airport Road, Kearney, NE
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00216
Department: Airport
Opening Date: 08/26/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Description
Under general supervision, perform a variety of tasks in the maintenance, and repair of airport buildings and grounds and Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) duties. Work varies with some leeway for discretion and independent action.
Essential Functions
Under the direction of the Operations Supervisor: perform a variety of tasks in the maintenance and repair of airport buildings and grounds; implement Part 139 requirements, safety and operational procedures; perform grounds maintenance on all grass areas along runways and taxiways, in all aviation safety areas, and along all roadways; remove snow on airport property in accordance with the provisions of FAA Snow Advisory Circulars; repair runway and taxiway surfaces working with cement, asphalt, and joint sealing materials; maintain all airport buildings by performing semi-complex carpentry, roofing, siding, framing, insulating, non-complex plumbing, electrical, and general welding to repair, modify, or fabricate necessary parts; replace, repair, and install airport fencing, runway and taxiway lighting; assist with janitorial and custodial duties; perform Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) standby operations, which includes providing standby firefighting coverage during commercial airline flights; repair, maintain, and service all airport mobile equipment. Perform overtime as required and other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION - RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS:
None.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, officials and the public. (Daily)
Regular timely/punctual attendance. (Daily)
Write and comprehend written material for work assignments and work orders. (Daily)
Apply and maintain knowledge of the current methods, equipment, materials and tools used to perform construction and maintenance tasks. (Daily)
Safely operate aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) apparatus. (as directed)
Maintain and safely operate equipment. (Daily)
Assigned tasks are performed and completed properly and efficiently. (Daily)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Work Type: Moderate, exerting up to 75 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Climbing/Balancing: Moderate, climb inclines, uneven surfaces, balance required.
Walking: Moderate amount required.
Stooping/Bending: Frequently.
Stand/Sit: Stand about 60 percent of the time.
Reaching: Frequent, overhead as well as horizontal.
Vision: Adequate to perform essential job functions.
Color Vision: Adequate to perform essential job functions.
Hearing: Frequently perceive nature of sounds by ear.
Speech: Frequently express ideas by means of spoken words.
Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Frequently operates equipment requiring moderate ability.
Manual Dexterity: Frequently operates equipment requiring moderate ability.
ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Inside/Outside: Work outside and inside
Cold/Heat: Adverse conditions possible
Wet/Dry: Adverse conditions possible
Noise/Vibrations: Heavy airplane noise
Hazards: Exposure to traffic safety and dump areas
Fumes/Dust/Odors: Exposure to herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides, moderate exposure to dust, and minimum exposure to fumes
Infectious Diseases: Minimum exposure
MENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Ability to read and comprehend written material.
Ability to listen to and apply information and instructions.
Ability to understand mathematical concepts to include basic arithmetic.
Qualifications
MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to high school diploma or GED with two years progressively responsible work in manual labor and the operation, maintenance and repair of equipment including grounds maintenance experience. Ability to complete initial 40-hour ARFF qualification course, recurrent annual ARFF certification training, annual ARFF live-fire refresher training and emergency exercises and drills. Must possess a valid Nebraska Driver's License and be able to obtain pesticide applicator's license within 6 months of hire.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS:
Thirty (30) minute response time by way of the most direct route from the employee's permanent residence to the employee's assigned work site and within posted speed limits.
Supplemental Information
MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND WORK AIDS USED:
Snow blowers, snowplows, pay loaders, runway brooms, sanding equipment, trucks, tractors, pickups, melter-applicators, packers, air compressors, and other hand and power tools.
REMARKS:
The above position description is intended to describe the duties of an employee in general terms and does not necessarily describe all of his/her duties.
Rates effective January 1, 2026 and are subject to change. Benefits are effective on the 1st day of employment.
Health and Dental Insurance: The City of Kearney Health Insurance Plans includes health, prescription, and dental coverage. The City offers two plans (traditional PPO and a high deductible option) Employee spouses' who have health/dental coverage available through their own employer are not eligible to participate in the City's health/dental insurance.
Health/Dental (4 Tiers) - Traditional PPO

• Single Coverage $ 92.20 biweekly
• Employee + Spouse Coverage $196.62 biweekly
• Employee + Dependents Coverage $156.73 biweekly
• Family Coverage $229.57 biweekly

Health/Dental (4 Tiers) - High Deductible Health Plan with HSA option

• Single Coverage $ 81.50 biweekly
• Employee + Spouse Coverage $174.03 biweekly
• Employee + Dependents Coverage $138.56 biweekly
• Family Coverage $203.05 biweekly

HSA City Contribution: Individual - $750
Family - $1,200
Vision Insurance: EyeMed Vision coverage is available. Employee only - $3.32; Employee/Spouse - $6.30; Employee/Dependents - $6.64; Family - $9.76. All rates are bi-weekly payroll deductions.
IdentityForce: Identity Theft Protection available, Employee/Children (children 26 and under) $8.49; Family $14.49 per month.
Retirement: City contributes 6% if the employee contributes 6%.
Life Insurance: The City pays 100% of the cost of employee life insurance of $50,000, spouse coverage $10,000, and dependent children coverage $5,000. Supplemental life insurance available at a discounted group rate.
Cafeteria/Section 125: Can be used for medical and daycare expenses per IRS guidelines.
Deferred Comp: Voluntary deferred compensation program (457 & Roth IRA Plans).
EAP: Employee Assistance Program provides 6 free counseling sessions per issue for employees and dependents.
Long Term Disability: Long term disability insurance provided by the City.
Longevity: Annual payment of $300 after 5 years of continuous years of service with $50 increases every 5 years with a maximum payment of $550.
Vacation: Vacation leave is earned and accrued in bi-weekly increments in the following manner: 80 hrs years 1 - 4; 120 hrs years 5 - 14; 160 hrs years 15+. New employees receive 40 hours of vacation upon hire with biweekly accruals beginning on the sixth month of employment. Vacation leave may accumulate to a maximum of 240 hours.
Medical Leave: Medical leave is accrued at a biweekly rate equal to 12 days a year. New employees receive 40 hours of medical leave upon hire with biweekly accruals beginning on the sixth month of employment. Medical leave may accumulate to a maximum of 1,440 hours.
Parental Leave: 3 weeks paid leave.
Personal Leave: 2 personal days are provided on the first of every calendar year. Employees must be employed on January 1st to receive personal leave days. Unused personal leave does not carry over to the next year.
Holidays: Twelve paid holidays per year.
Military: Active members receive 120 hours of military leave annually. Military leave does not carry over to the next year.