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Government Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Firefighter II

Greensboro, NC · On-site

$16.36 - $18.90/hr

GUILFORD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Empower Successful People to thrive in a Strong Community supported by ... Knowledge of fundamentals of firefighting, fire behavior, and building construction. Typical ...

Firefighter II

Greensboro, NC · On-site

$16.36 - $18.90/hr

Continuous GUILFORD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Empower Successful People to thrive in a Strong Community ... Will function as a Firefighter on a multi-person Rescue Company. Drive emergency equipment and ...

$65/hr

Firefighter Recruit Pay Range: $55,057.60 - $58,302.40 Starting salary - Minimum of the Pay Range ... Our workforce plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional government services to both our ...

New

Firefighter

Albemarle, NC · On-site

$43K - $57K/yr

Firefighter Trainee pay is $19.51/hr; $40,577.05/year. Trainees are on a different schedule than ... Local Gov't Employees Retirement System plan * 401K & 457B * Paid life insurance * Optional dental ...

FIREFIGHTER

Blackstone, VA · On-site

$25 - $29/hr

... government training operations run safely and effectively. SSG is proud to support the Training ... WHAT YOU'LL DO As a Firefighter, you will provide fire protection, rescue response, emergency ...

Firefighter

Awendaw, SC · On-site

$45K - $49K/yr

... firefighting equipment, respond to other emergencies, keep equipment and personnel in a state of ... All work duties and activities must be performed in accordance with Charleston County Government ...

The Lateral Firefighter will initially be assigned to the Training Division for a one-to-two-week ... Liberty County government offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time permanent employees ...

Firefighter/Paramedic Lateral

Provo, UT · On-site

$69K - $112K/yr

Firefighter/Paramedic Lateral Job Posting Closing Date: ***OPEN FILE RECRUITMENT*** [Applications ... We build on these strengths by making city government more transparent and efficient, expanding ...

Transportation from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Wake Island will be furnished by government-sponsored ... Performs crash/rescue and firefighting duties at airfields handling predominantly large or complex ...

Showing results 21-40

Government Firefighter information

See salary details

$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do government firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for government firefighter 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 is a government firefighter?

Government firefighters are professionals employed by local, state, or federal government agencies to protect lives, property, and the environment from fires and other emergencies. Their duties include responding to fire alarms, rescuing people from dangerous situations, providing medical assistance, and educating the public about fire prevention. Government firefighters often work in municipal fire departments, wildland firefighting units, or specialized federal agencies. They undergo rigorous training to handle a variety of emergencies beyond fires, such as hazardous material spills and natural disasters.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a government firefighter?

To thrive as a Government Firefighter, you need comprehensive knowledge of fire suppression, emergency medical response, and hazardous materials handling, typically supported by a high school diploma and completion of fire academy training. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, breathing apparatus, emergency communication systems, and certifications such as EMT or Firefighter I/II are essential. Physical fitness, teamwork, problem-solving, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring public safety, effective emergency response, and personal safety in high-risk situations.

What are some common challenges government firefighters face when responding to emergencies in urban versus rural settings?

Government Firefighters often encounter different challenges depending on their response area. In urban settings, they may deal with high-rise buildings, heavy traffic, and densely populated areas, which can complicate access and evacuation efforts. In rural areas, challenges can include longer response times, limited water supply, and difficult terrain. Adapting quickly to these diverse environments and maintaining effective communication with other emergency services are crucial skills for success in this role.

What is the difference between Government Firefighter vs Volunteer Firefighter?

AspectGovernment FirefighterVolunteer Firefighter
CredentialsRequired certifications, state or federal trainingOften requires basic training and certifications, varies by department
Work EnvironmentFull-time, paid positions in municipal or government agenciesPart-time or on-call, often in community-based departments
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, municipalitiesVolunteer fire departments, community organizations

Government Firefighters are full-time, paid professionals with formal certifications working for government agencies, while Volunteer Firefighters are typically part-time, unpaid personnel serving their communities. Both roles require training, but government firefighters usually have more extensive credentials and work in structured environments.

How do you become a government firefighter?

To become a government firefighter, candidates typically need to complete fire academy training, obtain relevant certifications such as EMT or paramedic licenses, and pass written and physical exams. Applicants must also meet age, education, and background check requirements set by the employing agency.
More about Government Firefighter jobs

What cities are hiring for Government Firefighter jobs?

Cities with the most Government Firefighter job openings:

What states have the most Government Firefighter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Government Firefighter jobs include:

Infographic showing various Government Firefighter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Firefighter II

Guilford County

Greensboro, NC • On-site

$16.36 - $18.90/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Respond to fire, rescue, hazardous materials, and technical rescue incidents to ensure fire and life safety of citizens.

  • Drive emergency response equipment and operate it at the scene of emergencies.

  • Assist with pre-fire planning, fire/rescue training, and initial fire investigations as requested.


Guilford County rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

663rd of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

GUILFORD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Empower Successful People to thrive in a Strong Community supported by Quality Government Description GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES An employee in this classification is responsible for the fire and life safety of our citizens by responding to fire/rescue related incidents, drive emergency equipment and operate it at the scene of emergencies within the county. DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS An Employee in this class is responsible for performing duties related to emergency operations involving medical rescue, technical rescue, fire suppression and Hazardous Material incidents. Employee maintains apparatus, equipment and facilities for response.

Assist County Fire Departments with pre-fire planning, comprehensive fire/rescue training, public education and other support related operations. Assist with initial fire investigations to determine origin and cause as requested by investigators. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director.

Examples of Duties DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES Essential Duties and Tasks Will function as a Firefighter on a multi-person Rescue Company. Drive emergency equipment and operate it at the scene of emergencies Perform duties related to emergency operations involving fire suppression, hazardous materials incidents as well as perform technical rescues involving vehicle extrication, surface and water rescue incidents. Maintain apparatus, equipment, and facilities for response.

Assist area fire departments with pre-fire planning, comprehensive fire/rescue training and other support related operations. Assist fire investigators with initial fire/arson investigations to determine origin and cause. Perform other duties assigned by Director.

RECRUITMENT STANDARDS Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Considerable knowledge of firefighting procedures, technical rescue, medical rescue and Hazardous-Materials. Maintain a working knowledge of computer programs necessary to accurately maintain records and databases. Ability to communicate orally and in writing.

Ability to conduct research to stay abreast on all aspects of current Fire Science and Fire Protection technology information. Knowledge of fundamentals of firefighting, fire behavior, and building construction. Typical Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Must be 18 years of age High school diploma or GED equivalent.

2 years of experience as a firefighter. Note: 3 years of volunteer fire experience is equal to 1 year of fulltime firefighter experience. Must possess certification in the following disciplines: NC Firefighter II, ProBoard Firefighter II or IFSAC Firefighter II, NC Emergency Medical Technician, NC, IFSAC or ProBoard Haz-Mat Operations Level I.

Special Qualifications: Valid Driver's License. Must obtain Class B or higher Driver's License within 90 days of hire. Must possess a valid NC Class B driver's license within six (6) months of employment.

Must have visual acuity; capacity to lift and/or carry heavy objects, and faculty of both hands. Must have the ability to wear respirator and other personal protective equipment. Applicants must complete a Swim Test within (6) months of employment.

Applicant will be required to obtain NC Hazardous Materials Technician Certification based on class availability (coordinated by employer). Supplemental Information Physical Demands and Work Conditions An employee in this position must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. The employee must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pound of force constantly to move objects.

Driving is Essential Driving is an essential requirement of this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver's license and that the driving record is compatible with the county's driving criteria. If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County's vehicle use policy.

Special Note This position will be assigned to work a twenty-four hour shift, or any other shift assigned by the director, but is subject to call back duty in addition to attending evening and weekend classes or meetings. May be requested to work when needed, including nights, weekends, and Holidays and must be able to perform work in all environments (day, night, heat, cold, rain, ice, snow) at times, in dangerous or hostile situations in rural and urban locations. Guilford County is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to employees and applicants for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation or political affiliation.

The County is committed to complying with all applicable federal, state and local laws that pertain to employment, and to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination of any kind. If you need an auxiliary aide, make the request forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the time the accommodation is needed by calling 336-641-3324.


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