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Internship Firefighter Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Internship Firefighter information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do internship firefighter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship firefighter in Tennessee is $15.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an internship firefighter?

Internship Firefighters are individuals, often students or recent graduates, who participate in a structured program within a fire department to gain hands-on experience in fire service. These internships provide practical training in firefighting, emergency response, and public safety operations under the supervision of experienced fire personnel. The goal is to prepare aspiring firefighters for a career in the field by exposing them to real-world situations and building essential skills. Internship Firefighters may assist with daily station duties, training exercises, and actual emergency calls, depending on the department's policies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship firefighter, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Firefighter, you need foundational knowledge of fire safety, emergency response protocols, and basic first aid, often gained through relevant coursework or pre-employment training. Familiarity with firefighting tools, protective gear, and communication systems like radios is important for effective on-scene support. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualities ensure safety, efficient response, and valuable learning experiences during emergency situations.

What are some common challenges faced by internship firefighters, and how can they best prepare for them?

Internship firefighters often encounter challenges such as adapting to a fast-paced environment, handling physically demanding tasks, and learning to work effectively as part of a disciplined team. New interns may also need to quickly familiarize themselves with safety protocols and specialized equipment. To prepare, it's beneficial to maintain good physical fitness, proactively seek feedback from experienced team members, and engage in continuous learning through training sessions. Building strong communication skills and staying adaptable will help you thrive and contribute positively to the team.

What is the difference between Internship Firefighter vs Firefighter?

AspectInternship FirefighterFirefighter
Required CredentialsBasic CPR, EMT certification, or training programsFirefighter certification, EMT or paramedic license, ongoing training
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, fire academies, supervised on-the-job trainingActive fire scenes, emergency calls, rescue operations
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments during training periodsFull-time fire departments, emergency services

Internship Firefighters are trainees gaining hands-on experience and certifications, while Firefighters are fully qualified professionals actively responding to emergencies. Internships serve as a stepping stone to becoming a licensed Firefighter, with differences mainly in experience level and responsibilities.

Can you intern as a firefighter?

Yes, many fire departments offer internship or cadet programs for aspiring firefighters, which provide hands-on experience and training. These internships often require candidates to be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, and complete basic firefighting and emergency medical training. Internships can help develop skills such as fire suppression, rescue operations, and teamwork, and may lead to full-time employment opportunities.

How to get a job as an internship firefighter with no experience?

To become an internship firefighter with no experience, applicants should focus on obtaining basic emergency response certifications such as CPR and first aid, and demonstrate a strong interest in firefighting through volunteering or related activities. Many fire departments offer internship programs for students or individuals interested in pursuing a career in firefighting, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Building physical fitness and understanding fire safety principles can also improve chances of acceptance into an internship program.

Is 28 too late to be an internship firefighter?

Internship firefighter programs typically have age requirements that vary by department, but many accept applicants up to their late 20s or early 30s. Age is less important than meeting physical fitness standards, completing necessary training, and demonstrating a commitment to the role. Candidates should check specific department requirements for accurate information.

What are the most commonly searched types of Firefighter jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Firefighter jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Internship Firefighter jobs in Tennessee?

For Internship Firefighter jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Internship Firefighter jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Internship Firefighter job openings:

Infographic showing various Internship Firefighter job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 68% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,669 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Simplification Sr Project Manager

Murfreesboro, TN • On-site


Oshkosh Corporation
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

289th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks


$92K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

At Oshkosh, we build, serve and protect people and communities around the world by designing and manufacturing some of the toughest specialty trucks and access equipment. We employ over 18,000 team members all united by a common purpose. Our engineering and product innovation help keep soldiers and firefighters safe, is critical in building and keeping communities clean and helps people do their jobs every day.

The Simplification Sr. Project Manager partners with business units and functions across the Oshkosh enterprise to accelerate multi-size, multi-type strategic initiatives while building key capabilities along the way. This role collaborates closely with project and department leaders to help achieve near and long-term goals by using Simplification best practices and principles: providing data insights, reducing complexity, and leading people through change. Potential people leader role for interns and early career professionals.

YOUR IMPACT

  • Supporting the evolution of the Oshkosh Operating Model - working on initiatives that run, grow, and transform the business
  • Build, cultivate, and maintain long term relationships at all levels and across the enterprise with an understanding of customer's imperatives.
  • Advise business unit leaders in making business and culture decisions based on data and insights, considering the return on investment to the organization and the impact to team members.
  • Coach and develop skills for team members, SMEs and leaders through the 80/20 analysis, lean tool application, and leading change.
  • Facilitate communication between suppliers, customers, leaders, and team members.
  • Align viewpoints by guiding and influencing project leaders, sponsors, and team members to ensure plans are connected and practical.
  • Identify, monitor and mitigate people and/or organizational risk.
  • Prepare and present program status, issues, plan proposals, and lessons learned to internal and external customers.
  • Works closely with implementation partner(s) to rollout solution.
  • Develop communication and training plans for stakeholders appropriate to support the project or initiative
  • Create, improve, and maintain the Oshkosh Operating Model training and coaching materials.
  • Shape key measurements, product quality, process controls, people readiness and other project goals (milestones met, risks mitigated, lessons learned, VOC).
  • Engage project leadership to ensure transfer of ownership is successful.
  • Perform other tasks as requested

MINIMUMQUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree
  • (6+) years of experience with change initiatives
  • Excellent verbal, written and visual communication skills
  • Aptitude for training, coaching, facilitating, and advising a variety of people
  • Ability to travel up to 25% of the time

STANDOUT QUALIFICATIONS

  • Project Management
  • Organizational Change Management (i.e. ADKAR model)
  • Operational Excellence / Shingo / Lean / Six Sigma Green-Black Belt
  • 80/20 analysis and business application

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands: Frequent Typing, Standing, Sitting, Hearing, Visual.

Non-Physical Demands: Frequent Analysis/Reasoning, Communication/Interpretation, Reading, Sustained Mental Activity (i.e., auditing, analysis, problem solving, data maintenance, composing reports, etc.), EQ Engagement; Occasional Writing

Environmental Demands: Occasional Work Alone, Frequent Task Changes.

Work Schedule: Routine shift hours. Infrequent overtime, weekend, or shift rotation.

Demands/Deadlines: High volume and variable work demands, and deadlines impose strain on routine basis or considerable stress intermittently; OR regular direct contacts with distressed individuals within the immediate work environment; and /or exposure to demands and pressures form persons other than immediate supervisor.

Pay Range:

$92,600.00 - $154,400.00

The above pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target pay for the position across all U.S. locations. Within this range, individual pay is determined by various factors, including the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, education and skills, as well as the equity of pay among team members in similar positions. Beyond offering a competitive total rewards package, we prioritize a people-first culture and offer various opportunities to support team member growth and success.

Oshkosh is committed to working with and offering reasonable accommodation to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to disability for any part of the employment process, please contact us at corporatetalentacquisition@oshkoshcorp.com.

Oshkosh Corporation is a merit-based Equal Opportunity Employer.Job opportunities are open for application to all qualified individuals and selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. To the extent that information is provided or collected regarding categories as provided by law it will in no way affect the decision regarding an employment application.

Oshkosh Corporation will not discharge or in any manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with Oshkosh Corporation's legal duty to furnish information.

Certain positions with Oshkosh Corporation require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.



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