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Local Firefighter Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Performs assigned firefighting, man overboard and abandon ship duties as assigned on the Station ... or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion ...

Performs assigned firefighting, man overboard and abandon ship duties as assigned on the Station ... or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion ...

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Local Firefighter information

What is a local firefighter?

Local firefighters are trained professionals who respond to fires, emergencies, and disasters within their communities. Their primary responsibilities include extinguishing fires, rescuing people and animals, providing emergency medical care, and promoting fire safety education. In addition to responding to emergencies, local firefighters often participate in drills, maintain firefighting equipment, and engage with the community to prevent fires and promote safety. They work in shifts and must be ready to respond at a moment's notice. Firefighters play a crucial role in protecting lives and property in their local area.

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

To excel as a Local Firefighter, you need physical fitness, knowledge of fire safety protocols, emergency medical training, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by EMT certification. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, breathing apparatus, and communication systems is crucial for effective response. Courage, teamwork, and strong problem-solving abilities help firefighters remain calm and effective under pressure. These skills and qualities are vital for protecting lives and property while ensuring personal and team safety during emergencies.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by local firefighters during their shifts?

Local firefighters often encounter unpredictable and high-pressure situations, such as rapidly changing fire conditions, medical emergencies, and hazardous materials incidents. Balancing physical demands with emotional resilience is essential, as the job can involve witnessing traumatic events and working long, irregular hours. Teamwork is crucial, as firefighters must communicate effectively and support one another in dangerous environments to ensure safety and successful outcomes.

What is the difference between Local Firefighter vs Volunteer Firefighter?

AspectLocal FirefighterVolunteer Firefighter
CertificationsFirefighter I & II, EMT certification often requiredMay require similar certifications, but sometimes less formal training
Work EnvironmentFull-time, paid position at fire stations or on emergency callsPart-time or on-call, often in community-based settings
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by city or county fire departmentsTypically volunteer-based fire departments or community organizations
Search & Comparison IntentPeople seeking paid firefighting roles in local areasIndividuals interested in community service firefighting roles

Local Firefighters are full-time, paid professionals with formal training, working for municipal fire departments. Volunteer Firefighters, on the other hand, serve part-time or on-call, often with less formal training, and are usually part of community-based fire services. Both roles are vital for emergency response, but differ mainly in employment status and training requirements.

How hard is it to get into a local firefighter?

Becoming a local firefighter typically requires meeting minimum age and education requirements, passing physical fitness tests, and completing firefighter training and certification. Competitive entry often depends on passing written exams, interviews, background checks, and sometimes emergency medical technician (EMT) certification. The process can be challenging due to limited openings and the need for relevant skills and physical endurance.

How much do local firefighters make?

The average salary for a local firefighter in the United States is around $50,000 to $55,000 per year, though this can vary based on location, experience, and rank. Firefighters often work in shifts and may receive additional compensation for overtime, hazardous duty, or specialized training.

Is 27 too late to be a local firefighter?

Local firefighter roles typically require candidates to be at least 18 years old and to complete fire academy training, which can be started at various ages. Being 27 is generally not too late to pursue a firefighting career, as many firefighters begin in their late teens or early twenties and continue training and gaining experience throughout their careers.

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

The most popular types of Firefighter jobs in New York are:

What cities in New York are hiring for Local Firefighter jobs?

Cities in New York with the most Local Firefighter job openings:

Infographic showing various Local Firefighter job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Fire Protection Specialist 1/Trainee 1/Trainee 2 (NY HELPS)

Tarrytown, NY • On-site

$53K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Duties Description The incumbent of this position will report to the Fire and Life Safety Branch within the Office of Office of Fire Prevention and Control.
Duties include but are not limited to the following:
• Conduct fire and life safety inspections.
• Provide technical assistance and instruction to state agencies, colleges and universities, county representatives, municipal and local fire officials, and civic groups on matter's relating to fire safety and prevention.
• Issue permits related to the use of fireworks, pyrotechnics, and live-flame effects on state owned properties and enforce regulations pertaining to the sale of consumer fireworks and sparkling devices.
• Obtain certification as a New York State Building Code Certified Enforcement Official (CEO)
• Obtain and maintain certification and perform the duties and responsibilities of a New York State Peace Officer.
• Develop, coordinate, and provide training throughout the state on fire inspection and prevention, and general firefighting practices.
• Respond to emergency incidents as directed. Provide technical assistance to local fire officials as requested.
• Service as liaison between State Office of Emergency Management, local fire departments, and regional fire administrators in the development and implementation of local emergency response plans and exercises. Also serve as state agency liaison during actual emergencies.
• Ensure the state and local fire departments are in compliance with controlling laws, regulations, and best practices.
• May assist in the implementation of special projects, such as, training course revisions, conferences and seminar programs, and equipment maintenance programs.
• Perform technical assistance and emergency response activities.
• Assist with the communications and meetings with local fire chiefs and fire coordinators and other fire officials as needed.
• Assist with monthly and quarterly reports as needed.
• Significant travel, approximately 60%, often overnight in an assigned geographic location is required.
• NOTE: Support of operations during times of emergency and disaster from State Emergency Operations Center (EOC), state field offices and/or local deployments may be required, which would result in a change and/or increase in working hours, locations and/or duties.
Minimum Qualifications NY HELPS
This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).***
To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS, or 55 b/c, candidates must meet the open-competitive minimum qualifications for this position.
This title includes a traineeship opportunity and applicants will be appointed to the appropriate level** based on their experience and education.
**Fire Protection Specialist 1 level requirements:
• Fire Protection Specialist Trainee 1 (equated to SG-14): Three years of full-time, paid experience as a firefighter in a fire department, military fire department, or industrial fire brigade OR six years of experience as a volunteer firefighter or firefighter trainer. Experience must be obtained on or after January 1, 2010.
• Fire Protection Specialist Trainee 2 (equated to SG-16): Four years of full-time, paid experience as a firefighter in a fire department, military fire department, or industrial fire brigade OR seven years of experience as a volunteer firefighter or firefighter trainer. Experience must be obtained on or after January 1, 2010.
• Fire Protection Specialist 1, SG-18: Five years of full-time, paid experience as a firefighter in a fire department, military fire department, or industrial fire brigade OR eight years of experience as a volunteer firefighter or firefighter trainer. You must have completion of the core coursework in all of the following offered by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Office of Fire Prevention and Control, or equivalent, qualifying for certification in: Fire Instructor 1 and Hazardous Materials Technician; AND at least two of the following: Fire Investigator 1, Structural Collapse Rescue Technician Fire Officer 1, Hazardous Materials Advanced Technician, Fire Instructor 2, or certification by the Department of State as a Code Enforcement Official.
Substitutions: An associate degree in a related field can substitute for two years of specialized experience; a bachelor's in a related field degree can substitute for four years of experience; a master's degree in a related field can substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate in a related field can substitute for six years of experience.
Dependent upon qualifications, if appointed as a trainee, successful completion of a one-year or two-year traineeship leads to appointment as a Fire Protection Specialist 1, SG-18.
Successful completion of a qualifying pre-employment physical examination, background check, and drug testing may be required for permanent appointment. Details regarding these exam requirements can be found under the Fire Protection Specialist title at: https://www.cs.ny.gov/ehs/forms.cfm
REASSIGNMENT/TRANSFER
Current New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services employee with one year or more permanent, contingent-permanent or 55b/c service as a Fire Protection Specialist 1 and are interested in reassignment; OR are a current New York State employee with one year or more of permanent, contingent-permanent, or 55b/c service as a Fire & Safety Representative and eligible for transfer under Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law.
NOTE: Employees on the Civil Service eligible list will be considered. If you are on the eligible list and not reachable, you may be eligible for another appointment method. You are encouraged to access GOT-IT on the Career Mobility website (careermobilityoffice.cs.ny.gov/cmo) to determine transfer eligibility.
Additional Comments NOTE: Support of operations during times of emergency and disaster from State Emergency Operations Center (EOC), state field offices and/or local deployments may be required, which would result in a change and/or increase in working hours, locations and/or duties.
NOTE ON TELECOMMUTING: Employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management to telecommute according to the agency's Telecommuting Program Guidelines.
This position is eligible for location pay of $4,000.
***This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. At a future date, it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in an NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) is an equal opportunity employer.
In accordance with the NYS Human Rights Law, DHSES does not discriminate based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status or status as a victim of domestic violence, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
DHSES is committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace and is committed to providing our programs and services without discrimination.
In support of Executive Order 31, all qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Name Human Resources/CZ
Telephone 518-486-5700
Fax 518-485-8432
Email Address HRresumes@dhses.ny.gov
Address
Street NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, HRM
1220 Washington Ave., Bldg 7A, 5th Floor
City Albany
State NY
Zip Code 12226
Notes on Applying Please submit a resume and cover letter detailing how you meet the minimum qualifications. Indicate the Position Title & Vacancy ID 222058 in the subject line of your application email to HRresumes@dhses.ny.gov.