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Local Firefighter Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Job Duration: 6 Months Work Schedule: "Firemen's Rotation": Two 12 hour days (6:00am-6:00pm ... In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local ...

Local Firefighter information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$28.1K

$58.8K

$98.7K

How much do local firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for local firefighter in Rochester, NY is $58,812.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,900.00 and $68,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 much do local firefighters make?

The average annual salary for a local firefighter typically ranges from $40,000 to $70,000, depending on location, experience, and rank. Firefighters often work in shifts and may receive additional compensation for overtime, hazardous duty, or specialized training.

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.

Can a firefighter be on blood thinners?

Firefighters are often required to perform physically demanding tasks and may need to pass medical evaluations. Being on blood thinners can increase bleeding risk during emergencies or injuries, so firefighters on such medication should inform medical personnel and may need medical clearance to ensure safety on the job.

Is 27 too late to be a firefighter?

A firefighter can typically start training and qualify for the role at age 18 or older, and there is generally no upper age limit as long as physical fitness and health requirements are met. Being 27 is not considered too late to pursue a career as a firefighter, and many departments value maturity and life experience. Certification in firefighting and emergency medical services is usually required before employment.

What are local firefighters?

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.

How do you become a local firefighter?

To become a local firefighter, candidates typically need to meet age and education requirements, complete firefighter training programs, and obtain necessary certifications such as CPR and EMT. Many departments also require passing physical fitness tests and background checks before hiring.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Local Firefighter, and why are they important?

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 the most commonly searched types of Firefighter jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Firefighter jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Local Firefighter jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Local Firefighter job openings:
Infographic showing various Local Firefighter job openings in Rochester, NY as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 2% Full Time, 86% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,812 per year, or $28.3 per hour.
Fire Protection Specialist 1/Trainee 1/Trainee 2 (NY HELPS)

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

New York State

Rochester, NY

$53K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 178 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 50 rated states


Job description

Duties Description The incumbent of this position will report to the Investigations Branch within the Office of Office of Fire Prevention and Control. Duties include but are not limited to the following: This position will report the assigned Deputy Chief (DC) in the Investigations Branch. Conduct fire/arson investigations.

Prepare technical reports and other documents on findings for court proceedings and may testify as the State's technical expert. Implement fire investigation training curriculum and programs, to include course development and revision as well as course preparation and delivery. Respond to and provide assistance at incidents in response to requests as assigned under the Fire Investigation Technical Assistance Program.

Tasks include but are not limited to scene processing, conducting interviews, collection of evidence, report preparation, attendance at legal proceedings, and other requisite follow up. Physical activity including shoveling, lifting, and traversing uneven surfaces can be expected. Provide assistance to client group and administer various Branch programs including but not limited to; burn injury reporting, arson laboratory improvement program, criminal history inquiries, certification, and various special presentations.

Obtain and maintain certification and perform the duties and responsibilities of a New York State Peace Officer. 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. 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 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.


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