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National Guard Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FIREFIGHTER

Syracuse, NY · On-site +1

$40K - $59K/yr

This National Guard position is for a FIREFIGHTER, Position Description NumberT6315000 and is part of the 174TH ATKW, National Guard. This vacancy does not meet the criteria for appointment of ...

FIREFIGHTER

Syracuse, NY · On-site +1

$40K - $59K/yr

This National Guard position is for a FIREFIGHTER, Position Description NumberT6315000 and is part of the 174TH ATKW, National Guard. This vacancy does not meet the criteria for appointment of ...

LEAD FIREFIGHTER

Syracuse, NY · On-site +1

$55K - $72K/yr

Summary THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION. This National Guard position is for a LEAD FIREFIGHTER, Position Description Number T6308000 and is part of the 174TH ATKW ...

FIREFIGHTER

Newington, NH · On-site +1

$51K - $66K/yr

This National Guard position is for a FIREFIGHTER, Position Description Number NGT5527000 and is part of the 157 Air Refueling Wing at Pease Air National Guard Base. Learn more about this agency ...

FIREFIGHTER

Newington, NH · On-site

$51K/yr

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION. This National Guard position is for a FIREFIGHTER, Position Description Number NGT5527000 and is part of the 157 Air Refueling Wing at ...

FIREFIGHTER

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$40K/yr

This National Guard position is for a FIREFIGHTER, Position Description NumberT6315000 and is part of the 174TH ATKW, National Guard. This vacancy does not meet the criteria for appointment of ...

FIREFIGHTER

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$40K/yr

This National Guard position is for a FIREFIGHTER, Position Description NumberT6315000 and is part of the 174TH ATKW, National Guard. This vacancy does not meet the criteria for appointment of ...

The Air National Guard Fire Protection Activities (ANGFPA) Program is implemented in accordance ... The Airport Firefighter 1 Trainee (APFF1T) will have 11 months to complete all the required ...

Open to current enlisted members of the Idaho Air National Guard qualified as AFSC 3E731/3E751 or ... Incumbent drives and operates firefighting vehicles and responds to the presence or the potential ...

Firefighter Driver-Operator

Boise, ID · On-site

$18.78 - $23.71/hr

Open to current enlisted members of the Idaho Air National Guard qualified as AFSC 3E731/3E751 or ... Incumbent drives and operates firefighting vehicles and responds to the presence or the potential ...

The Air National Guard Fire Protection Activities (ANGFPA) Program is implemented in accordance ... The Airport Firefighter 1 Trainee (APFF1T) will have 11 months to complete all the required ...

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Showing results 1-20

National Guard Firefighter information

See salary details

$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do national guard firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for national guard 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 National Guard firefighter?

National Guard Firefighters are trained professionals who serve in the National Guard and are responsible for fire prevention, suppression, and emergency response both on military installations and during domestic emergencies. Their duties include responding to fires, hazardous material incidents, and natural disasters, as well as providing rescue and medical assistance. They undergo specialized training to handle a wide range of emergencies and often support both military and civilian communities during times of crisis.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a National Guard firefighter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a National Guard Firefighter, you need strong physical fitness, fire suppression training, emergency medical response skills, and completion of military firefighter training such as the Department of Defense Firefighter Certification. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, hazardous materials handling, and systems like the Incident Command System (ICS) is critical. Outstanding teamwork, stress management, and effective communication are essential soft skills for excelling in high-pressure emergency scenarios. These abilities ensure rapid, coordinated responses to emergencies, protecting lives and property within both military and civilian contexts.

What are some common challenges faced by National Guard firefighters during training and deployments?

National Guard Firefighters often face the challenge of balancing civilian careers or education with rigorous training schedules and sudden deployments. They must quickly adapt to different environments, ranging from domestic emergencies to military operations, which requires strong teamwork and communication skills. Additionally, they need to maintain high physical fitness standards and stay current with evolving firefighting techniques and safety protocols, often while working with limited resources compared to full-time municipal departments.

What is the difference between National Guard Firefighter vs Civilian Firefighter?

AspectNational Guard FirefighterCivilian Firefighter
Required CertificationsFirefighter I & II, EMT, National Guard-specific trainingFirefighter I & II, EMT, state or local certifications
Work EnvironmentMilitary facilities, emergency response, training exercisesMunicipal fire departments, urban/rural communities
Employer & IndustryU.S. Army National Guard, governmentLocal government, fire departments

National Guard Firefighters and Civilian Firefighters share similar certifications and respond to fire emergencies. However, National Guard Firefighters serve within the military structure, often participating in training exercises and responding to emergencies as part of the armed forces, while Civilian Firefighters work for local agencies focusing on community safety. Both roles require similar skills but differ in employment context and operational scope.

Does the National Guard have a fire department?

The National Guard includes firefighting units that support emergency response and disaster relief efforts, often working alongside local fire departments. These units may be part of state or federal missions and require specialized training and certifications. However, the National Guard itself is not a dedicated fire department for civilian fire suppression in regular communities.
More about National Guard Firefighter jobs

What cities are hiring for National Guard Firefighter jobs?

Cities with the most National Guard Firefighter job openings:

What states have the most National Guard Firefighter jobs?

States with the most job openings for National Guard Firefighter jobs include:

What job categories do people searching National Guard Firefighter jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for National Guard Firefighter jobs are:

Infographic showing various National Guard Firefighter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

$40K - $59K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Air National Guard rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.
This National Guard position is for a FIREFIGHTER, Position Description NumberT6315000 and is part of the 174TH ATKW, National Guard.
This vacancy does not meet the criteria for appointment of annuitants.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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As a FIREFIGHTER (CREW CHIEF-DRIVER OPERATOR), GS-0081-05/06, you will serve as a firefighter assigned to drive and operate firefighting vehicles of significant complexity and lead the regularly assigned crew of less than three firefighters engaged in structural and airfield firefighting and crash/rescue operations and assist in the reduction and/or elimination of potential fire hazards.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
  • May be required to successfully complete a two year trial period.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • Employee must participate in a mandatory physical fitness testing program.
  • Employee must meet medical standards IAW OPM GS-0081 Series and DoD Manual 6055.5.
  • Employee is required to use all safety equipment and clothing provided by management.
  • The employee is required to work a 72-hour week on a 24 hour on/24 hour off basis which includes weekends and holidays. May be subject to recall.
  • This is a Testing Designated Position. The employee is subject to random drug testing (IAW HQ-USAF letter dated 29 Jan 90).
  • This position requires the employee to work under adverse environmental conditions and falls under the respiratory protection program and hearing conservation program.
  • The work requires the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver's license is required.
  • Position requires the ability to discern colors, contrast, and depth.
  • May be required to work the Fire Alarm and Communications Center (FACC).
  • May be required to participate on Hazardous Materials Teams (HAZMAT).
  • May be required to perform duties associated with the operation of aircraft arresting barrier equipment.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate clearance designated at the State through the use of the Position Designation Tool.
  • The maximum entry age for this position is 37 years old.

Qualifications
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
GS-0081-05:

Experience that demonstrated the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position. Such duties may include (1) controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade; (2) rescue operations; (3) detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards; (4) operation of fire communications equipment; (5) controlling hazardous materials incidents; (6) developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention; (7) firefighting and fire prevention theory and techniques; (8) fixed and mobile firefighting equipment operation; (9) planning, directing, or carrying out fire protection and prevention programs and operations and/or (10) performing emergency medical services.
GS-0081-06:
Must have at least 12 months experience, education or training in one or more of the following areas: (1) Controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade. (2) Rescue operations. (3) Detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards. (4) Operation of fire communications equipment. (5) Controlling hazardous materials incidents. (6) Developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention (7) Firefighting and fire prevention theory and techniques; (8) Fixed and mobile firefighting equipment operation. (9) Planning, directing, or carrying out fire protection and prevention programs and operations and/or (10) Performing emergency medical services. Must have 12 months experience driving and operating firefighting vehicles, such as pumpers, aerial ladder trucks, and Airport Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles. Experience leading a crew in the operation of pumps, foam generators, extended waterways, ground sweep nozzles, and other similar equipment. Experience performing and directing assigned crew in the performance of crash/rescue and firefighting duties at airfields handling large or complex aircraft (e.g., fighters, bombers, cargo, passenger).
Applicants who meet one of the DoD Priority Placement Program (PPP) categories below are eligible to apply with this preference. (See Required Documents section)
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Employees
  • Priority Placement Program, Military Spouse Preference (MSP)

Education
If applying for the GS-05, Employee is required to be certified or obtain the certifications within 6 months of appointment by the DoD Firefighter Certification System as Airport Firefighter (includes Firefighter I, II), Hazmat Operations (includes Hazmat Awareness), Apparatus Driver Operator- Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Apparatus Driver Operator- Pumper.
If applying for the GS-06, GS 06 APPLICANTS MUST provide proof of DoD Firefighter Certification System as Airport Firefighter (includes Firefighter I, II), Hazmat Operations (includes Hazmat Awareness), Apparatus Driver Operator- Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Apparatus Driver Operator- Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator- Aerial*, Apparatus Driver Operator- Mobile Water Supply (MWS)*.
*Note: Required if Aerial and/or MWS is assigned.
You must provide Official Transcripts as documentation to support your educational claims. To receive credit for Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Education requirements for this position.
Additional information
If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov)).
This position is indefinite without the potential to convert to permanent. Employees hired under indefinite appointments may not exceed 5 years (consecutive) time with the agency. The applicant selected may be released at any time subject to a 30-day notice and advised of his/her rights and benefits to which entitled. If a permanent employee accepts this indefinite position, their tenure will change from permanent to indefinite.
ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Special Retirement Provisions Authority: One of the following apply:
- FERS
Position covered as rigorous under the FERS special retirement provisions for Federal firefighters [5 U.S.C. 8401(14), 5 U.S.C. 8412(d), and 5 CFR 842.802]. Authority, Under Secretary of Defense Memo, dated 30 December 2004
This position is designated as Essential Personnel and may be subject to duty in preparation for, or in response to, a state emergency or disaster declaration. This designation will not exceed 14 calendar days per year unless otherwise approved in advance by the TAG.
Employees in positions, involving firefighting duties or other duties involving arduous physical exertion, may be subject to periodic (e.g., annual) medical examinations following appointment to determine fitness for continued performance of the duties of the position.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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