1

National Guard Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Nottoway, VA · On-site

$45K - $53K/yr

Firefighter State Role Title: Fire Fighters Hiring Range: $45,000 - $53,500 Pay Band: 3 Agency ... National Guard, the Virginia Air Guard, and the Virginia Defense Force in order to ensure their ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

The Air National Guard Fire Protection Activities (ANGFPA) Program is implemented in accordance ... firefighting, Air Force and agency standards." Incumbents of this position are considered essential ...

The Air National Guard Fire Protection Activities (ANGFPA) Program is implemented in accordance ... firefighting, Air Force and agency standards." Incumbents of this position are considered essential ...

The Air National Guard Fire Protection Activities (ANGFPA) Program is implemented in accordance ... firefighting, Air Force and agency standards." Incumbents of this position are considered essential ...

next page

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 Jun 12, 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.

How much do Air National Guard firefighters make?

Air National Guard firefighters typically earn a salary based on military pay grades, with annual pay ranging from approximately $30,000 to $60,000 depending on rank, experience, and years of service. They may also receive additional benefits such as housing allowances, health insurance, and retirement options, and often work part-time while maintaining civilian careers or education commitments.

What are National Guard Firefighters?

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.

Can a job fire you for being in the National Guard?

National Guard firefighters are protected by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), which prohibits most employers from firing or discriminating against employees due to their military service. Employers must rehire service members after leave and cannot retaliate against them for their Guard duties, provided the service does not cause undue hardship. However, if a firefighter commits misconduct or violates job policies, they can be disciplined or terminated like any other employee, regardless of military status.

Does the National Guard help with firefighting?

National Guard firefighters are trained to assist with firefighting efforts during emergencies, especially in times of natural disasters or large-scale fires. They often work alongside local agencies, providing support such as fire suppression, rescue operations, and logistics, and may be called upon to respond quickly with specialized equipment and training. Their involvement depends on the situation and coordination with state and federal agencies.

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.

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.

Can I join the National Guard as a firefighter?

Yes, the National Guard offers firefighter positions that require meeting age, education, and physical fitness standards. Candidates typically need to complete basic training and obtain relevant certifications such as firefighter I and II, and may be required to work in emergency response environments on a part-time basis.

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.
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:
Infographic showing various National Guard Firefighter job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
FIREFIGHTER

FIREFIGHTER

Air National Guard Units

Newington, NH • On-site, Remote

$51K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Air National Guard rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 46 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 Number NGT5527000 and is part of the 157 Air Refueling Wing at Pease Air National Guard Base.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
As a FIREFIGHTER (DRIVER-OPERATOR) (TITLE 5), GS-0081-6, you will drive and operate firefighting vehicles, such as pumpers, water tankers and Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles.
Major Duties - This is NOT an all-inclusive list:
Drive and operate firefighting vehicles, such as pumpers, water tankers, and Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles.
Drive to the scene of the fire following a predetermined route or selecting an alternate when necessary and positions vehicle considering factors, such as wind direction, sources of water, hazards from falling structures, location of armament of aircraft, etc.
Operate pumps, foam generators, boom and ground sweep nozzles, and other similar equipment.
Perform crash/rescue and firefighting duties at airfields handling predominantly large or complex aircraft (e.g. fighters, bombers, cargo, and passenger).
Perform standby duty during aircraft refueling and defueling, engine maintenance and testing, welding and burning on fueled and/or armed aircraft, ammunition handling, or other special circumstances.
Direct water through turrets and handlines to cool weapons and ammunitions during rescue.
Operate or deactivate specialized mechanisms and systems, such as hatch or canopy release mechanisms, ejection seat mechanisms, or oxygen supply systems.
Perform structural firefighting duties for a variety of facilities which may include research and/or large industrial complexes.
Perform pre-fire planning by physically going through structures to become familiar with the layout, fire hazards, and location of fixed fire protection systems.
Participates in controlling and extinguishing fires by operating hoses, ladders, and hydrants.
Maintain firefighting equipment and fire station facilities.
NOTE: The Salary Range indicated in this announcement is for the basic GS pay scale and is not reflective of special firefighter pay for the applicable tour of duty.
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • All positions require a security clearance and drug testing. Applicants must possess or be able to obtain at the appropriate clearance within one year of appointment. Applicants must pass a drug test prior to appointment.
  • Must be certified by the DoD Firefighter Certification system as Airport Firefighter, HAZAMT Operations, Apparatus Driver Operator-Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Apparatus Driver Operator - Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator - Mobile Water Supply.
  • May be required to work over the standard tour of duty, overtime must be approved by the supervisor and Finance.
  • May require an approval of an age waiver based on requirements of the position.
  • This position is subject to recall aft er normal duty hours and is subject to an uncommon tour of duty: 72 hours work per week (144 hours per pay period) which includes evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations.
  • Must be able to pass pre-appointment and subsequent periodic medical examinations IAW DoD 6055.5M to determine fitness for continued performance of the duties of the position.
  • This position requires employees wear of a uniform and appropriate safety apparel in accordance with established policies and procedures.
  • This position has been designated "Essential Personnel" and may be subject to duty in preparation for, in response to, a state emergency or disaster declaration.
  • Will be required to work other than normal duty hours/rotating shifts
  • Valid State driver's license is required.
  • Must have all certifications for Firefighter, HazMat Operations, Airport Firefighter
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • Must possess and maintain current National Registry Emergency Responder and obtain a State of NH Providers license

Qualifications
GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Must possess work experience or military service that demonstrated the ability to follow directions and to read, understand, and retain a variety of instructions, regulations, and procedures and that otherwise demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position as a firefighter.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Must possess one-year specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
(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 and/or (6) developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention.
Must possess experience as a firefighter engaged in airfield and structural firefighting.
The incumbent of this position must be certified by the DoD Firefighter Certification system or equivalent as Airport Firefighter (Includes Firefighter I, II), HAZAMT Operations (Includes HAZMAT Awareness), Apparatus Driver Operator-Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Apparatus Driver Operator - Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator - Mobile Water Supply. Must possess and maintain current National Registry Emergency Responder and obtain a State of NH Providers license.
Verbiage displayed on your resume or application must contain your own words. You may refer to position descriptions, i.e. the general and specialized experience located within the vacancy announcement, to assist with describing work experiences; however, resumes or applications received in verbatim will not be considered. In your resume you will need to address the general and specialized experience listed above. Please use as much detail as needed, giving dates (months and years) of the experience, position title and how the experience was gained. This information is needed to determine if you are qualified for the position.
Education
Must be certified by the DoD Firefighter Certification system or equivalent as Airport Firefighter (Includes Firefighter I, II), HAZAMT Operations (Includes HAZMAT Awareness), Apparatus Driver Operator-Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Apparatus Driver Operator - Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator - Mobile Water Supply. Must possess and maintain current National Registry Emergency Responder and obtain a State of NH Providers license.
Must upload proof of certifications. Failure to upload information will result in applicant not being considered for the 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 (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).
VETERANS PREFERENCE
You must provide legible copy/copies of the following: DD-214 (member 4 copy), "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," showing all dates of service, as well as character of service (Honorable, General, etc.) or Statement of Service/Proof of Service (in lieu of a DD-214) from your command or local Personnel Support Detachment (PSD). The Statement of Service/Proof of Service must provide all dates of service, the expected date of discharge (must be within 120 days of discharge) and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). Veterans should upload their DD-214 once they receive it upon separation.
ARE YOU A DISABLED VETERAN or CLAIMING 10-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE?
Disabled veterans, veterans, widows, spouses or the mother of a veteran, who are eligible for 10-point veterans' preference, are required to provide legible copies of all supporting documentation to validate your claim of Veterans Preference eligibility with your application at the time of submission.
ARE YOU AN ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBER? Active Duty Service Members are required to submit a statement of service printed on command letterhead and signed by the command. The statement of service must provide the branch of service, rate/rank, all dates of service, the expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). The statement of service must be submitted with the application packet. Service members expected discharge or release from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions must be within 120 days after the statement of service is submitted by the applicant.
A certification letter/statement of service must be submitted with the application packet. Service members expected discharge or release from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions must be within 120 days after the certification letter/statement of service is submitted by the applicant. The certification letter/statement of service should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service.
Hiring an applicant who retired from Active Duty (includes AGR) for T5 NG Employee positions. In accordance with DOD Instruction 1402.01 (Employment of Retired Members of the Armed Forces), a retired member of an active duty component cannot be hired for civilian positions in the competitive and excepted service within 180 days of retirement unless an approved waiver is accomplished prior to official start date.
This position is covered under Special Retirement Coverage (SRC) as stated in the Position Description.
Expand Hide additional information
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.

What Air National Guard employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom