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Summer Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Hutchinson

Firefighter

Hutchinson, KS · On-site

$18.47 - $21.68/hr

... summer and winter storms, drought and high winds. HFD has 89 uniformed members and 1 civilian ... The firefighter is primarily responsible for performing emergency response services including fire ...

City of Hutchinson, Kansas

Firefighter

Hutchinson, KS

... summer and winter storms, drought and high winds. HFD has 89 uniformed members and 1 civilian ... The firefighter is primarily responsible for performing emergency response services including fire ...

City of Hutchinson

Firefighter

Hutchinson, KS · On-site

$18.47 - $21.68/hr

... summer and winter storms, drought and high winds. HFD has 89 uniformed members and 1 civilian ... The firefighter is primarily responsible for performing emergency response services including fire ...

The Nature Conservancy

Wildland Fire Fellow

Carterville, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $18.25/hr

... summer, and training opportunities throughout the year. This is a full-time (35+ hours a week ... Must be able to obtain the qualifications for Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ...

Nature

Wildland Fire Fellow

Carterville, IL

$22/hr

... summer, and training opportunities throughout the year. This is a full-time (35+ hours a week ... Must be able to obtain the qualifications for Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ...

Jack's Pool Water

Water Truck Driver

Anderson, IN · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Dependable and customer-friendly attitude Great for: * retired CDL drivers, * farmers/ag workers, * firefighters/EMS, * school bus drivers on summer break, * and drivers wanting a break from over-t ...

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All JobsSummer Firefighter Jobs

Summer Firefighter information

See salary details

$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do summer firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for summer 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.

Is 27 too late to be a firefighter?

Firefighter roles typically do not have an upper age limit, and many departments accept applicants in their late 20s and beyond. Physical fitness, training, and meeting certification requirements are more important factors than age, so being 27 is generally not too late to pursue a firefighter position.

What are some common challenges faced by summer firefighters, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Summer firefighters often face physically demanding conditions such as high temperatures, long shifts, and rapidly changing fire behavior. New hires should be prepared for extended periods outdoors, strenuous activity, and the need to work closely with a tight-knit team under stressful circumstances. Building strong physical fitness, learning to communicate effectively, and becoming familiar with wildfire safety protocols can help new firefighters adapt successfully to these challenges.

Can you be a firefighter just for the summer?

Summer firefighter positions are often temporary roles filled during peak fire season, allowing individuals to work for a limited period. These roles typically require basic firefighting training and certifications, and they focus on wildfire suppression and emergency response during the summer months.

What is the difference between Summer Firefighter vs Wildland Firefighter?

AspectSummer FirefighterWildland Firefighter
CertificationsBasic firefighting training, CPR, First AidBasic firefighting training, S-130/190, First Aid
Work EnvironmentTemporary summer positions, urban and rural areasWildland terrains, forests, national parks
Employer & IndustryFire departments, summer programsForest services, federal agencies

Summer Firefighters typically work during the summer season in various environments, focusing on fire suppression and prevention. Wildland Firefighters specialize in fighting fires in forested and wildland areas, often requiring specific certifications like S-130/190. While both roles involve firefighting skills, Wildland Firefighters usually work in more remote, natural settings and may have longer deployments. Understanding these differences helps candidates choose the right path based on their certifications and preferred work environment.

What Does a Summer Firefighter Do?

The job duties of a summer firefighter involve fighting fires from June through August. This seasonal firefighting position typically focuses on forest fires and wildfires, which are also known as wildland fires. The Summer months are typically very dry, so wildfire risk is high, and fire departments need extra support. Your responsibilities include working with a team of firefighters to extinguish or control wildfires and working on controlled burns that eliminate flammable landscape from the path of a wildfire. You typically handle your firefighting responsibilities as part of a federal or state firefighting operation. This position is temporary, and employment coincides with wildfire season in the region where you work.

What is the 7k rule for firefighters?

The 7k rule for firefighters refers to a guideline that limits the number of personnel or resources allocated to certain emergency responses to ensure safety and efficiency. It often relates to staffing levels, equipment deployment, or operational procedures during firefighting efforts. Adherence to such rules helps maintain effective incident management and safety protocols.

What are Summer Firefighters?

Summer Firefighters are seasonal workers who help fight and prevent wildfires during the peak fire season, typically in the summer months. They work for government agencies, such as the U.S. Forest Service or state forestry departments, and are trained to suppress fires, create fire breaks, and protect property and natural resources. In addition to firefighting, they may also assist with fire prevention education, equipment maintenance, and recovery efforts after fires. These positions are physically demanding and often involve working in challenging outdoor conditions for extended periods.

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

To thrive as a Summer Firefighter, you need physical fitness, basic firefighting knowledge, and completion of fire training programs or certifications such as wildland fire training (e.g., S-130/S-190). Familiarity with firefighting tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), radios, and emergency response protocols is required. Teamwork, quick decision-making, and resilience under pressure are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensuring safety, effective response to fire emergencies, and successful collaboration in high-risk outdoor environments.

Can firefighters make $100,000?

Firefighters, including summer firefighters, typically earn less than $100,000 annually. In some regions with higher pay scales or overtime, experienced firefighters can approach or exceed this amount, but it is uncommon for entry-level or seasonal positions to reach that salary level.
More about Summer Firefighter jobs
What cities are hiring for Summer Firefighter jobs? Cities with the most Summer Firefighter job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Firefighter jobs? The most popular types of Firefighter jobs are:
What states have the most Summer Firefighter jobs? States with the most job openings for Summer Firefighter jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Summer Firefighter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Firefighter jobs are:
Summer Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Firefighter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
Firefighter/EMT and Firefighter/Paramedic

Firefighter/EMT and Firefighter/Paramedic

Town of Falmouth

Falmouth, MA • On-site

$28.76 - $32.37/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

The Town of Falmouth welcomes applications from motivated, service-oriented individuals for the positions of Firefighter/EMT and Firefighter/Paramedic with the Falmouth Fire Rescue Department. Prior firefighting experience is preferred but not required. Applicants must possess a current Massachusetts EMT basic or paramedic certification or have the ability to obtain Massachusetts certification through reciprocity. The Town provides Massachusetts Firefighting Academy training and comprehensive on-the-job instruction to successful candidates.

These are stable, full-time, year-round, positions that work a rotating schedule of 24 hours on duty (7 a.m. to 7 a.m.), 24 hours off duty, 24 hours on duty, followed by five (5) consecutive days off, providing work-life balance while delivering essential public safety services to one of Cape Cod’s largest and busiest communities with a year-round population of 32,500 that triples during the summer season. Applicants must be able to work scheduled shifts that fall on holidays and work more than 24 consecutive hours during major emergencies, severe weather events, and for other operational needs.

The Falmouth Fire Rescue Department is a progressive, full-service fire suppression and prevention, rescue, emergency medical services (EMS), hazardous materials response, and emergency management agency comprised of six (6) stations and more than 100 personnel. Our department is committed to professionalism, teamwork, continuous learning, exceptional customer service, and operational excellence.

As a non-Civil Service fire department, Falmouth offers a streamlined hiring process and welcomes applications from both newly certified EMTs beginning their fire service careers and experienced Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics seeking lateral employment opportunities.

Under the direction of a Shift Commander, Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics perform duties including, but not limited to:

  • Responding to fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical, hazardous materials, technical rescue, and other emergency incidents;
  • Providing Basic Life Support (EMTs) or Advanced Life Support (Paramedics) in accordance with Massachusetts certification requirements, department protocols, and applicable medical direction;
  • Performing structural firefighting, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage, overhaul, fire prevention, and related emergency response activities;
  • Operating fire apparatus, ambulances, pumps, ladders, hydraulic rescue tools, specialized rescue equipment, and other emergency response equipment;
  • Assessing, treating, stabilizing, and transporting patients while preparing accurate patient care documentation;
  • Participating in fire inspections, public education initiatives, emergency preparedness activities, drills, training exercises, and continuing professional development;
  • Inspecting, testing, cleaning, and maintaining firefighting, EMS, rescue, station, and other emergency equipment to ensure operational readiness;
  • Working cooperatively with colleagues, regional public safety agencies, healthcare providers, and other community partners during emergency incidents and planned events; and
  • Performing all other related duties as assigned.

These positions involve strenuous physical work performed in hazardous and unpredictable environments requiring excellent physical conditioning, sound judgment, professionalism, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under stressful and rapidly changing conditions. Duties are performed in all weather conditions and may involve exposure to fire, smoke, hazardous materials, traumatic events, infectious diseases, serious illnesses and injuries, extreme temperatures, confined spaces, heights, and other dangerous environments.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of application;
  • Possess a high school diploma or equivalent;
  • Possess a valid, unrestricted Massachusetts driver's license;
  • Applicants must possess a current Massachusetts EMT Basic certification or have the ability to obtain Massachusetts certification through reciprocity; and
  • Be a non-tobacco user, in compliance with Massachusetts law regarding tobacco use for firefighters.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Massachusetts paramedic certification or have the ability to obtain Massachusetts certification through reciprocity;
  • Firefighter I/II certification;
  • Associate or bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management, Public Administration, or a related field;
  • Experience providing emergency medical services; and
  • Strong communication, teamwork, and customer service skills.

Applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment must successfully complete a comprehensive employment and criminal background investigation, Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, Physical Abilities Test (PAT), medical examination, psychological examination, and drug screening.

Previous firefighting experience is not required. Experienced Firefighter/EMTs, Firefighter/Paramedics, and newly certified Massachusetts EMTs are all encouraged to apply. Once hired, recruits who are not already certified Massachusetts firefighters must successfully complete the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program. The Town provides Academy tuition, required equipment, and lodging near the assigned Academy campus during Academy training.

The successful candidate is highly motivated and committed to public service, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, compassion, adaptability, sound judgment, and teamwork. Candidates must communicate effectively, perform strenuous physical work in hazardous environments, remain calm under pressure, quickly learn and apply complex technical skills, and establish positive working relationships with coworkers, other public safety agencies, healthcare professionals, patients, and members of the public.

Starting Hourly Rate:

Firefighter/EMT: Step 1: $28.76/hour*
Firefighter/Paramedic: Step 1: $32.37/hour*

Experienced Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics may be appointed above Step 1, commensurate with qualifications and experience and consistent with the collective bargaining agreement.

*Rates will be updated for FY27 upon ratification of a Collective Bargaining Agreement Successor Agreement.

Comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Town-paid Massachusetts Firefighting Academy training;
  • $6,000 educational incentive for Firefighter/EMTs who successfully complete a department-approved paramedic program, subject to the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement;
  • Town contribution of up to 75% of health insurance premiums;
  • Dental, vision, life insurance, and disability insurance;
  • Massachusetts defined benefit pension plan;
  • Voluntary pre-tax and Roth 457(b) retirement savings plans;
  • Vacation, sick leave, personal leave, and paid holidays in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement;
  • Vacation buy-back provision;
  • Uniform allowance;
  • Educational incentives, including reimbursement for approved Fire Science coursework; and
  • Ongoing professional development and specialized fire and EMS training.

Preference Date to Apply: Monday, July 27, 2026 by 4:30 p.m. The positions will remain open until filled, but candidates who apply by the above date and time will be given preference over later applications. Applicants are required to upload a cover letter and resume to the online application portal.

How to Apply: Please apply directly via FirefighterApp at https://www.firefighterapp.com/Town-of-Falmouth-Rescue-MA-Firefighter-Jobs/6587/

About the Town of Falmouth as an Employer: The Town of Falmouth is a people-centered municipality committed to public service excellence. We strive to foster an inclusive and supportive work culture grounded in professionalism, collaboration, and accountability, and we invest in our employees through ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. The Town offers competitive compensation, and benefit-eligible positions offer comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance and other valuable benefits, and include participation in the Town's pension plan. All applicants must be able to interact and work effectively and respectfully with individuals and groups of various abilities, cultures, backgrounds, ages, and identities.

Company Description

Located on the southwest tip of Cape Cod, Falmouth is a vibrant coastal community comprised of eight villages and seven historic districts. With a year-round population of approximately 32,500 that nearly triples during the summer season, Falmouth offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, historic charm, civic engagement, and organizational excellence. The Town strives to be a premier Cape community that provides a responsive, accessible, and inclusive environment for all.