Salary : $45,395.17 Annually
Location : Central Fire Station 130 Island Road, Kingsport, TN
Job Type: Full Time Regular
Job Number: 2026-4-1
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 04/01/2026
Closing Date: 5/31/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
PurposeThe Firefighter is responsible for protecting life and property through firefighting, emergency response, emergency medical, and rescue operations. This position involves participation in training, equipment maintenance, and public education activities. Employees must meet required certifications within established timeframes and demonstrate a commitment to serving the community with professionalism and integrity.
Essential Functions- Respond to fire alarms, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, and other emergency calls.
- Operate fire suppression and emergency medical equipment safely and effectively.
- Perform fire suppression activities, including laying hose, setting ladders, and using firefighting tools.
- Provide basic and advanced emergency medical care within the scope of certification (EMT-B and
EMT-A).
- Conduct search and rescue operations for victims in hazardous conditions.
- Maintain fire apparatus, tools, equipment, and facilities in clean and serviceable condition.
- Participate in drills, training sessions, and ongoing education to maintain and upgrade firefighting and EMS skills.
- Assist in fire prevention activities, including pre-fire planning, hydrant testing, and public education programs.
- Prepare accurate and timely reports related to incident response, medical care, and equipment use.
- Perform physical training to maintain required fitness levels.
- Communicate effectively with the public and other emergency services personnel.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by command staff.
Qualifications- Knowledge of fire suppression, hazardous material control, rescue techniques, and basic emergency medical care methods.
- Ability to understand and interpret statutes, ordinances, and safety protocols.
- Ability to operate specialized tools and apparatus used in firefighting and emergency response.
- Strong communication skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Ability to work effectively with colleagues, public safety personnel, and the general public.
Education and Experience- High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
- Must obtain Firefighter I and EMT-Basic (EMT-B) certifications within twelve (12) months of employment.
- Must obtain Firefighter II and EMT-Advanced (EMT-A) certifications within twenty-four (24) months of employment.
- Must maintain a valid State of Tennessee or Virginia Driver's License.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform the essential physical functions of the job, including lifting, climbing, running, crawling, and operating in high-stress and hazardous environments. Requires use of respiratory protection and frequent operation in extreme weather conditions.
Working Conditions: Exposure to extreme weather, hazardous environments, smoke, fire, chemicals, biological hazards, and loud noise levels. Requires regular use of SCBA, turnout gear, and EMS PPE. Demands high physical and mental readiness during emergency response situations.
Preferred Qualifications:- Prior experience in fire or emergency medical services roles.
- Completion of an IFSAC or Pro Board-approved Firefighter I and/or II certification program.
- Familiarity with NFPA standards and local emergency protocols.
- Associate degree in a fire-related field.
- EMT-Advanced or Paramedic certification.
Compensation will be determined based on the candidate's relevant experience, certifications, and qualifications, with additional pay consideration for advanced credentials.
The City of Kingsport does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations.
RETIREMENT- TCRS Hybrid Plan: Participation is mandatory. No waiting period. Plan is a combination of a defined benefit plan and a defined contribution plan. The defined benefit plan consists of a 5% mandatory contribution from the employee and a 4% employer contribution. Employee is also auto-enrolled at 2 % in the defined contribution plan with the City contributing 5%. Employee has the option to increase or decrease his/her defined contribution percentage.
VACATION: Vacation accrual is based upon your length of service with the Ctiy Of Kingsport. New employees will receive upon hire date one (1) week vacation, and will accrue 6.67 hours per month with the exception of Firefighters who accrue 12 hours per month. Vacation is available for use as it is earned.
HOLIDAYS: The City of Kingsport offers 12 paid Holidays per year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr., Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Floating Holiday (1 day). There is no eligibility period to qualify for Holiday pay.
SICK HOURS: Employees accrue eight (8) sick hours at the end of each month worked. Sick hours may be used for personal or immediate family illness up to a maximum of 1040 hours per calendar year. In addition, sick hours may also be applied toward early retirement (see TCRS rules for retirement for further information).
LIFE INSURANCE: The City of Kingsport provides all full time employees Term Life Insurance at no cost. The coverage amount is equal to one (1) times your annual base salary.
SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE INSURANCE (optional):- Full time employees also have the option to elect Supplemental Life Insurance coverage at an additional one (1) times their annual base salary. Rates are based upon your age and annual salary.
DEPENDENT LIFE INSURANCE (optional): Full time employees can elect Term Life insurance for their dependents at either $5,000 or $10,000 amounts. The cost elect coverage for their dependents at $.64 per pay period for $5000; $1.28 per pay period for $10,000.
LONG TERM DISABILITY (optional): Carrier is MetLife. Monthly premium cost is shared 50/50 by employee/City. Eligible after 90 days of employment. Covers 60% of your monthly earnings up to a maximum of $7,500.00. Pays until you are approved for social security disability or until you return to work. Benefits begin after 120 days of consecutive disability
HEALTH INSURANCE (optional): Carrier is BCBST, network S.Full time employees have the option to select from two (2) plans (Standard Plan and Basic Plan). Premium cost is shared by employee/City.
EMPLOYEE HEALTH CLINIC: Provider is Premise Health. Confidential. Available to employees/dependents who are covered under the City's health care plans (BCBST). Clinic treats both acute and chronic conditions and can prescribe medications, provide annual physicals, health coaching, lab work, and much more. No co-pays, no deductibles, and no cost for select generic medications dispensed on-site.
DENTAL INSURANCE (optional): Carrier is Delta Dental. Premium cost is paid by employee. Annual maximum coverage of $1,000 per member which increases by $100 per year up to a maximum of $1,500 provided member has at least one preventative procedure performed each plan year.
VISION INSURANCE (optional): Carrier is Davis Vision. Premium cost is paid by employee. Annual eye exams, lenses and lens upgrades, frames, contacts.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT (optional): Carrier is Flores. Contribution amounts are pre-tax. Healthcare and Dependent Care options. Employees can contribute up to the allowed IRS maximum amounts. Healthcare rollover of up to $610 for plan year 2024.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: 2 programs: Ballad Health and Ulliance, Inc. Available to Full time employees. Provides confidential mental health and substance abuse services and much more.
EMPLOYEE PHYSICAL WELLNESS PROGRAM: Provider is Cora. Available to all regular full time and part time employees at no cost. Provides a regiment of treatment when employees experience minor musculoskeletal disorders due to life's everyday stresses and strains.
KINGSPORT AQUATIC CENTER: Free membership for full time employees elected in the City's medical plan. Discounted rates for employees and their family.
GYM MEMBERSHIPS (optional): City will reimburse 50% of individual membership rate each quarter. Reimbursement is based on an attendance requirement.
AIR MED (optional): Provider is AirMed. Memberships can be elected in 1, 3, 5, or 10 year increments. Provides air ambulance services for a life or limb threatening emergency to an emergency medical treatment facility.
ACCIDENT INSURANCE (optional): Provider is Trustmark. Supplemental accident insurance that pays you cash directly to help pay for treatment for covered accidents.
CRITICAL ILLNESS INSURANCE (optional): Provider is The Standard. Insurance that helps cover out of pocket expenses associated with a serious illness. Helps fill the gaps caused by these out of pocket costs. Pays you for completing certain health screenings.
UNIVERSAL LIFE/LONG TERM CARE: (optional): Provider is Trustmark. Whole Life Insurance policy that includes a long-term care benefit that can help you pay for services at any age. Benefit never reduces due to age.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Full-time, non-probationary employees are eligible to request tuition reimbursement for courses that are work-related and improve the skills required by employees in their employment. Reimbursement will be provided after eligible expenses remaining are unpaid from other financial aid/assistance (scholarships/grants).
- Undergraduate Courses: up to $1,000 per employee per semester/$3,600 in a fiscal year
- Graduate Courses: up to $1,200 per employee per semester/$3,600 in a fiscal year