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Union Firefighter Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Fairwater

Third Mate - Tankers

Dania Beach, FL

East Coast, Gulf, West Coast, International Union : AMO Required Qualifications Languages: English ... The Third Mate must be knowledgeable in Firefighting and Lifesaving Equipment and operations. * The ...

All JobsUnion Firefighter JobsUnion Firefighter Jobs in Florida

Union Firefighter information

See Florida salary details

$21.3K

$44.5K

$74.7K

How much do union firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for union firefighter in Florida is $44,543.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,000.00 and $51,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a union firefighter?

Union firefighters are professional firefighters who are members of a labor union, such as the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). These unions represent their members in negotiations for better wages, benefits, working conditions, and safety standards. Union firefighters also benefit from legal representation, training opportunities, and collective bargaining power. Their unions advocate for workplace safety and support their members in disciplinary actions or disputes with employers.

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

Union Firefighters need strong physical fitness, emergency response knowledge, and relevant certifications such as Firefighter I/II and EMT or paramedic credentials. They regularly use firefighting equipment, breathing apparatus, rescue tools, and incident reporting systems. Teamwork, composure under pressure, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure firefighters can respond quickly and safely to emergencies, protect lives and property, and work cohesively within their department.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by union firefighters compared to non-union counterparts?

Union firefighters often benefit from collective bargaining agreements that provide job security, standardized pay, and clear grievance procedures. However, they may also face challenges such as adhering to strict union protocols and participating in union-related activities, which can add to their regular firefighting duties. Additionally, unionized environments can sometimes involve complex negotiations regarding shift schedules, promotions, and departmental changes, requiring firefighters to stay informed and actively engaged with union matters.

What is the difference between Union Firefighter vs Non-Union Firefighter?

AspectUnion FirefighterNon-Union Firefighter
CredentialsFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic licenseFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic license
Work EnvironmentCollective bargaining, union representationIndividual negotiation, less formal representation
Employment BenefitsNegotiated wages, benefits, job protectionsVariable wages, benefits depend on employer
Job SecurityHigher due to union protectionsLess job security, depends on employer policies

Union Firefighters typically benefit from collective bargaining, which secures better wages, benefits, and job protections. Non-Union Firefighters may have more flexibility but often face less job security and fewer negotiated benefits. Both roles require similar certifications and work in similar environments, but union status influences employment terms significantly.

How much do union firefighters get paid?

Union firefighters' salaries vary by location and experience, but the median annual pay in many regions ranges from $45,000 to $75,000. Experienced firefighters with additional certifications can earn higher wages, and many departments offer overtime, benefits, and pension plans.

Is 25 too late to be a union firefighter?

Union firefighters typically have minimum age requirements around 18 to 21, and there is generally no upper age limit for entry. Being 25 is not considered too late to start training and pursue a career as a firefighter, provided you meet physical and medical standards and complete the necessary certifications. Many departments value experience and maturity, making age less of a barrier for entry at 25.

What are the most commonly searched types of Firefighter jobs in Florida?

The most popular types of Firefighter jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Union Firefighter jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Union Firefighter job openings:

Union Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Union Firefighter job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $44,543 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Damage Control (DC) Firefighting Contractor Instructor (Job ID: 4481)

Valkyrie Enterprises

Great Lakes, IL • On-site

$27 - $28.51/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Damage Control (DC) Firefighting Contractor Instructor
Contingent Upon Customer Approval
Purpose:
  • Valkyrie Enterprises has a need for a Damage Control (DC) Firefighting Contractor Instructor who will be a key support to Surface Warfare Schools Command (SWSC) in Great Lakes, IL.
Job Description:
  • The DC Instructor will support SWSC and providing instruction, operation, testing, remediation, curriculum support (includes updates and maintenance of curriculum), administration, safety, and management support services for formalized naval training
  • Responsibilities include technical and military training, involving instructor services and remediation for DOD personnel, including Navy and Allied Forces officer and enlisted personnel, temporarily assigned to SWSC Great Lakes, IL for training.
Qualifications:
  • Must have a High School Diploma and at least 3 years of relevant experience.
  • Must be a graduate of the following courses:
    • Graduate of the Navy Instructor Training Course (CIN: A-012-0077) (NEC 9502) OR equivalent instructor training course.
    • General Shipboard Fire Fighting Training – Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) (A-495-0416).
    • Shipboard Damage Control Team Trainer (K-495-0045)
  • Must have at least 3 years technical experience in Damage Control.
  • Must have at least 2 years of experience in a Military Training Environment.
  • Must have strong knowledge of learning principles, methods of presentation, testing, remediation procedures, and training equipment.
  • Must have comprehensive knowledge of safety protocols, shipboard and aircraft fire fighting procedures, and shipboard damage control procedures.
  • Must be a former senior (E5 – E9) Surface Ship Damage Controlman or similar rating.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Navy Damage Controlman (CPO preferred) or Engineering Department Leader (EN, GS, EM, etc.) preferred.
  • Possess the 9502 Basic Instructor NEC or ATG experience preferred.
  • Shipboard firefighting experience preferred.
  • Current Basic EMT qualification, or higher preferred.
Security Requirements:
  • Must be eligible to obtain a favorable background and/or maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
Travel Requirements:
  • Occasional Travel - less than 15%
  • If position requires travel by domestic flight or access to secure federal facilities/military bases, candidate must be able to obtain (by start of position) and maintain appropriate identification credentials, such as REAL ID. (More information regarding REAL ID can be found: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id).
Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to reach, climb, stoop, amp; kneel up to 75% of the time.
  • Repetitive motion, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, hearing, and visual acuity (depth perception).
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
  • Communicating with others to exchange information.
  • Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
  • Subject to outside environmental conditions (extreme cold/heat), Inside or Outside / Noise levels

Pre-Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment with Valkyrie Enterprises is contingent upon the successful completion of all applicable pre-employment requirements. Depending on the position, these may include a criminal background investigation, employment and education verification, pre-employment drug screening, driving record review, security clearance eligibility, government installation access, and any other customer or contract-specific requirements. Failure to successfully meet any required pre-employment condition may result in the withdrawal of the contingent offer of employment.

Valkyrie strictly adheres to a policy of equal employment opportunity. This policy is based on Valkyrie’s commitment to hire and retain qualified employees consistent with position requirements; and to seek, employ, promote, and treat all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, physical disability, mental disability, age, military status or protected veteran status, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition, genetic information or sexual orientation or other protected characteristics.
Additionally, Valkyrie Enterprises provides a variety of benefits to support your best health, wellness, and future, to include medical/dental/vision options, company paid life and disability insurances, 401k with match, education reimbursement, as well as company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).

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