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Va Firefighter Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Va Firefighter information

See Wisconsin salary details

$28.8K

$60.2K

$100.9K

How much do va firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for va firefighter in Wisconsin is $60,164.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $69,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a VA firefighter?

VA Firefighters are emergency response professionals who work for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). They are responsible for protecting life and property at VA medical centers and facilities by responding to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous material incidents, and other emergencies. In addition to firefighting, VA Firefighters often perform inspections, fire safety education, and maintenance of firefighting equipment. They play a vital role in ensuring the safety of veterans, staff, and visitors at VA facilities.

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

To thrive as a VA Firefighter, you need strong physical fitness, emergency response training, and typically a high school diploma with completion of fire academy certification. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, hazardous materials handling, and rescue tools, as well as certifications like EMT or CPR, are commonly required. Teamwork, stress management, and effective communication are vital soft skills for making quick decisions and ensuring coordinated efforts during emergencies. These skills and qualifications are crucial for protecting lives and property while maintaining personal and team safety in high-pressure situations.

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

VA Firefighters often encounter unique challenges, including responding to emergencies in complex healthcare environments and coordinating with medical staff. New hires should be prepared for rigorous training on hospital-specific fire safety protocols, patient evacuation procedures, and the use of specialized equipment. Adaptability, strong communication skills, and teamwork are crucial for success, as emergencies frequently require collaboration with nurses, security, and other hospital personnel. Proactively seeking mentorship and participating in ongoing drills can help new firefighters acclimate more quickly and confidently.

What is the difference between Va Firefighter vs Va Emergency Medical Technician?

AspectVa FirefighterVa Emergency Medical Technician
Required CertificationsFirefighter certification, EMT certification often preferredEMT certification, some fire-related training
Work EnvironmentFire scenes, rescue operations, emergency responseMedical emergencies, patient care, rescue scenes
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesAmbulance services, fire departments, hospitals

Va Firefighters and Va Emergency Medical Technicians both serve in emergency response roles, often working together. Firefighters focus on fire suppression and rescue, while EMTs provide medical care. Many fire departments require EMT certification for firefighters, highlighting the overlap. Understanding these roles helps clarify career paths in emergency services within Virginia.

What are popular job titles related to Va Firefighter jobs in Wisconsin?

For Va Firefighter jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Va Firefighter jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Va Firefighter jobs in Wisconsin are:

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Va Firefighter jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Va Firefighter job openings:

Infographic showing various Va Firefighter job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,164 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Firefighter (Basic Life Support)

Tomah, WI • On-site

$50K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

This position is located within the Facilities Services Line at the VA Medical Center in Tomah, WI. The Firefighter (Basic Life Support) performs work to control and extinguish fires, rescue persons endangered by fire, and reduce or eliminate potential fire hazards. It also includes providing basic life support and other non-invasive medical procedures.
Qualifications:AGE REQUIREMENT: Maximum Entry Age
For initial appointments, applicant cannot have reached their 37th birthday by the day of appointment. Applicants who have passed the designated entry age limit noted, but who have previously served in a covered position may be eligible to re-enter the fire service provided that they: 1) Meet all applicable qualifications for the position; and 2) Will be able to complete a total of 20 years of covered and creditable Federal firefighter service by the time the Federal firefighter reaches the age of 57. Prior service in covered positions and creditable towards retirement may be subtracted from the applicant's age to determine if the Federal firefighter meets the maximum entry age.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position.
REQUIREMENTS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATION: Applicants must possess and maintain a valid State motor vehicle operator's license of the appropriate classification or kind. Applicants also may be required to pass a practical road test and provide information on their driving record. Please do not upload a copy of your license at this time. If an interview is requested, you may be required to provide a copy of your current, valid, and unrestricted state driver's license.
In addition to the meeting the above requirements, you must also meet the following Selective Factors -Certification Requirements* for this position. You must submit copies of your certifications with your application to receive credit.
This position includes Selective Placement Factors (skill, knowledge, ability or other worker characteristic basic to - and essential for - satisfactory performance of the job). Selective Placement Factors are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for a position. Applicants who do not meet it are ineligible for further consideration.
The Selective Placement Factors for this position are:
To be eligible for employment as a VA Firefighter, applicants must possess the following certifications. Please submit a copy of each required certification with your application to receive credit - no photos please.
  • Must have received certification as either an International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or Pro Board HAZMAT Operations Level Responder. (Proof of Certification Required)
  • Must have received certification as either an International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or Pro Board-Certified Firefighter I and II. (Proof of Certification Required)
  • Must have received certification in Incident Command Systems - ICS-100 & 200. (Proof of Certification Required)
  • Must have received certification in National Incident Management Systems - ICS-700 & 800. (Proof of Certification Required)
  • Either have received certification as either an International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or Pro Board Apparatus Operator - Pumper or you must be willing to obtain within 24 months. (Proof of Certification Required)
  • Either have received certification as either an International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or Pro Board Fire Inspector I and II or you must be willing to obtain within 24 months. (Proof of Certification Required)
  • Must possess a current, valid, state, or national registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)- Basic certification. (Proof of Certification Required)
In addition to meeting the above requirements, applicants must also meet the following:
Specialized Experience:
Applicants must possess at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-6 level in the Federal Service that has given you the knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position. Specialized experience includes: (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. These duties would have been performed exercising independent judgment and under general supervision.
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT OPERATOR QUALIFICATIONS: For those positions requiring the operation of specialized firefighting pumping equipment, mounted pressurized systems, dispensing devices, and/or rescue tools, applicants may be required to demonstrate the ability, before appointment, to operate the specific equipment to which they will be assigned or similar related types of hydraulic equipment.
PERFORMANCE TEST: Candidates may be required to demonstrate satisfactory performance of the minimum physical abilities necessary to perform safely and efficiently the essential tasks of this position.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: All applicants for positions that have duties of an arduous or hazardous nature must meet and maintain specific medical standards. Since individual positions may not include all such duties, a physical condition or impairment may be disqualifying for employment only if there is a direct relationship between the condition and the nature of the duties of the specific position to be filled. 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. (See 5 CFR 339)
Physical Requirements: The Firefighter/EMT must maintain an adequate level of physical fitness to react quickly and have the stamina to endure the physical exertion and stress of firefighting, they must complete 1 hour of physical activity per day per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1500 and annually complete a Fire Department Physical Agility Test outlined in NFPA 1500 and NFPA 1583. Fire Department personnel must complete an annual Firefighter physical with Employee Health to be cleared for duty. Employee must maintain physical condition to don personal protective equipment consisting of coat, helmet, boots, gloves, bunker pants, and self-contained breathing apparatus, which weighs 75 pounds. Employee must wear this equipment when responding to and during all emergency calls regardless of temperature. Employee is expected to enter buildings and atmospheres that are unsafe due to fire, oxygen deficiencies, etc. and perform very strenuous types of work carrying heavy equipment and victims.
The requirements of the job are such that the employee must maintain alertness, self-control and emotional stability when working under conditions of stress, confusion, panic and where physical injury or death are present.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.Education:
There is no educational substitution at this grade level.
Employment Type: OTHER