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Volunteer Fire Department Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Employees of the Homer Volunteer Fire Department are required to live within a 15 minute maximum response/ drive time to Fire Station 1 Homer Volunteer Fire Department recruitment contact: Fire Chief ...

Volunteer Job Number: 202600013 Department: Fire/EMS - Volunteers Opening Date: 01/15/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Description General Description: This is a skilled, technical position. The ...

In order to ensure the perpetuation of the prestige and reputation of the Shipshewana Fire Department, each applicant must meet the minimum qualification requirements and successfully complete each ...

Fire Captain

Homer, AK · On-site

$78K/yr

Employees of the Homer Volunteer Fire Department are required to live within a 15 minute maximum response/ drive time to Fire Station 1 Employees will work 24 hours on and 48 hours off (56 hour/week ...

... departments. We provide public safety, public works, community and economic development, parks ... Fire Corps volunteers are required to attend monthly meetings and agree to volunteer at least 8 ...

Fire Captain

Homer, AK · On-site

$78K/yr

Employees of the Homer Volunteer Fire Department are required to live within a 15 minute maximum response/ drive time to Fire Station 1 Employees will work 24 hours on and 48 hours off (56 hour/week ...

Fire Captain

Homer, AK · On-site

$78K/yr

Employees of the Homer Volunteer Fire Department are required to live within a 15 minute maximum response/ drive time to Fire Station 1 Employees will work 24 hours on and 48 hours off (56 hour/week ...

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Volunteer Fire Department information

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$19

$33

How much do volunteer fire department jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer fire department in the United States is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a volunteer fire department?

A Volunteer Fire Department is an organization made up of firefighters who offer their services without financial compensation. These departments are often found in smaller towns or rural communities, relying on local residents who are trained to respond to emergencies such as fires, accidents, and natural disasters. Volunteer firefighters typically undergo the same basic training as paid firefighters and play a crucial role in public safety by providing essential emergency services. Their involvement helps communities save on operating costs while ensuring prompt emergency response.

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

To thrive as a Volunteer Firefighter, you need physical fitness, basic fire safety knowledge, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, emergency response protocols, and certification such as Firefighter I or CPR/First Aid is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and resilience under pressure are crucial soft skills that help volunteers excel in emergency situations. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring effective emergency response, safety, and coordination during high-stress incidents.

What are some common challenges faced by members of a volunteer fire department, and how can new volunteers prepare for them?

Members of a volunteer fire department often balance emergency responsibilities with their primary jobs and family commitments, which can be challenging when responding to calls at unpredictable hours. Additionally, volunteers need to regularly participate in training to maintain readiness and safety standards. New volunteers can prepare by communicating their availability clearly, building strong time-management habits, and actively engaging in ongoing training sessions. Fostering good teamwork and open communication with other department members also helps manage the high-pressure situations common in this role.

What is the difference between Volunteer Fire Department vs Firefighter?

AspectVolunteer Fire DepartmentFirefighter
CertificationsBasic firefighting training, CPR, EMT (optional)Firefighter certification, EMT certification often required
Work EnvironmentCommunity-based, often rural or small townsUrban or suburban fire stations, full-time or part-time
EmployerLocal government or volunteer organizationMunicipal fire departments, government agencies
Search & UsageVolunteer firefighting roles, community safetyProfessional firefighting careers, full-time employment

Volunteer Fire Departments consist of community members who provide firefighting services on a part-time basis, often with basic training. Firefighters are trained professionals employed full-time or part-time by fire departments, with advanced certifications and responsibilities. Both roles are vital for community safety, but they differ mainly in training, employment status, and work environment.

More about Volunteer Fire Department jobs

What cities are hiring for Volunteer Fire Department jobs?

Cities with the most Volunteer Fire Department job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Department jobs?

The most popular types of Fire Department jobs are:

What states have the most Volunteer Fire Department jobs?

States with the most job openings for Volunteer Fire Department jobs include:

Infographic showing various Volunteer Fire Department job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,804 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

The City of Homer is accepting applications for a

Full-Time Deputy Fire Chief

Successful applicants must pass the following: pre-employment drug screening, an NFPA approved physical examination, and a comprehensive background investigation. Must be able to annually pass the physical exam, fit test, and meet the physical ability requirements for a Firefighter and EMT as defined in Homer Fire Department policy.

Residency requirement:

Employees of the Homer Volunteer Fire Department are required to live within a 15 minute maximum response/ drive time to Fire Station 1

Homer Volunteer Fire Department recruitment contact:

Fire Chief, Dan Jager

(907) 235-3155 or djager@ci.homer.ak.us


GENERAL FUNCTIONS

Assists the Fire Chief with managing and supervising the fire and rescue services, including personnel, training, and operations.

JOB FUNCTIONS AND MAJOR ACTIVITIES

  1. Supervises and directs all paid and volunteer emergency services personnel in the performance of their duties in fire and rescue services, including, but not limited to: structural fire suppression, marine firefighting, wildland fire suppression, airport fire protection, vehicle firefighting, extrication and disentanglement, rope rescue, hazardous materials response and operations, confined space rescue, fire cause investigation/determination and inspection.
  2. Makes recommendations in the hiring, promotion and termination of volunteer and career personnel.
  3. Makes recommendations to the Fire Chief in the development and implementation of standard operating guidelines, standards and recommendations for fire and rescue service practices.
  4. Manage the health and safety program for assigned personnel
  5. Assists the Fire Chief with plan reviews and building and fire code recommendations.
  6. Assists the Fire Chief in preparation of the Fire Department budget.
  7. Responsible for the recruitment and retention of volunteer emergency service personnel.
  8. Develop and supervise the delivery of training programs for emergency service personnel.
  9. Responds to emergency service calls as needed and may assume command at major alarms.
  10. Responsible for the care, maintenance, cleanliness and readiness of all fire and rescue service fire department apparatus, equipment and facilities.
  11. Reviews fire service run reports for quality assurance and quality control, maintains records and reports of fire service activities NFIRS in accordance with generally accepted standards and applicable regulations or guidelines.
  12. Assists in the delivery of public education, injury prevention programs, and community outreach.
  13. Performs the duties of the Fire Chief in his/her absence.
  14. Performs other duties as required by the department or as prescribed by the Fire Chief.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Eight years' experience and extensive knowledge of emergency services, including fire and rescue services with at least three years at Captain or higher rank. Certified as an IFSAC or Pro Board Firefighter II, Certified in Methods of Instruction in Fire with demonstrated instructor competency, EMS experience required (EMT II/III/or paramedic preferred). Associates Degree in Fire Science, Business, Emergency Management or similar field, or equivalent in experience. Enrollment in or graduation from the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program preferred. Experience with combination (paid/volunteer) departments desired. Strong interpersonal skills required for training and working with volunteers.

DECISION MAKING RESPONSIBILITIES

Requires ability to exercise independent judgment in the performance of all aspects of duties. Develops procedures at the department level. Responsible for decisions which may involve possible loss of life or destruction of property. Activities are a major source of potential liability to the city. Maximum budget authority at department level.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY

Supervises all paid and volunteer emergency service personnel assigned to assist in emergency service activities.

EXTERNAL VISIBILITY/CONTACT

High frequency of contact with key City personnel and frequency of presentations and attendance at public meetings. Moderate frequency of contact with government officials, contact with key service personnel. High frequency of contact with general public.

WORKING CONDITIONS

High frequency of exposure to hazardous situations in the performance of firefighter and EMS duties. Be able to bend, lift overhead, and work in confined spaces. Must be able to meet the fire department's EMS and Firefighter Physical Abilities Test as defined in Homer Fire department policy. Must be able to pass the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) physical. Moderate exposure to adverse weather conditions. May be required to work irregular hours, holidays and overtime. On-call by pager/radio for emergency calls as required.