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Volunteer Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Riley County

Volunteer Firefighter

Manhattan, KS · On-site

Volunteer Firefighters perform within the scope of the policies and guidelines of RCFD#1 and Riley County and perform duties in the following general categories: Fire suppression, emergency medical ...

Elko County

Volunteer Firefighter

Elko, NV

The Volunteer Firefighter serves the County and communities by responding to a wide variety of situations, ranging from emergencies that immediately threaten life or property to routine citizen ...

Riley County, KS

Volunteer Firefighter

Manhattan, KS · On-site

Description Volunteer Firefighters serve as part of Riley County Fire District #1 (RCFD1) by responding to a wide variety of situations, ranging from emergencies that immediately threaten life or ...

Elko County, NV

Volunteer Firefighter

Elko, NV · On-site

The Volunteer Firefighter serves the County and communities by responding to a wide variety of situations, ranging from emergencies that immediately threaten life or property to routine citizen ...

City of Seaside

Volunteer Firefighter

Seaside, OR · On-site

Become a Volunteer Firefighter. ðŸ"¥Serve your community. Train with professionals. Make a difference.Seaside Fire & Rescue is seeking committed individuals to join our team as Volunteer ...

City of Seaside

Volunteer Firefighter

Seaside, OR · On-site

Become a Volunteer Firefighter. ????Serve your community. Train with professionals. Make a difference.Seaside Fire & Rescue is seeking committed individuals to join our team as Volunteer Firefighters ...

City of Seaside

Volunteer Firefighter

Seaside, OR · On-site

Become a Volunteer Firefighter. Serve your community. Train with professionals. Make a difference. Seaside Fire & Rescue is seeking committed individuals to join our team as Volunteer Firefighters ...

County of Riley

Volunteer Firefighter

Manhattan, KS · On-site

Volunteer Firefighters serve as part of Riley County Fire District #1 (RCFD1) by responding to a wide variety of situations, ranging from emergencies that immediately threaten life or property to ...

City of Burlington

Volunteer Firefighter

Burlington, WI · On-site

Volunteer firefighting is a very rewarding and valuable way to serve your community. It takes dedication and many hours of training to become a firefighter. If you are over the age of 18 and you're ...

City of Seaside, CA

Volunteer Firefighter

Seaside, OR · On-site

Become a Volunteer Firefighter. ðŸ"¥Serve your community. Train with professionals. Make a difference. Seaside Fire & Rescue is seeking committed individuals to join our team as Volunteer ...

City of Palm Coast

Volunteer Firefighter

Palm Coast, FL · On-site

Volunteer Firefighter Volunteer Firefighter Intern Fire Police Whether you're looking to gain experience in the fire service or simply want to give back, volunteering with us is a meaningful way to ...

City of New London

Volunteer Firefighter

New London, WI · On-site

$3.7K/yr

Volunteer Firefighters are required to learn and participate in the operation of apparatus and the performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions which may require strenuous exertion under ...

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How much do volunteer firefighter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer firefighter in the United States is $19.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a volunteer firefighter?

Volunteer firefighters are individuals who offer their time and skills without pay to help protect their communities from fires and other emergencies. They undergo training and respond to emergency calls alongside or in support of full-time firefighters. In addition to fighting fires, volunteer firefighters often assist with rescue operations, medical emergencies, and public safety education. Their dedication is essential, especially in rural or smaller communities where full-time fire departments may not be available.

What does a volunteer firefighter do?

A volunteer firefighter serves their community, either with a volunteer company or alongside career firefighters and first responders. As a volunteer firefighter, you respond to a variety of emergency situations, such as natural disasters, fires, and medical emergencies. Your responsibilities may also include assisting with rescue missions, restocking supplies, cleaning the fire trucks, and answering emergency calls. You need excellent communication skills and the ability to follow orders to serve as a volunteer firefighter.

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 firefighting training, and often completion of certification courses such as Firefighter I or CPR. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, emergency communication systems, and rescue tools is typically required. Strong teamwork, resilience under pressure, and a commitment to community service are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure effective emergency response, personal safety, and the ability to protect lives and property in high-stress situations.

What are some common challenges volunteer firefighters face when balancing firefighting duties with other personal or professional commitments?

Volunteer Firefighters often juggle their firefighting responsibilities with full-time jobs, family commitments, and personal obligations. This role can require responding to emergency calls at unpredictable hours, which may interrupt daily routines or planned activities. Time management and strong communication with both the fire department and personal networks are crucial for maintaining this balance. Additionally, ongoing training and community events may add to the time commitment, but many departments offer flexible scheduling and support to help volunteers succeed.

What is the difference between Volunteer Firefighter vs Firefighter?

AspectVolunteer FirefighterFirefighter
Required CertificationsBasic firefighting training, CPR, first aidAdvanced firefighting certifications, EMT/paramedic license often required
Work EnvironmentCommunity-based, often part-time, rural or suburban areasFull-time, urban or suburban fire departments
Employer & Industry UsageVolunteer fire departments, local governmentPaid fire departments, municipal agencies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding volunteer roles, training, and responsibilitiesFull-time career options, qualifications, and duties

Volunteer Firefighters typically serve part-time in community-based departments with basic training, while Firefighters are full-time professionals with advanced certifications working in urban or suburban settings. Both roles are vital for emergency response but differ mainly in commitment level, training, and employment status.

Can I be a volunteer firefighter with no experience?

Yes, many volunteer fire departments accept individuals with no prior experience, as training is provided on-site. Volunteers typically complete basic firefighting and emergency response courses and must meet age and health requirements before participating in firefighting activities.

Do volunteer firefighters ever get paid?

Volunteer firefighters typically do not receive a salary for their service, as their role is based on community service and volunteering. However, they may be reimbursed for expenses or receive stipends for training or on-call duties, depending on the department's policies.

How to get started as a volunteer firefighter?

To become a volunteer firefighter, you typically need to meet age requirements, pass a physical fitness test, complete firefighter training courses, and obtain necessary certifications such as CPR and first aid. You should contact your local fire department or volunteer organization to learn about specific application processes and scheduling commitments.

Is becoming a volunteer firefighter worth it?

Volunteer firefighters play a crucial role in emergency response, gaining skills in firefighting, rescue operations, and teamwork. The position often involves irregular hours and physical demands but can provide valuable experience, community service, and personal fulfillment without a full-time commitment.
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Volunteer Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Firefighter job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,998 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Volunteer Firefighter

Manhattan, KS • On-site

Riley County
Public Administration • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Riley Countyexternal

Temporary

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Temporary
Description
Volunteer Firefighters serve as part of Riley County Fire District #1 (RCFD1) by responding to a wide variety of situations, ranging from emergencies that immediately threaten life or property to routine citizen requests for assistance. Volunteer Firefighters perform within the scope of the policies and guidelines of RCFD#1 and Riley County and perform duties in the following general categories: Fire suppression, emergency medical service, rescue, hazardous material responses, training and public education. The Volunteer Firefighter operates under the supervision of an officer(s) and is expected to function effectively as part of a highly trained team.
Volunteer Firefighters support the department in all activities including emergency response, training, maintenance, and other activities. Volunteer Firefighters are expected to respond from home or work to emergency calls when available.
  • Must live locally to volunteer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Respond to alarms of fire or other emergencies in accordance with department policies and guidelines
  • Place equipment, stretch and connect hoselines, and use a variety of hand tools
  • Direct water streams and fire extinguishers
  • Raise and climb ladders
  • Operate rescue and extrication equipment
  • Donn and doff firefighting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
  • Safely drive emergency vehicles and operate fire pumps
  • Work in inclement weather and terrain during daytime and nighttime operations
  • Study and learn the geography of nearby response area, location of important buildings, fire hydrants and the county addressing system
  • Attend training as assigned

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:
  • Required to complete RCFD#1 orientation and probationary period prior to actively responding to emergencies
  • Required to complete department driver/operator training and obtain station officer approval prior to driving any emergency vehicle
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements
Education :
High School graduate or GED equivalent
Required to attend scheduled training to maintain a high level of knowledge, skill and ability necessary to function safely and effectively as a firefighter.
Preferred (but not required) Certifications include:
  • Firefighter I, II
  • EMT/EMR
  • Hazardous Materials
  • CPR/AED

Skills :
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions using the English language

Physical Demand/Effort:
  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and smell. The employee occasionally lifts/pushes/pulls 50+lbs, frequently lifts up of 25-50lbs and constant lift of up to 25lbs and during emergency situations lift and/or move up to 150 pounds.
  • Once approved, Volunteer Firefighter may drive County vehicles long distances, across the county, on paved an unmaintained surface. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Movements over rough terrain and stooping and crawling in close quarters may result in extreme physical exertion. Must be able to pass an annual physical. Must be able to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) according to NFPA standards.

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