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Volunteer Firefighter Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Lateral Firefighter

Reno, NV ยท On-site

$65K - $88K/yr

Paid call, extra help, temporary, and/or volunteer firefighting experience is not an acceptable substitute for the required two years outlined above. Licenses and Certificates: * Possession of a ...

Lateral Firefighter

Reno, NV ยท On-site

$65K - $88K/yr

Paid call, extra help, temporary, and/or volunteer firefighting experience is not an acceptable substitute for the required two years outlined above. Licenses and Certificates: Possession of a valid ...

FIREFIGHTER 1 - ELKO

Carson City, NV ยท On-site

$49K - $71K/yr

Train volunteer fire departments, cooperative fire agencies, and various firefighting personnel; schedule classes or demonstrations; review materials, techniques, and strategies; and provide on-the ...

Firefighter

Reno, NV ยท On-site

$67K - $91K/yr

Operate and maintain properly and safely firefighting and other related equipment and apparatus in an efficient and effective manner. Keep fire station and other facilities in a clean, orderly and ...

Firefighter

Reno, NV ยท On-site

$67K - $91K/yr

Operate and maintain properly and safely firefighting and other related equipment and apparatus in an efficient and effective manner. * Keep fire station and other facilities in a clean, orderly and ...

Train volunteer fire departments, cooperative fire agencies, and various firefighting personnel; schedule classes or demonstrations; review materials, techniques, and strategies; and provide on-the ...

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Volunteer Firefighter information

See Reno, NV salary details

$8

$19

$27

How much do volunteer firefighter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer firefighter in Reno, NV is $19.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $21.35 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Firefighter jobs in Reno, NV?

The most popular types of Firefighter jobs in Reno, NV are:

What are popular job titles related to Volunteer Firefighter jobs in Reno, NV?

For Volunteer Firefighter jobs in Reno, NV, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Volunteer Firefighter jobs in Reno, NV look for?

The top searched job categories for Volunteer Firefighter jobs in Reno, NV are:

What cities near Reno, NV are hiring for Volunteer Firefighter jobs?

Cities near Reno, NV with the most Volunteer Firefighter job openings:

Infographic showing various Volunteer Firefighter job openings in Reno, NV as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,880 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Lateral Firefighter

City of Reno, NV

Reno, NV โ€ข On-site

$65K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Salary: $65,520.00 - $88,816.00 Annually
Location : City of Reno, NV
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 730126AL
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 07/01/2026
Description
***Lateral Opportunities Available Now***
Join a dedicated team at the City of Reno Fire Department and become part of an amazing group who strives every day to make our community a place we are all proud to call home.
The successful candidate in this position will bring their firefighting experience to the City of Reno and be responsible for firefighting, life saving, emergency response, fire prevention, equipment operation and maintenance, facility maintenance, work and skill readiness.
***The Reno Fire Department is in the planning stages of their next academy. Dates are still to be determined. Please check back regularly for updates.***
Paramedics are eligible for additional pay!
This is an open competitive opportunity for all currently qualified Firefighter applicants.
The City of Reno is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to everyone. This commitment is an integral part of our efforts to ensure that we have a diverse and representative workforce that serves the community of Reno.
Examples of Essential Functions
  • Respond to fires and other emergency or public assistance incidents in a timely, safe, and skilled manner and participate in their control through hose laying, ladder operations, ventilation, extinguishment, salvage and other activities as part of team effort.
  • Rescue persons endangered by fires or other hazards and administer first aid to injured parties when assigned.
  • Conduct inspections and other fire prevention tasks including fire safety education to eliminate or reduce fire hazards and enforce fire codes.
  • Develop and maintain high levels of work knowledge and skills for various duties through training, manipulative drills and other skill maintenance programs.
  • Operate and maintain, properly and safely, firefighting and other related equipment and apparatus in an efficient and effective manner.
  • Keep fire station and other facilities in a clean, orderly and usable condition.
  • Assist in completing other day-to-day work such as record keeping and map maintenance.
  • Perform various public information and relations tasks, as appropriate and assigned through written and oral form. Participate in planting and maintaining flower beds; prune and trim hedges, flowers, shrubs and trees.
  • Maintain an adequate level of physical fitness to perform firefighting, rescue, equipment operation, and other related tasks.
  • May, when qualified and assigned, perform relief work in the capacity of a Fire Equipment Operator.

Minimum Qualifications
The following minimum qualifications are required to be met at the time of application, unless otherwise stated.
Age & Education:
  • At least 18 years of age at the time of appointment
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent
Work Experience:
  • Two years, including probationary time, of current, full-time continuous employment as a Firefighter or higher ranking fire operations personnel with a public fire agency, authority, or department that provides all risk Fire/EMS services and is comparable to the Reno Fire Department as identified by NFPA standards, NFPA 1710.
*Paid call, extra help, temporary, and/or volunteer firefighting experience is not an acceptable substitute for the required two years outlined above.
Licenses and Certificates:
  • Possession of a valid driver's license at the time of appointment.
  • Must have the ability to obtain a Nevada Class B Driver's license with an F endorsement within six months of employment.
  • Valid Nevada Basic Emergency Medical Technician certification or National Registry Basic Emergency Medical Technician certification.
  • Current Nevada Firefighter I and II certifications, or IFSAC Firefighter I and II certifications which meet NFPA standards.
  • Current CPR certification.
  • Current Haz Mat Operations certification that meets NFPA standards.
  • Current NWCG S-130 and S-190 certifications.
*All licenses, certifications, and/or qualifications are required to be kept current and maintained for continued employment.
*Applicants will be required to pass a medical evaluation prior to employment.
Qualified candidates will be required to present a current CPAT or CPAT Equivalent by the date of interview to the Reno Fire Department (RFD) to be considered eligible for hire by the department.
**Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.**
Supplemental Information
To Apply:
Please submit your completed application and all additional information/documentation requested online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/reno by the closing date of this recruitment. If a computer or mobile device is not available to you, suggested locations to complete an online application submittal include: the City of Reno City Hall 2nd floor computer kiosk or Civil Service Office, Nevada Job Connects, local libraries, or educational facilities.
If you are having difficulty logging into your profile, please call the applicant support line at 855-524-5627.
Examination Process:Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and pass the examination for this position to be eligible for hire. The examination will consist of a Training and Experience evaluation (T&E) weighted at 100%.
Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) Details
The T&E examination consists of a Supplemental Questionnaire. The questions may be viewed online under the tab marked "QUESTIONS" on the job announcement page. The T&E must be submitted online at the time of application.
  • Responses to your T&E questions should be consistent with the information given in your application details. Answers are subject to verification.
  • Failure to complete all of the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score; therefore, it is advantageous for you to provide a full and complete response to each supplemental question.
  • In order to receive credit for education or training, you must attach copies of your transcripts, diploma, or relevant certificates to your online application.
  • Resumes or questionnaires uploaded as attachments to the application will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question online.
  • "See Resume" or "See above," etc., are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.
  • Changes or corrections to your responses cannot be made once your application packet has been submitted.
  • TIP: It may be more efficient to develop your responses in a word processing document and then paste them into the online questionnaire to be submitted.

Notification:
Applicants are notified by email of their examination results. Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications will also be notified.
We highly recommend opting in to receive text message notifications. Follow-up text messages may include updates about your application, next steps, and interviews. If you haven't opted in before, the option will appear before you submit your application. If you've previously opted in or out, you can update your choice anytime in account settings in your profile.
Testing Accommodation:
We strive to ensure equal access for all individuals. If you require accommodations due to a disability, we encourage you to inform the by the closing date of this announcement. Your request will be handled with confidentiality and respect.
Employee/Veteran Preference in the Event of Tie Scores:
In the event of tie scores resulting from an open competitive examination (Rule VII, Section 7), candidates will be provided a rank preference in the following order:
  1. Classified employees with established veteran status
  1. Classified employees without veteran status
  1. Non-classified employees and external candidates with established veteran status.

This preference will only be administered in the event of tie scores. Documentation must be submitted at time of application.
Appointment and Certification:
Appointments to positions in the City's Civil Service system are made on the basis of examination. Scores resulting from a competitive examination are used in determining a person's rank on an eligible register. The department may hire any of the persons referred. The names of those persons not hired may be considered when the next vacancy occurs, for as long as that register is viable.
Questions and Updates:
Questions about the information on this announcement and updates to application information should be directed to Civil Service at (775) 334-2223 or
The City of Reno is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment, hiring, assignment, training, compensation, promotion, retention, and disciplinary decisions will be made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, political affiliation, membership in an employee association, or any other protected class status applicable under federal or state law or City Charter.
Please use this Health and Welfare Benefit Link to learn more about the City of Reno's great employee benefit plans and wellness programs.
01
Minimum Qualification Review
The following questions are a required part of your application for Lateral Firefighter. Your answers will be used to assist the Civil Service Commission in evaluating your related work experience and education to determine that you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as listed on the job posting.
All information provided in your answers must be included for verification in the work experience section of your application and may be substantiated further by the City of Reno. Failure to provide a truthful response to all questions will be grounds for disqualification and you will not be considered further in the hiring process for this position.
By checking "Yes", you certify that you have read and agree to the above statement.
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a high school diploma or have you completed the equivalent of the twelfth grade?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have at least 2 years or more of current, full-time continuous employment as a Firefighter or higher ranking Firefighter with a public fire agency, authority or department that provides all risk Fire/EMS services and is comparable to the Reno Fire Department as identified by NFPA standards, NFPA 1710.
  • Yes
  • No

04
Provide a list of employers where you gained your qualifying paid work experience from the work experience section of your application. Do not include any paid call, extra help, temporary and/or volunteer firefighting experience. Include the name of the employer, your title and the amount of time you worked in the position (full-time equivalent).
This information must be provided in order to continue in the screening process, "See Resume" or "See Application" as a response may be grounds for disqualification.
05
Do you have a valid driver's license or the ability to obtain one by time of appointment?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Do you have a valid Nevada Class B Driver's license with an F endorsement or the ability to obtain one within six months of employment?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Do you have a valid Nevada Basic Emergency Medical Technician certification or National Registry Basic Emergency Medical Technician certification?
Note: Select yes if your certification is for Paramedic.
  • Yes
  • No

08
Provide your EMT/Paramedic certification number if applicable.
09
Do you have current Nevada Firefighter I and II certifications or IFSAC Firefighter I and II certifications which meet the NFPA standards?
Note: A copy of certificates must be attached to your application to verify you meet this minimum qualification.
  • Yes
  • No

10
Do you have a valid CPR certification?
Note: A copy of certificate must be attached to your application to verify you meet this minimum qualification.
  • Yes
  • No

11
Do you have a valid Haz Mat Operations certification that meets NFPA standards?
Note: A copy of certificate must be attached to your application to verify you meet this minimum qualification.
  • Yes
  • No

12
Do you have valid NWCG S-130 and S-190 certifications?
Note: A copy of certificates must be attached to your application to verify you meet this minimum qualification.
  • Yes
  • No

13
Training and Experience Evaluation
The following section of the Supplemental Questionnaire is the Civil Service test for this position and must be completed online at the time of application. Questionnaires submitted as an attachment to the online application will not be considered. In order to receive every consideration in the selection process, you must complete all questions with concise but detailed answers and provide all requested information. All responses must be verified by the applicant in the work experience section of this application. We will not score references such as "See Resume/Application" as a response.
Do you certify that all information provided in the Supplemental Questionnaire is true and correct to the best of your knowledge?
  • Yes
  • No

14
Have you successfully completed a national or state accredited fire academy?