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Volunteer Firefighter Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

FIREFIGHTER

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$50K/yr

Firefighter I/II, Airport Firefighter, Hazmat Operations, Hazmat Technician, Driver Operator Pump ... Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable ...

FIREFIGHTER

Quantico, VA · On-site

$47K/yr

Serving as a Firefighter (Paramedic) providing fire prevention, and protection, assist in emergency ... Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable ...

FIREFIGHTER

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$50K/yr

Firefighter I/II, Airport Firefighter, Hazmat Operations, Hazmat Technician, Driver Operator Pump ... Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable ...

Firefighter

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$79K - $123K/yr

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with personnel at the station, other firefighters, volunteers, and the public * Ability to meet the minimum requirements for joining ...

Showing results 21-40

Volunteer Firefighter information

See Reston, VA salary details

$9

$20

$28

How much do volunteer firefighter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer firefighter in Reston, VA is $20.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $22.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Firefighter jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Firefighter jobs in Reston, VA are:
What job categories do people searching Volunteer Firefighter jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Volunteer Firefighter jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Volunteer Firefighter jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Volunteer Firefighter job openings:
Infographic showing various Volunteer Firefighter job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,612 per year, or $20 per hour.

$46K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 537 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill positions at various Department of the Navy Commands, including but not limited to Marine Corps and Commander, Navy Installations.Qualifications:GS-06:
Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-05 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) Controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department brigade performing any of the following tasks; 2) Performing rescue operations; 3) Detecting, reducing, or eliminating potential fire hazards; 4) Operating fire communications equipment; and 5) Controlling hazardous materials incidents. NOTE: This information must be supported in your resume to be considered for the position.
GS-05:
Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-04 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) Performing structural and crash firefighting duties; 2) Operating firefighting communication equipment; 3) Using firefighting equipment such as: operating hoses, using ladders and hydrants; 4) Detecting the presence of potentially hazardous material. 5) Maintaining firefighting equipment and fire station facilities, performing functional test and inspection of firefighting equipment.
NOTE: This information must be supported in your resume to be considered for the position.
Certifications for GS-06:
This position requires the incumbent to possess the following certifications: Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and Driver Operator ARFF. These certifications must have been awarded by DoD, IFSAC or ProBoard to meet the requirement. If you do not possess all of the above certifications you will be rated ineligible. Do you possess the above certifications?
Certifications for GS-05:
This position requires the incumbent to possess the following certifications: Firefighter I\II and HAZMAT Operations. The certifications must have been awarded by DOD, IFSAC, or ProBoard to meet the requirement. If you do not possess all of the above certifications you will be rated ineligible. Do you possess the above certifications?
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0000/fire-protection-and-prevention-series-0081/Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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