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Volunteer Firefighter Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

FIREFIGHTER

Bethesda, MD ยท On-site

$46K/yr

... volunteer, or governmental fire department brigade performing any of the following tasks; 2) ... Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and ...

FIREFIGHTER

Bethesda, MD ยท On-site

$46K/yr

... volunteer, or governmental fire department brigade performing any of the following tasks; 2) ... Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and ...

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Volunteer Firefighter information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$8

$19

$28

How much do volunteer firefighter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer firefighter in Silver Spring, MD is $19.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $22.12 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 Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Firefighter jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What job categories do people searching Volunteer Firefighter jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Volunteer Firefighter jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Volunteer Firefighter jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Volunteer Firefighter job openings:

Infographic showing various Volunteer Firefighter job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,380 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Volunteer Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician

Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department

Ashburn, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

This application is for candidates who are at least 18 years of age. Candidates ages 16-17 years must apply to the 'Junior Volunteer Firefighter/ Emergency Medical Technician' opening.

General Definition of Work

The Volunteer Firefighter is a non-compensated position that performs difficult service work providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, and other emergency responses. Work is performed under emergency conditions and usually involves an element of personal danger. Work is performed under regular supervision.


Essential Functions

  • Responding to emergency calls; suppressing fires; rendering medical aid; preparing and maintaining detailed records.
  • Train as though your life and the lives of your friends and neighbors depend on your readiness. Volunteer Firefighters participate in drills and attend classes on fire suppression, disaster control, and related fields, maintain skill level through ongoing training to prevent degradation of skills;
  • Participates in community awareness and public education programs; maintains apparatus and equipment in ready condition; assists in the inspection and maintenance of equipment and apparatus


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • We provide all of the training you need; no experience is necessary to get started. As you serve with us, you will gain:
  • Thorough knowledge of the principles and techniques of fire suppression, mitigation of hazardous material incidents and other emergencies.
  • Thorough knowledge of the street system and geography of the county;
  • Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with volunteer members, career staff, and the general public; ability to keep records and prepare reports;
  • The ability to be compliant with the Department's Volunteer Minimum Training Standard Policy.
  • Ensure that all work is performed in a safe manner, following all applicable safety guidelines; work in real and potentially hazardous conditions to the extent of possible serious injury or loss of life; recall facts and conditions observed while under severe physical and emotional stress.
  • Learn and apply technical information pertaining to fire suppression; Work within a para-military organization and respond readily to directives.
  • Service and operate tools and apparatus; perform necessary maintenance, testing and care of fire tools, equipment and apparatus; prevent waste and damage of materials, supplies, and equipment; perform general maintenance and minor repairs to station facilities; perform assigned janitorial activities and minor maintenance.
  • Perform community service activities;
  • Maintain necessary records and reports, incident forms, and daily shift operation logs, to accommodate needs of the department including computer data entry.


Special Requirements

This position will require that members wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as, but not limited to, steel-toed shoes, safety glasses, gloves, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), N95 respirator, or other designated safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk.


Physical Requirements/Work Environment

This is heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force regularly, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects, and some very heavy work requiring exertion in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects; work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to other accurately, loudly, or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/to make fine distinctions in sound; visual acuity is required for color perception, night vision, peripheral vision, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold and extreme heat. The worker may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized PPE.


Minimum Position Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Successfully complete the application process to include:
    • A criminal history record check, including fingerprinting
    • Driving record check
    • Online training courses
    • CPR certification
  • Complete a minimum of one 12-hour shift (6pm - 6am) each week
  • Enroll in the first available certification class including:
    • Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC),
    • Volunteer Fire Academy (FFI-II)
    • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  • Maintain the personal protective equipment (PPE) issued by AVFRD
  • Complete the annual physical scheduled and paid for by Loudoun County Combined Fire Rescue System