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Volunteer Firefighter Jobs in Springfield, OR (NOW HIRING)

Major elements of a Firefighter/EMT's work are responding to fire and medical emergencies and the participation in supervised drills and training in firefighting and EMS skills. Some time is spent in ...

Firefighter/EMT

Veneta, OR ยท On-site

$72K - $99K/yr

Firefighters work under the general supervision of a Lieutenant. This position is assigned to an ALS medic unit working a 48/96 schedule. This is a non-exempt position in accordance with the Fair ...

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Volunteer Firefighter information

See Springfield, OR salary details

$8

$19

$28

How much do volunteer firefighter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer firefighter in Springfield, OR is $19.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $22.16 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 job categories do people searching Volunteer Firefighter jobs in Springfield, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Volunteer Firefighter jobs in Springfield, OR are:

What cities near Springfield, OR are hiring for Volunteer Firefighter jobs?

Cities near Springfield, OR with the most Volunteer Firefighter job openings:

Infographic showing various Volunteer Firefighter job openings in Springfield, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,399 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Fire Suppression)

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service

Cottage Grove, OR โ€ข On-site

$44K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform wildland fire suppression, management, and control activities as a firefighter on various crews or engines.

  • Participate in fire prevention, patrol, detection, or prescribed burning activities.

  • Carry out other wildland fire-related duties as assigned.


Job description

These position will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
The purpose of these positions is wildland fire suppression/management/control, as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot, helitack or hand crew. Other wildland fire related duties might involve fire prevention, patrol, detection, or prescribed burning.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section for the specific contact information.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-03: Applicants must have minimum six (6) months experience of any type of work that demonstrates the ability to perform the work of a Wildland Firefighter position, or general experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the Wildland Firefighter occupation; OR Successful completion of a one (1)-year of related education or appropriate firefighting training may be substituted for experience on a month-for-month basis. Firefighting training obtained as part of a high school curriculum-may be substituted for the six (6) months of general experience required for a GW-03; OR an appropriate combination of experience and education.
Examples of general experience may include: Performed farm/ranch labor, such as feeding and tending livestock or general maintenance of farm/ranch facilities; Worked in a greenhouse or nursery moving, watering, and tending plants and performing other general labor tasks; Fed and watered animals, such as in a laboratory, pet store, or zoo; Any work experience, paid or unpaid. Unpaid experience, for example, may be regular volunteer work, such as at a park, community sports league facilities, etc.
For the GW-04: Applicants must have six (6) months of general work experience or military service that demonstrated the ability to follow directions and to read, understand, and retain a variety of instructions, regulations, and procedures and that otherwise demonstrates the ability to perform or learn to perform the duties of the position. AND six (6) months of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-03 in the federal service or equivalent; OR Successful completion of a two (2)-year course of study in an accredited college or university in Fire Training, Fire Science, Fire Technology or other related fields of study is qualifying for GW-4; OR an appropriate combination of experience and education.
Examples of general experience may include: Performed farm/ranch labor, such as feeding and tending livestock or general maintenance of farm/ranch facilities; Worked in a greenhouse or nursery moving, watering, and tending plants and performing other general labor tasks; Fed and watered animals, such as in a laboratory, pet store, or zoo; Any work experience, paid or unpaid. Unpaid experience, for example, may be regular volunteer work, such as at a park, community sports league facilities, etc.
Examples of specialized experience may include: Performed natural resource support work, e.g., forestry, range, park technician, wildland firefighter, or similar jobs; performed routine support assignments in a forestry specialty area, e.g., wilderness, timber, fire prevention/control, etc.
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.
For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (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. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Selective Placement Factor for Promotion to GW-05: This position has been identified under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) or Forest Service Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM or FS-FPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training.
Additional Requirement for Promotion Eligibility to the Full Performance GW-05 grade level:Successfully complete the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Fire Fighter Type 1 (FFT1) -AND- Successfully complete the NWCG Course S-290 Wildland Fire Behavior.Education:See QUALIFICATIONS section for education requirements.Employment Type: OTHER