Entry Level Firefighter Jobs Near Me

PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that a competitive examination for the position of Firefighter/Paramedic will be given by The National Testing Network.
Job Overview: Firefighter / Paramedic

• Hiring Authority: Municipal Civil Service Commission, Lancaster, Ohio
• Department: Lancaster Fire Department: https://www.lancasterohio.gov/177/Fire-Department
• Community Served: Population of ~42,000
• Salary:
  • Starting: $74,833.15
  • Lateral Entry: Up to $98,229.88 (depending on years of pensionable service)
• Equal Opportunity Employer: Consideration is given without regard to race, religion, color, gender, national origin, age, disability, or protected status.

Core Responsibilities

• Emergency Response & Extinguishment: Promptly respond to fire alarms, medical calls, hazardous materials incidents, and rescue emergencies. Operate fire pumps, lay hoses, and direct water streams using standard techniques.
• Rescue Operations: Conduct search and rescue missions to extract victims safely from hazardous environments.
• Medical Care: Administer advanced emergency medical care as a licensed paramedic to sick or injured individuals.
• Documentation & Administration: Complete detailed incident reports and maintain accurate records of equipment use, regular maintenance, and ongoing training.
• Community & Training: Participate in regular department drills, maintain all required certifications, and engage in public community outreach programs.

Key Requirements & Eligibility
1. Qualifications & Residency

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Active Ohio Firefighter Level 2 certification.
• Active Ohio Paramedic certification.

• Valid Driver's License.
• Residency: Must reside in Fairfield County or two contiguous counties upon successful completion of the probationary period.

2. Age Limits

• Minimum Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Maximum Age (New Appointments):Must not have reached their 36th birthday on or before appointment.
  • Lateral Hire Exemption: Applicants must have been appointed as full-time firefighters within the OP&F pension system on or before their 36th birthday.

Military Extra Credit: The following adjustments shall be made to the scores of applicants on the condition that they pass the entry-level exam at 70% or higher.
Passing applicants who submit proof of military service (honorable discharge certificate or form DD214) with their application qualify for one of the following non-cumulative score credits:

• 20% Credit: Any person honorably discharged from uniformed service/reserves or reserve/Ohio National Guard members with over 180 days of federal active duty.
• 15% Credit: Reserve or Ohio National Guard members in good standing who have completed initial entry-level training.

Application & Testing Process

• Testing Administrator: National Testing Network, Inc. (NTN)
• Testing Window: August 1, 2026 (7:30 AM EST) - September 1, 2026 (11:59 PM EST)

How to Register:

1. Visit www.nationaltestingnetwork.com.
2. Go to Find Jobs Firefighter Jobs Select City of Lancaster Firefighter Paramedic.
3. Fees: Standard NTN examination fee is $65. Applicants who tested with NTN in the past 12 months can transfer scores to Lancaster for $15.

Testing Notes & Contacts:

• Accommodations: Applicants requesting disability accommodation should review Candidate FAQ #16 on the NTN website.
• Background Standards: Review department disqualification standards at ci.lancaster.oh.us/documentcenter/view/2963.
• NTN Candidate Support Line: (206) 428-3265
• Lancaster Civil Service Commission Contact: civilservice@lancasterohio.gov Karen Rotkis, Chairwoman, Michael Crites and Robert Wolfinger, Commissioners

The City of Lancaster is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualifications
Special Requirements