Job description template

Firefighter Job Description Template

A copy-ready firefighter job description with responsibilities, qualifications, skills and pay guidance: customize it for your company in minutes.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
How to use this template

Copy the template below, replace the bracketed fields and tailor duties to your workplace. For pay, national BLS data shows firefighters earn a median of $59,280 ($28.50/hour); the middle 50% earn $44,490–$77,250.

Job title

Firefighter

Job summary

[Company name] is seeking a dependable firefighter to join our team in [city, state]. In this role, you will respond to fires, medical emergencies, crashes and rescues, operate pumps, hoses, ladders and rescue tools and support our team’s commitment to safety, quality and service.

Responsibilities

  • Respond to fires, medical emergencies, crashes and rescues
  • Operate pumps, hoses, ladders and rescue tools
  • Search for and rescue victims
  • Provide emergency medical care as EMTs or paramedics
  • Respond to hazardous materials incidents
  • Inspect buildings and teach fire prevention
  • Maintain equipment, apparatus and fitness
  • Follow company policies, safety procedures and applicable regulations

Required qualifications

  • Postsecondary nondegree award
  • Current license or certification as required by [state]
  • Working knowledge of fire suppression and emergency medical care
  • Teamwork and courage and composure
  • [Add role-specific requirements, such as driver’s license or ability to pass a background check, if job-related]

Preferred qualifications

  • Firefighter I and II
  • EMT or Paramedic
  • Hazmat Awareness and Operations
  • Experience with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

Skills

  • SCBA use
  • Ladders, hose and pump operations
  • Rescue and extrication
  • Hazardous materials awareness
  • Physical fitness
  • Communication

Work environment and schedule

Firefighters live and work at fire stations during shifts and respond to emergencies in homes, businesses, highways and wildland areas. The work is physically demanding and dangerous, with exposure to heat, smoke, chemicals and trauma. Many departments use 24-hour shifts followed by 48 or 72 hours off. Overtime is common; wildland firefighters may work long seasonal deployments.

Pay and benefits

$[min]–$[max] per [hour/year], depending on experience. [List benefits: health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, training and certification support.]

Equal opportunity

[Company name] is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law, and we provide reasonable accommodations upon request.

Tips for a firefighter job posting that attracts applicants

  • Use the title candidates search for. “Firefighter” is the clearest; alternates include Firefighter/EMT, Fire Rescue Specialist, Wildland Firefighter.
  • Show the pay range. Postings with pay get more qualified applicants, and a growing number of states and cities require pay ranges in job postings.
  • Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves. Long requirement lists discourage qualified candidates, especially career changers.
  • Describe a real day. Borrow from our day in the life of a firefighter so applicants self-select accurately.
  • Mention training. Highlighting structured onboarding: such as Firefighter training: widens your applicant pool.

Next steps

Screen and interview with our Firefighter hiring guide, then onboard with the 30-60-90 day plan.

Team pricing