Fire Officer Jobs
Fire Officer jobs are open across municipal fire departments, industrial facilities, and federal agencies, from entry-level firefighter-officer tracks to battalion chief and division commander roles, with specializations in fire prevention, emergency medical services, and hazardous materials response. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's mission is to help ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations.
Core Values
- We value and respect each other.
- We create collaborative work environments.
- We build and maintain strong relationships.
- We practice accountability.
- We celebrate our successes and take pride in our work
Work Unit Overview: The mission of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC or Department) is to ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations. Land Offices are responsible for integrating and implementing programs for both the Forestry and Trust Land Management Divisions. The Forestry Division plans and implements forestry and fire management programs through an extensive network of staff in field offices across the state. Division functions include: fire & aviation management, forestry assistance, business management, and policy, planning and outreach. The Trust Land Management Division administers and manages the state trust timber, surface, and mineral resources for the benefit of the common schools and the other endowed institutions in Montana. Division functions include: Agriculture and Grazing Management, Forest Management, Minerals Management, and Real Estate Management.
Job Overview:This position is the Area Assistant Fire Management Officer for the Northwestern Land Office. The position works under the direction of the Area Forestry Program Manager to administer the Fire Program within the assigned Northwestern Land Office jurisdictional areas to protect lives, property and natural resources on state and private lands by providing resources, leadership and coordination to ensure safe and responsive fire suppression. This includes implementing the fire program and coordinating resources by creating successful working relationships with other wild land fire suppression organizations and by providing or arranging for personnel, resources, leadership and inter-agency coordination. The position directly supervises (1) staff position.
Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities): These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not all-inclusive of all the duties that may be assigned to the incumbent.
Fire Management /Administration
Manages and administers the Fire Program within the assigned Northwestern Land Office jurisdictional areas to protect lives, property and natural resources on state and private lands by providing resources, leadership and coordination to ensure safe and responsive fire suppression.
Fire program Implementation and Resource Coordination
Perform fire management suppression and pre-suppression duties based on agency needs and individual qualifications and certifications on national, regional, or local interagency incident management overhead teams. This includes providing backup for the supervisor as duty officer.
Fire Suppression
Perform fire management suppression and pre-suppression duties based on agency needs and individual qualifications and certifications on national, regional, or local interagency incident management overhead teams. This includes providing backup for the supervisor as duty officer.
Supervision
Supervise Area fire staff including permanent FTE, seasonal, temporaries, and contractors to ensure the Area has adequate trained personnel to meet fire prevention and suppression program requirements.
If you are interested in this position and want to apply, please reach out for a full job description. Contact HR at Lysandra.Badilla@mt.gov
Application Materials Required For This Position Are:
- Online State of Montana Application
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- References
Benefits
- Work/life balance.
- Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays), with vacation leave increasing with service.
- Longevity pay with continued state service.
- Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts.
- Access to free employee medical clinics and telehealth.
- Retirement plans (Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution plus an optional 457(b) Plan).
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness - may qualify you for student loan forgiveness.
- Career progression, professional development, and state employee discounts.
- Up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):
Requires education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in forestry, fire management/suppression, public administration or a related field and three (3) years experience or a High School diploma and six (6) years experience including Incident Command System (ICS) training and related fire program management experience, and supervisory experience.
Ability to attain certification as an Incident Commander Type 3 or Type 3 Section Chief (command and general direct) upon hire.
Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Requires advanced knowledge of the principles and practices of Wildland Firefighting; emergency management; natural resources; program administration; adult education and training; and fire management including suppression, protection, planning, and prevention. Requires knowledge of state and Federal fire protection and natural resources laws including the Departments legal responsibilities to personnel, cooperative personnel, and volunteers; wildfire and structural fire protection techniques relating to WUI; volunteer group organization and management; local government organization, jurisdiction and authorities; equipment management and maintenance; fire budgeting, billing andauditing methods and procedures; communication systems; safety management methods and procedures; public administration; research methods and techniques; and program goals, objectives, and requirements. Supervisory responsibilities require knowledge of Department and State personnel procedures and policies, organizational theory, employment law, and personnel management practices.
This position requires skill in developing strategy and directing programs with diverse personnel and needs which can at times can be crisis driven; analyzing, interpreting, and communicating a variety of detailed and complex information to a wide variety of audiences including financial data and fire behavior/suppression principles; and translating technical information to a broad-ranging professional and vocational audience. Strong written and verbal communication skills including interpersonal skills, negotiation, tact, and diplomacy are also vital.
This position requires the ability to synthesize Department’s mission, laws, philosophy, and changes in technologies into comprehensive programs of supervised resource management; be flexible, decisive, assertive, resourceful, and forward thinking under pressure; make informed decisions in emergencies and interpret broad objectives of the Division and individual programs; manage multiple priorities; elicit the cooperation of others; and to collaborate effectively with other managers and professionals.
SPECIAL INFORMATION: Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. A valid driver's license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.
ELIGIBILITY TO WORK: In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the person selected must produce within three days of hire documents that show authorization to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a driver’s license or other picture I.D., or a U.S. passport, or a "green card"
Effective May 4, 2026, this agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification.
Salary: $
33.74 - 33.74 Hourly Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.) Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement PlanNumber of Openings
: 1 Employee Status: Regular Schedule: Full-TimeJob Type
: StandardShift
: Day JobTravel
: Yes, 25 % of the TimePrimary Location
: Kalispell Agency: Department of Natural Resources & Conservation Union: 000 - NonePosting Date
: Nov 6, 2026, 4:55:45 PMClosing Date (based on your computer's timezone)
: Nov 30, 2026, 12:59:00 AMState government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.
Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's mission is to help ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations.
Core Values
- We value and respect each other.
- We create collaborative work environments.
- We build and maintain strong relationships.
- We practice accountability.
- We celebrate our successes and take pride in our work
Work Unit Overview: The mission of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC or Department) is to ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations. Land Offices are responsible for integrating and implementing programs for both the Forestry and Trust Land Management Divisions. The Forestry Division plans and implements forestry and fire management programs through an extensive network of staff in field offices across the state. Division functions include: fire & aviation management, forestry assistance, business management, and policy, planning and outreach. The Trust Land Management Division administers and manages the state trust timber, surface, and mineral resources for the benefit of the common schools and the other endowed institutions in Montana. Division functions include: Agriculture and Grazing Management, Forest Management, Minerals Management, and Real Estate Management.
Job Overview:This position is the Area Assistant Fire Management Officer for the Northwestern Land Office. The position works under the direction of the Area Forestry Program Manager to administer the Fire Program within the assigned Northwestern Land Office jurisdictional areas to protect lives, property and natural resources on state and private lands by providing resources, leadership and coordination to ensure safe and responsive fire suppression. This includes implementing the fire program and coordinating resources by creating successful working relationships with other wild land fire suppression organizations and by providing or arranging for personnel, resources, leadership and inter-agency coordination. The position directly supervises (1) staff position.
Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities): These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not all-inclusive of all the duties that may be assigned to the incumbent.
Fire Management /Administration
Manages and administers the Fire Program within the assigned Northwestern Land Office jurisdictional areas to protect lives, property and natural resources on state and private lands by providing resources, leadership and coordination to ensure safe and responsive fire suppression.
Fire program Implementation and Resource Coordination
Perform fire management suppression and pre-suppression duties based on agency needs and individual qualifications and certifications on national, regional, or local interagency incident management overhead teams. This includes providing backup for the supervisor as duty officer.
Fire Suppression
Perform fire management suppression and pre-suppression duties based on agency needs and individual qualifications and certifications on national, regional, or local interagency incident management overhead teams. This includes providing backup for the supervisor as duty officer.
Supervision
Supervise Area fire staff including permanent FTE, seasonal, temporaries, and contractors to ensure the Area has adequate trained personnel to meet fire prevention and suppression program requirements.
If you are interested in this position and want to apply, please reach out for a full job description. Contact HR at Lysandra.Badilla@mt.gov
Application Materials Required For This Position Are:
- Online State of Montana Application
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- References
Benefits
- Work/life balance.
- Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays), with vacation leave increasing with service.
- Longevity pay with continued state service.
- Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts.
- Access to free employee medical clinics and telehealth.
- Retirement plans (Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution plus an optional 457(b) Plan).
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness - may qualify you for student loan forgiveness.
- Career progression, professional development, and state employee discounts.
- Up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):
Requires education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in forestry, fire management/suppression, public administration or a related field and three (3) years experience or a High School diploma and six (6) years experience including Incident Command System (ICS) training and related fire program management experience, and supervisory experience.
Ability to attain certification as an Incident Commander Type 3 or Type 3 Section Chief (command and general direct) upon hire.
Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Requires advanced knowledge of the principles and practices of Wildland Firefighting; emergency management; natural resources; program administration; adult education and training; and fire management including suppression, protection, planning, and prevention. Requires knowledge of state and Federal fire protection and natural resources laws including the Departments legal responsibilities to personnel, cooperative personnel, and volunteers; wildfire and structural fire protection techniques relating to WUI; volunteer group organization and management; local government organization, jurisdiction and authorities; equipment management and maintenance; fire budgeting, billing andauditing methods and procedures; communication systems; safety management methods and procedures; public administration; research methods and techniques; and program goals, objectives, and requirements. Supervisory responsibilities require knowledge of Department and State personnel procedures and policies, organizational theory, employment law, and personnel management practices.
This position requires skill in developing strategy and directing programs with diverse personnel and needs which can at times can be crisis driven; analyzing, interpreting, and communicating a variety of detailed and complex information to a wide variety of audiences including financial data and fire behavior/suppression principles; and translating technical information to a broad-ranging professional and vocational audience. Strong written and verbal communication skills including interpersonal skills, negotiation, tact, and diplomacy are also vital.
This position requires the ability to synthesize Department’s mission, laws, philosophy, and changes in technologies into comprehensive programs of supervised resource management; be flexible, decisive, assertive, resourceful, and forward thinking under pressure; make informed decisions in emergencies and interpret broad objectives of the Division and individual programs; manage multiple priorities; elicit the cooperation of others; and to collaborate effectively with other managers and professionals.
SPECIAL INFORMATION: Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. A valid driver's license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.
ELIGIBILITY TO WORK: In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the person selected must produce within three days of hire documents that show authorization to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a driver’s license or other picture I.D., or a U.S. passport, or a "green card"
Effective May 4, 2026, this agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification.
Salary: $
33.74 - 33.74 Hourly Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.) Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement PlanNumber of Openings
: 1 Employee Status: Regular Schedule: Full-TimeJob Type
: StandardShift
: Day JobTravel
: Yes, 25 % of the TimePrimary Location
: Kalispell Agency: Department of Natural Resources & Conservation Union: 000 - NonePosting Date
: Nov 6, 2026, 4:55:45 PMClosing Date (based on your computer's timezone)
: Nov 30, 2026, 12:59:00 AMState government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.
See All 8 Fire Officer Jobs
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Find Fire Officer JobsFire Officer Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in fire officer jobs.
- Current state firefighter certification or equivalent NFPA 1001 certification at the Firefighter II level
- Incident Command System certification at ICS-200 or ICS-300 level for field officer roles
- Valid Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic license depending on department service model
- Minimum years of active firefighting experience, typically ranging from three to five years at the firefighter level
- Fire Officer I or Fire Officer II certification per NFPA 1021 standards
- Valid driver's license with ability to obtain endorsement for fire apparatus operation
Tips for Your Fire Officer Job Search
Tailor your resume to rank structure
Fire departments sort applicants by rank and certifications before reading anything else. List your NFPA certifications, state firefighter license, and any officer-track training in a dedicated credentials section near the top, so screeners confirm your standing immediately.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists fire officer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target departments by accreditation status
Departments accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International often run more structured promotional processes with published eligibility criteria. Focusing your search on accredited agencies gives you a clearer picture of the qualifications you need before applying.
Document incident command experience concretely
Hiring panels want specifics, not summaries. Instead of writing 'led emergency responses,' name the incident type, the number of personnel you supervised, and the outcome. Industrial and federal postings in particular reward quantified command experience over general leadership language.
Prepare a scenario-based response bank
Fire officer oral boards almost always present a tactical scenario and ask how you would manage it. Build a written bank of your real incident responses organized by scenario type, like structure fires, hazmat releases, and multi-casualty events, and rehearse them in plain spoken language before each interview.
Negotiate start date around academy cycles
Many departments run officer orientation or probationary academy cycles on fixed schedules. When an offer comes, ask about the next cohort start date before discussing anything else, so you can plan your transition without missing a cycle and delaying your first day on shift.
Fire Officer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most fire officers?
The most active employers for fire officers right now are State of Montana, City of Urbana, and State of Alaska, and the most openings are in Montana, New York, and Illinois, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Industrial and federal contract employers tend to post in waves tied to budget cycles, so checking listings regularly helps you catch new openings early.
How do you become a fire officer?
Start by earning your Firefighter I and II certifications and accumulating several years of active line experience in a fire department. Complete Fire Officer I certification through your state fire training agency or an NFPA-aligned program. Take ICS coursework, complete any department-mandated officer-track education, and apply internally when promotional exams or vacancy postings open. Some departments also accept lateral hires from outside agencies at the officer level.
Can you get hired as a fire officer with little experience?
Most career fire departments require you to progress through the firefighter rank before promoting to officer, so direct entry with no line experience is rare in municipal settings. Industrial fire brigades and some federal facilities do occasionally post junior officer or lead firefighter roles that accept candidates with Firefighter II certification and limited department experience, particularly if you bring specialized hazmat or EMS credentials that fill a gap.
What does the fire officer interview process look like?
Most fire officer selection processes include a written examination covering fire behavior, tactics, and supervisory principles, followed by a structured oral board where a panel presents tactical or personnel-management scenarios for you to work through aloud. Some departments add an assessment center component with in-basket exercises or role-play scenarios. Background checks, psychological evaluation, and a medical clearance typically follow a conditional offer before you receive a final appointment.
Where can I find and apply to fire officer jobs?
You can find and apply to fire officer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from departments and employers across the United States. Search the listings for roles that match your rank, certifications, and location preferences, then apply directly to each one that fits your background.
See All 8 Fire Officer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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