Fire Fighter Jobs for OPT Students
Fire fighter jobs on OPT are rare but not impossible. Municipal fire departments are government employers and cannot sponsor OPT, but private fire protection companies, wildland firefighting contractors, and industrial fire brigades can. Your OPT work must directly relate to your degree field, typically fire science, emergency management, or a related discipline.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Gotion Inc. is based in Silicon Valley, CA, currently building a Manufacturing facility in Manteno, IL and has R&D centers in Ohio, China, Japan and Europe. We innovate in the next generation electric vehicle and energy storage technologies (lithium batteries and related systems) with the aim to accelerate electrified transportation and achieve sustainable development. Gotion is powered by a leading power battery technology company that provides solutions for vehicles including the world's first mass commercial e-bus route. Gotion is a career destination - we are not simply attempting to just fill another job, but to pursue a dream of global green energy together! We offer outstanding opportunities to individuals seeking an exciting and challenging working environment. Everyone is highly valued and plays a vital role in the growth of our organization.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Responsible for the safety and security of the Gotion Manteno plant.
ROLE SUMMARY / BACKGROUND INFORMATION
You will be one of the fire fighters working at Gotion. Your responsibilities will be to handle any active fire or chemical spill situations as needed and to do work to prevent fires and chemical events from happening by running permitting, training, and inspections at Gotion.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Rapidly respond to all fire, medical, chemical, and other emergencies occurring within the facility grounds, including production areas, warehouses, offices, and surrounding property.
- Effectively operate all on-site fire suppression equipment (e.g., hoses, pumps, chemical extinguishing agents, foam) to control and extinguish fires involving complex industrial materials and processes (e.g., chemicals, machinery, pressurized systems).
- Function as a first responder for chemical spills or releases, utilizing specialized personal protective equipment (PPE) and following established procedures to contain, mitigate, and control hazardous materials incidents.
- Conduct regular, documented inspections of fire suppression systems (sprinklers, hydrants, fire pumps), fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and facility infrastructure to ensure compliance with NFPA codes, OSHA standards, and company policies.
- Review and monitor "hot work" permits (e.g., welding, cutting) and confined space entry permits to ensure all safety precautions and fire watch requirements are strictly followed before and during the work.
- Accurately document all emergency responses, drills, inspections, and training activities, providing detailed reports on cause, action taken, and lessons learned.
- Conduct daily fire safety training for Gotion employees.
- Hours will start at 8 a day, but could increase.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years working as a fire fighter.
- Be a U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the U.S.
- Possess a valid state-issued driver’s license.
- Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Be certified as an Illinois State Fire Marshal Basic Firefighter.
- Be able to speak, read, and write the English language.
- Have correctable vision and the ability to distinguish colors.
- Be physically capable of performing duties as assigned.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Possess a valid Illinois Department of Public Health EMT-Basic license.
COMPENSATION
The US base salary range for this full-time position is $34-40/hr. + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
Gotion Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve, cultivating a culture of inclusion and belonging, and ensuring equal employment opportunities for all.
We provide equal opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), parental status, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other characteristic protected by law.
At Gotion Inc., we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
INTRODUCTION
Gotion Inc. is based in Silicon Valley, CA, currently building a Manufacturing facility in Manteno, IL and has R&D centers in Ohio, China, Japan and Europe. We innovate in the next generation electric vehicle and energy storage technologies (lithium batteries and related systems) with the aim to accelerate electrified transportation and achieve sustainable development. Gotion is powered by a leading power battery technology company that provides solutions for vehicles including the world's first mass commercial e-bus route. Gotion is a career destination - we are not simply attempting to just fill another job, but to pursue a dream of global green energy together! We offer outstanding opportunities to individuals seeking an exciting and challenging working environment. Everyone is highly valued and plays a vital role in the growth of our organization.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Responsible for the safety and security of the Gotion Manteno plant.
ROLE SUMMARY / BACKGROUND INFORMATION
You will be one of the fire fighters working at Gotion. Your responsibilities will be to handle any active fire or chemical spill situations as needed and to do work to prevent fires and chemical events from happening by running permitting, training, and inspections at Gotion.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Rapidly respond to all fire, medical, chemical, and other emergencies occurring within the facility grounds, including production areas, warehouses, offices, and surrounding property.
- Effectively operate all on-site fire suppression equipment (e.g., hoses, pumps, chemical extinguishing agents, foam) to control and extinguish fires involving complex industrial materials and processes (e.g., chemicals, machinery, pressurized systems).
- Function as a first responder for chemical spills or releases, utilizing specialized personal protective equipment (PPE) and following established procedures to contain, mitigate, and control hazardous materials incidents.
- Conduct regular, documented inspections of fire suppression systems (sprinklers, hydrants, fire pumps), fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and facility infrastructure to ensure compliance with NFPA codes, OSHA standards, and company policies.
- Review and monitor "hot work" permits (e.g., welding, cutting) and confined space entry permits to ensure all safety precautions and fire watch requirements are strictly followed before and during the work.
- Accurately document all emergency responses, drills, inspections, and training activities, providing detailed reports on cause, action taken, and lessons learned.
- Conduct daily fire safety training for Gotion employees.
- Hours will start at 8 a day, but could increase.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years working as a fire fighter.
- Be a U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the U.S.
- Possess a valid state-issued driver’s license.
- Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Be certified as an Illinois State Fire Marshal Basic Firefighter.
- Be able to speak, read, and write the English language.
- Have correctable vision and the ability to distinguish colors.
- Be physically capable of performing duties as assigned.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Possess a valid Illinois Department of Public Health EMT-Basic license.
COMPENSATION
The US base salary range for this full-time position is $34-40/hr. + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
Gotion Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve, cultivating a culture of inclusion and belonging, and ensuring equal employment opportunities for all.
We provide equal opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), parental status, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other characteristic protected by law.
At Gotion Inc., we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Fire Fighter
Target private sector fire protection employers
Municipal and county fire departments are government entities that cannot hire OPT students. Focus on private fire protection companies, industrial fire brigades at refineries or airports, and wildland firefighting contractors, where OPT work authorization is accepted.
Confirm your degree field supports this role
OPT employment must be directly related to your degree. Fire science, emergency management, occupational safety, or environmental science degrees typically qualify. A general business or unrelated STEM degree may not satisfy DSO verification requirements for this specific role.
Apply well before your OPT start date
Background checks, physical fitness tests, and medical screenings in fire-related hiring take weeks. Start applications at least two to three months before your OPT authorization begins so your start date aligns with the employer's onboarding timeline.
Highlight relevant certifications prominently
EMT certification, NFPA training, Hazmat awareness, or wildland fire qualifications significantly strengthen your application. Employers hiring OPT students want to see you can contribute immediately. Certifications signal readiness and reduce the onboarding burden on the employer.
Be transparent about your OPT timeline upfront
Disclose your OPT authorization period early in conversations with hiring managers. Private employers who have hired international workers before are far less likely to be deterred. Avoid ambiguity, as it can slow decisions or cause withdrawals late in the process.
Explore STEM OPT extension eligibility carefully
If your fire science or emergency management degree is STEM-designated, you may qualify for a 24-month extension. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before accepting a role, since employer E-Verify enrollment is required for STEM OPT.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as fire fighters in the United States?
Yes, but with significant limitations. Government-run fire departments, including municipal, county, and state agencies, cannot hire OPT students because federal law restricts most competitive civil service positions to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Private fire protection companies, industrial fire brigades, and wildland firefighting contractors can hire OPT students, provided the work is directly related to your degree field.
What degree fields qualify for OPT employment in fire fighting roles?
Your OPT employment must be directly related to the degree that authorized it. Fire science, fire protection engineering, emergency management, occupational health and safety, and environmental science are the most commonly accepted fields. Your DSO will verify the connection between your degree and the specific job duties, so confirm this before accepting an offer to avoid an OPT violation.
Does fire fighting qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your specific degree program's CIP code. Fire protection engineering is a recognized STEM field and generally qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. General fire science or emergency management programs may not be STEM-designated. Check your degree's CIP code with your DSO before relying on a STEM extension as part of your work authorization plan.
Where can OPT students find fire fighter jobs that accept work authorization?
Migrate Mate is the best starting point. It filters for OPT-friendly employers, which saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering employer restrictions late in the process. Focus your search on private sector employers, industrial safety roles, and wildland fire contractors rather than government departments, which are almost always restricted to U.S. citizens.
How long does the fire fighter hiring process typically take, and does that affect OPT timing?
Private fire protection employers typically run hiring processes that take four to eight weeks, covering applications, interviews, background checks, and medical screenings. This timeline can be a problem if your OPT start date is imminent. Start your search at least two to three months before your OPT authorization begins, and be upfront with employers about your available start date to avoid timing conflicts.
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