Volunteer Firefighter Jobs
Volunteer Firefighter jobs are open across municipal, rural, and industrial fire departments, from entry-level recruits to experienced company officers, with specializations in emergency medical response, hazardous materials operations, and technical rescue. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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SALARY: $37,961 (nonexempt) - Annual wages as trainee
$46,037 (nonexempt) - Annual wages upon gaining Kentucky Firefighter Certification
OPENING DATE: 10/21/2026
CLOSING DATE: 12/01/2026
Testing Date: TBD
DESCRIPTION:
Under general supervision, performs fire suppression, rescue activities, public education activities; performs routine fire station and equipment maintenance duties, participates in training activities; performs related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Responds to fire, accident, medical, rescue, civil defense, hazardous material emergencies, medical emergencies, and natural disaster calls to prevent or extinguish fires, rescue victims and assist those in need.
- Rescues victims in life threatening situations; climbs ladders, ropes, stairs, hills, etc., using various equipment to gain access to and rescue victims.
- Drives fire apparatus to scene and operates equipment.
- Connects, stretch, and advance hoses; directs water stream to control or extinguish fires and protect exposures.
- Provides emergency medical care.
- Assists in the general maintenance of vehicles and equipment.
- Cleans hoses, tools and other equipment.
- Assists with preparing and maintaining accurate records.
- Regularly attends classroom and psychomotor skills training.
- Performs public relations in the community as requested.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from high school or equivalent (GED).
Must be 18 years or older
No work experience requirements.
Must possess valid driver’s license.
Must possess a valid firefighter Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) prior to test date.
CPAT Testing Facility https://www.vinu.edu/workforce-development/cpat.html
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Physical Requirements of the Job: Work involves sitting, standing, stooping, walking; extreme physical demands at scene of emergencies for extended periods of time; lifting heavy objects (more than 100 pounds); exposed to extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time; exposed to heights, confined spaces, noise, machinery and its moving parts, fumes, chemicals and toxic substances must have excellent hearing and vision; must be able to wear a respirator.
Tools, Equipment and Vehicles Used: All departmental fire and rescue equipment, vehicles, and tools; normal office equipment.
Contacts: Public and internal contacts are requirements of the job.
Availability: Must be able to work 24-hour shifts; must be able to respond to calls at all hours; must be able to attend departmental meetings and training programs. Must be available to work all days of the week. May attend a fire academy that would require 13-weeks of training in Greenville, Kentucky.
Certification Requirements: Must successfully complete state firefighter certification training during first 6 months of employment; must successfully complete required annual continuing education training. Possession of Emergency Medical Technician certification preferred, but not required. Must achieve IFSAC or Pro Board Firefighter 1, Firefighter 2, and Hazardous Material Operations certification within the first year.
Additional Requirements: See KRS Chapter 95 for additional requirements.
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Find Volunteer Firefighter JobsVolunteer Firefighter Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in volunteer firefighter jobs.
- Firefighter I and II certification or equivalent state-recognized credentials
- Current EMT-Basic or higher emergency medical certification
- Valid driver's license with ability to operate emergency vehicles
- Completion of or willingness to complete Hazmat Operations training
- Physical fitness meeting CPAT or department-established standards
- Availability to respond to calls during assigned shifts or on-call hours
Tips for Your Volunteer Firefighter Job Search
List every relevant certification you hold
Fire departments screen applications by certification level before anything else. List your Firefighter I and II, EMT, and any NIMS training prominently on your resume so reviewers can confirm eligibility in seconds, not minutes.
Tailor your application to department type
Rural volunteer departments prioritize availability and community ties, while industrial or airport departments weight technical certifications far more heavily. Read each listing carefully and lead with the qualifications that match that specific department's focus.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists volunteer firefighter openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Highlight physical fitness test preparation
Most departments require a Candidate Physical Ability Test or equivalent before an offer. Mention any CPAT completion or structured fitness training on your application so the hiring officer knows you're ready to pass on the first attempt.
Prepare for a panel interview format
Volunteer fire department interviews are almost always conducted by a panel of current members, not HR staff. Practice scenario-based questions about emergency decision-making and teamwork out loud, because this panel evaluates cultural fit as much as technical knowledge.
Follow up through the right channel
After submitting your application, contact the fire station directly by phone rather than email. Departments run lean administrative operations, and a brief, professional call to the station captain signals initiative and genuine interest far more effectively.
Volunteer Firefighter Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most volunteer firefighters?
Allied Universal, United States Forest Service, and Rural Metro are hiring the most volunteer firefighters right now, with openings concentrated in Texas, Florida, and Arizona, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Availability shifts frequently as departments open recruitment cycles, so checking current listings regularly gives you the best picture.
How many volunteer firefighter jobs are remote?
About 8% of volunteer firefighter openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on, in-person nature of emergency response work. The sub-areas most likely to offer any remote component are administrative coordination roles and fire prevention or public education positions within larger departments.
How do you become a volunteer firefighter?
Start by contacting your local fire department to ask about their recruitment cycle, since departments open applications on their own schedules. Complete a state-accredited Firefighter I course, obtain EMT certification if required, pass a background check and physical ability test, and complete the department's probationary training period before taking active calls.
Can you get hired as a volunteer firefighter with no prior experience?
Yes, many departments actively recruit candidates with no prior fire service experience and provide all required training after acceptance. What matters most at the entry level is a clean background, physical fitness, demonstrated reliability, and genuine commitment to the community. Prior military service, EMS experience, or first aid training strengthens an application but is rarely required.
What does the volunteer firefighter interview process look like?
Most departments begin with an application review, then invite selected candidates to a station visit or orientation night. A panel interview with current members follows, focused on scenario questions about emergency situations, teamwork, and community commitment. Physical ability testing and a background or reference check typically come after the panel before a conditional offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to volunteer firefighter jobs?
You can find and apply to volunteer firefighter jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from departments across the United States. Find roles that match your location and certifications and apply directly to each listing from the same place.
See All 66 Volunteer Firefighter Jobs
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