Sample Firefighter Job Description

Firefighters are emergency personnel who rescue and extinguish fires that threaten life and property, and respond to medical emergencies and other disasters. They also educate the public on safety issues and may work with specialized teams to deal with hazardous materials or dangerous situations, such as building collapses or wildfires. The job of a firefighter requires extensive training. Some firefighters work for the government, while others volunteer or enroll in accredited apprenticeship programs with wilderness firefighting agencies, state fire departments or fire equipment manufacturers and suppliers.

During a typical callout, a firefighter connects hoses to hydrants and operates pumps that supply water to the hoses, climbs ladders or uses other tools to break through debris in order to reach people trapped inside burning buildings or vehicles. About two out of three calls to fire departments are for medical emergencies, and firefighters must be trained in treating injuries and providing first aid until paramedics arrive.

They are typically paid a competitive salary and have excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans and family leave. Firefighters must be prepared to travel long distances and spend days at disaster scenes. They must be able to work under extreme stress, and many firefighters are at risk for occupational illnesses related to exposure to toxic substances or prolonged physical exertion.

The job can be emotionally draining, and it is not uncommon for firefighters to seek therapy or change careers. Some firefighters are unable to cope with repeated trauma from responding to fires, auto accidents, explosions and other incidents. Some are at risk for PTSD, and their relationships can suffer as a result. Firefighters can also develop sleep disorders and chronic fatigue, and they are prone to exhaustion after working long hours.

For these reasons, it is important for the fire department to write a clear and concise job description that describes the daily duties and qualifications of the position. This can help attract highly qualified candidates and ensure that the department hires the best and most competent firefighters. The following sample firefighter job description can serve as a guide for creating a unique job posting that will effectively meet the needs of the fire department and its community.

[Work Hours and Benefits]

This section of the job description is a great place to describe working conditions for firefighters, such as whether or not they will be required to work weekends. It is important to address these details up front because they can influence a candidate’s decision to apply. In addition, this section of the job description can include information about a firefighter’s pay, working hours and other benefits that will be offered to employees. This will help to differentiate the job posting from competing ones, and will make it more likely to generate responses from interested individuals.