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Firefighter Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A 320591744firefighter52.23wildland firefighter2.91fire2.46firefighter emt2.24emt2.159781110268520000.0057497.31113000.00YEARLY500318152025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Firefighter is responsible for using their physical stamina and compassionate nature to combat fires and other hazardous situations while ensuring the safety of others. Their duties include using equipment to extinguish fires, rescuing members of the public from dangerous conditions and providing cleanup services to law enforcement at the scene of a car accident or natural disaster.

320591744firefighter52.23wildland firefighter2.91fire2.46firefighter emt2.24emt2.159781110268520000.0057497.31113000.00YEARLY500318152025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Firefighter duties and responsibilities

The most important duties and responsibilities of a 320591744firefighter52.23wildland firefighter2.91fire2.46firefighter emt2.24emt2.159781110268520000.0057497.31113000.00YEARLY500318152025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Firefighter position are being able to put out fires, helping the injured and keeping people safe in emergency situations. The most important duties and responsibilities you’ll want to include in a job description are:

  • Preventing, combating and extinguishing fires with the goal of protecting lives, the environment and property
  • Operating tools and equipment used for firefighting safely and effectively
  • Providing appropriate medical care within their scope of knowledge in emergency situations
  • Analyzing hazardous situations and thinking of quick solutions and actions
  • Teaching and participating in training classes and drills
  • Performing general maintenance on firefighting equipment
  • Maintaining a clean environment in the department facilities

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Firefighter Job Description Examples

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
Job Description Best Practices
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What does a 320591744firefighter52.23wildland firefighter2.91fire2.46firefighter emt2.24emt2.159781110268520000.0057497.31113000.00YEARLY500318152025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Firefighter do?

Firefighters typically work for fire stations or firehouses to provide timely responses to emergencies. They work with firefighters and other emergency personnel to bring emergencies under control and restore order. Their job is to respond to potential gas leaks, contain and extinguish building or brush fires, offer first aid services to members of the public and remove debris from the roadway. They may also need to repair their vehicles and equipment during quiet moments of the day.

320591744firefighter52.23wildland firefighter2.91fire2.46firefighter emt2.24emt2.159781110268520000.0057497.31113000.00YEARLY500318152025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Firefighter skills and qualifications

Firefighting can be a high-stress job, so applicants need to have extensive skills and qualifications in order to do the job correctly and handle hazardous situations safely. Here are the most important skills and qualifications relevant to being a 320591744firefighter52.23wildland firefighter2.91fire2.46firefighter emt2.24emt2.159781110268520000.0057497.31113000.00YEARLY500318152025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Firefighter:

  • The physical demands of firefighting are significant. The equipment is very heavy, and immense strength is necessary for getting through certain obstacles during firefighting and carrying individuals out of danger.
  • It’s common for Firefighters to be on call for 24 hours then off for two or three days. With a 24-hour shift, Firefighters need to have extensive stamina that allows them to address dangerous situations effectively on a moment’s notice at any time.
  • Firefighting is a team effort, so firefighters need to be able to communicate with each other and victims effectively. Applicants must excel at both conveying ideas and listening to instructions.
  • Firefighters have to operate an extensive amount of equipment during the job, so any applicant must have technical expertise in all the tools at their disposal including hoses, breaching tools and the fire truck itself.

Firefighter salary expectations

A Firefighter makes an average of $45,454 per year. Salary may depend on level of experience, education and the geographical location.

Firefighter salary expectations

2025-10-0120000.0057497.31113000.00YEARLY
  • Common salary: 57497.31 YEARLY
  • Typical salaries range from 20000.00 - 113000.00 YEARLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Firefighter education and training requirements

At the minimum level, a high school diploma or GED is required to become a Firefighter. Some job descriptions also include an associate degree in fire science as a preferred qualification. There are also course programs at vocational colleges that are conducted in conjunction with local fire departments creating qualified candidates. EMT certification is also a requirement to ensure Firefighters have the proper medical training in addition to passing the fire academy training.

Firefighter experience requirements

Most Firefighter positions prefer some experience for their applicants, but extensive on-the-job training is offered with the fire academy. Of course, an applicant who is already a Career Firefighter can get through that much faster and potentially skip it altogether as long as they remain in compliance with local requirements.

Job Description samples for similar positions

If you’re recruiting for positions related to the Firefighter, see our job descriptions for similar roles:

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Frequently asked questions about Firefighters

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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