Is your company ready for the future of upskilling and reskilling? Check out the latest L&D trends and more! Download the report

Firefighter job description

A Firefighter is a professional who provides prevention, rescue, and suppression services for fires. These individuals may help during and after accidents. They are heavily involved in situations like buildings that have collapsed. After managing fires, they ensure people are safe and out of harm’s way, putting their lives at risk to save them in many situations.

Nikoletta Bika
Nikoletta Bika

Nikoletta holds an MSc in HR management and has written extensively about all things HR and recruiting.

Refreshed on

April 25, 2022

Reviewed by

Eftychia Karavelaki

Senior Recruitment Manager

Firefighter responsibilities include:

  • Responding to fire alarms quickly to regulate and extinguishing forest or building fires
  • Operating firefighting and rescuing equipment such as aerial ladders, axes, fire hoses etc.
  • Providing emergency medical services with compliance to established standards

firefighter job description

Job brief

We are looking for an experienced Firefighter to work with a team of professionals that suppresses fires as well as attending to accidents and emergencies. The job is challenging yet extremely rewarding as saving lives and protecting property is of utmost importance for our community.

An excellent firefighter is a responsible and brave professional who is well-trained in dealing with emergencies and enduring difficult situations. Calmness and patience when dealing with adversities are the most important qualities. Good communication skills and a compassionate personality may also come in handy in the field.

Responsibilities

  • Respond to fire alarms quickly to regulate and extinguish forest or building fires
  • Operate firefighting and rescuing equipment such as aerial ladders, axes, fire hoses etc.
  • Provide emergency medical services with compliance to established standards
  • Inspect scenes of fire or accidents to identify causes or discover significant findings
  • Clean up fire scenes by removing debris and burned items
  • Respond to other emergency situations and assist those in need
  • Write accurate reports after incidents and submit them to superiors
  • Clean and maintain personal equipment and keep it ready for use
  • Participate in fire drills as a way to stay alert and up-to-date with job duties
  • Assist in public educational programs to help prevent dangerous fire accidents

Requirements and skills

  • Proven experience as firefighter
  • Working knowledge of firefighting equipment and apparatus
  • Knowledge of first aid/CPR methods
  • Willingness to follow legal rules and guidelines and firefighting standards at all times
  • Great physical strength and stamina partnered with the ability to dress and move quickly
  • Patient and cool tempered with the ability to function in a team
  • Dedicated and compassionate
  • A practical mind and problem-solving ability
  • Successful passing of firefighting exams (written, physical, psychological etc.)
  • High school diploma or higher; degree in fire science is a plus
  • Certification as emergency medical technicians (EMT) is preferred

Frequently asked questions

Jump to section