If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a firefighter, you must know where to apply for a job. Depending on your preferences, there are three main types of agencies for which you can work as a firefighter: federal fire departments, municipal fire departments, and private fire departments. To determine which of the three main firefighter employer types is the best fit for you, consult this quick and simple guide.
Federal Fire Departments
When working at a federal fire department, you’re employed by a federal agency such as the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Military, a Veteran’s Affairs facility, the Bureau of Land Management, or some other federally-operated department. Depending on the entity and service area the department is located in, federal fire department jobs include structural firefighting or wildland firefighting. To get a job as a wildland firefighter or apply for another federal fire department position, you don’t need to enlist or be a current federal employee.
When working for a federal fire department, you’ll receive a salary under the government salary system. As a result, you’ll enjoy more financial consistency in your position than you would working for a municipal or private department. In terms of their work schedule, federal firefighters will typically work 72-hour work weeks whether they are a wildland firefighter or structural firefighter.
Municipal Fire Departments
Many people seek out employment at a municipal fire department upon gaining experience at a federal fire department. Municipal fire departments are located in cities, districts, counties, or state agencies. A typical workweek at a municipal fire department is significantly shorter than at a federal fire department.
Generally, municipal fire department employees will work a 42- to 56-hour workweek with rotating 24- or 48-hour shifts. However, some departments will work 8- to 12-hour shifts. Municipal fire departments vary significantly in size, pay, and working conditions. As such, it’s difficult to generalize the experience of working for a municipality as a firefighter.
Private Fire Departments
The last of the three main firefighter employer types is private fire departments. Private fire departments are simply private agencies and companies that employ firefighters. Examples of private fire departments include companies, such as cruise lines or oil refineries, that require on-site firefighters, companies that contract with cities for fire suppression services, and private companies that create contracts to provide overseas fire and rescue services.
Working for a private fire department often entails more specialized job duties than municipal departments. In addition, there’s generally less job security and more irregular working conditions.