Firefighter

Role overview

The City of Jackson is seeking a full-time Firefighter to join its Fire Department in Jackson, Michigan. This position focuses on safeguarding life and property through fire suppression, fire prevention, and emergency medical response. The role also includes support work such as code compliance inspections, ongoing training, and the cleaning and upkeep of the station, apparatus, and equipment.

Firefighters are expected to keep their assigned protective gear and clothing clean, serviceable, and ready for use. The job is performed under established procedures with close oversight from department leadership. Depending on operational needs, the position may also serve as a Fire Lieutenant and/or incident commander.

Work is organized around 24-hour shifts and includes nights, weekends, and holidays. The role requires wearing the department uniform and meeting grooming standards set by policy.

Essential duties

Firefighters respond to emergency situations involving fire suppression, rescue, and medical assistance, often in hazardous conditions and under personal risk. They also participate in training activities, assist with inspections related to code enforcement, and help maintain the fire station, vehicles, and equipment in working order.

Physical requirements

The position demands strong physical and mental capability to complete essential functions without excessive absence. Candidates must be able to lift, carry, or drag more than 150 pounds, stand and move for extended periods, and work while exposed to chemicals and hazardous materials. Normal hearing is required, along with corrected vision to 20/20 and the ability to pass a color blindness test in both eyes. Accurate color recognition by sight is also necessary.

Eligibility and qualifications

Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED. At the time of application and hire, they must hold Michigan Firefighter I and II certification. A current Michigan EMT-B license is required by the time of hire, along with a valid Michigan driver’s license.

Candidates should be able to learn the street and hydrant layout within Jackson, quickly absorb a wide range of firefighting methods, and handle fireground duties in extreme conditions while fully equipped with personal protective equipment. The job also calls for some mechanical aptitude and familiarity with mechanical work. Firefighters may need to give presentations to children and adults.

Successful candidates must pass a post-offer physical examination, a drug screen, and favorable employment and police background checks. Preference may be given to applicants with an associate degree in Fire Science and/or relevant experience in fire prevention or a similar field. After one year of employment, the employee must live within 40 miles of the City of Jackson limits. Veterans’ preference applies in the selection process.

Compensation and benefits

The salary range for this position is Grade 50 / 1–3L, with annual pay between $55,761 and $77,728. The benefits package includes paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; a defined benefit pension plan; and a Retiree IAFF MERP Plan.

How to apply

Applications must be completed in two steps. First, candidates should apply through the City of Jackson website and submit the required information, including a resume. A resume alone will not be accepted without a completed city application and all required documentation. Second, applicants must complete both a CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) and a written test through Schoolcraft College. Test results should be emailed to the listed city contact, or the applicant should provide the scheduled test dates. Schoolcraft College generally offers one CPAT and one written test each month, and both tests must be completed or scheduled by the date of hire.

Equal opportunity statement

The City of Jackson is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to recruit, hire, train, and advance people without discrimination based on religion, race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, marital status, source or level of income, height, weight, religious or political opinion, union affiliation, or physical or mental handicap unrelated to job performance. The organization also states its commitment to greater diversity, equity, and inclusion across the workforce.

Additional information

Department: Fire. Location: Jackson, Michigan. Employment type: Full-time. Minimum experience: Experienced. Date posted: June 17, 2026. Application deadline: July 17, 2026.

Applicants must meet all testing and documentation requirements by the stated hiring timeline. The department also expects staff to maintain the cleanliness and operability of personal protective equipment and clothing.