If you're looking for purpose in your life, we have it. We're looking for service-minded individuals who are physically fit and of high moral character. All training is paid, and uniforms are provided.
This job is open for both entry-level and qualified lateral-entry candidates.
In order to be considered for this job, you MUST fill out and submit a city application. A link to the application is in the official job description that follows:
City of Union City – Job Opening
Firefighter
Starting salary - $15.53 - $21.89/ hour ($45,229 - $63,736 / year)
Deadline for applying - September 18, 2026
Applications and Job Descriptions can be obtained at City Hall, 408 S Depot, Union City TN 38261 or online at: https://www.unioncitytn.gov/employment/
It is the policy of the City of Union City TN not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability in its hiring and employment practices, or in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services and activities.
The hiring process for entry level applicants consists of a physical agility test, a written aptitude test, and an interview for candidates passing both the physical and written tests. Times and dates TBA after the application deadline. All eligible candidates will be invited to test.
The Union City Fire Department shift schedule is 24 hours on duty / 48 hours off duty.
JOB DESCRIPTION
GS 5.1 FIREFIGHTER
Definition
This is skilled work in the protection of life and property through firefighting and EMS activities usually performed under close supervision. Work occasionally requires performance of hazardous tasks under emergency situations, and adverse weather, which may involve strenuous exertion under such conditions as extreme heat, smoke, wind, rain, extreme cold, ice, and confined or cramped spaces.
A large part of the firefighter's time is made up of non-emergency duties such as inspections, training, maintaining equipment, quarters, apparatus, and other assigned duties to keep equipment and personnel in a state of readiness.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The duties listed below are intended as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
- Able to read, write, listen and comprehend instructions, information and reports;
- Able to operate a computer and use common office software to make reports; read and send email;
- Effectively communicate by voice and or by radio with other firefighters and emergency personnel to relay observations, equipment needs and other relevant information;
- Follows orders and directives from supervisors;
- Drive and operate fire apparatus and equipment;
- Responds to a wide variety of emergency alarms during a 24-hour shift including but not limited to structure fires, vehicle, wild land, and other fires, traffic and industrial accidents, gas leaks, hazardous material incidents, medical emergencies, and other calls for assistance;
- Fights fires under departmental guidelines and is directed by a company officer, lifts, carries, drags, connects and lays hose lines, sets ladders and operates fire streams, uses hand and power tools to ventilate and enter burning structures for the purpose of extinguishing fires and to perform search and rescue operations; raises lowers, climbs ladders to enter and exit structures; crawls and walks on roofs and floors; performs salvage, clean up, and overhaul operations, during and after fires to remove hazards and protect property;
- Move people from danger including carrying and or dragging unconscious persons;
- Provides first responder medical emergency response at the BLS level, including initial patient and situation assessment, CPR and trauma medical care, prepares patients and assists in advanced life support; must achieve TN Advanced EMT certification within 3 years and maintain said certification for the duration of employment.
- Participates in specialized rescue operations, and operates specialized hand and power tools and equipment to rescue traffic and industrial accident victims;
- Cleans, services and makes minor repairs to ensure the operational readiness of vehicles, apparatus, hoses, ladders and other emergency equipment; participates in the cleaning, repair and upkeep, of department buildings, grounds and facilities;
- Participates in training, including drills, demonstrations, lectures, and courses in firefighting techniques, equipment, and apparatus operation, medical aid, rescue, hazardous materials, fire prevention, equipment maintenance, and a wide variety of other subjects related to the fire service, studies local geography and conditions affecting fire operations, studies and learns departmental operating guidelines, and policies; studies and learns procedures and techniques for the mitigation of hazardous materials incidents;
- Meet all essential job function requirements of the National Fire Protection Association Standards 1001 (Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications)
- Must achieve Firefighter I certification within 18 months
- Must achieve Firefighter II certification within 36 months
- Waivers may be granted by Fire Chief if non-certification is not the fault of the firefighter i.e. No practicals available during the particular time frame.
- Understand and apply concepts identified within the Union City Fire Department’s Mission Statement
- Participates in public education programs by conducting and or assisting in conducting fire department tours, demonstrations, and presentations;
- Participates in pre-fire analysis, in reviewing target hazards within the city, and establishing actions to be taken at the time of an incident;
- Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Valid driver’s license must be maintained during employment.
- A good driving record with not more than one moving violation in the previous 12 months
- Must be a citizen of the United States
- Not under 18 years of age
- Provide proof of date and place of birth
- Must pass a background investigation as provided for in TCA 68-102-308
- No violent convictions of any kind
- No DUI convictions in the past 24 months
- Speak English as a primary or secondary language
- Be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.
- Ability to read and understand technical materials related to fire science; understand and follow oral and written directions; establish and maintain effective relationships with those encountered in the course of work; remain calm; make sound decisions and respond appropriately in emergency situations; maintain records and prepare clear concise reports, maintain physical endurance and agility;
- Ability to learn and successfully test for Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Medical responder to the level determined by department policies.
- Meet the physical standards and pass a physical examination and be in general good health, certified by a department physician before employment.
- Maintain a professional appearance at all times
- Previous firefighting experience in a volunteer or paid capacity is desirable
Physical and Mental Demands
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of a firefighter. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical and mental demands may change dramatically within a few seconds and tax the maximum of human endurance.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to maintain the ability to walk up and down stairs, utilize protective equipment, including eyewear, footwear, respiratory equipment, helmet, gloves and protective clothing, endure moderate to extreme exposure to weather, extreme heat and/or cold, wet and/or humid conditions, high level noise intensity, vibration, darkness and or poor lighting, toxic/caustic chemicals, dirt /dust, odors, and other environmental conditions. The employee must regularly lift and or move equipment and or persons weighing up to 200 pounds.
Employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or skills; interact with City Staff; other organizations and the public.
Due to the nature of the firefighting profession, the potential for severe injury or loss of life are continually present.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $45,229.36 - $63,736.40 per year
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
