Firefighter

City of Athens • Athens, OH

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Athens is accepting applications for Firefighter to establish an eligibility list. Applicants must be 18 years of age no later than the date of the first test. The starting salary is $57,953.09, plus employees enjoy a generous benefits package such as paid holidays, sick leave, vacation time, a comprehensive health insurance plan (including but not limited to prescription, vision, dental, and life insurance), public employee pension match, education incentives, parental leave, and a fitness center membership. This is a bargaining unit position. Extensive testing process including written Civil Service Exam, physical agility test, interviews, complete background investigation and polygraph, and post- offer medical and psychological exams are required. Preference may be given to applicants who have a current Ohio Basic and Advanced Fire certification and/or college degree in fire science, or related field. Please review all of the information below thoroughly: Submit your intent to apply by clicking the "Apply Now" button and completing the online questionnaire. Within 24 hours of submitting your intent to apply, you will be emailed a PDF version of the detailed application packet. Hard copies of the detailed application packets can also be picked up at the following locations, Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm: The Mayor's Office, City Building, 8 E. Washington St., Athens, OH 45701 Athens Fire Department Headquarters, 120 E. Stimson Ave., Athens, OH 45701 Athens Fire Department Station 2, 454 Richland Ave, Athens, OH 45701 If you cannot pick up the application packet during these hours, please call the Athens Fire Department at 740-592-3301 to schedule a time to pick up the packet. A Civil Service Exam will be administered on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens Ohio. As long as your application packet is submitted by 4 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026, you will be eligible to sit for the exam. Applicants must show a valid, government issued Picture ID for entry to the test. Applicants must achieve a minimum passing score of 70% on the exam. To be eligible for military credit, a copy of the DD-214 showing honorable discharge must be submitted with the application packet. An excellent driving record is mandatory. Those who pass the written exam will be scheduled to participate in the Physical Agilities Test on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 9 a.m. Application materials must be received in the Mayor's Office by Friday, May 29, 2026 at 4 p.m. An application can be mailed if needed, but must be postmarked before Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The City reserves the right to recruit additional applicants if an insufficient number are received. The City of Athens encourages applications from women, veterans, and minorities. The City of Athens, OH is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Please note exam information: No further notice will be given for the Civil Service Exam. Report for the written exam by 5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026. The exam will be held at the Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens Ohio. If you pass the written exam, you will be scheduled to participate in the Physical Agilities Test on Saturday, June 6, 2026 beginning at 9 a.m. Please put the dates for the written exam and physical agilities testing on your calendar. JOB SUMMARY: The purpose of this job is to perform specialized duty work functions in preparing for and responding to all hazard emergency calls and providing general support within the Fire Department. A firefighter protects life and property threatened by fire and hazardous materials, and performs rescues using multiple rescue disciplines. Duties and responsibilities include maintaining readiness for emergency call response such as responding to fire, medical, rescue, hazardous materials, and related emergency calls often requiring strenuous physical exertion. Additional duties include taking proper action using job-related skills and knowledge based training, educating other staff and public on fire safety/prevention, inspecting public properties to determine compliance with fire regulations, performing routine maintenance of the fire stations’ grounds and equipment, and performing other tasks related to City and Fire Department activities. Firefighters report to a Lieutenant.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age no later than the date of the first test.
• High school diploma or GED, at time of appointment.
• State of Ohio Basic and Advanced Fire training as recognized by the Ohio Department of EMS with State Certification completion within probationary period.
• CPR Professional Rescuer (BLS), and First Aid certification completion within probationary period.
• State of Ohio Fire Inspector Certification as recognized by the Ohio Department of EMS with State Certification; completion within probationary period.
• Valid driver's license.
• Excellent driving record.
• Meet the residency requirements within 18 months of hire.
• At time of appointment must be at least 18 years of age, and under age 41.
• Must maintain Ohio Firefighter II and Ohio Fire Safety Inspector (FSI) certification as recognized by the Ohio Department of EMS for duration of employment.
• Ability to work at heights in excess of 100 feet.
• Ability to rescue individuals from fire scenes and motor vehicle accidents.
• Ability to remove and replace heavy equipment on fire department apparatus.
• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Ability to respond to hazardous spill sites.
• Ability to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Pass swim qualifications according to department SOPs and perform water-based rescue procedures as necessary.
• Ability to select color coded tools and equipment.
• Ability to communicate via two-way radio and other technological means.
• An excellent driving record is mandatory.
• Applicants must achieve a minimum passing score of 70% on the exam.
• Applicants must show a valid, government issued Picture ID for entry to the test.

Nice To Haves

• Current Ohio Basic and Advanced Fire certification
• College degree in fire science, or related field.
• College degree in fire science or related field.
• Knowledge of elementary chemistry and physics.
• Knowledge of the geography of Athens.
• Excellent communications and organizational skills.
• Any additional fire related certificates.

Responsibilities

• Perform specialized duty work functions in preparing for and responding to all hazard emergency calls and providing general support within the Fire Department.
• Protect life and property threatened by fire and hazardous materials, and perform rescues using multiple rescue disciplines.
• Maintain readiness for emergency call response such as responding to fire, medical, rescue, hazardous materials, and related emergency calls often requiring strenuous physical exertion.
• Take proper action using job-related skills and knowledge based training.
• Educate other staff and public on fire safety/prevention.
• Inspect public properties to determine compliance with fire regulations.
• Perform routine maintenance of the fire stations’ grounds and equipment.
• Perform other tasks related to City and Fire Department activities.
• Participate in training classes, skills practice, and drills to enhance job-related skills and abilities.
• Facilitate the training of other members so they are properly trained to carry out their assigned duties, including planning, developing, conducting, and/or evaluating formal or informal sessions, drills, classes, or skills.
• Attend external lectures, seminars, courses, etc. and read external documents (e.g. professional trade publications) to stay current in emergency service operations.
• Read internal e-mails, memos, guidelines, policies, and procedures to keep apprised of new developments in departmental operations and procedures.
• Perform various basic firefighter functions during emergency incidents in order to preserve life and property.
• Respond safely to fire/medical/emergency calls for assistance while operating a variety of fire apparatus.
• Stretch a hose line or use an extinguisher to deliver water, foam, or other extinguishing agents to an emergency scene.
• Operate within the Incident Management System and departmental operating procedures.
• Communicate with individuals/crew while en route to, and at the emergency scene, to ensure appropriate coordination of apparatus and personnel using various methods of technology.
• Safeguard self and others at all times.
• Respond quickly to unforeseen circumstances as they arise.
• Ensure the scene is free of any remaining hazards or equipment associated with the emergency response.
• Minimize distress and suffering by giving direct medical assistance, including performing triage and stabilizing patients by following established emergency medical treatment protocols to the level of Basic Life Support.
• Examine incident scene and preserve evidence to help determine the cause of a fire or other emergency.
• May be assigned to work on special teams or assignments which may call for special abilities and knowledge attained through experience and training.
• Perform at the operations-level, or technician-level when trained and certified, at technical rescue operations.
• Perform at the operations-level at hazardous materials operations.
• Make openings in burning buildings for ventilation using saws, axes, and hydraulic rescue tools.
• Lay and connect hose lines and operate nozzles directing streams for long periods of time.
• Perform salvage and overhaul operations at the scene of a fire, such as covering furniture with tarpaulin, mopping floors, and clearing debris to preserve property.
• Engage in activities which have a positive impact on the Department's image within the community including public education, assistance, and other related initiatives.
• Participate as a Fire Department representative at community events, as assigned.
• Assist in the resolution of problems or questions referred by Fire Department staff, City administrators or employees, City Council, and/or the public.
• Instruct members of the public, of various ages, in fire prevention techniques.
• Maintain familiarity with local streets and buildings within the city.
• Tour commercial and non-commercial buildings and sites to gather pre-incident planning information.
• Utilize department software to conduct and view electronic pre-incident plans of schools, apartments, churches, commercial buildings, etc.
• Inspect buildings and premises for hazards and compliance with adopted fire codes, follow-up on complaints, and assist in the investigation of arson cases.
• Test hydrants for operational use, provide seasonal maintenance, and properly document results.
• Inspect, clean, and maintain personal gear and equipment to ensure proper and safe operation.
• Perform general cleaning, maintenance, and upkeep of Department property.
• Clean and perform maintenance checks and servicing on all apparatus and equipment, making minor repairs, and referring repair needs to the appropriate personnel.
• Assist with returning equipment and apparatus to service.
• In the absence of lieutenants, may be assigned as senior firefighter in charge.
• Keep records and prepare reports.
• Dispatch proper equipment.
• Assume other responsibilities and perform other related duties as needed.
• Review, complete, file, distribute, forward, and record information in logs, forms, reports, and systems.

Benefits

• Paid holidays
• Sick leave
• Vacation time
• Comprehensive health insurance plan (including but not limited to prescription, vision, dental, and life insurance)
• Public employee pension match
• Education incentives
• Parental leave
• Fitness center membership

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED