Aircraft Firefighter & Rescue Specialist

MaineGuide; Bangor (ME); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job description

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

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Department of Defense, Veterans' and Emergency Management

Job Class Code:0086
Grade: 17 (Operations/Maintenance & Support Services)
Salary: $21.86 - $30.21/Hour
Location: Bangor, ME

Opening Date: October 23, 2026

Closing Date: November 6, 2026

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

DESCRIPTION

This is investigative and protective services work involving the prevention and suppression of both structural and aircraft fires and the conduct of crash rescue operations. Responsibilities include firefighting, performing crash rescue activities, and operating and maintaining firefighting equipment. Work requires incumbent to function as a member of a team and involves potential life-threatening situations. Employees in this classification must be trained to respond to aircraft fire and crash rescue situations and to use and maintain specialized equipment and vehicles employed in aircraft firefighting and rescue operations. Work is performed under limited supervision, reports to Military Fire Fighter Supervisor or above. May be required to work volunteer or mandatory overtime.

REPRESENTATIVETASKS

Fights structural and aircraft fires as a member of a firefighting team to carry out fire suppression responsibilities. Responds to aircraft rescue situations to save lives and minimize property damage. Drives firefighting and/or rescue vehicles to scene of a fire, aircraft, or exercise; and maneuvers vehicle to place in the most practical and effective position. Operates the pump to maintain pressure of water, foam, or chemicals at the desired level. Apply First Aid/Emergency Medical Responder care to injured persons that require emergency medical assistance. Inspects assigned fire apparatus and associated equipment, repairs and refills fire extinguishers, and refills breathing apparatus to ensure equipment is operational and meets established standards. Cleans and polishes all of firefighting/crash and rescue apparatus and equipment to ensure proper working order and maximize availability. Updates knowledge of structural, aircraft firefighting, rescue techniques, breathing apparatus, emergency medical services, fire prevention, and a variety of modern firefighting equipment to maintain established job performance standards. Participates in emergency responses to hazardous materials spills and potential explosive situations to contain toxic and volatile substances. Studies technical orders, regulations, manuals, directives, and operating instructions to maintain individual firefighting proficiency and ability to work as a team member. Receives calls for emergency response, dispatches appropriate personnel to act and initiate appropriate emergency response.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

Knowledge of structural and aircraft firefighting and rescue methods and techniques. Knowledge of the types and uses of specialized firefighting and rescue vehicles, equipment, agents, and protective clothing. Knowledge of the construction features and location of operating systems on all types of civilian and military aircraft to include jet aircraft, helicopters, and various types of transient aircraft. Knowledge of basic emergency medical procedures and practices. Knowledge of basic hazardous materials spill cleanup methods and techniques. Knowledge of safety and clean up equipment used in containing hazardous materials. Knowledge of Emergency Medical Responder level medical methods and techniques. Knowledge of state and federal emergency communications network and teletype systems. Ability to operate firefighting and rescue vehicles used to respond to aircraft emergencies and disasters. Ability to use specialized firefighting and rescue equipment. Ability to perform Emergency Medical Responder procedures. Ability to perform routine maintenance on vehicles and equipment. Ability to work in stressful and potentially dangerous situations. Ability to lift heavy objects and climb and maneuver in and around high and confining areas. Ability to use and operate various communications equipment. Ability to read and comprehend aircraft operations manuals and schematics.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Three (3) years experience in an organized fire department. Preference will be given to candidates who have previous experience in aircraft firefighting and rescue. Graduation from a certified Military Fire Fighter Academy can be substituted for three (3) years education.

LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Certification in Fire Fighter I & II, HAZMAT – Operations Level, Emergency Medical Responder level, Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter or must be able to obtain these certifications within a year of hire. Must hold both a valid State of Maine driver’s license and be able to obtain and hold a valid Government driver’s license commensurate with the firefighting vehicles located at 101 ARW.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance - Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage - The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit - Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance - The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan - The State of Maine contributes 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement - Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts - Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness - The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program - Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave - All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation - Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your experience and passion set you apart.

If you require a paper application, please download and print one HERE

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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.