Firefighter - Closing Date 10/10/2026

City of Paducah, KY; Paducah (KY); On-site; USD 64,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Incentive pay

Longevity pay

Career advancement

Annual pay increase

Clothing allowance

Paid vacation and holidays

Health and wellness package

Gym reimbursement

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

The City of Paducah, KY is seeking candidates for a firefighting role performing fire suppression, prevention, inspections, and life support medical care. The position involves operating equipment, responding to emergencies, and maintaining gear.

Training is required to stay current with firefighting methods, and candidates must meet certification and physical requirements. The role offers opportunities for advancement and a benefits package including health coverage, paid leave, and longevity

Qualifications

• Requires IFSAC Firefighter I & II; EMT certification and CPAT current through 2027.
• High school diploma or equivalent; able to read, write, speak English fluently.
• Must have valid driver’s license and good moral character.

Responsibilities

• Perform fire suppression, fire prevention, inspections, and life support care.
• Operate and respond with firefighting equipment; drive/maneuver apparatus.
• Maintain and inspect equipment (hoses, tanks, medical kits, etc.).
• Attend training to stay current on firefighting methods.
• Prepare and submit run reports and other documentation.

Skills

Fire suppression

Rescue operations

Equipment maintenance

Physical fitness

Records & reports

Education

High school diploma

IFSAC Firefighter I & II

Kentucky EMT Certification

CPAT certification

Job description

Description

Job Responsibilities:

Under general supervision, performs fire suppression, fire prevention, and inspections; performs life support medical care and emergency medical treatment; performs fire prevention activities as assigned.

Illustrative Duties:

• Performs fire suppression and rescue activities (e.g., operates hose lines and nozzles, ladders and aerial ladders, etc.); responds to fire accidents and disaster alarms.
• Performs mop-up and over‑haul activities (e.g., takes out walls and ceilings to ensure fire is extinguished, removes furniture, removes debris, and cleans up water, etc.).
• Checks equipment and performs tasks to ensure proper operation of emergency and firefighting equipment (e.g., hoses, oxygen tanks, medical kits, locating fluid levels, tire pressure, lights, fuel, stores fire hoses, cleans squad equipment, etc.).
• Performs routine upkeep of building and its contents (e.g., sweeps, mops, waxes floors, washes windows, cleans restrooms, and vacuums carpet).
• Attends training sessions and demonstrations to enhance and maintain self‑knowledge of present and new methods and techniques of firefighting and fire inspections.
• Promote fire and safety prevention as assigned.
• Perform fire inspections as assigned.
• Prepares and submits records, reports, or other documentation as required (e.g., work performed, run reports, state reports, etc.).
• As assigned, drives and operates motorized firefighting equipment.

Wages start at $17.03 with increases at 6 months and 1 year. For depiction of a full year salary working the 24/48 schedule, year Two annual salary is $63,598.08 + $4,653 KY State Incentive Pay = $68,251.08 plus longevity pay.

Additional Benefits Include:

• Additional $4,653 Incentive pay from the KY Fire Commission for training requirements met.
• Longevity Pay
• Career Advancement Opportunities (Drive the Apparatus, Group Supervisor, Shift Supervisor, Management, and More)
• Annual Pay Increase
• Clothing Allowance
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Comprehensive Health and Wellness Package
• Gym Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
• And More!!

Requirements

Qualifications:

Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age, must possess a minimum educational requirement of a high school diploma, or its equivalent as approved by the United States Armed Forces Institute, or a recognized institute of higher learning or the Commonwealth of Kentucky, must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language, must be a person of good moral character, good reputation in the community in which s/he lives, law abiding, and loyal to the U. S. A. government, must have standard visual acuity without correction, not less than 20/40 in one eye, and 20/100 in the other eye, IFSAC Firefighter I & II Certification, Kentucky EMT Certification. Applicants must possess a current CPAT certification through February 2027. Applicants shall have a valid driver's license.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to perform heavy physical labor in required firefighting equipment under hazardous conditions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of department policy and procedure, fire suppression and rescue techniques, fire apparatus operation and maintenance, tools, equipment, and instruments utilized in fire fighting operations, safety practices, and procedures. Must be able to demonstrate physical strength and the ability to function in a hazardous environment in full firefighting gear (includes SCBA). Ability to follow oral and written instructions, diagnose malfunctions, and take appropriate corrective actions. Ability to prepare and deliver speeches to specialized audiences and the general public. Ability to prepare concise and accurate reports.