Full-Time Firefighter

Job Summary: Under the direct supervision of a company officer, the Firefighter will have the desire and compassion to help others and to protect lives, property and the environment. Work is to be completed as an individual contributor to the firefighting team by responding to and fighting fires, delivering emergency medical care, perform maintenance of fire apparatus, equipment and living quarters, conducting property inspections, taking part in ongoing training and participating in outreach events within the community.

Essential Functions: Perform all general duties of the department including fire protection, fire suppression, prevention, inspection, emergency medical services and public relations. Operate both as a member of a team and independently at incidents of uncertain duration. Perform a variety of tasks on slippery, hazardous surfaces such as on roof tops, stairs and ladders. Access multiple floors of buildings. Bend, stoop and crawl in confined areas. Stand while moving about for long periods. Climb over obstacles and through openings; jump down from elevated surfaces. Perform physically demanding work while wearing positive pressure breathing equipment. Work for long periods of time, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration. Perform complex tasks during life-threatening emergencies. Face life or death decisions during emergency conditions. Be exposed to grotesque sights and smells associated with major trauma and burn victims. Make rapid transitions from rest to near maximal exertion without warm-up periods to perform tasks which require lifting, carrying or dragging people or heavy objects weighing up to 100 lb. while performing firefighting, rescue and hazardous materials incident functions. Perform duties while working rotating shifts and unanticipated overtime. Use manual and power tools in the performance of duties. Rely on senses of sight, hearing, smell and touch to help determine the nature of the emergency, maintain personal safety, and make critical decisions in a confused, chaotic and potentially life-threatening environment throughout the duration of the operation; abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Communicate face-to-face and over Fire Department radio verbally and effectively by listening to people and giving information, directions, commands and initiating and responding to radio communications, often under adverse conditions such as siren usage and high-speed vehicle operations; requires abilities to see, speak and hear. Drive and operate all fire apparatus and rescue equipment in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions and environmental conditions such as fog, smoke, ice and snow. Perform firefighting, rescue and hazardous materials incident duties while working rotating shifts and unanticipated overtime. Aid in keeping the station, apparatus, quarters and stations grounds clean, orderly and in good condition. Read and comprehend rules, regulations, policies, procedures and the law for purposes of ensuring appropriate behavior/response and performance of firefighting, rescue and hazardous materials incident activities involving the public. Assist in keeping Fire Department equipment clean and operable. Perform fire safety inspections and surveys. Conduct fire prevention activities. Conduct and participate in fire training programs and fire prevention education programs for the public, including giving talks, demonstrations and presentations. Participate in fire drills, attend classes in firefighting, emergency medical, hazardous materials and related subjects. Perform all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Environmental Expectations: Spend extensive time outside exposed to the elements. Work in wet, icy or muddy areas. Tolerate extreme and frequent fluctuations in temperature and humidity while performing duties. Must perform physically demanding firefighting and rescue work in hot (up to 400F), humid (up to 100%) atmospheres while wearing equipment that significantly impairs body-cooling mechanisms. Face exposure to carcinogenic dusts such as asbestos, toxic substances such as hydrogen cyanide, acids, carbon monoxide or organic solvents either through inhalation or skin contact. Face exposure to infectious agents such as Hepatitis B or HIV. Operate in environments of high noise, poor visibility, limited mobility, at heights, and in enclosed or confined spaces, where sustaining traumatic or thermal injuries is possible.

Basic Skill and Knowledge: Knowledge of current firefighting techniques and methodologies. Knowledge of modern firefighting equipment and its efficient use. Be mechanically proficient while working under conditions of extreme heights, intense heat, cold or smoke. Ability to understand and follow oral instructions, to accept authority and to work effectively with other employees. Ability to learn and retain location of streets and geography of the response district. Strong communication (verbally and written) and interpersonal skills to deal with fire personnel and the public. Ability to react quickly and calmly. Good computer skills "Team Player" attitude.

Pre-Employment Process: Must be minimum of 18 years of age at time of application deadline. Must complete the entire application packet including the Authorization for Release of Information Form. Must complete Firefighter Entrance Level Examination. Must complete an oral interview(s) and background investigation. May be required to complete a psychological examination. Must complete a pre-employment physical examination. Must adhere to the 25-mile residency requirement as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Minimum Educational, Certificate, and Licensure Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent is required. An Associate Degree in Fire Science or a Bachelor Degree in any field is preferred. Must have and maintain a valid Michigan Driver's license, or the ability to obtain and maintain a valid Michigan Driver's license at the time of appointment. Possess a Michigan Firefighter I and II, Hazardous Materials Operations Certificate (out-of-state candidates will have six (6) months after appointment to obtain reciprocity) Possess or obtain a VFIS or McNeil and Co. Drivers Training Certificate within six (6) months after appointment. Possess and maintain a State of Michigan or National Registry EMT-B license or be enrolled in an EMT-B class at the time of appointment.

Miscellaneous Information: Application packet is attached but can also be picked up at 57 Division Street, Coldwater, Michigan 49036. Application packets will not be mailed out.

To apply, submit a resume and a completed application packet including the Authorization for Release of Information Form no later than November 19, 2026 to:

Coldwater Fire Department
ATTN: Tina Taylor
57 Division Street
Coldwater, MI 49036
Phone: 517/278-4177
Fax: 517/279-9406

Application Deadline: 2026-11-19