Town of Falmouth Rescue - Firefighter/EMT or Firefighter/Paramedic

The Town of Falmouth welcomes applications from motivated, service-oriented individuals for the positions of Firefighter/EMT and Firefighter/Paramedic with the Falmouth Fire Rescue Department. Prior firefighting experience is preferred but not required. Applicants must possess a current Massachusetts EMT basic or paramedic certification or have the ability to obtain Massachusetts certification through reciprocity. The Town provides Massachusetts Firefighting Academy training and comprehensive on-the-job instruction to successful candidates.

These are stable, full-time, year-round, positions that work a rotating schedule of 24 hours on duty (7 a.m. to 7 a.m.), 24 hours off duty, 24 hours on duty, followed by five (5) consecutive days off, providing work-life balance while delivering essential public safety services to one of Cape Cod’s largest and busiest communities with a year-round population of 32,500 that triples during the summer season. Applicants must be able to work scheduled shifts that fall on holidays and work more than 24 consecutive hours during major emergencies, severe weather events, and for other operational needs.

The Falmouth Fire Rescue Department is a progressive, full-service fire suppression and prevention, rescue, emergency medical services (EMS), hazardous materials response, and emergency management agency comprised of six (6) stations and more than 100 personnel. Our department is committed to professionalism, teamwork, continuous learning, exceptional customer service, and operational excellence.

As a non-Civil Service fire department, Falmouth offers a streamlined hiring process and welcomes applications from both newly certified EMTs beginning their fire service careers and experienced Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics seeking lateral employment opportunities.

Under the direction of a Shift Commander, Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics perform duties including, but not limited to:

• Responding to fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical, hazardous materials, technical rescue, and other emergency incidents;
• Providing Basic Life Support (EMTs) or Advanced Life Support (Paramedics) in accordance with Massachusetts certification requirements, department protocols, and applicable medical direction;
• Performing structural firefighting, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage, overhaul, fire prevention, and related emergency response activities;
• Operating fire apparatus, ambulances, pumps, ladders, hydraulic rescue tools, specialized rescue equipment, and other emergency response equipment;
• Assessing, treating, stabilizing, and transporting patients while preparing accurate patient care documentation;
• Participating in fire inspections, public education initiatives, emergency preparedness activities, drills, training exercises, and continuing professional development;
• Inspecting, testing, cleaning, and maintaining firefighting, EMS, rescue, station, and other emergency equipment to ensure operational readiness;
• Working cooperatively with colleagues, regional public safety agencies, healthcare providers, and other community partners during emergency incidents and planned events; and
• Performing all other related duties as assigned.

These positions involve strenuous physical work performed in hazardous and unpredictable environments requiring excellent physical conditioning, sound judgment, professionalism, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under stressful and rapidly changing conditions. Duties are performed in all weather conditions and may involve exposure to fire, smoke, hazardous materials, traumatic events, infectious diseases, serious illnesses and injuries, extreme temperatures, confined spaces, heights, and other dangerous environments.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of application;
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent;
• Possess a valid, unrestricted Massachusetts driver's license;
• Applicants must possess a current Massachusetts EMT Basic certification or have the ability to obtain Massachusetts certification through reciprocity; and
• Be a non-tobacco user, in compliance with Massachusetts law regarding tobacco use for firefighters.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Massachusetts paramedic certification or have the ability to obtain Massachusetts certification through reciprocity;
• Firefighter I/II certification;
• Associate or bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management, Public Administration, or a related field;
• Experience providing emergency medical services; and
• Strong communication, teamwork, and customer service skills.

Applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment must successfully complete a comprehensive employment and criminal background investigation, Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, Physical Abilities Test (PAT), medical examination, psychological examination, and drug screening.

Previous firefighting experience is not required. Experienced Firefighter/EMTs, Firefighter/Paramedics, and newly certified Massachusetts EMTs are all encouraged to apply. Once hired, recruits who are not already certified Massachusetts firefighters must successfully complete the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program. The Town provides Academy tuition, required equipment, and lodging near the assigned Academy campus during Academy training.

The successful candidate is highly motivated and committed to public service, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, compassion, adaptability, sound judgment, and teamwork. Candidates must communicate effectively, perform strenuous physical work in hazardous environments, remain calm under pressure, quickly learn and apply complex technical skills, and establish positive working relationships with coworkers, other public safety agencies, healthcare professionals, patients, and members of the public.

Starting Hourly Rate:

Firefighter/EMT: Step 1: $28.76/hour*
Firefighter/Paramedic: Step 1: $32.37/hour*

Experienced Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics may be appointed above Step 1, commensurate with qualifications and experience and consistent with the collective bargaining agreement.

*Rates will be updated for FY27 upon ratification of a Collective Bargaining Agreement Successor Agreement.

Comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Town-paid Massachusetts Firefighting Academy training;
• $6,000 educational incentive for Firefighter/EMTs who successfully complete a department-approved paramedic program, subject to the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement;
• Town contribution of up to 75% of health insurance premiums;
• Dental, vision, life insurance, and disability insurance;
• Massachusetts defined benefit pension plan;
• Voluntary pre-tax and Roth 457(b) retirement savings plans;
• Vacation, sick leave, personal leave, and paid holidays in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement;
• Vacation buy-back provision;
• Uniform allowance;
• Educational incentives, including reimbursement for approved Fire Science coursework; and
• Ongoing professional development and specialized fire and EMS training.

Preference Date to Apply: Monday, July 27, 2026 by 11:59 p.m. The positions will remain open until filled, but candidates who apply by the above date and time will be given preference over later applications. Applicants are required to upload a cover letter and resume to the online application portal.

About the Town of Falmouth as an Employer: The Town of Falmouth is a people-centered municipality committed to public service excellence. We strive to foster an inclusive and supportive work culture grounded in professionalism, collaboration, and accountability, and we invest in our employees through ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. The Town offers competitive compensation, and benefit-eligible positions offer comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance and other valuable benefits, and include participation in the Town's pension plan. All applicants must be able to interact and work effectively and respectfully with individuals and groups of various abilities, cultures, backgrounds, ages, and identities.