TOWN OF LANCASTER, MA -- Firefighter/EMT- Full Time
The Town of Lancaster seeks a dynamic, action-oriented team player with excellent judgment and communication skills to serve as a Firefighter/EMT. Working under the direction of the Fire Chief and other members of the Department’s Command Staff, this role is responsible for protecting life and property through firefighting, emergency medical response, fire prevention, and public safety education. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the future of the Lancaster Fire Department, helping to shape its growth, culture, and service to the community. Duties include responding to hazardous materials incidents, handling sensitive medical information, and conducting safety inspections or community training sessions.
The full job description is included below.
Qualifications:
- Strongly preferred: Firefighter Level I/II and EMT-B certifications
- Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License
- High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education preferred
- Minimum of 1 year of experience, 3 preferred in the Fire/EMS field
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered
Schedule & Compensation:
- 48-hour workweek (24-hour shifts, including nights/weekends)
- Starting salary Range: $63,166.18-67,013.00 DOQE
- Full benefits: health, dental, life insurance, retirement system, paid time off, holidays, and potential education assistance (budget permitting)
- Note: Schedule and compensation are subject to change pending the finalization of the union contract.
Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter and Town of Lancaster Job Application by email to Jobs@lancasterma.gov.
Application is online at https://www.ci.lancaster.ma.us/420/Job-Opportunities.
Position open until it is filled. The Town of Lancaster, MA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Posted: 11/17/2025
*************** JOB DESCRIPTION ***************
FIREFIGHTER/EMT
(FULL TIME)
POSITION PURPOSE
The purpose of this position is to protect life and property by performing firefighting, emergency aid, hazardous materials, and fire prevention/inspectional duties for the Lancaster Fire Department; all other related work as required. The Firefighter is responsible for maintaining and improving upon the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas under his/her direction and control.
SUPERVISION
Supervision Scope: Performs highly responsible duties; makes decisions which involve choices of action within limits defined by standard practices and instructions.
Supervision Received: Works under the general direction of the Fire Lieutenant or other superior officer and in conformance with departmental regulations and professional standards. Refers all unusual cases to supervisor. The position is subject to review and evaluation according to the Town of Lancaster's personnel plan.
Supervision Given: May serve as the primary contact in the day-to-day operations of the Fire Department. May serve as Incident Command at an emergency scene. May direct personnel on daily activities at the fire station or at emergency scenes.
JOB ENVIRONMENT
A significant portion of work is performed at the scene of fires/emergencies under varying weather conditions and under conditions which may involve considerable personal danger with exposure to smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents and oils. The noise level may be very loud at an emergency scene. When on call, required to immediately report to duty 24 hours a day. Performs inspections in compliance with Massachusetts General Laws and Fire Prevention regulations. Site inspection work is performed outdoors with exposure to weather extremes and inclement weather. Required to traverse uneven terrain and is subject to the hazards associated with construction sites. Administrative work is performed in an office environment.
Operates emergency medical aid equipment, fire apparatus, fire pumps, hoses, ladders, first aid equipment, radio, pager, and other standard firefighting equipment. Required to wear protective clothing/equipment.
Makes contacts with the general public, other Town departments, and other public safety personnel. Provides safety education to the schools, seniors and the general public.
Has limited access to confidential information including personal information about citizens, sensitive medical information, and/or criminal investigations.
Errors could be costly in terms of decreased or less efficient protection to persons and property, confusion and delay, possible personal injury and/or death, and result in direct financial and legal repercussions.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)
Responds to fire department alarms and calls for assistance. Drives fire department apparatus of all types and sizes. Performs firefighting activities utilizing fire hose, heavy stream appliances and extinguishers, and ladders; ventilates burning buildings, using forcible entry tools, if necessary; enters burning buildings to evacuate and rescue persons in danger and control fire. Protects fire-damaged property by spreading salvage covers, removing excess water and debris, and securing buildings against rekindling.
Performs emergency rescue and extrication work at accident scenes.
Responds to and assists in the control and mitigation of hazardous materials emergencies. Responds to and assists in controlling the effects of environmental emergencies, i.e. earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, etc., including performing rescues and evacuations.
Administers advanced first aid and resuscitation.
Performs inspections in accordance with MGL 148 and 527 regulations. Issues fire works permits and blasting permits; collects fees; maintains associated records. Writes violation notices when necessary. Inspections include smoke detectors, fire alarm systems, propane, underground and above ground storage tanks (installation and removal), oil burner, tank truck, and general code/safety enforcement. Inspects existing businesses and properties to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
May perform miscellaneous Department maintenance duties including the servicing of all department equipment and vehicles, and; operating fire hydrants and water systems. Cleans, maintains, repairs and tests fire apparatus and equipment.
Assists in investigating the cause and origin of fires and explosions. Conducts confidential and internal investigations.
Attends drills and training classes in firefighting, rescue, emergency medical work, and related subjects.
Coordinates Department action with law enforcement agencies (both local and state).
Formulates and reviews policies to ensure that fire code enforcement and that the public safety needs of the community are met.
Attends meetings, seminars, and conferences for education and information gathering and exchange.
Prepares uniform fire inspection reports for the State Fire Marshall. Prepares other reports for state, county, and federal officials. Maintains records as directed.
Develops and prepares a variety of department correspondence, reports, records, etc. and copies, files, and distributes material as appropriate.
Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training and Experience: High school graduate or GED; a minimum of one (1) year of firefighting experience, three (3) preferred; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Special Requirements: Completion of the Recruit Firefighter or Massachusetts Call/Volunteer program or equivalent preferred, Massachusetts Firefighter Level I/II certification or equivalent Pro Board certification; Certification as a minimum EMT-B; Possession of a valid Class D motor vehicle operator's license; Certification in CPR, AHA-BLS preferred. Alcohol, controlled substance, physical examination, Physical Agility Test, and criminal background testing is Mandatory.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, AND SKILL
Knowledge: Working knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions involved in the work performed. Working knowledge of fire suppression and prevention principles, procedures, techniques and equipment. Working knowledge of first aid and resuscitation techniques and their application. Basic knowledge of pumps and hydraulics. Basic knowledge of flammable gases/liquids and hazardous materials. Knowledge of building construction.
Ability: Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions. Ability to communicate effectively verbally. Courage and emotional stability. Ability to be effective under conditions which create emotional and physical stress. Ability to apply standard firefighting and emergency aid techniques to specific situations. Ability to follow proper methods, procedures and safety precautions of a Firefighter. Ability to perform arduous tasks requiring physical endurance and agility under adverse conditions.
Skill: Skill in operating all fire equipment and apparatus.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The position involves physically hazardous functions under emergency conditions. Must be able to connect and pull and operate hose lines; operate a pump; position and climb ladders/stairs; lift/carry equipment or persons weighing more than 150 pounds; push; climb; stoop; kneel; crawl; and reach with hand and arms. Performance of work also involves standing and walking for long periods of time. Accesses all areas at the scene of a fire, which may consist of a building, collapsed building, trench, etc. Wears protective equipment weighing over 50 pounds. Performs duties under conditions of extreme heights, confined spaces, intense heat, cold, toxic fumes or dense smoke. Required to detect odors and have temperature sensitivity. Communicates verbally. Vision and hearing at, or correctable to, normal ranges; ability to distinguish colors. Must meet all the physical requirements of a firefighter.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $63,166.00 - $67,013.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
