Fire Department · Combination
Columbia-Richland Fire Department
Columbia, SC · Richland County
Columbia-Richland Fire Department seeks a Fire Training Officer with $65,614–$78,066 annual salary. Apply by July 18, 2026.
Columbia-Richland Fire Department seeks certified firefighters with a minimum salary of $43,800 annually. Deadline: August 2, 2026.
Columbia-Richland Fire Department seeks non-certified firefighters with no prior experience required. Salary $34,900–$41,523 annually. Apply by August 2, 2026.
The Columbia-Richland Fire Department is a combined career and volunteer agency that protects both the City of Columbia and the surrounding Richland County, South Carolina, including communities such as Blythewood, Elgin, Gadsden, Hopkins, Irmo, and Eastover.
At full staffing the department fields 441 career firefighters plus volunteer members, operating out of stations spread across roughly 750 square miles and serving about 390,000 residents. Its operations division is organized into five battalions.
The department's apparatus fleet reflects the range of terrain and hazards it covers: engine, ladder, and rescue companies backed by water tankers and brush trucks for rural and wildland response.
Crews respond to the full spectrum of emergencies, including structure fires, technical rescues, hazardous materials incidents, natural disasters, and medical calls.
MissionWe save lives and protect property through community risk reduction and professional emergency response to the public we serve.
The department actively recruits both certified and non-certified firefighters and applies through the City of Columbia's online portal. Certified applicants who already hold Firefighter II can be hired directly, while candidates without certification start at a lower training salary and complete the department's 18-week recruit school before reaching full firefighter pay.
All applications are submitted through governmentjobs.com/careers/columbiasc, and an interest form is also available on the department's careers page.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid Class D driver's license
- IFSAC and/or Pro Board Certified Firefighter II (for certified positions)
- EMR/EMT certification preferred
- Prior firefighting experience preferred (certified track); none required for non-certified track
- Able to perform heavy physical work, including lifting 50-75 pounds regularly and over 100 pounds frequently
Benefits
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; disability and life insurance; an Employee Assistance Program; flexible spending accounts; annual, sick, and holiday leave; retirement through the SC Retirement System/PORS plus 401(k) and 457 plans; educational reimbursement; and a gym membership.
Non-certified hires must successfully complete the Columbia Fire Department's 18-week recruit school.
What are the minimum requirements to become a firefighter?
You need a high school diploma or GED and a valid Class D driver's license. Certified positions require IFSAC and/or Pro Board Firefighter II certification; EMR/EMT is preferred. The non-certified track requires no prior experience.
How much do firefighters earn?
Certified firefighters start at $43,800 per year. Non-certified recruits earn $34,900 during training and move to $43,800 once certified.
Do I need to be certified before applying?
No. The department hires both certified firefighters (Firefighter II) and non-certified candidates. Non-certified hires complete the department's 18-week recruit school to become certified.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the City of Columbia's online portal at governmentjobs.com/careers/columbiasc, and an interest form is available on the department's careers page.
How physically demanding is the job?
The work is heavy in nature, involving walking, climbing, and lifting between 50 and 75 pounds regularly and over 100 pounds frequently.
Past postings, kept for reference. These are no longer accepting applications.