Firefighter

JOB TITLE:                      Firefighter

DEPARTMENT: Fire

SALARY RANGE:           $ 55,080

DATE POSTED:              June 22, 2026

CLOSING DATE: July 19, 2026

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Firefighters will be assigned to a platoon, inspection, or suppression, based on availability and seniority. Employees in the role of firefighter will perform a variety of emergency response, firefighting and community risk reduction activities including fire inspections and community education. Firefighters will coordinate their efforts with other employees and volunteers to achieve positive outcomes for the community. Firefighters will drive and operate fire apparatus and other vehicles, operate a variety of equipment including hydraulic & small engine motors. Firefighters will conduct and participate in training exercises as required by the Fire Chief.

Firefighters shall conduct fire and life safety surveys in public, commercial and residential structures to ensure compliance with local and state fire codes and ordinances. Firefighters will document in writing all violations of respective codes and identify corrective actions that must be made to bring the properties into compliance with applicable fire codes, ordinances, regulations, and standards.

Princeton Fire Department firefighters shall have the desire and compassion to help others and to protect lives, property, and the environment. Firefighters shall be individual contributors to the firefighting team by responding to and fighting fires, delivering rescue services, preplanning, taking part in ongoing training and community outreach events within the community and conducting fire inspections. Firefighters are responsible for safeguarding, to a reasonable degree, life and property from the hazards of fire and explosion and from conditions hazardous to life or property in the use or occupancy of buildings or premises.

Employee benefits include medical and dental insurance, vision reimbursement, and prescription drug plan access; fourteen paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal leave; training and continuing education, including tuition reimbursement up to $4,000 annually; non-resident benefits of Princeton Public Library and recreation program use.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS PERFORMED

• Ability and knowledge to perform firefighting work, including preventing, combating, and extinguishing fires to protect lives, property, and the environment
• Perform in the roles of driver/operator, officer, or interior firefighter as needed
• Conduct field inspections in accordance with the rules and regulations established and set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:70 et. seq. and Local Fire Code Ordinance
• Prepares violation notices for non-compliance with Code
• Work closely with and maintain a positive atmosphere with all members of Princeton Fire Department

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Adequate vision to function in rapid paced maneuvering, including in situations of low light, heavy smoke, and glare
• Clarity of hearing and speech sufficient for communications during emergency situations
• Manual dexterity sufficient for lifting and manipulating the operation of fire-fighting equipment, medical emergency equipment, and communications equipment
• Overall physical health, personal mobility, decisiveness, and reflexes for handling rapidly moving situations when quick maneuvering in less-than-ideal situations involving obstacles, challenging climbing requirements and structural collapse

SKILLS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Efficiently communicate with all members of the Department and the community
• Strong decision-making in time-sensitive situations
• Efficient basic computer skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Functioning effectively within a structured command hierarchy
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities
• Quick learning of new technologies, techniques and methodologies, and scientific advancements
• Understand and follow written operational instructions and guidelines
• Fire-fighting related incident reporting, record-keeping, computer, and paperwork skills
• Fundamental math and science education
• Geography and knowledge of the area
• Knowledge of Fire Code Laws and Ordinances, both State and Local
• Knowledge of various meters, personal protective clothing, and other firefighting equipment
• Ability to perform in all weather conditions
• Ability to remember names, faces and details of incidents
• Office Suite (MS suite of options – PowerPoint, Excel, Word)
• Proactive self-starter with integrity, a strong work ethic, and sound judgment
• A positive attitude and commitment to working as a team player in a dynamic and fast-paced environment

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma/GED required
• Computer knowledge and experience
• Ability to conduct yourself in a productive, positive, and team-oriented manner
• Must satisfy employer paid physical, drug screen, agility test, psychological examination, and criminal background check
• Must have a valid NJ Driver’s License in good standing
• NJ residency required by N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70)
• Pursuant to Federal Law, proof of US Citizenship or immigration status will be required upon hire
• Must be eligible for PFRS pension enrollment, at the time of application closing date or eligible for hire based on NJ 40A:14-44.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

• NJ Division of Fire Safety - Firefighter 1
• NJ Division of Fire Safety – Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations
• NJ Division of Fire Safety - Incident Management Level 1
• NJ Division of Fire Safety - Fire Inspector within 1 year of hire
• Pump Operations and CEVO or EVOC within 1 year of hire

In addition to applying online, all interested applicants are required to drop off a resume, cover letter and copies of their required certifications and driver’s license to the Princeton Fire Department (363 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ). Applicants can drop off this information, Monday to Friday between the hours of 8 AM and 4 PM.

Click here to apply.