Apparatus Operator

Chatham County Fire Department is seeking highly skilled and dedicated Apparatus Operators to join our team. Under the direction of a Fire Officer, the Apparatus Operator is responsible for safely operating fire department apparatus. This critical position requires expertise in driving and operating emergency vehicles, maintaining equipment readiness, and coordinating activities at an assigned station. As an Apparatus Operator, you will play a key role in fire prevention and outreach, fire suppression, emergency medical care, and other department operations. Our goal is to cultivate a highly motivated, effective workforce to meet the emergency services needs of Chatham County, Georgia. If you are ready to take the next step in your career and are committed to maintaining the highest standards of physical fitness and professional excellence, we encourage you to apply.

• Uphold the department’s mission, vision, and values with the highest ethical standards.
• Promote personal fitness and wellness to support a healthy workforce.
• Collaborate with team members to foster a positive and functional culture, including participation in drills and exercises.
• Safely operate fire department apparatus during emergency responses and daily activities.
• Perform daily checks and maintenance on apparatus and equipment to ensure operational readiness.
• Plan and coordinate station activities such as inventory management, training, apparatus readiness, hydrant inspections, and more.
• Mentor and supervise assigned personnel, ensuring accountability, professional development, and compliance with department policies.
• Conduct public fire and life safety education programs and community engagement.
• Respond to alarms as an apparatus operator, perform firefighting duties, and provide advanced emergency medical care.
• Address public complaints or requests for information
• Perform additional duties as directed.

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid state driver’s license.
• U.S. Citizen.
• Successfully pass pre-employment testing, physical agility, fitness assessments (NFPA 1582), background checks, and drug screening.
• Meet certification and licensing requirements for the position.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a recognized structural response fire department, including one (1) year in the role of pumper driver/operator.

Completion of recruit fire academy and required certifications:

• Georgia Class F driver’s license or equivalent; must obtain Georgia Class F driver’s license within 30 days of hire. 
• Must obtain Georgia Certified Firefighter within 30 days of hire.
• NPQ or IFSAC Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations.
• NPQ or IFSAC Firefighter 1 and 2.
• NPQ or IFSAC Apparatus Operator Pumper.
• National Registry EMT-R; must obtain Georgia Licensed EMT-R reciprocity within 30 days of hire.
• NIMS 100, 200, 700, 800.

Preferred Qualifications:

• NPQ or IFSAC Fire Instructor 1.
• NPQ or IFSAC Fire Officer 1.
• Associate Degree in emergency services or related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

• Knowledge of fire protection systems, water supply, building construction, fire operations, and emergency medical care.
• Skilled in report writing, use of computers, and operation of communication devices.
• Proficient in driving and operating firefighting apparatus and using firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical equipment.
• Ability to effectively communicate and follow departmental protocols in both emergency and non-emergency situations.  

This is a safety sensitive position and subject to random drug testing.

Salary : $61,515