AIR GUARD FIREFIGHTER
Air Guard Firefighter is an unclassified role, so it is appointed at the discretion of the hiring authority and does not carry the usual exam-and-tenure track.
The minimum is a high school diploma and 1 year of relevant experience. The FY 2027 range lands between $55,691 and $81,008, and state payroll currently lists about 12 people in the title, most of them at Military Affairs.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
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See where to apply for this title →Why this title is unclassified
This specification cites N.J.S.A. 11A: 3-4i, state unclassified service.
(i) Employees in the military or naval service of the State;
A title in the State unclassified service sits outside Title 11A unless a provision says otherwise. In practice that means no competitive examination to get the job, and none of the career service protections that come with it: no permanent status after a working test period, and no right of appeal to the Civil Service Commission from a removal. Appointment and removal rest with the appointing authority.
The rule that allocates a title to this service is N.J.A.C. 4A:3-1.3.
Who employs this title
Air Guard Firefighter appears on the State payroll at one department, Military Affairs.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Military Affairs | 12 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 12 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $84,076. The agencies employing the most are:
- Military Affairs (12)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the direction of an Air Guard Fire Captain, or other superior officer in the Department of Military Affairs, during an assigned tour of duty, performs fire suppression, prevention, rescue, EMS, and other fire and rescue services at the Air National Guard Base and civilian airport; responds to actual or potential aircraft emergencies to prevent or extinguish fires on aircraft, airbase/airport facilities, and grounds; aids in emergency situations involving hazardous or toxic materials and spills; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Serves as a structural and airport firefighter, and HAZMAT responder on a scheduled rotation. Participates in fire and emergency services to include, but not limited to, fire suppression, aircraft firefighting rescue, emergency medical services, public assistance, fire prevention, pre-fire planning, fire training, public education, and routine maintenance and repair of apparatus, equipment and facilities. Responds at the scene of an incident, as part of a firefighting crew, to perform fire suppression, rescue, and other emergency operations as directed by the Air Guard Fire Captain or other superior officer. Performs rescue operations, including aircraft egress, confined space, structural collapse, automobile and equipment extraction, etc. Responds to bomb threats, anti-hijacking, terrorist threats, and other emergency situations. Performs fire guard duties and establishes fire lines to prevent unauthorized persons from entering restricted areas. Supports Emergency Management functions as needed. Maintains and makes minor repairs to firefighting vehicles, equipment, and apparatus. Drives, operates and maneuvers firefighting vehicles, apparatus and equipment. May connect hose lines, operate pump panels, calculate and monitor pressure, replace nozzles/tips, performs hook ups, pumping foam, etc. Prevents fire and water damage to property by performing salvage operations and controlling fires to minimize the loss of property. Aids victims at scene of emergency by administering emergency medical treatment such as first aid, CPR or EMT treatment. Establishes rescue paths. Sets up ground ladders for rescue, ventilation, entry or water operations. May perform inspections and pre-fire planning. Work with crews to practice rescue operations. Performs clean-up activities at the scene. Learns to operate and maintain all required equipment and apparatus used by the department. Attends training on firefighting and rescue techniques, fire prevention, first aid, etc.; maintains proficiency in each in accordance with standards. Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with surrounding community paid and volunteer fire fighting companies. May perform administrative duties in support of fire department operations to include the basic use of computers and data entry. Prepares reports. Maintains essential records and files. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Education
Graduation from high school, vocational high school, or possession of an approved high school equivalency certificate.
Experience
One (1) year of experience involved in the extinguishing of fires and/or in performing fire prevention work. CITIZENSHIP: Must be a citizen of the United States. LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Appointees must possess the following IFSAC and/or PRO BOARD certifications: Airport Firefighter Firefighter II Hazardous Material Operations.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of airport firefighting principles, procedures, and techniques. Knowledge of rescue operations and basic emergency medical procedures. Knowledge of fire prevention and safety codes. Knowledge of the basic design and construction of aircraft. Knowledge of extrication and the use of extrication tools. Ability to apply basic firefighting techniques. Ability to drive and operate firefighting vehicles and equipment. Ability to maintain and do minor repairs on firefighting vehicles, apparatus, and equipment. Ability to comprehend training and technical manuals. Ability to perform strenuous physical activity such as lifting heavy firefighting equipment, climbing ladders, lifting, and carrying people and/or equipment for rescue and salvage. Ability to work under conditions of heavy physical exertion in extreme heat and dust, in high and confined areas and smoke-filled spaces, and in all kinds of weather, and to maintain physical activity for prolonged periods of time. Ability to understand and apply principles of emergency medical and first aid treatment. Ability to administer first aid, CPR, and other emergency medical care. Ability to prioritize emergency medical treatment needs. Ability to remain calm in emergency situations. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Appointees must maintain all required certifications; failure to do so may result in disciplinary action or termination. Appointees will be required to successfully obtain the following certifications: Driver/Operator ARFF, Driver/Operator Pumper and Driver/Operator MWS. Failure to obtain these certifications within the working test period may result in separation from employment. Appointees must possess current CPR and Emergency Medical Responder certification or higher. Appointees will be required to possess a valid US driver's license. MEDICAL EXAMINATION: Appointees must take and pass a NFPA 1582 firefighter physical.