Join our team! The City of Kentwood is seeking applicants for Firefighter in the Fire Department.
Pay and Benefits
The starting salary for this position is $65,523. The max pay after four years of service is $83,630. The City of Kentwood offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a 12% employer retirement plan contribution, 11 holidays, six sick days and up to four weeks of vacation annually.
We're proud to be among the first municipal employers in West Michigan to offer a fully paid parental leave benefit. Our policy provides employees with four weeks of fully paid leave following birth, adoption or placement for adoption. Employees who give birth are eligible for an additional two weeks of leave for a total of six weeks fully paid.
We also offer competitive medical insurance with a 2% employee premium share, ranging from $8.64-$20 biweekly, as well as free telehealth visits. Employees enjoy no-cost dental insurance, vision coverage, a health savings account with an annual employer contribution ranging from $825 - $1650, flexible spending account options and a generous retirement health savings plan. Additionally, we provide employer-paid life insurance, long-term disability coverage at no cost to employees and free access to an employee assistance program.
We cover the cost of approved job-related training, certifications and licenses to help our team members excel in their positions. All employees also receive a discount on city recreation programs and rentals.
Position Summary
Main responsibilities for this role include performing a variety of emergency and non-emergency public safety duties that involve fire suppression and non-transport medical care on an assigned shift; protects life and property, operates and maintains equipment, teaches fire prevention to the public and enforces codes and standards.
Our ideal candidate has high school diploma or GED and the following certifications: EMT-B, Firefighter II, and HAZMAT. Please view the full job description for more details.
About the Kentwood Fire Department
The position is part of the Kentwood Fire Department which is a team of efficient, professional and dedicated personnel who serve the community by protecting life, property and the environment. The department performs a variety of services and responds to all hazards which include emergency medical situations, fire suppression and prevention, safety education and more. Three strategically located fire stations are staffed 24/7 by full-time firefighters who are certified by the state of Michigan and licensed as emergency medical technicians. Kentwood Fire Department’s ISO rating is among the top 8% in the U.S. and top 2% in Michigan.
About the City of Kentwood
A community of more than 54,000 residents and growing, Kentwood is a safe, prosperous and welcoming city with vibrant neighborhoods and flourishing businesses that make it a wonderful place to live and work. The City offers easy access to a variety of amenities including many of West Michigan’s destination shopping, dining, entertainment and outdoor recreation options. This, along with Kentwood’s outstanding public-school systems, wide variety of businesses and career and education advancement opportunities attract a diverse population.
With a mission of providing high quality services to foster a thriving community for all, Kentwood maintains a culture of excellent customer service, actively providing a responsive and responsible local government with a focus on continual improvement.
The City of Kentwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply today to join our supportive, dynamic team! Applications will be accepted through February 9th, 2026.
