Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

Icy-Night t1_iy3e0cv wrote

Career NH Firefighter here. You'll find the Seacoast area (mostly Rockingham county) to have the most competitive fire departments in the state. Portsmouth, Exeter, Hampton, Salem, Dover. The capital region would be another good spot to look, Concord, Bedford, Nashua, Manchester. These are also some of the largest departments that can offer the best salaries, benefits, call volume/diversity.

11

UnderratedLegends OP t1_iy3e92h wrote

And I see the schedules are mostly 24/72 and 24/48 +24/96, correct? How competitive is it to get an entry level job in the regions you said that were not as competitive? I’m trying to move by just renting an apartment while I get my firefighter 1 cert in NH. I have my NREMT. But I’m looking to see if it’s worth changing my entire life for this.

1

Loosh_03062 t1_iy3ptbx wrote

Nashua Fire Rescue's chief recently said in a budget meeting that they won't entertain applications from anyone not holding current Firefighter II and EMT-Basic certification, and expect to take on new hires this coming summer.

Also, if you're looking to rent anywhere in southern NH while you're looking for a fire-rescue job hopefully you have other stable income or are independently wealthy. Rental prices and vacancy rates are generally considered to be a tad nuts.

4

Icy-Night t1_iy3fg17 wrote

So the work week is based on 42 hours and so yes they are some variation of that schedule. Mine is 24 on 48 off 24 on 96 off which is the perfect balance in my opinion. Historically positions are highly competitive but the last 2 years NH has been hurting for entry level Firefighters so it's a good time to apply if your green/new! Be prepared to be sent straight to AEMT school most career departments don't run EMTs after probation. This will be all on the departments dime of course. This is the best job in the world and NH is a great place to work. Do your research on departments and you will find the right fit.

3

The_Road_is_Calling t1_iy3g2ke wrote

OP just be aware that not all departments will pay for your AEMT. It is a base job requirement at mine so it's on you to get certified before the end of your probation.

3

UnderratedLegends OP t1_iy3hhvg wrote

How hard was getting your AEMT?

1

The_Road_is_Calling t1_iy3jwq8 wrote

I was originally an Intermediate so I just had to take the AEMT transition class. EMT-I wasn’t terribly difficult, more involved than basic but not crazy.

3