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Fire Department · Combination

Oberlin Fire Department

Oberlin, OH · Lorain County

Address
430 South Main Street, Oberlin, OH 44074
1Station

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About Oberlin Fire Department

The Oberlin Fire Department operates from a single fire station at 430 South Main Street, serving the City of Oberlin, surrounding New Russia Township, and Oberlin College. Its staff is organized into two shifts (A and B) and covers divisions including Operations, Emergency Medical Services, Technical Rescue, Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement, Fire Investigation, Safety, and Maintenance.

The department blends career and volunteer personnel and emphasizes public education, running fire safety, youth firesetting prevention, and college fire safety programs alongside emergency response. In 2013 it handled 505 dispatched incidents, a mix of fires, rescue calls, false alarms, and mutual aid.

The current station was built in 1975. The department presents itself as a community-focused organization proud to serve residents in any emergency.

How to get hired

Oberlin runs open enrollment for part-time firefighter positions: candidates obtain an application packet and apply through the City of Oberlin Human Resources Department at any time, with online applications available via governmentjobs.com. Applicants go through a physical abilities test, background check, an interview when a vacancy occurs, and a medical exam with drug and alcohol screening before hire.

Full-time and fire officer positions are filled internally through competitive civil service examinations, so the part-time ranks are the typical entry point into the department.

PayPart-time firefighters start at $15.00/hour.

Requirements

  • At least 18 years of age
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • U.S. citizenship or intent to obtain it
  • Valid Ohio Driver's License with proof of insurability

Hiring process

  1. Submit an application packet to the City of Oberlin Human Resources Department
  2. Physical abilities test
  3. Background check
  4. Interview when a vacancy occurs
  5. Medical examination and drug/alcohol screening by the Fire Department Physician before employment

Benefits

Part-time firefighters receive accident/injury insurance, worker's compensation, an employee assistance plan, and paid training toward Firefighter 1, EMT-Basic, and Hazmat Operations. The department provides protective gear and uniforms.

Paid training is provided toward Firefighter 1, EMT-Basic, and Hazmat Operations certifications.

Leadership & hiring contacts

Robert Hanmer
Fire Chief
Mike Streator
Assistant Chief
Bernadette O'Dor
Administrative Coordinator

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply to the Oberlin Fire Department?

Obtain an application packet and submit an Application for Employment to the City of Oberlin Human Resources Department at any time. Online applications are also available through governmentjobs.com.

What are the minimum requirements to become a firefighter?

You must be at least 18, have a High School Diploma or GED, be a U.S. citizen or intend to become one, and hold a valid Ohio Driver's License with proof of insurability.

What does the hiring process involve?

After you submit your application, the process includes a physical abilities test, a background check, an interview when a vacancy occurs, and a medical exam with drug and alcohol screening before employment.

What does the part-time firefighter position pay?

The starting rate for part-time firefighters is $15.00 per hour, with accident/injury insurance, worker's compensation, an employee assistance plan, and paid training provided.

How are full-time positions filled?

Full-time and fire officer positions are filled internally through competitive civil service examinations; part-time firefighter is the typical entry point.

Is training provided?

Yes. The department provides paid training toward Firefighter 1, EMT-Basic, and Hazmat Operations, along with protective gear and uniforms.