Fire Department · Combination
Dorchester County Fire Rescue
Saint George, SC · Dorchester County
“"One County, One Mission"”
Dorchester County Fire Rescue offers $21-$23 hourly for EMT-Basic firefighters. Apply by July 17, 2026.
Dorchester County Fire Rescue seeks a Paramedic Crew Chief at $30–$32 hourly. Deadline: July 17, 2026.
Dorchester County Fire Rescue is a countywide combination department in South Carolina's Lowcountry, formed in 2013 by consolidating predecessor fire organizations whose roots reach back to the late 1800s. It serves communities from Summerville to Saint George.
The department operates 17 fire stations organized into two battalions, each led by a battalion chief on duty around the clock. Career crews staff engine companies in the busier East Battalion, while partially-staffed and volunteer-only stations cover the more rural West Battalion.
Staffing combines roughly 80 paid members with about 85 volunteers, reflecting a true combination model. Together they answer more than 4,000 responses annually, ranging from structure, brush, and vehicle fires to motor vehicle accidents, hazardous materials incidents, and medical calls.
Mission"One County, One Mission"
Career firefighter hiring is handled through Dorchester County's central government jobs portal, where candidates submit an online application with a supplemental questionnaire covering certifications and willingness to work rotating shifts. Applicants should also complete the Dorchester County Fire Rescue employment application when a position is posted.
New firefighters are expected to arrive with IFSAC Firefighter I and Hazmat Awareness, then complete a structured list of additional certifications on the job within the first weeks and first year. Volunteer membership is available as a separate track for those looking to serve.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid South Carolina driver's license
- IFSAC Firefighter I certification or equivalent
- Hazmat Awareness certification
- Ability to pass departmental orientation
- NIMS ICS 100 and 200 within 4 weeks
- CPR/AED First Aid or higher within 4 weeks
- Within one year: IFSAC Firefighter II, SCFA Auto Extrication, Hazardous Materials Operations, SCFA Rapid Intervention Team, Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or higher, and Emergency Vehicle Driver's Training
- Availability to work weekends and holidays
Hiring process
- Submit the online Dorchester County employment application with the supplemental questionnaire
- Complete the Dorchester County Fire Rescue employment application for the posted position
- Departmental review and orientation
New hires complete required state (SCFA) and IFSAC certifications on a set timeline: some within four weeks of hire and others within the first year.
What certifications do I need to be hired as a firefighter?
At minimum you need a high school diploma or GED, a valid South Carolina driver's license, IFSAC Firefighter I (or equivalent), and Hazmat Awareness. Additional certifications, including Firefighter II, Hazmat Operations, EMR, and Emergency Vehicle Driver's Training, must be earned within your first year.
What is the work schedule?
Career firefighters work a 48 hours on, 96 hours off shift cycle, with weekend and holiday availability required.
How do I apply?
Apply online through Dorchester County's government jobs portal and complete the Dorchester County Fire Rescue employment application when a firefighter position is posted.
What does a firefighter earn here?
A prior full-time firefighter posting listed a base range of roughly $42,900 to $47,190 per year (about $15.57 to $17.12 per hour). Confirm current pay with the county before applying.
Does the department use volunteers?
Yes. Dorchester County Fire Rescue is a combination department with about 80 paid members and 85 volunteers, and a separate volunteer application process is available.