NORWOOD – Following the override election approving funding for more firefighters, the Town of Norwood has officially opened a recruitment drive for full-time Firefighter/Paramedics.
According to an official employment opportunity notice published by the Town’s Human Resources Department, the department is actively looking for state certified EMT’s (or currently enrolled in a program) and “Pro-certified Board Firefighter I/II, to fill immediate vacancies.
Crucially, the current hiring push places a heavy emphasis on lateral entries, offering an attractive pathway for experienced first responders from other jurisdictions to transition into the Norwood ranks without starting their careers from scratch.
The Norwood Fire Department operates out of its headquarters at 135 Nahatan Street, serving a growing community that demands a high degree of operational readiness. Recent social media releases from the department indicate that Norwood fire personnel respond to more than 7,000 emergency calls each year, providing a comprehensive mix of advanced structural fire protection and emergency medical services (EMS) to the town, as well as critical mutual aid support to surrounding regional communities.
For individuals selected to join the department, the professional schedule follows a rigorous operational tempo. Under the current union collective bargaining agreement, represented locally by International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 1631, personnel work a recurring schedule consisting of two 24-hour shifts every eight days. This setup guarantees continuous, round-the-clock emergency coverage while allowing firefighters designated rest periods between grueling blocks of duty.
To attract top-tier talent in a highly competitive regional market for emergency medical professionals, the town has authorized a strong compensation structure for the upcoming fiscal year. According to the town’s listing, the position is classified under the FY26 Grade FF40 scale, featuring an initial hourly salary range of $31.79 to $33.74 for steps 1 through 3.
Candidates meeting the listed qualifications must submit an online application, including a comprehensive cover letter and professional resume by using the following link: https://selfservice.norwoodma.gov/ess/ApplicantLogin.aspx?returnurl=~/EmploymentOpportunities/ApplicationEntry.aspx&form=GEN&req=2026026&sreq=1&desc=FIREFIGHTER
-RD
