Employment

About us

Grand Traverse Metro Emergency Service Authority (GTMESA), also known as Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department, provides fire and life services to the Charter Township of Garfield, Acme Township, and East Bay Charter Township since the department officially organized in 1980. We are an “All Hazards” department that looks at all emergency risks our citizens may face. The department has (5) five strategically located stations spread across the 110 square miles of land that encompass urban and rural living, and recreational state land. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the many lakes, rivers, beaches, and access to Lake Michigan while the rolling hills also allow activities for the winter enthusiast. With safe neighborhoods and a well-regarded school system, the area promises something for everyone. GTMESA is committed to safeguarding the community through community risk reduction, emergency response, education, and outreach. Our staffing consists of a combination model where we supplement full time firefighters with part time employees.

Firefighter Recruitment Information

Firefighting is a challenging, yet also a highly rewarding endeavor. If you are motivated by the opportunity and believe you can meet the challenges, we encourage you to apply. If you meet the requirements for a Firefighter (currently have Michigan Firefighter I/II certification, Haz Mat Operations level certification, EVOC, and Michigan EMT-B medical license), please apply. We no longer consider Probationary Candidate applications.  If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Stacey Bird, Human Resources Director, via telephone (231) 947-3000 ext. 1221 or email [email protected]

GTMESA part-time firefighters are essential members of the GTMESA emergency services team. Their dedication and commitment are integral to our ability to provide the very best service to those who need our help. In return, they receive career training and experience in Fire, EMS and other technical areas, hourly compensation, and the greatest benefit of all — the satisfaction derived from serving the community and helping those in need. Part-time employees receive limited benefits. We do not have volunteer firefighter or paid-on-call firefighter positions.

Part-Time firefighters:

  • Should live within reasonable driving range of the GTMESA’s District (East Bay Township, Acme Township, Garfield Township, or City of Traverse)
  • Must meet the requirements stated in the job description.

Time Commitment

Full-time GTMESA firefighters work a 48/96 schedule and work a 48-hour shift and then have the next 96-hours off duty. They work in shifts and are assigned to a group of firefighters that is led by a Captain and two Lieutenants (Red Shift, Green Shift, Blue Shift). Additional shifts are often readily available for pickup.

Part-time GTMESA firefighters can work as regular 24-hour firefighters.  Part-time firefighters agree to work at least 24 hours a month and may work up to 36 hours a week.

To be considered for either GTMESA Firefighter position, you must:

Meet the requirements of the job description including but not limited to;

    • Be at least 18 years of age;
    • Possess a High School Diploma or equivalent;
    • Have a clear driving record (0 – 4 points);
    • Successfully comply with our Fitness for Duty policy; including physical ability test, drug screen and physical;
    • Be able to take orders and follow directions; and comply with
    • Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace

Part-time Firefighters may be considered for employment if they have Firefighter I & II Certification; Haz Mat Operations; and are willing to complete a 40-hour period of orientation. Under these conditions, part-time Firefighters will be eligible to work 12 or 24 hour shifts under supervision (not to exceed 36 hours a week) at a designated fire station.

To be eligible to work unsupervised and at all five stations, the part-time Firefighter must also obtain an Emergency Medical Technician – Basic (EMT-B) license. Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) Certification is preferred and will be required to work unsupervised.

I am missing Firefighter Certification: Please reach out to Northwest Regional Fire Training Center (RTC) for class schedule and enrollment information. RTC may be contacted at (231) 943-3473 or [email protected]. Their website may be found at https://nwrtc-tc.org/. Fire school is often held Nov/Dec through May/June.

GTMESA is no longer offering probationary candidate positions and will only consider employing those with Firefighter I / II certification and Haz Mat Operations Level certification.

I have an EMT-B license but no Firefighter Certification: Please reach out to Northwest Regional Fire Training Center (RTC) for Fire School class schedule and enrollment information. RTC may be contacted at (231) 943-3473 or [email protected]. Their website may be found at https://nwrtc-tc.org/. Fire school is often held Nov/Dec through May/June.

GTMESA is no longer offering probationary candidate positions and will only consider employing those with Firefighter I / II certification and Haz Mat Operations Level certification.

I am currently enrolled in Fire School and would like to be considered for employment after its completion: Please apply online at the halfway mark of the class schedule.

Need more information? Feel free to contact Stacey Bird, Human Resources Director, via telephone (231) 947-3000 ext. 1221 or email [email protected]

Part-Time firefighters:

  • Should live within reasonable driving range of the GTMESA’s District (East Bay Township, Acme Township, Garfield Township, or City of Traverse)
  • Must meet the requirements stated in the job description.

Time Commitment

Full-time GTMESA firefighters work a 48/96 schedule and work a 48-hour shift and then have the next 96-hours off duty. They work in shifts and are assigned to a group of firefighters that is led by a Captain and two Lieutenants (Red Shift, Green Shift, Blue Shift). Additional shifts are often readily available for pickup.

Part-time GTMESA firefighters can work as regular 24-hour firefighters.  Part-time firefighters agree to work at least 24 hours a month and may work up to 36 hours a week.

To be considered for either GTMESA Firefighter position, you must:

Meet the requirements of the job description including but not limited to;

    • Be at least 18 years of age;
    • Possess a High School Diploma or equivalent;
    • Have a clear driving record (0 – 4 points);
    • Successfully comply with our Fitness for Duty policy; including physical ability test, drug screen and physical;
    • Be able to take orders and follow directions; and comply with
    • Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace

Medical Evaluation

The medical evaluation will be performed by the GTMESA’s physician at the Munson Occupational Medicine. This evaluation will be in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582: Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments. At the same time as the evaluation, the GTMESA physician will determine if the member is medically fit to wear a respirator in accordance with the Respiratory Protection Plan. Pass/Fail results will be submitted to GTMESA and results from the comprehensive physical will be shared with GTMESA Wellness Coordinator. The exam may include and is not limited to:

  • Pre-employment drug screen
  • Lab work (i.e. Cholesterol, Triglycerides, etc.)
  • OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation
  • Physical Exam
  • X-Ray (i.e. chest/back)
  • Pulmonary Function Testing
  • EKG

Our full-time employees enjoy a comprehensive benefit package for themselves and their families. Below is an overview of the benefits provided to our employees and their families:

  • Priority Health Medical Insurance (GTMESA pays 96% of the monthly premium for the employee and their family)
  • HSA deductible is fully funded by GTMESA (individual or family)
  • Dental Insurance (GTMESA pays 96% of the monthly premium for the employee and their family)
  • Vision Insurance (GTMESA pays 96% of the monthly premium for the employee and their family)
  • Life and AD&D Insurance (provided by GTMESA)
    Voluntary Life Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability insurance (provided by GTMESA)
  • Short-Term Disability Insurance (provided by GTMESA)
  • Paid Vacation Leave
  • Paid Personal/Sick Time
  • 13 Paid Holidays
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • GTMESA offers a 401(a) and 457 governmental retirement plan and contributes 10% of the employee’s base pay.

Grand Traverse Metro Emergency Services Authority (GTMESA) has a full-time crew of approximately 24 members with varying levels of expertise. Each member brings with them a variety of skills and abilities, allowing us to provide excellent care for the citizens of East Bay, Acme, and Garfield Townships. One of the largest departments in Northern Michigan, we are proud of our heritage while managing to be forward focused. As we continue to grow, we strive to attract and retain the best talent available and regularly evaluate our programs to ensure we are a department that our members are proud to be a part of.  Click HERE for Job Description 

Successful completion of a National Firefighter Selection Inventory (NFSI) test for Full-Time Firefighters.

Selected applicants must successfully comply with our Fitness for Duty standard operating guideline. This includes but is not limited to:

Physical Ability Test (PAT)

A PAT shall be required by all operational GTMESA employees (full-time, part-time, and Probationary Candidate firefighters) to determine if the employee can perform critical essential firefighting functions. The PAT will take place pre-employment and at a predetermined location each year in the month of October. Exact dates and times shall be established by the Wellness Committee.

Our Mission

To serve our community by safeguarding life and property from fire, hazards & medical emergencies through education, intervention, and quality response.

Please read our full Mission Statement