Firefighter/EMT Recruit

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Are you looking for a career that's both exciting and impactful? Consider joining the Arlington County Fire Department (ACFD) as a Firefighter/EMT! We offer a unique combination of professional challenges and benefits that will make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Diverse Service Opportunities:

• Respond to emergencies across a wide range of environments, from high-rise buildings and bustling highways to single-family homes and major airports.
• Join a specialized unit: Become part of our elite Hazardous Materials, Technical Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, or Bomb Squad teams.
• Make a broader impact: Serve in fire prevention, emergency communications, logistics, health and safety, human resources, and training.
• Collaborate with regional partners: Work alongside other fire and rescue departments, state, and federal agencies to ensure the safety of our entire community.

Industry-Leading Support:
 

• Schedule flexibility: Work a predictable schedule, equivalent to 8 or 9 days per month with a 50-hour workweek.
• Comprehensive benefits: Enjoy full health benefits, a generous retirement plan, and competitive pay. We even offer pay premiums for specialty certifications.
• Investment in your growth: We provide paid recruit school to get you started and support your advancement to obtaining an Advanced Life Support (ALS) certification.

If you're a motivated individual who thrives in challenging situations and wants to make a real difference, then the ACFD is the place for you! We're not just your average fire department. We're a progressive force with a rich history of innovation. In fact, in 1974 we were the first fire department in the nation to have a professional female firefighter, and we formed the country's first Metropolitan Medical Strike Team to respond to the toughest emergencies.

This is more than just a job; it's an investment in your future! We offer a competitive salary, industry-leading benefits, and ongoing opportunities for advancement. Join the Arlington County Fire Department and become part of something special. Watch a video tour of Fire Station 10 here!

Minimum Qualifications

At the time of application, candidates must:

• Have completed the requirements for graduation from a standard senior high school or vocational school or obtained a GED certificate or the equivalent by date of hire;
• Be 18 years old by date of hire; and
• Obtain a passing grade on written and practical Firefighter examinations and pass all pre-employment physical and mental evaluations.

Desirable Qualifications
 

While not mandatory, these certifications may give your application a competitive edge:
 

• Virginia EMT-I (Intermediate) Certification,
• EMT-P (Paramedic) Certification; and/or
• National Registry EMT-P (Paramedic) Certification.

Special Requirements

The ACFD Firefighter/EMT hiring process is comprehensive and includes the following:
 

• FireTEAM Exam*;
• Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT);
• Character/Background Investigation;
• Fingerprinting;
• Panel Interview with Fire Department;
• Polygraph Examination; and
• Medical/Physical/Psychological Examinations.

 
*The ACFD utilizes the National Testing Network’s FireTeam exam as part of the hiring process.
 
After your completed application is received, you will receive further instructions via email about the next steps and learn how to register to take the FireTEAM exam.
 
If you have taken the National Testing Network's FireTEAM exam during the past year (within 365 days), you do not need to retake the exam. We can use your existing score.
 
Want to use your previous score? Just let us know by responding to the email confirmation or emailing firerecruitment@arlingtonva.us!

Interested applicants should review the hiring process information on the ACFD website to learn more!

Additional Information

Important: Please provide an active email address, phone number, and mailing address on your application. Failure to do so may hinder our ability to contact you regarding your application and potential next steps.

If you possess a current valid Virginia (VA) EMT-Intermediate or VA Paramedic certification you will be eligible to receive the relative premium pay upon hire:

• VA EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) Intermediate - $0.88 per hour (non-shift rate)
• VA Paramedic - $1.75 per hour (non-shift rate)

Click the link for more specific details about the Fire Department, including an overview of the hiring process, and to obtain the required downloadable documents. Visit the Fire Department's website (https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Departments/Fire) to learn more. 

Still have questions about becoming an Arlington County Firefighter/EMT? Reach out to firerecruitment@arlingtonva.us!

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