Firefighter Recruit

Upon attending and graduating from the City's Firefighter Recruit Training Academy, under general supervision, performs general emergency response work in firefighting, emergency rescue, and hazardous material response. Work involves performing fire suppression, emergency rescue, and/or hazardous material containment or cleanup work in response to alarms, operating associated equipment and apparatus; and training in the methods and techniques of emergency response operations and use of equipment and apparatus. The employee is also responsible for inspecting and maintaining equipment, performing fire inspections, and performing various maintenance and custodial duties at the assigned fire station. Reports to a Fire Lieutenant or Captain.

Essential Job Functions: Attend and graduate from the City's Firefighter Recruit Training Academy. Responds to incidents requiring firefighting, emergency rescue, or hazardous material response. May make the initial determination of necessary personnel, equipment, and suppression or containment tactics until relieved by a superior officer. Advances hose lines into the fire area. Select the hose nozzle, depending on the type of fire. Lays and connects hoses. Holds the nozzle and directs a stream of water onto the fire. Raises and climbs ladders. Creates openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance using various hand and power tools. Enters premises for firefighting, rescue, and salvage operations. Uses chemical extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines, and other equipment. Performs necessary emergency rescue work following established protocols for Basic Life Support. Administers necessary emergency medical care requiring the use of suction units, immobilization equipment, oxygen delivery systems, etc. Identifies hazardous materials and the type of container or carrier at the spill scene. Uses various booms and barriers to contain spills and mitigate runoff. Performs fire suppression activities, as necessary. Assists in the direction of evacuation operations, as necessary. Performs salvage operations such as placing salvage covers, sweeping water, removing debris, and placing ventilation equipment. Inspects assigned emergency response apparatus and equipment daily to ensure efficient operating conditions and readiness. Cleans and maintains equipment, as necessary, after completion of emergency response operations. Performs minor repairs and assists in major repairs of apparatus and equipment, as appropriate. Attends and participates in training sessions on such topics as fire suppression techniques, equipment techniques, emergency medical care, hazardous material containment, street layout, building and hydrant location, etc. Prepares and maintains activity records, providing pertinent information to department personnel on the following shift. Reviews activity reports from previous shifts and confers with personnel, as necessary. Cleans and performs minor maintenance on department buildings; maintains fire station grounds. Inspects commercial establishments and multi-family residences to determine the existence of fire hazards, the efficiency of fire protection equipment, and general compliance with appropriate codes and fire prevention standards; conducts pre-fire surveys detailing the physical layout of structures for inclusion in the City emergency response database. May appear before civic, community, school, and other interested groups and make presentations on topics of fire safety and prevention. Performs other related duties as required.

Benefits: Retirement vested after 5 years in the defined benefit plan; Annual Leave Accruals (144 Hours for 1-59 months); Sick Leave (12 days per year, 8 hours per month); Personal Leave (24 hours per calendar year); Health Insurance Coverage; Supplemental Insurances; Flexible Spending Accounts; Life Insurance (2x annual salary for natural death, 4x for accidental death); Optional Life Insurance; FMLA (12 weeks); Funeral Leave (24 hours); Holidays per Virginia State calendar; Jury Duty; 457 Deferred Compensation, ROTH IRA, Traditional IRA; Employee Assistance Program; Worker's Compensation; Credit Union; Legal Services; Notary Public Services. Pay Days on the 15th and last working day of each month.

Requirements: U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old at time of hire, high school graduate or GED at time of application, valid driver's license with driving record of -4 points or better, no felony convictions or serious Class I or II misdemeanors, no domestic violence convictions, no convictions involving moral turpitude, pass comprehensive background screening including polygraph examination, psychological examination, and medical examination. Upon completion of academy: Firefighter Level II, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, HAZMAT Operations, Class III VDFP EVOC, Driver/Pump Operator certifications required. Must be able to exert up to 150 pounds of force occasionally.

Salary: $55,304.00 Annually

Application Deadline: 2026-11-29