Firefighter Recruit

The City of Virginia Beach is hiring Firefighters. This posting is for both Firefighter Recruit applicants and Certified Firefighter applicants interested in being considered for an April 2027 fire academy.

Required Certifications for Certified Firefighter:
Firefighter I & Firefighter II (IFSAC or ProBoard)
FEMA/ICS – 100, 200, 700, 800
Emergency Vehicle Operator's Course (EVOC)
CPR
Hazmat Operations
Virginia EMT or Nationally Registered (ALS Preferred) [NOTE: We will not accept another state's EMT certificate, you must possess either a Virginia EMT or be Nationally Registered.]

The hiring process for both takes approximately 6-months long and involves a multi-step process which includes the following:
Online Application
Written Test
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) & Reference Checks
Structured Oral Interviews (SOI)
Pre-Assessment Physicals & Psych Evaluations
Background Checks
Final Offers

Towards the end of the hiring process, VBFD Training Staff will check certifications to ensure reciprocity and interest for a Certified Firefighter academy. If there is enough interest, then those that are selected will be pulled into a condensed 10-week certified academy.

Written Test: The Virginia Beach Fire Department offers full testing services for the position of Firefighter Recruit through National Testing Network (NTN). The VBFD will be offering in-person written testing on November 7, 2026. Candidates that plan to test in-person with our department will be able to test free of charge. We will be accepting written test results until November 8, 2026.

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT): Candidates can sign-up for a day/time that works best for their schedule. The VBFD will accept valid CPAT cards issued by IAFF-licensed agencies within the preceding 12-months from the end of VBFD CPAT Testing (November 13, 2025 – November 13, 2026).

Structured Oral Interviews (SOIs): Candidates that successfully complete the written test and CPAT will be invited to complete the Structured Oral Interview (SOI). Interviews are set to take place November 30, 2026 - December 4, 2026.

Minimum Qualifications: Requires high school or GED or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Requires a passing score on department's written examination and vision test. Requires a passing time on the physical agility test. Requires a polygraph test evaluating personal employment history, criminal history, drug use, and other job-related background disqualifiers. Must be classified as fit for employment by the Occupational Health Office and able to pass the Department's annual physical assessment test. Must refrain from using all tobacco products on and off the job. Must have a current and valid driver's license.

Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. This position may require that incumbents wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel toed shoes, safety glasses, gloves, or other designated safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk. This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug testing. Positive drug test results may result in counseling and/or discipline, up to and including, termination.

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Requirements: Age 18+, high school diploma or GED, valid driver's license, eligible to work in U.S., Firefighter I & II (IFSAC or ProBoard), FEMA/ICS 100/200/700/800, EVOC, CPR, Hazmat operations, Virginia EMT or nationally registered paramedic (ALS preferred)

Salary: Firefighter Recruit Pay Range: $55,057.60 - $58,302.40 Starting salary – Minimum of the Pay Range

Application Deadline: 2026-10-30