*The Alexandria Fire Department will be conducting a Virtual Orientation session for this position. Please continue reading this announcement for further details. Additional information is also included in this brochure.
The Overview
A Firefighter I performs entry-level firefighting duties including the safe and efficient operation of Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) apparatus and equipment, provides medical care to the level of a basic emergency medical care technician, performs fire-suppression activities, conducts pre-emergency analysis, maintains equipment and grounds, performs public education in fire prevention, and participates in the physical-fitness program. The work is performed on a shift basis and is done in accordance with instructions and a well-defined routine. Considerable time is spent in the special and routine maintenance of equipment, apparatus, and facilities. Work is normally performed under close supervision and is supervised by a Fire Lieutenant or Fire Captain.
The OpportunityResponds to and participates in firefighting, medical emergencies, auto extrications, hazardous materials incidents, and technical rescue incidents.
Safely drives and operates fire engines, ladder trucks, heavy rescue squads, medic units, and other specialized apparatus.
Supplies water from hydrants and static water sources and maintains proper pressure to supply lines, attack lines, master streams, foam devices, and fire protection systems, and operates aerial ladder devices.
Trains and drills on SCBA use; forcible entry, ventilation, deployment of ground ladders, utility control, elevator rescue, search and rescue, railroad and metro emergencies, natural disasters, terrorism, and WMD responses, communicating with portable radios, and handling detection and suppression systems.
Maintains a ready physical condition per department guidelines to be able to respond to the incidents listed above, including strength, aerobic, and flexibility conditioning.
Performs and evaluates necessary maintenance and cleaning of department vehicles, equipment, and tools to assure a constant state of readiness.
Maintains and inventories necessary supplies.
Learns and maintains skills related to computers and computer technologies; maintains required certifications at City, State, and Federal levels.
Attends city-required courses/classes.
Maintains area familiarization of target hazards to include high-risk locations such as nursing homes, assisted living, special needs facilities, schools, hospitals, federal buildings, industrial facilities (ex. ethanol plant), water plants, and historical buildings.
Maintains area building familiarization to include building construction, water supply, utilities (gas, electric, water), access, security, suppression, and detection systems.
Maintains public relations through station tours, neighborhood and City events, school visitations, smoke alarm installations, and public education activities.
Provides public fire education training to students in Alexandria schools, both public and private, and the residents of Alexandria.
Dedicated to teamwork with a strong desire for community service.
Passionate about learning and growing in both Fire and EMS.
Performs related work as required.
About the Department
"To Serve the Community by Protecting Lives, Property, and the Environment"
The Alexandria Fire Department provides fire, emergency medical services, and special operations such as technical rescue, hazardous materials, and marine response with additional capabilities including fire prevention, inspections, protection, and investigation to a 15-square mile city. The Alexandria Fire Department employs more than 300 personnel, which include firefighters, paramedics, fire prevention staff, and administrative support. A network of ten stations protects 15 square miles. Among the department's specialized teams are the Northern Virginia Regional Hazardous Materials Team, Technical Rescue, Marine Operations, and the Special Operations Team. The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is also a city-wide function within the Alexandria Fire Department.
Preferred Qualifications:
Candidates who are certified as a National Registry Paramedic (NRP) will be hired as a Firefighter I at an annual salary of $58,478.68. The National Registry Paramedic candidate will be entitled to a lump sum bonus of $5,000.00 upon verification of Virginia certification eligibility/reciprocity. National Registry Paramedic candidates will begin receiving a $10,000.00 a year incentive once the internship program is completed.
To watch the Candidate Physical Abilities Test click here: CPAT video
Conditions of Employment:
All persons selected for the Firefighter I position must agree to sign a Condition of Employment:
Maintain Virginia Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, Emergency Medical Technician - Intermediate or Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic certification that meets or exceeds the minimum standard adopted by the Department.
Maintain a driver-operator license for the class of vehicles specified by the Fire Chief. Maintain at least an overall satisfactory rating on annual Performance Evaluations.
Participate in and successfully complete a mandatory Physical Fitness Program designed by the Fire Department.
Successfully complete Recruit School, the probationary period (1 year), and the Probationary Firefighter/EMS Task Book under guidelines established by the Fire Chief.
Maintain the medical standards according to National Fire Protection Association standard 1582.
This position requires all applicants to successfully complete and pass each of the following pre-employment hiring steps:Submission of online application through the applicant tracking system
Virtual Orientation Session
Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) Click here to watch the CPAT video
Written Examination
Fingerprint and ongoing Background Check
Polygraph Evaluation
Psychological Evaluation
Medical Examination
Panel Review
Fire Chief Selection
*Steps are subject to change
When the posting closes, all applicants will receive an email with a link to attend the virtual orientation session. This virtual orientation will cover all aspects of the Hiring Process, including how to obtain your CPAT Certification.
The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. If you require reasonable accommodations during the hiring process, contact the Recruitment Section at (703) 746-5276 or submit an email to Fire.Recruitment@alexandriava.gov before the scheduled event. Questions or concerns can be emailed to the address listed above.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, and training and career development programs.
"This institution is approved to offer GIBILL® educational benefits by the Virginia State Approving Agency• GI BILL® is a registered trademark for the US Department of Veterans Affairs(VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government Website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/”