Firefighter/EMT

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VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

FIREFIGHTER/EMT
FULL-TIME
Starting Pay: $55,932 - $61,500
Potentially higher based on relevant experience

The City of Fredericksburg Fire Department is seeking motivated individuals to join our team through our inaugural non-certified Firefighter/EMT hiring process . This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are not yet certified but have a strong desire to serve their community and pursue a career in the fire and EMS service.

Pre-certified applicants are also encouraged to apply. Candidates who already possess all required certifications outlined below may be eligible to attend a pre-certified orientation program in lieu of the full Firefighter Academy, based on departmental needs and evaluation.

Selected applicants will attend a Department-sponsored training program to obtain the required Virginia certifications or complete department-specific onboarding. Candidates should demonstrate strong teamwork, integrity, a passion for public service, and a commitment to safety and excellence. You will be joining a dedicated and professional organization committed to protecting and serving a thriving community.

Hiring Process & Timeline

• Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
• PAT Practice Sessions: April 25, 2026 & May 2, 2026
  • RSVPs for practice sessions will be sent via email to applicants as the dates approach following submission of an application.
• Physical Agility Test (PAT) & Written Exam: May 9, 2026
• Panel Interviews: May 13, 2026
• Applicant Questionnaire Due: May 19, 2026
• Background Investigations & Polygraphs: May 20 – June 19, 2026
• Chief’s Interviews: On or around June 25, 2026
• Conditional Offers Issued: Following Chief’s Interviews

Applicants receiving a conditional offer must successfully complete:

• Virginia Office of EMS fingerprinting and national criminal history check
• NFPA 1582 medical physical with the Department’s occupational physician

Projected Start Date: August 17, 2026

Firefighter Academy / Training Program
The Firefighter Academy is anticipated to run through January 2027 .

Successful completion of the academy is required for continued employment for non-certified hires.

Applicants who are already certified at the time of hire may complete a modified onboarding and orientation process in place of the full academy, as determined by the department.
All candidates must meet program requirements and obtain or maintain Virginia certifications prior to assignment to shift.

Entry Level Minimum Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver’s license

No prior fire or EMS certifications are required for this hiring process; however, certified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Certified Applicant Minimum Requirements
Certified applicants must possess, at a minimum:

• Certification from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs as Firefighter I and II, or ProBoard and/or IFSAC equivalent
• EMT-Basic certification
• Current CPR certification
• Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC) Level III (preferred)
• Hazardous Materials Operations certification
• FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800
• Valid driver’s license

Benefits of Working for the Fredericksburg Fire Department

• ALS Certification incentive above base pay of $4,000 for Advanced EMTs, $6,000 for EMT-Intermediates, and $10,000 for Paramedics upon release to practice by the Department’s EMS Physician.
• Bilingual pay stipend
• Career Development Program with salary growth based on qualifications (up to 5% increase for each of the three available levels)
• College tuition reimbursement
• Paid training to advance EMS certification
• Specialty team opportunities (HAZMAT, Water/Dive Rescue, Tactical EMS, Honor Guard)
• Virginia Retirement System (1.85%) with Hazardous Duty supplement
• Retirement health insurance stipend
• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Vacation, sick, and holiday leave
• 13 paid holidays annually

The City is advancing a proposed Step and Grade Public Safety compensation program as part of the current fiscal year budget. This program is intended to establish a clear, structured pay scale that recognizes experience, certifications, and years of service, while supporting career progression and long-term retention.

As part of this initiative, incentivized placement for pre-certified lateral firefighters is included. Candidates with applicable certifications and relevant full-time experience may be eligible for advanced step placement within the pay scale, based on qualifications and service history. This program remains pending final approval through the budget adoption process, with additional details to be released as they become available.

For more information, please contact the City of Fredericksburg Fire Department Administrative offices at 540-372-1059 . Criminal background and driving record checks required. Applicants who meet the testing standards will receive an invitation via email. Those who successfully pass the testing will be invited for interviews.

Come join us as part of a knowledgeable and energetic organization committed to excellence in serving a thriving and growing community through commitment to the City’s Core Values of Agile Innovation, Abundant Compassion, Outstanding Customer Service, Energized Work Environment, Essential Engagement and Unwavering Stewardship.

In order to meet testing requirements, applications, resumes, and certifications must be submitted by 4:00 pm on May 1, 2026. Applications and additional information may be found at .
The City of Fredericksburg provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

City of Fredericksburg
Human Resources Department
715 Princess Anne Street, Room 209
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
[email protected]
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