Firefighter

Begin a challenging career with the Norfolk Airport Authority, a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our mission is to connect our community with the world by safely, reliably, and efficiently operating Norfolk International Airport.

Job Title: FIREFIGHTER

Shift Schedule: The normal work schedule is a 24-hour shift with an average of 56 hours workweek. Work shifts include weekends and holidays. Overtime is paid for all work over 52 hours and for holidays. Subject to recall at all times.

Starting Rate: $24.2489 PER HOUR / $65,569.1151 ANNUAL

CLOSING DATE: This job announcement will be open until filled.

INTERESTED APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS IF YOUR APPLICATION IS SELECTED TO MOVE FORWARD IN THE EMPLOYMENT PROCESS.

• Firefighter II (NFPA 1001 2002 Standard or most current)
• Aircraft Rescue Firefighter (NFPA 1003 2010 Standard or most current). If an applicant does not have this requirement, they must attend and pass the course as a condition of employment.
• Emergency Medical Technician
• Hazardous Materials – Operations
• A current copy of your DMV driving record (dated within the last 30 days of posting date). You can go online to request a copy of your driving record at

MUST SUBMIT YOUR CURRENT DMV DRIVING RECORD TO: ***email_hidden*** or Fax to (757) 857-3364

• See attached Firefighter Employment Process Timeline (Please note that all dates are tentative and are subject to change. Should changes be made, candidates will be informed as soon as possible).

ABOUT US: Norfolk International Airport is the aviation gateway to Coastal Virginia and northeastern North Carolina, including the Outer Banks. It has enjoyed four consecutive years of record traffic with nearly 4.9 million passengers in 2025. Its eight commercial airlines offer nonstop service to more than 40 cities coast to coast. Our vision is that every team member has a stake in bringing our “Here & There For You” brand to life for every passenger and fellow employee. We have a demonstrated commitment to cultivating a positive, collaborative work environment that supports our values of professionalism, responsiveness, innovation, diversity, excellence (P.R.I.D.E.) as outlined in our Strategic Plan.

OUR MISSION: The mission of Norfolk Airport Authority is to connect our community with the world by safely, reliably, and efficiently operating Norfolk International Airport.

JOB SUMMARY: This position assumes responsibility for providing aircraft rescue, firefighting and related emergency services as a member of the Airport Fire Department.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The following duties are typical for this position. Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Responds to all aircraft and other emergencies as directed by departmental operational guidelines and performs firefighting, rescue, emergency medical services and other related duties.
• Participates in airfield safety inspections and activities including field condition and airfield lighting inspections, ramp safety inspections, bird/wildlife control and FOD removal. Also participate in snow desk operations and become familiar with the Runway Condition Assessment reporting process during periods of snow and ice.
• Performs periodic inspections of fire hydrants, fire extinguishers, fire alarm systems, aircraft fueling vehicles/facilities and deicing fluid storage. Perform terminal safety checks as directed.
• Assists in the maintenance and housekeeping of station and facilities. Assists in the maintenance and repair of AFD apparatus and equipment.
• Participates in departmental training functions as required.
• Be proficient in the operation of all AFD apparatus and equipment . (Including electronic equipment such as computers, laptops and/or cell phones)
• Preparation of reports, maintenance of fire drill area and providing escort/standby services for contractor personnel.
• Performs all other duties as assigned and directed.
• Administer and adhere to all Authority policies and guidelines.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: The following generally describes the knowledge, skills and abilities required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time to successfully perform the assigned duties.

• Must be able to demonstrate technical skills in all aspects of firefighting and emergency services.
• Must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of aircraft rescue and firefighting, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, incident command and fire prevention.
• Must have a good knowledge of airport operations as it relates to vehicular operations, runway/taxiway systems/markings, bird/wildlife hazards and control, inclement weather operations and communications procedures.
• The ability to work cooperatively with other members of the department, Airport Authority personnel and members of outside agencies at all levels.

Education/Training

• High school graduate or equivalent.

Experience

• Two years of professional firefighting experience, preferably one year of which is in Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting or three years volunteer experience of which one year included driving/operating fire apparatus.

Certifications

• Firefighter II (NFPA 1001 2002 Standard or most current)
• Aircraft Rescue Firefighter (NFPA 1003 2010 Standard or most current). If an applicant does not have this requirement, they must attend and pass the course as a condition of employment.
• Emergency Medical Technician
• Hazardous Materials - Operations

Special Requirements

• Possess a valid driver’s license and must meet NAA driving record requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain eligibility to hold a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge as may be required by assigned job duties and responsibilities.
• Successful completion of both pre-employment written examination and physical agility testing.

EQUIPMENT OPERATION: Types of equipment used by fire fighters include but are not limited to major ARFF fire suppression vehicles, twin agent unit, utility vehicle, self-contained breathing apparatus, Hydraulic rescue tool, forcible entry had tools, generators, electrical lighting system, airbag lifting system, general maintenance tools (drills, screwdrivers, etc.), emergency medical equipment.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS: Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitations.

Duties entail the wearing of fire fighter protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) weighing approximately 50 pounds. While wearing this clothing, the fire fighter must have the ability to carry, pull and/or drag heavy objects for distances exceeding 100 feet up and down ladders and stairs. Examples include but are not limited to charged hose lines 1 ¾” in diameter or greater, rescue tools and equipment, potential victims, and power equipment. Firefighters must also have the ability to manipulate charged hose lines, use axes and other forcible entry tools, operate hydraulic rescue tools, generator, and other equipment. This position requires a considerable amount of physical strength and stamina. Firefighters must also have the ability to walk long distances and work long periods without rest. Employees must demonstrate their ability to perform these essential functions during their annual physical examinations.

The fire fighter must be able to read and understand policies, procedures, and technical publications of the FAA, Norfolk Airport Authority, Airport Fire Department, and other various training publications. Must have the ability to write reports in a clear and concise manner. Must have the ability to understand and carry out verbal orders under both normal and stressful conditions. Must have the ability to interpret the airport runway, taxiway, and lighting system. Must be able to think and speak clearly and make decisions under stress. Fire fighters must have the basic mathematical skills required for pump operations in determining friction losses, gallons per minute flows, and nozzle pressures. Must be able to disseminate information in a clear, concise manner under adverse conditions.

WORKING CONDITIONS/HAZARDS: The fire fighter must be able to work under adverse conditions associated with the intense heat and smoke encountered during firefighting. Must be able to function in a calm and professional manner during periods of intense stress. The fire fighter must be able to work from heights, in confined spaces, high noise areas, around jet exhaust fumes, and in darkness. Must have the ability to work in all adverse environmental conditions including heat, cold, rain, snow, etc. Under normal station conditions, the firefighter shall work in a two-story fire station requiring frequent climbing of stairs. The fire fighter shall also work in vehicle maintenance areas containing some vehicle exhaust fumes. Normal station conditions are comfortable, heated, and air-conditioned. Fire fighters work under conditions requiring the ability to clean station and apparatus, prepare meals, and make beds. Fire fighters work with various cleaning chemicals, motor oils, anti-freeze, AFFF, purple-K dry chemical, and are subject to exposure to other various chemicals and fuels under both normal and emergency conditions.

DRIVING RECORD REQUIREMENTS: All drivers must be at least 21 years of age, licensed for at least 3 years, have the type of license required by their state for the vehicles operated and meet the following driving record standards.

• License is active and NOT suspended.
• Any employee or applicant who has been licensed in their state for less than 3 years must provide a copy of their previous driving record to Human Resources.
• An employee or applicant may have a North Carolina or Virginia driver’s license as long as they reside in that state.
• An “unacceptable" DMV driving record includes the following violations during the most recent 3-year period:

Committing a Felony with a Motor Vehicle

DWI/DUI

Drug Offense

Eluding a Police Officer

Foreign citizens with no historical driving record available to us

Hit Run / Leaving the Scene of an accident

Lending an Operator’s License or Registration to Another

Open Container Violation

Passing a Stopped School Bus

Racing or Speed Contest Violation

Reckless Driving

Speeding 25 mph, or more, above speed limit

Suspended License History – Drivers who have had 3 or more license suspensions as a result of moving violations

Temporary Operator's Permit

Two or more at fault accident convictions

Vehicle Manslaughter/Homicide

Three or more moving violations within the past 12 months

Note: Texting or cell phone violations are considered moving violations because they increase the chance of being in an accident.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: It is the policy of the Norfolk Airport Authority (NAA) to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, NAA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

DISCLAIMER: The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. All Norfolk Airport Authority (NAA) employees are at-will under Virginia law and NAA personnel policies.

Contact the Human Resources Department at 757-857-3405 for assistance.