Fairfax County Government
Firefighter/Medic (Firefighter/Paramedic)
Fairfax County Government, Fairfax, Virginia, United States, 22032
Job Announcement
One of the most Dynamic Counties in the Nation
$10,000 Sign-on BONUS* Fairfax County is home to diverse communities covering urban, suburban, and rural areas. With a population of over 1.1 million residents, the county boasts a nationally recognized school system, safe neighborhoods, extensive parklands, and bustling town centers. This urban county has a history of engagement and outstanding fire and rescue service delivery.
About the Department The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD) received a Class 1 rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO) in 2014 and was accredited through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) in 2018. FCFRD is a premier all-hazards fire and rescue department providing basic and advanced life support (BLS and ALS) emergency medical services (EMS), fire suppression, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, water rescue, life safety education, fire prevention, and arson investigation services. Approximately 2,000 uniformed, professional, and volunteer staff work across 39 strategically placed fire and rescue stations and administrative offices. FCFRD field personnel work one of three rotating 24-hour shifts. The FCFRD has 38 ALS engines, 13 ALS trucks/towers, five ALS rescue squads, four ALS chase vehicles, three tankers, a hazardous materials unit, and 43 emergency medical transport units. Several other types of apparatus, such as brush trucks, boats, and support vehicles supplement the department. FCFRD is also home to VATF-1/USA-1, an internationally recognized urban search and rescue team that can deploy throughout the world to assist in times of crisis. The department has been accredited through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) since 2018.
Duties include:
Conducts patient assessment (e.g., evaluates the respiratory, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems)
Provides basic and advanced emergency medical care to stabilize the condition of the critically ill or injured prior to transport to a medical facility
Confers with the supervising physician or hospital via radio or telephone, providing the patient's medical history and condition.
Administers medication via intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraosseous, or sublingual routes
Administers advanced emergency medical procedures (e.g., inserting airways, interpreting, and treating cardiac arrhythmias, performing defibrillation, electronic pacing)
Participates in multi-disciplinary cutting-edge training to prepare for tasks such as tactical emergency casualty care (TECC) and Field-Available Component Transfusion Response (FACT*R)
Responds to emergency calls to protect life and property
Combats, extinguishes, and prevents fires
Participates in rescue extrication operations and provides emergency medical care to the sick and injured
Drives emergency apparatus, including, but not limited to transport units, engines, trucks, rescue squads, and tankers
Performs related work as required under direct supervision
Participate in Community Risk Reduction and Community Outreach activities
Work as part of a team and embody the department's Core Values
Note: Following the successful completion of the recruit school, incumbents will serve a 12-month probationary period. During their probationary period, they shall complete an ALS internship to become FCFRD-authorized ALS providers. The FCFRD also provides continuing education to personnel with paramedic certification during and following the probationary period. Following successful completion of ALS internship, paramedics are eligible for ALS incentive pay ($6,948) and additional ALS riding pay of $2-3/hour depending on apparatus assigned.
If unsuccessful in completing the ALS internship, candidates will be moved to a firefighter position, and their pay will be reduced by two steps.
Learn more about the Fire and Rescue Department by visiting our website, and by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and our YouTube channel.
* Effective 7/1/2023, this position includes a signing bonus for fully qualified new county employees in the amount of $10,000.
Illustrative Duties Fire Suppression
Responds to fire alarms and a variety of emergency calls
Connects hose to hydrant, and pulls and deploys pre-connected hose lines
Wearing self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing, enters burning buildings with hose lines
Operates a nozzle and places a stream of water on a fire
Mounts and operates master stream appliances from an aerial ladder or elevating platform
Ventilates burning buildings by opening windows/skylights or by opening holes in roofs/floors
Positions ventilation fans to safely inject fresh air and exhaust heat, smoke, and gases
Performs salvage operations (e.g., removes fire debris and water, locates hidden fires, and operates shut-off valves for gas, electricity, oil and water)
Operates chemical and hand extinguishers
Raises, lowers, and climbs ladders
Uses radio and computer-aided dispatch equipment
Drives motorized apparatus in emergency and non-emergency conditions
Operates fire pumps at proper pressures and flows
Searches for victims in burning, smoke-filled buildings or other hazardous environments
Removes persons from danger
Performs heavy rescue operations
Administers first aid to injured persons
Takes vital signs and stabilizes patient
Collects pertinent information for patient assessment, including the patient's medical history
Conducts assessment for treatment of a patient with trauma-induced injuries
Performs water rescues from land and boats
Assists in the search and recovery of drowned victims
Operates emergency lighting appliances
Operates self-contained breathing apparatus in hazardous environments and confined spaces
Identifies and protects flammable or hazardous materials at fire scene
Restores apparatus and equipment to service after use
Refills self-contained breathing cylinders
Maintains specialized fire equipment and protective gear
Studies area geography, street names and locations, target hazards, pre-plans, water supply, and other firefighting resources
Studies building construction to identify structural weaknesses and fire behavior
Instructs citizens in fire prevention and life safety techniques
Examines building plans for pre-fire planning purposes
Pre-plans for fires in residential areas to provide information regarding hydrant locations, exposures, types of occupancy, and areas of high life or monetary loss risk
Pre-plans for fires in industrial and commercial buildings to provide information regarding location of hydrants and standpipes, building layout, hazardous material storage, occupancy patterns, and structural information
Participates in the inspection of businesses and public places for fire and life safety hazards
Inspects wiring and heating systems, basements, and attics of residences, and recommends ways to eliminate fire hazards
Inspects storage of hazardous and flammable materials and refers unsafe practices to the Fire Prevention Division
Inspects heating, cooling, ventilating, and electrical systems in commercial buildings and refers unsafe practices to the Fire Prevention Division
Inspects exits at public assemblies to ensure they are clearly marked, operate properly, and are clear of obstructions
Prepares inspection reports
Recognizes and preserves evidence on the causes of fires
Performs public relations duties (e.g., teaching school children about fire safety)
Advanced Life Support
Serves as the ALS provider on an Engine, Advanced Life Support Unit (ALSU), Paramedic Training Unit (PTU) or other apparatus as assigned
May serve as crew leader (Lead) on a Basic Life Support Unit (BLSU) or Advanced Life Support Unit (ALSU) in providing patient care
Provides advanced emergency medical care to stabilize the condition of the critically ill or injured prior to transport to a medical facility
Conducts patient assessment (e.g., evaluates the respiratory, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems)
Confers with the supervising physician or hospital via radio or telephone, providing the patient's medical history and condition
Performs differential diagnosis, initiates treatment, and determines subsequent treatment based on patient reactions, responses, and condition
Administers medication intravenously, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, endotracheally, interosseously, or sublingually
Administers advanced emergency medical procedures (e.g., creating airways, interpreting, and treating cardiac arrhythmias, performing defibrillation, electronic pacing, cardioversion, and/or electro-cartographic monitoring)
Treats general medical emergencies (e.g., drug overdoses, seizures, diabetic reactions) and trauma-induced wounds
Performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Carries out emergency childbirth procedures
Notifies authorities of suspicion of child abuse
Sets priorities in a multiple casualty situation
Participates in multiple casualty and other types of drills within the station and battalion
Ensures that the ALSU is maintained ready to respond to emergency calls
Participates in the inventory of medications with another ALS or BLS provider
Keeps abreast of changes in techniques, procedures, equipment, and regulations
Operates the mobile display terminal (MDT) to mark the status of the unit, review premise history, etc.
Completes the Electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR) utilizing the ePCR handheld device
Assists in the extrication of entrapped victims, using prescribed techniques
In Each Functional Area
Attends training sessions, participates in drills, and participates in the physical fitness program
Participates in firefighting, rescue, and EMS duties
Performs housekeeping tasks in fire stations and on the grounds of fire stations
Utilizing computers and other related equipment, maintains records as necessary and completes incident reports
Employment Standards Minimum Qualifications Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to") High school graduation or possession of a GED issued by a state department of education.
Licenses and Certificates Required
Possession of a valid motor vehicle driver's license at the time of application, and at all times during employment in the uniformed service.
Certified as a Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services EMT-P and/or a National Registry Paramedic at the time of application.
Following successful completion of Fire and Rescue recruit training:
Certification in Hazardous Materials Operations‑Mission specific in accordance with Fairfax County training standards;
Certification in the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) in accordance with Fairfax County training standards;
Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Basic Life Support Provider;
Certification as a full Advanced Life Support provider in Fairfax County and in full accordance with all current County training standards;
Successful Completion of Incident Command System (ICS) 100;
Successful Completion of Incident Command System (ICS) 700.
Necessary Special Requirements
Regardless of area of assignment, all uniformed fire and rescue personnel that are medically qualified for field duties as a firefighter must maintain a level of fitness sufficient to enable them to participate in fire suppression and rescue activities when the need arises, as demonstrated by successful completion of the Fitness Measurement and Assessment Program (unless granted light duty due to illness or injury);
Must successfully complete a criminal background investigation, a polygraph examination, and a physical ability test prior to appointment;
Must be 18 years old at the time of application;
Must be tobacco‑free and nicotine‑free at the time of appointment, and be willing to sign a Conditions of Employment Agreement to not use tobacco or tobacco products on‑or off‑duty;
Personnel must maintain a Class "A" medical rating in the assigned medical group prior to starting work;
For Class "B" and "C" medical ratings, an accommodation will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis;
A Class "D" medical rating will not be considered.
Physical Requirements
Reach above shoulder;
Work with body, bend over at the waist, kneel, crawl, climb stairs & ladders
Work with arms extended, work with arms above shoulder level, stand, sit, push, and stoop;
All duties are performed with or without reasonable accommodation.
Selection Process
Application review
Personal History Statement
Written exam
FCFRD Physical Abilities Test (PAT)
Polygraph evaluation
Medical examination
Psychological profile evaluation
Must complete fingerprints or background check with VA OEMS for eligibility to hold an EMS certification
Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.). We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
$10,000 Sign-on BONUS* Fairfax County is home to diverse communities covering urban, suburban, and rural areas. With a population of over 1.1 million residents, the county boasts a nationally recognized school system, safe neighborhoods, extensive parklands, and bustling town centers. This urban county has a history of engagement and outstanding fire and rescue service delivery.
About the Department The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD) received a Class 1 rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO) in 2014 and was accredited through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) in 2018. FCFRD is a premier all-hazards fire and rescue department providing basic and advanced life support (BLS and ALS) emergency medical services (EMS), fire suppression, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, water rescue, life safety education, fire prevention, and arson investigation services. Approximately 2,000 uniformed, professional, and volunteer staff work across 39 strategically placed fire and rescue stations and administrative offices. FCFRD field personnel work one of three rotating 24-hour shifts. The FCFRD has 38 ALS engines, 13 ALS trucks/towers, five ALS rescue squads, four ALS chase vehicles, three tankers, a hazardous materials unit, and 43 emergency medical transport units. Several other types of apparatus, such as brush trucks, boats, and support vehicles supplement the department. FCFRD is also home to VATF-1/USA-1, an internationally recognized urban search and rescue team that can deploy throughout the world to assist in times of crisis. The department has been accredited through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) since 2018.
Duties include:
Conducts patient assessment (e.g., evaluates the respiratory, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems)
Provides basic and advanced emergency medical care to stabilize the condition of the critically ill or injured prior to transport to a medical facility
Confers with the supervising physician or hospital via radio or telephone, providing the patient's medical history and condition.
Administers medication via intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraosseous, or sublingual routes
Administers advanced emergency medical procedures (e.g., inserting airways, interpreting, and treating cardiac arrhythmias, performing defibrillation, electronic pacing)
Participates in multi-disciplinary cutting-edge training to prepare for tasks such as tactical emergency casualty care (TECC) and Field-Available Component Transfusion Response (FACT*R)
Responds to emergency calls to protect life and property
Combats, extinguishes, and prevents fires
Participates in rescue extrication operations and provides emergency medical care to the sick and injured
Drives emergency apparatus, including, but not limited to transport units, engines, trucks, rescue squads, and tankers
Performs related work as required under direct supervision
Participate in Community Risk Reduction and Community Outreach activities
Work as part of a team and embody the department's Core Values
Note: Following the successful completion of the recruit school, incumbents will serve a 12-month probationary period. During their probationary period, they shall complete an ALS internship to become FCFRD-authorized ALS providers. The FCFRD also provides continuing education to personnel with paramedic certification during and following the probationary period. Following successful completion of ALS internship, paramedics are eligible for ALS incentive pay ($6,948) and additional ALS riding pay of $2-3/hour depending on apparatus assigned.
If unsuccessful in completing the ALS internship, candidates will be moved to a firefighter position, and their pay will be reduced by two steps.
Learn more about the Fire and Rescue Department by visiting our website, and by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and our YouTube channel.
* Effective 7/1/2023, this position includes a signing bonus for fully qualified new county employees in the amount of $10,000.
Illustrative Duties Fire Suppression
Responds to fire alarms and a variety of emergency calls
Connects hose to hydrant, and pulls and deploys pre-connected hose lines
Wearing self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing, enters burning buildings with hose lines
Operates a nozzle and places a stream of water on a fire
Mounts and operates master stream appliances from an aerial ladder or elevating platform
Ventilates burning buildings by opening windows/skylights or by opening holes in roofs/floors
Positions ventilation fans to safely inject fresh air and exhaust heat, smoke, and gases
Performs salvage operations (e.g., removes fire debris and water, locates hidden fires, and operates shut-off valves for gas, electricity, oil and water)
Operates chemical and hand extinguishers
Raises, lowers, and climbs ladders
Uses radio and computer-aided dispatch equipment
Drives motorized apparatus in emergency and non-emergency conditions
Operates fire pumps at proper pressures and flows
Searches for victims in burning, smoke-filled buildings or other hazardous environments
Removes persons from danger
Performs heavy rescue operations
Administers first aid to injured persons
Takes vital signs and stabilizes patient
Collects pertinent information for patient assessment, including the patient's medical history
Conducts assessment for treatment of a patient with trauma-induced injuries
Performs water rescues from land and boats
Assists in the search and recovery of drowned victims
Operates emergency lighting appliances
Operates self-contained breathing apparatus in hazardous environments and confined spaces
Identifies and protects flammable or hazardous materials at fire scene
Restores apparatus and equipment to service after use
Refills self-contained breathing cylinders
Maintains specialized fire equipment and protective gear
Studies area geography, street names and locations, target hazards, pre-plans, water supply, and other firefighting resources
Studies building construction to identify structural weaknesses and fire behavior
Instructs citizens in fire prevention and life safety techniques
Examines building plans for pre-fire planning purposes
Pre-plans for fires in residential areas to provide information regarding hydrant locations, exposures, types of occupancy, and areas of high life or monetary loss risk
Pre-plans for fires in industrial and commercial buildings to provide information regarding location of hydrants and standpipes, building layout, hazardous material storage, occupancy patterns, and structural information
Participates in the inspection of businesses and public places for fire and life safety hazards
Inspects wiring and heating systems, basements, and attics of residences, and recommends ways to eliminate fire hazards
Inspects storage of hazardous and flammable materials and refers unsafe practices to the Fire Prevention Division
Inspects heating, cooling, ventilating, and electrical systems in commercial buildings and refers unsafe practices to the Fire Prevention Division
Inspects exits at public assemblies to ensure they are clearly marked, operate properly, and are clear of obstructions
Prepares inspection reports
Recognizes and preserves evidence on the causes of fires
Performs public relations duties (e.g., teaching school children about fire safety)
Advanced Life Support
Serves as the ALS provider on an Engine, Advanced Life Support Unit (ALSU), Paramedic Training Unit (PTU) or other apparatus as assigned
May serve as crew leader (Lead) on a Basic Life Support Unit (BLSU) or Advanced Life Support Unit (ALSU) in providing patient care
Provides advanced emergency medical care to stabilize the condition of the critically ill or injured prior to transport to a medical facility
Conducts patient assessment (e.g., evaluates the respiratory, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems)
Confers with the supervising physician or hospital via radio or telephone, providing the patient's medical history and condition
Performs differential diagnosis, initiates treatment, and determines subsequent treatment based on patient reactions, responses, and condition
Administers medication intravenously, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, endotracheally, interosseously, or sublingually
Administers advanced emergency medical procedures (e.g., creating airways, interpreting, and treating cardiac arrhythmias, performing defibrillation, electronic pacing, cardioversion, and/or electro-cartographic monitoring)
Treats general medical emergencies (e.g., drug overdoses, seizures, diabetic reactions) and trauma-induced wounds
Performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Carries out emergency childbirth procedures
Notifies authorities of suspicion of child abuse
Sets priorities in a multiple casualty situation
Participates in multiple casualty and other types of drills within the station and battalion
Ensures that the ALSU is maintained ready to respond to emergency calls
Participates in the inventory of medications with another ALS or BLS provider
Keeps abreast of changes in techniques, procedures, equipment, and regulations
Operates the mobile display terminal (MDT) to mark the status of the unit, review premise history, etc.
Completes the Electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR) utilizing the ePCR handheld device
Assists in the extrication of entrapped victims, using prescribed techniques
In Each Functional Area
Attends training sessions, participates in drills, and participates in the physical fitness program
Participates in firefighting, rescue, and EMS duties
Performs housekeeping tasks in fire stations and on the grounds of fire stations
Utilizing computers and other related equipment, maintains records as necessary and completes incident reports
Employment Standards Minimum Qualifications Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to") High school graduation or possession of a GED issued by a state department of education.
Licenses and Certificates Required
Possession of a valid motor vehicle driver's license at the time of application, and at all times during employment in the uniformed service.
Certified as a Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services EMT-P and/or a National Registry Paramedic at the time of application.
Following successful completion of Fire and Rescue recruit training:
Certification in Hazardous Materials Operations‑Mission specific in accordance with Fairfax County training standards;
Certification in the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) in accordance with Fairfax County training standards;
Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Basic Life Support Provider;
Certification as a full Advanced Life Support provider in Fairfax County and in full accordance with all current County training standards;
Successful Completion of Incident Command System (ICS) 100;
Successful Completion of Incident Command System (ICS) 700.
Necessary Special Requirements
Regardless of area of assignment, all uniformed fire and rescue personnel that are medically qualified for field duties as a firefighter must maintain a level of fitness sufficient to enable them to participate in fire suppression and rescue activities when the need arises, as demonstrated by successful completion of the Fitness Measurement and Assessment Program (unless granted light duty due to illness or injury);
Must successfully complete a criminal background investigation, a polygraph examination, and a physical ability test prior to appointment;
Must be 18 years old at the time of application;
Must be tobacco‑free and nicotine‑free at the time of appointment, and be willing to sign a Conditions of Employment Agreement to not use tobacco or tobacco products on‑or off‑duty;
Personnel must maintain a Class "A" medical rating in the assigned medical group prior to starting work;
For Class "B" and "C" medical ratings, an accommodation will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis;
A Class "D" medical rating will not be considered.
Physical Requirements
Reach above shoulder;
Work with body, bend over at the waist, kneel, crawl, climb stairs & ladders
Work with arms extended, work with arms above shoulder level, stand, sit, push, and stoop;
All duties are performed with or without reasonable accommodation.
Selection Process
Application review
Personal History Statement
Written exam
FCFRD Physical Abilities Test (PAT)
Polygraph evaluation
Medical examination
Psychological profile evaluation
Must complete fingerprints or background check with VA OEMS for eligibility to hold an EMS certification
Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.). We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.
#J-18808-Ljbffr