Position Information

The Arlington County Fire Department (ACFD) is seeking qualified Firefighter/EMT Recruits to join our team of over 400 uniformed and civilian employees who serve a diverse and engaged community through prevention, education and professional response to all hazards.

ACFD welcomes motivated, service minded, and physically fit individuals who are committed to lifelong learning and who will display and uphold the values of the department. Our recruits perform responsible and challenging duties associated with fire suppression, rescue, basic or advanced life support, Hazmat and/or fire prevention. To learn more about the job duties of an ACFD Firefighter/EMT click here.

Joining our team as an emergency responder has unique benefits and provides challenging opportunities:

• 
  Working in an urban community that includes high- and mid-rise buildings, a Metrorail system, single occupancy homes and apartment complexes, interstates and highways, and a major national airport.
• Joining one of our special operations teams, such as hazardous materials, technical rescue or swift water rescue teams and/or bomb squad.
• Serving in a wide variety of functional areas such as fire prevention, emergency communications, logistics, health and safety, human resources and training.
• Collaborating with other regional fire and rescue departments and state and federal agencies who are dedicated to ensuring the safety of our community and region through an all hazards approach.
• Work the equivalent of 8 or 9 days a month/50-hour work week;
• Full health benefits, including a generous uniformed public safety retirement plan; and
• Pay premiums for certifications and other specialty areas.

Candidates should review the following information on the ACFD's website before their scheduled written exam day:

• Hiring Process

Our Fire Department is one of the most progressive and innovative in the country having the first professional female firefighter in 1974 and forming the nation's first Metropolitan Medical Strike Team to respond to chemical, biological, and radiological terrorist attacks. We have 9 fire stations. Arlington is located right across the river from the nation's capital with a population of 235,000. Follow our link for more information about our community.

Selection Criteria

Minimum:
To sit for the exam, applicants must be within 6 months of acquiring a high school diploma or GED, and at least 17 years and 6 months of age. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and 18 years of age by date of hire.

Desirable:
Preference may be given to applicants who meet the following criteria:

• 
  Possession of Virginia EMT-I (Intermediate), EMT-P (Paramedic) Certification, or National Registry EMT-P (Paramedic) Certification.

Special Requirements

Apply today if you are interested in joining our dedicated team of employees!

You will receive further instructions via email once your application has been received with more specific information regarding how to complete the written test.

There will be a Zoom orientation session held for interested applicants on January 14, 2023 at 10am (EST). Details will be provided via email.

Our examination process is comprehensive with a series of qualifying requirements, examinations and steps designed to ensure we identify the applicants who will be most successful in this career field:

• 
  Written Examination;
• Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT);
• Character/Background Investigation;
• Fingerprinting;
• Panel Interview with Fire Department;
• Polygraph Examination; and
• Medical/Physical/Psychological Examinations.

Covid-19 Vaccination: Arlington County Government is committed to the health, safety and wellness for all staff. In support of that commitment, all current and newly hired employees are required to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination. For those qualified employees with a disability or sincerely held religious belief which prohibits them from receiving a vaccine, you will be able to contact the Office of Human Rights to request a reasonable accommodation. Adherence to this policy is a condition of employment.

Additional Information

Make sure we are able to connect with you throughout the hiring process by providing us with an accurate email and mailing address.

If you possess a current valid Virginia (VA) EMT-Intermediate or VA Paramedic certification you will be eligible to receive the relative premium pay upon hire as follows:

• 
  VA EMT Intermediate - $0.87 per hour (non-shift rate)
• VA Paramedic - $1.73 per hour (non-shift rate)

Want more information about becoming a Firefighter/EMT? Click below for more specific details about the Fire Department, this recruitment, including an overview of the hiring process, and to obtain the required downloadable documents. Visit the Fire Department's website (https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Departments/Fire) and click on employment info under Quick Links.