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Recruitment

The application process for the Firefighter/EMT position is now closed.

We are continuing to accept applications for the Firefighter/Paramedic position. Nationally Registered Paramedics and VA State Certified Intermediates and Paramedics are encouraged to apply. Preferential hiring will be given to Nationally Registered Paramedics and VA State Paramedics.

Please be aware that applicants must have certification as an Advanced Life Support Provider at National Registry EMT-P or EMT-I or Virginia State Certification as EMT-I or EMT-P to apply
Application for Firefighter/Paramedic

Contact the Recruitment Staff

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue
Recruitment Section, 6th floor
4100 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030

Telephone: (703) 246-3939

Email: fire.recruitment@fairfaxcounty.gov

Note: You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer in order to view these files.

Department Overview

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is committed to providing emergency and non-emergency services to protect the lives, property, and environment of our community. Our department does this by valuing professional excellence, health and safety, diversity, teamwork and shared leadership, effective communication, integrity, community service and involvement, and innovation. These values are important to our employees as well as those we seek to hire. It is through our total commitment to these values that we strive to be the best community-focused fire and rescue department, working as a team to ensure a safe and secure environment for all those entrusted to our care.

Job Description

Individuals will provide skilled emergency and non-emergency services in a variety of areas including: fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention, and public education.  Individuals will be trained in fire suppression and certified in emergency medical services.

Recruitment’s Mission Statement

To provide the Fire and Rescue Department with a small group of qualified candidates that reflect the diversity of the community we serve.  This effort shall be accomplished by consistently championing our Department and profession through an effective community outreach program.  We are committed to valuing and respecting every individual we have the opportunity to interact with.

Recruit Candidates

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department actively recruits National Registry Certified Paramedics for Firefighter/Paramedic positions.  We are dedicated to reflecting and respecting the diversity of our community by providing compassionate and quality service to all.

Minimum Qualifications to Submit an Application

• Have a high school Diploma or GED within 3 months of application
• Be age 18 or older within 6 months of application
• No driving suspensions or more than one moving violation within the last twelve months
• Drug free for the past 12 months
• Possess a valid driver's license

Note: Illegal drugs use during the last twelve months, and/or two or more moving traffic violations during the last twelve months will disqualify you from further consideration.

Applicant Selection Process

There is no residency requirement to apply. The selection process consists of the following steps and will take up to a year or more to complete.

• Written exam and Candidate Physical Abilities Test Orientation Video
• Practice CPAT (Candidate Physical Abilities Test)
• Document Review
• CPAT Exam
• Polygraph Evaluation
• Medical Examination
• Psychological Profile Evaluation

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.

Benefits

Comprehensive 25 years Retirement Plan	Paid Holidays	Annual and Sick Leave
Group Health Benefits/Vision	Dental and Life Insurance	24-hour Shift Differential
Deferred Compensation Program	Employee Assistance Program	College Tuition Assistance
Flexible Spending Accounts	Military Leave	G.I. Bill Education Benefits

Application

THE WRITTEN EXAM AND CPAT (Candidate Physical Abilities Test) ORIENTATION VIDEO. The written exam is administered each month and consists of 155 multiple-choice questions. The examination includes, but is not limited to reading comprehension, basic math, physics and grammar. The allotted time to complete the exam is 2.5 hours. Applicants must obtain a passing score of 70% or above to continue with the process. Upon passing, applicants will receive a Personal History Statement packet. The department utilizes the National Firefighter Selection Inventory. Applicants wishing to purchase a study guide may do so by calling 1-800-343-4473 or visit the internet at http://publicsafetyrecruitment.com.

PRACTICE CPAT (Candidate Physical Abilities Test) Departments using CPAT as a condition of hire must give all candidates an opportunity to attend at least two CPAT orientation sessions (practice) within the eight-week period preceding the test. During these sessions, candidates will receive hands-on familiarity with the test apparatus and receive guidance on specific conditioning regimens and techniques to help prepare for the test. In addition Departments must ensure that each candidate has an opportunity to perform two timed trial runs of the CPAT within 30 days of the test.

Candidates are recommended to attend both orientation (practice) sessions and the timed trials offered during the eight week mentoring period. Location 14725 Flint Lee Road Chantilly, Virginia 20151. All candidates during practice, timed trial, and testing must wear long pants, shorts are prohibited. Sport shoes and t-shirts are acceptable with the long pants we supply the vest, helmet, and gloves. All candidates need to make every effort to arrive on time for all sessions this will ensure you have the opportunity to warm up prior to receiving hands on instruction from the Peer Fitness Trainer.

DOCUMENT REVIEW AND CPAT (Candidate Physical Abilities Test) The completed Personal History Statement and all required items must be submitted for approval. Any inaccurate, untruthful, or misleading statement(s) in the Personal History Statement will be cause from disqualification from the selection process.

(Candidate Physical Abilities Test) The Candidate Physical Ability Test is given eight weeks from passing the written test.

Overview of CPAT with Pictures (PDF, 362K, large file)

CPAT Candidate Preparation Guide (PDF, 75.7M, large file)

All applicants must review and sign an authorization for release of personal information prior to the administration of the polygraph.

All applicants must review and sign a conditional offer of employment prior to the polygraph, medical and psychological exam.

THE POLYGRAPH EVALUATION is conducted by a certified polygraph examiner through the Fairfax County Police Department, or other certified agency. The polygraph evaluation (Psychophysiological detection of Deception) measures the accuracy of information provided during the selection process. This evaluation can take up to four hours to complete.

THE MEDICAL EXAMINATION is conducted by the Fairfax County Public Safety Occupational Health Center (OHC). You must receive an "A" classification on your medical exam to continue in the selection process. You will be notified of your classification by mail. This examination can take up to three hours to complete.

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILE EVALUATION is conducted by the Special Psychological Service Group (SPSG), or another agency. This evaluation measures the psychological suitability for a career in the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. It consists of several written tests and a structured clinical interview. This test can take up to eight hours to complete.

Fairfax County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, committed to workplace diversity. If you require special accommodations to proceed in the selection process, please contact the Recruitment Section at (703) 246-3939 prior to the scheduled event. Please inform us of any changes to your address, email or phone number to ensure proper notification for each exam. Please make sure you update your SPAM to accept emails from Fairfax County.