What are the responsibilities and job description for the Entry Level Firefighter/EMT-Basic (Firefighter II) position at Anne Arundel County?
The FY27 Proposed Budget includes an increase to the pay range: $57,671 - $112,556 (Bill 32-26)
NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK: Provide emergency medical services to the highest level of certification; operate advanced life support or basic life support medical unit and/or other emergency firefighting and rescue equipment; participate on drills and training exercises; and perform fire prevention inspections, public education safety presentations, and fire suppression activities. Please visit the Fire Department's website at https://www.aacounty.org/departments/fire-department/Employment/ for information regarding local recruitment events. This full-time, permanent, safety-sensitive position is in the Fire Department and may require shift work.
The following information is provided so you have key dates to plan for during the recruitment and selection process:
SCHEDULE OF CRITICAL DATES
CANDIDATES MUST ATTEND THE WRITTEN EXAMINATION AND ORAL ASSESSMENT ON THE ASSIGNED DATES TO BE CONSIDERED FOR ENTRY LEVEL EMT/FIREFIGHTER. PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND BASED ON THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. THE EXACT DATES AND TIMES WILL BE SENT TO YOU BY AN EMAIL INVITE.
Description of In-person Administration of Written Examination and Oral Assessment:
Two (2) components: Written examination and the structured oral process (SOP) - which is a video-based oral assessment. These two components will be given in one day Saturday or Sunday, over the weekend (July 18th-19th). Candidates will be invited to either Saturday or Sunday. Everyone will take the written test and oral assessment back-to-back on the same day. Candidates will be moved to individual oral assessment rooms as they complete the written test and as testing rooms become available. Candidates may expect a testing period of two (2) to seven (7) hours, with an anticipated average of three and a half (3.5) hours.
No electronic devices, including smartwatches and smart glasses, or physical media will be allowed at the testing location; however, candidates are encouraged to bring food and drinks in a small cooler or bag. Please clearly mark your cooler/bag, as they will be held in a separate location during testing. Calculators, pocket dictionaries, and other testing aids will not be allowed.
Candidate Test Orientation Guide: https://mmtests.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Anne-Arundel-Co-Firefighter-2026-Orientation-Guide.pdf
A VALID PICTURE ID MUST BE PRESENTED AT THE TIME OF THE WRITTEN EXAM - YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO TAKE THE EXAM IF THIS IS NOT PROVIDED.Graduation from high school or GED equivalency, six (6) or more months work experience; a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license; Must be at least 18 years of age prior to the start date of the Academy, January 2027.
NOTE: This is an entry-level position; NO PRIOR FIRE SERVICE RELATED EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED.
NOTE: This is a Safety Sensitive position and employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing.
NOTE: Work experience may include volunteer and internship hours.
SELECTION PROCEDURES:
To be considered you must meet the minimum qualifications and successfully complete the following:
Written Examination,
Oral Assessment,
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT),
Background,
Medical Examination,
Controlled Dangerous Substance Test (CDS)
1. The Written Examination and Oral Assessment are scheduled in person on Saturday, July 18, 2026, OR Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Severna Park High School (60 Robinson Rd, Severna Park, MD 21146). Applicants will receive an email invite with the exact days and times. A VALID PICTURE ID MUST BE PRESENTED AT THE TIME OF THE WRITTEN EXAM - YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO TAKE THE EXAM IF THIS IS NOT PROVIDED.
2. CPAT and Background Overview and Orientations. A limited number of candidates will be invited to move forward. Those invited will be determined by their success in the written examination/oral assessment.
3. CPAT Testing Window. There is an 8-week window to successfully pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test. Candidates who have recently passed with another jurisdiction may receive reciprocity.
4. Final CPAT
5. Background Investigation - The process will overlap with the 8-week CPAT window. Reasons for disqualification may include, but are not limited to poor work history, poor driving record, felony conviction, falsification of application or other documents, failure to meet physical standards, inability to competitively complete any of the component parts of the selection process, or any other disqualifying causes determined by the Fire Department and/or the Office of Personnel.
6. Medical Examination - Candidates who are conditionally offered employment must successfully complete a NFPA 1582 medical examination and a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) test before consideration for the Fire Training Academy.
Note: This is a highly competitive process in which generally a large number of applications are received for a *limited* number of vacancies. It is our obligation to select those applicants best qualified to meet the needs of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department. Applicants must achieve a sufficient standing in relation to other applicants and the number of vacancies in order to remain under consideration.
VOLUNTEER PREFERENCE: Volunteer members of the Anne Arundel County Fire Service who have actively served the two (2) years prior to application, have passed the MFRI basic Firefighting course, are Certified Emergency Medical Technicians, and have competitively completed ALL selection procedure components are then awarded preference for inclusion on the eligibility list.
VETERAN PREFERENCE: "Eligible veteran" means a veteran of any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States who has received an honorable discharge or a certificate of satisfactory completion of military service, including the National Guard, the Coast Guard and the Military Reserves. An eligible veteran does not include a person who is employed by the County at the time of application. An eligible veteran applying for the position of Firefighter II who successfully completes all components and lawful requirements of the selection process shall receive preference in hiring. This hiring preference shall not displace any preference provided for Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters as stated above.
BENEFITS: Twenty-six (26) annual leave days and fifteen (15) paid sick days yearly. Ability to choose from a variety of health plans, dental and vision coverage, retirement and deferred compensation plans, group life and supplemental insurance, and potential merit salary increases. Employees will be eligible for pension benefits upon completion of 20 years of service or age 50 and 5 years of service.
RECRUIT CLASS: The starting date for Recruit Class 68 is expected to be January/February 2027, and Recruit Class 69 is expected to be July/August 2027. All appointees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period equal to the time required to successfully complete the department’s entry-level training program plus twelve (12) months.
TRAINING: Paid training in fire suppression and Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B) during the Fire Academy. The level of medical certification you have upon entry into the academy will determine which course(s), if any, you must complete. Recruits who fail to complete any portion of their training successfully will be subject to immediate termination. A recruit who does not possess either Maryland or National (EMT-B) will be required to successfully complete the EMT-Basic program during the Fire Academy and then must successfully complete (EMT-P) training if required by the Fire Department at a later date. Reciprocity may be possible for out-of-state EMT-B certification.
NOTE: Candidates are strongly encouraged to OPT-IN FOR TEXT MESSAGING with their application. Updates and reminders will be communicated via email and text message
NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK: Provide emergency medical services to the highest level of certification; operate advanced life support or basic life support medical unit and/or other emergency firefighting and rescue equipment; participate on drills and training exercises; and perform fire prevention inspections, public education safety presentations, and fire suppression activities. Please visit the Fire Department's website at https://www.aacounty.org/departments/fire-department/Employment/ for information regarding local recruitment events. This full-time, permanent, safety-sensitive position is in the Fire Department and may require shift work.
The following information is provided so you have key dates to plan for during the recruitment and selection process:
SCHEDULE OF CRITICAL DATES
- Friday, June 26, 2026 - Deadline to submit application.
- Saturday, July 18th OR Sunday, July 19th - Written Exam and Oral Assessment* [There are no virtual/online options this year].
- Late August or Early September 2026: Candidate Physical Ability Test and Background Overview (Note: Only a limited number of candidates will be invited to this step of the process. This is a highly competitive process in which a large number of applications are generally received for a limited number of vacancies.)
- Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Orientation*
- Final CPAT (Test) will be administered*
- Medical Evaluations*
- January/February 2027 and July/August 2027 Academy Start Date(s)*
CANDIDATES MUST ATTEND THE WRITTEN EXAMINATION AND ORAL ASSESSMENT ON THE ASSIGNED DATES TO BE CONSIDERED FOR ENTRY LEVEL EMT/FIREFIGHTER. PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND BASED ON THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. THE EXACT DATES AND TIMES WILL BE SENT TO YOU BY AN EMAIL INVITE.
Description of In-person Administration of Written Examination and Oral Assessment:
Two (2) components: Written examination and the structured oral process (SOP) - which is a video-based oral assessment. These two components will be given in one day Saturday or Sunday, over the weekend (July 18th-19th). Candidates will be invited to either Saturday or Sunday. Everyone will take the written test and oral assessment back-to-back on the same day. Candidates will be moved to individual oral assessment rooms as they complete the written test and as testing rooms become available. Candidates may expect a testing period of two (2) to seven (7) hours, with an anticipated average of three and a half (3.5) hours.
No electronic devices, including smartwatches and smart glasses, or physical media will be allowed at the testing location; however, candidates are encouraged to bring food and drinks in a small cooler or bag. Please clearly mark your cooler/bag, as they will be held in a separate location during testing. Calculators, pocket dictionaries, and other testing aids will not be allowed.
Candidate Test Orientation Guide: https://mmtests.org/wp-
A VALID PICTURE ID MUST BE PRESENTED AT THE TIME OF THE WRITTEN EXAM - YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO TAKE THE EXAM IF THIS IS NOT PROVIDED.Graduation from high school or GED equivalency, six (6) or more months work experience; a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license; Must be at least 18 years of age prior to the start date of the Academy, January 2027.
NOTE: This is an entry-level position; NO PRIOR FIRE SERVICE RELATED EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED.
NOTE: This is a Safety Sensitive position and employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing.
NOTE: Work experience may include volunteer and internship hours.
SELECTION PROCEDURES:
To be considered you must meet the minimum qualifications and successfully complete the following:
Written Examination,
Oral Assessment,
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT),
Background,
Medical Examination,
Controlled Dangerous Substance Test (CDS)
1. The Written Examination and Oral Assessment are scheduled in person on Saturday, July 18, 2026, OR Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Severna Park High School (60 Robinson Rd, Severna Park, MD 21146). Applicants will receive an email invite with the exact days and times. A VALID PICTURE ID MUST BE PRESENTED AT THE TIME OF THE WRITTEN EXAM - YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO TAKE THE EXAM IF THIS IS NOT PROVIDED.
2. CPAT and Background Overview and Orientations. A limited number of candidates will be invited to move forward. Those invited will be determined by their success in the written examination/oral assessment.
3. CPAT Testing Window. There is an 8-week window to successfully pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test. Candidates who have recently passed with another jurisdiction may receive reciprocity.
4. Final CPAT
5. Background Investigation - The process will overlap with the 8-week CPAT window. Reasons for disqualification may include, but are not limited to poor work history, poor driving record, felony conviction, falsification of application or other documents, failure to meet physical standards, inability to competitively complete any of the component parts of the selection process, or any other disqualifying causes determined by the Fire Department and/or the Office of Personnel.
6. Medical Examination - Candidates who are conditionally offered employment must successfully complete a NFPA 1582 medical examination and a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) test before consideration for the Fire Training Academy.
Note: This is a highly competitive process in which generally a large number of applications are received for a *limited* number of vacancies. It is our obligation to select those applicants best qualified to meet the needs of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department. Applicants must achieve a sufficient standing in relation to other applicants and the number of vacancies in order to remain under consideration.
VOLUNTEER PREFERENCE: Volunteer members of the Anne Arundel County Fire Service who have actively served the two (2) years prior to application, have passed the MFRI basic Firefighting course, are Certified Emergency Medical Technicians, and have competitively completed ALL selection procedure components are then awarded preference for inclusion on the eligibility list.
VETERAN PREFERENCE: "Eligible veteran" means a veteran of any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States who has received an honorable discharge or a certificate of satisfactory completion of military service, including the National Guard, the Coast Guard and the Military Reserves. An eligible veteran does not include a person who is employed by the County at the time of application. An eligible veteran applying for the position of Firefighter II who successfully completes all components and lawful requirements of the selection process shall receive preference in hiring. This hiring preference shall not displace any preference provided for Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters as stated above.
BENEFITS: Twenty-six (26) annual leave days and fifteen (15) paid sick days yearly. Ability to choose from a variety of health plans, dental and vision coverage, retirement and deferred compensation plans, group life and supplemental insurance, and potential merit salary increases. Employees will be eligible for pension benefits upon completion of 20 years of service or age 50 and 5 years of service.
RECRUIT CLASS: The starting date for Recruit Class 68 is expected to be January/February 2027, and Recruit Class 69 is expected to be July/August 2027. All appointees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period equal to the time required to successfully complete the department’s entry-level training program plus twelve (12) months.
TRAINING: Paid training in fire suppression and Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B) during the Fire Academy. The level of medical certification you have upon entry into the academy will determine which course(s), if any, you must complete. Recruits who fail to complete any portion of their training successfully will be subject to immediate termination. A recruit who does not possess either Maryland or National (EMT-B) will be required to successfully complete the EMT-Basic program during the Fire Academy and then must successfully complete (EMT-P) training if required by the Fire Department at a later date. Reciprocity may be possible for out-of-state EMT-B certification.
NOTE: Candidates are strongly encouraged to OPT-IN FOR TEXT MESSAGING with their application. Updates and reminders will be communicated via email and text message
Salary : $56,402 - $110,078