Firefighter/EMT

Minimum Qualifications

Great Service Provided by Great People

Are you ready to join our team of dedicated and highly skilled first responders? Chesterfield Fire and EMS (CFEMS) is seeking applicants interested in working in a progressive and professional fire and EMS department. CFEMS responds to approximately 43,000 calls for service annually, 80% of which are EMS related. We desire to have diverse qualified candidates who are successful in demonstrating the principles and values of the organization to include but not limited to teamwork, exceptional communication, dedication, compassion, honesty, courage and accountability. This is an opportunity to become a member of an organization known for its culture of professionalism, integrity, safety and customer service. Our team remains committed to providing a safe and secure community in which to live, work and raise a family. All we are missing is you! We encourage all interested individuals with a desire to serve the community and who meet the minimum qualifications to apply.

Reasons to Join Our Winning Team

Take control of your future! Expand your skill set and enhance your opportunity for success by participating in the following:

• Public Safety Pay Plan
• Seven-Step Firefighter Career Development Program
• Advanced Life Support Program
• Advanced/Specialty Training Programs
• Promotional Opportunities

We support the overall well-being of our employees by offering the following:

• Annual Health Assessments
• Workout Equipment in Every Fire Station
• Health and Dental Benefits
• GI Bill® Educational Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Peer Support Group
• Continuing Education
• VRS - Hazardous Duty Retirement Plan
• Uniforms and Equipment

Minimum Qualifications:

At the time of application, applicants must be eligible to work in the United States and possess a valid driver’s license and good driving record (negative 1 or better driving point balance required). At the time of testing, applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, and be at least 18 years of age. All applicants are required to pass a written examination and a physical ability test; pass an extensive background investigation to include employment verifications; be in good health as determined by a physician following a pre-employment medical examination with 20/20 vision or corrected to 20/25. Out of state driving records must be obtained by applicant and submitted with the background packet at the time of testing. Records must reflect at least three years of history and be dated within thirty days of testing.

Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check, and education/degree verification required.

This position is considered Critical Safety Sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing. The use of medical marijuana for this position is prohibited.

This position is subject to working in high security areas governed by the US Department of Justice’s “Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy” and therefore requires successfully passing a more stringent criminal background check.

Note: Based on the Virginia DMV point system, applicant’s driving record must not reflect a total of six or more demerit points within the twenty-four months preceding the anticipated hire date, or one major violation of six demerit points within the preceding thirty-six months OR a Department of Motor Vehicles DMV driving record point balance less than negative one (-1). Applicants convicted of a charge of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs, convicted of a felony or assigned to any alcohol safety action program or driver alcohol rehabilitation program pursuant to §18.2 - 271.1 of the Code of Virginia, hit and run, or operating on a suspended or revoked license within the past five years, based on conviction, shall be ineligible.

Other Qualifications:

Ability to operate firefighting and associated tools and equipment; to apply standard firefighting, emergency aid, hazardous materials, and fire prevention techniques; to perform strenuous or peak physical effort during emergency, training or station maintenance activities for prolonged periods of time under conditions of extreme heights, intense heat, cold or smoke; to perform physically demanding work including, but not limited to, heavy lifting, walking up and down stairs, standing for prolonged periods, squatting, stooping, bending, twisting, stretching, crawling, reaching overhead and working in awkward positions without choice or variety; to act effectively in emergency and stressful situations; to follow verbal and written instructions; to communicate effectively orally and in writing; to develop effective working relationships with internal and external customers. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. EMT-B (Virginia or National Registry) or NREMT-P (National Registry) certification preferred but not required.

What you will do as a Firefighter/EMT:

• Complete a physically and mentally demanding 26-week recruit school
• Respond to emergency calls and provide services for a diverse community including emergency patient care, firefighting, hazardous materials mitigation, community risk reduction and public safety education
• Drive and operate emergency apparatus; maintain fire equipment, medical equipment, apparatus and facilities
• Enhance and/or maintain physical fitness sufficient for job duties, taking responsibility for personal health, performing PT regularly with your crew and independently
• Represent the department and Chesterfield County with excellence in all daily operations, actively engaging with your crew and the community
• Perform other duties as required

Let’s Be Real

Choosing a career in the fire service requires crucial focus, critical thinking, uncompromising dedication and personal sacrifice. It is essential to invest in physical and academic training to prepare for those extraordinary moments when we are called upon to protect property and save lives. The respect, dignity and compassion our firefighters have for every individual we serve while providing first-class customer service is our duty. A career in the fire service is extremely competitive. If becoming a firefighter is your dream, continually prepare and dedicate yourself to this rewarding career.

Additional Information: All applicants must provide an active email account to correspond throughout the entire recruitment process. Applicants will be notified by email of test dates, times and locations, and other events with steps and requirements. If you have questions, please contact the Chesterfield Fire and EMS Human Resource Division at (804) 748-1360, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EST, or email FireApplicant@chesterfield.gov.

Testing/Hiring Process:

• Written Test (Requires Registration)
• Submit completed Background Packet at time of written test
• Background Review
• Panel Interview
• Background Interview
• Physical Ability Test
• Pre-Employment Physical

Visit our website for additional information to include our Advanced Life Support (ALS) Compensation Plan.

This position is a part of an approved Career Development Plan (CDP) and offers career progression opportunities and salary incentives as follows: There is an increase in salary for each of the six Firefighter steps: Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Firefighter III, Firefighter IV, Firefighter V, and Firefighter VI.

Shift

40 hours/week during recruit school, approximately 26 weeks; 24 hours on/48 hours off shift following recruit academy (may vary based on assignment)

Work Location

Fire & EMS

Chesterfield County is an Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion