What are the responsibilities and job description for the FIRE CADET position at DC Department of Human Resources?
Job Summary
This position is designated as a “Fire Cadet” and as such is a temporary position used as a recruitment and training position for residents of the District of Columbia, between the ages of 18-21, who are interested in a career in firefighting and emergency medical services (EMS). Firefighters improve the life of residents of the District of Columbia by providing effective and efficient life and property protection. The DC Fire and EMS Department provides state-of-the-art emergency medical care to the acutely ill or injured and provides expeditious transportation to the appropriate hospital.
Duties And Responsibilities
The Fire Cadet is assigned to the DC Fire and EMS Training Academy and will complete the full complement of firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training within a one-year period under the direction of the Training Academy. Fire Cadets may be responsible for assisting at special events, including fire prevention and safety activities that fall within their duty hours.
Qualification and Education
Must obtain the following certifications during Fire Cadet Program during training; Firefighter I and II, Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations, Emergency Medical Certification-Basic (EMT-B), National Registry EMT- (NREMT) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Basic Life Support.
Working Conditions and Environment
Those hired drive large emergency vehicles through potentially crowded streets. Fire Cadets must follow prescribed safety practices and use personal protective equipment. Fire Cadets will learn to operate emergency vehicles with precision and in high-pressure situations and will learn to operate pumps and related equipment. Fire Cadets are exposed to all weather conditions and noise levels. Fire Cadets may be exposed to irritation or discomfort from the heat, smoke, dust, gaseous fumes, water, tunnels, radiation, and chemicals.
Other Significant Facts
All required documents (birth certificate or valid US passport, valid driver’s license, provisional license, learner’s permit, and high school diploma) must be uploaded at the time of application submission to be considered for the position.
Adding attachments: Once application is completed, return to the "My Job Application" then scroll to the bottom, then click on "My Cover Letters and Attachments" and upload the required documents. Please note that attachments are not specific to a job application and will be visible for any DC job that you apply for.
Info Regarding Testing: All applicants that meet basic standards (U.S. citizen, 18 years of age at the time of application, high school diploma, and valid driver's license, provisional license, or learner’s permit) will be referred for an entrance exam. Cadet Program applicants will have testing paid for by the District of Columbia based on their residency status.
Additional Requirements
Tour of Duty: 8:15 am – 4:45 pm (Subject to change)
Pay Plan, Series, Grade: CS-0081-01
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered by any collective bargaining unit.
Duration of Appointment: Temporary Not-to-Exceed (NTE) 12 Months
Number of Vacancies: Several
Position Designation: This position is designated as a Safety Sensitive position and is subject to mandatory pre-employment and periodic Criminal Background Checks and Traffic Records Checks (as applicable). This position is also subject to mandatory pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing. In this position, you may be disqualified from employment based on the presence of marijuana in test results, even if you possess a medical card authorizing the use of medical marijuana.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
This position is designated as a “Fire Cadet” and as such is a temporary position used as a recruitment and training position for residents of the District of Columbia, between the ages of 18-21, who are interested in a career in firefighting and emergency medical services (EMS). Firefighters improve the life of residents of the District of Columbia by providing effective and efficient life and property protection. The DC Fire and EMS Department provides state-of-the-art emergency medical care to the acutely ill or injured and provides expeditious transportation to the appropriate hospital.
Duties And Responsibilities
The Fire Cadet is assigned to the DC Fire and EMS Training Academy and will complete the full complement of firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training within a one-year period under the direction of the Training Academy. Fire Cadets may be responsible for assisting at special events, including fire prevention and safety activities that fall within their duty hours.
Qualification and Education
- Must be a U.S. citizen at the time of application.
- Must be a DC Resident between the ages of 18-21 as of April 30, 2026.
- Must possess a valid driver's, provisional license, or learner’s permit as of April 30, 2026, and have a valid driver’s license as of the completion of the training.
- Must have graduated from a DC public, charter or private high school with a diploma or possess a GED issued by a recognized DC department of education.
- Must have obtained a 2.0 or greater cumulative grade point average (GPA).
- High school GPA requirements are waived for students who are currently enrolled at an accredited college or university AND who have successfully completed 6 or more hours of study, with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Must obtain the following certifications during Fire Cadet Program during training; Firefighter I and II, Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations, Emergency Medical Certification-Basic (EMT-B), National Registry EMT- (NREMT) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Basic Life Support.
Working Conditions and Environment
Those hired drive large emergency vehicles through potentially crowded streets. Fire Cadets must follow prescribed safety practices and use personal protective equipment. Fire Cadets will learn to operate emergency vehicles with precision and in high-pressure situations and will learn to operate pumps and related equipment. Fire Cadets are exposed to all weather conditions and noise levels. Fire Cadets may be exposed to irritation or discomfort from the heat, smoke, dust, gaseous fumes, water, tunnels, radiation, and chemicals.
Other Significant Facts
All required documents (birth certificate or valid US passport, valid driver’s license, provisional license, learner’s permit, and high school diploma) must be uploaded at the time of application submission to be considered for the position.
Adding attachments: Once application is completed, return to the "My Job Application" then scroll to the bottom, then click on "My Cover Letters and Attachments" and upload the required documents. Please note that attachments are not specific to a job application and will be visible for any DC job that you apply for.
Info Regarding Testing: All applicants that meet basic standards (U.S. citizen, 18 years of age at the time of application, high school diploma, and valid driver's license, provisional license, or learner’s permit) will be referred for an entrance exam. Cadet Program applicants will have testing paid for by the District of Columbia based on their residency status.
Additional Requirements
- Must complete the required training period and all related testing and assessments.
- Fire Cadets will be expected to develop the knowledge and application of pre-hospital basic life support emergency medical care, Examples; (a) proficient in the identification and interpretation of life-threatening symptoms, (b) provide appropriate care and treatment and be able to record patient history, (c) experience in working under severe environmental and physical conditions.
- Fire Cadets must complete continuing education courses, refresher training, structured by the D.C. Fire and EMS Department as required by the District of Columbia Health Department.
- Will be required to pass the International Association of Firefighters candidate physical ability test (CPAT) to complete program.
- Must pass a urinalysis test for absence of substance or drug use.
- Must pass a thorough medical examination (including x-rays, hearing, vision, and other laboratory tests).
- Must obtain and maintain a valid District of Columbia Health EMT (DOH) credential.
- Must obtain and maintain a valid National Registry EMT- (NREMT) credential.
- Must obtain and maintain a valid American Heart Association (AHA) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) credential.
- Must obtain and maintain a valid driver's license by the completion of the Fire Cadet Training Program.
- Pass a thorough background investigation of character and personal history (ex, prior employers, law enforcement agencies, etc.) to determine suitability for appointment as a Fire Cadet.
Tour of Duty: 8:15 am – 4:45 pm (Subject to change)
Pay Plan, Series, Grade: CS-0081-01
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered by any collective bargaining unit.
Duration of Appointment: Temporary Not-to-Exceed (NTE) 12 Months
Number of Vacancies: Several
Position Designation: This position is designated as a Safety Sensitive position and is subject to mandatory pre-employment and periodic Criminal Background Checks and Traffic Records Checks (as applicable). This position is also subject to mandatory pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing. In this position, you may be disqualified from employment based on the presence of marijuana in test results, even if you possess a medical card authorizing the use of medical marijuana.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.