Fire & Rescue Recruit

The diversity of Stafford County and its location in the Washington, DC metro area present many challenges to the fire and rescue system. Over 32 languages are spoken, and the county continues to be one of the fastest growing in Virginia. Stafford County ranks as the 7th wealthiest county in the country according to the U.S. Census (2010).

In addition to the customary hazards associated with robust residential and commercial development, Stafford County is traversed by one of the nation’s most traveled interstate highways (I-95). The jurisdiction is served by rail including AMTRAK and Virginia Railway Express commuter service, which operates two commuter stations in the county. The Potomac and Rappahannock rivers and their tributaries, as part of the environmentally-protected Chesapeake Bay watershed, present our Marine Fire-Rescue Unit with challenges ranging from swift water to watercraft firefighting and hazardous materials containment. Other special hazards include Stafford Regional Airport, two correctional facility and major petroleum and natural gas pipelines. Stafford County is home to numerous major historical properties related to our Nation’s founding and the Civil War including George Washington's boyhood home, presenting unique challenges to fire protection and prevention efforts. Stafford County is also home to Marine Corps Base Quantico, the FBI Academy, the FBI National Laboratory and DEA Academy.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department was established on September 20, 2005. We are a combination career-volunteer department that provides emergency response services to all fire, rescue, and emergency medical incidents, as well as swift water, hazardous materials, and other technical rescue emergencies. In addition, the department is the lead agency for emergency management for Stafford County, oversees building plan review, fire code enforcement, fire and environmental crime investigation, and public fire and life safety education and preparedness.

The department has a progressive swift water rescue program which includes statewide deployable resources.   Our technical rescue team members have advanced training in technical rescue services and modern equipment.   Most recently, our Emergency Medical Services Division implemented the administration of whole blood for the treatment of patients that have been traumatically injured.

As the County of Stafford has continued to grow, as has the staffing and deployment of the Fire and Rescue Department.  The County of Stafford’s Capital Improvement Plan includes the construction of numerous additional Fire and Rescue Stations over the next 10 years to continue our effort in providing exceptional services to our community.

THE POSITION

The starting salary for the position of Fire and Rescue Recruit is $56,652.54.

Those certified as a Virginia recognized EMT-Intermediate or Paramedic receive a $2,500 ALS Sign-On Incentive upon hire, with an additional $5,000 increase for EMT-Intermediate and $12,500 increase for Paramedics upon receiving Permission to Practice from the department's Operational Medical Director.
 
Fire and Rescue Recruit is an entry-level position within the Fire and Rescue Department for the County of Stafford. Selected applicants are enrolled in the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department's Recruit Academy for training in firefighting methods, emergency medical services, emergency vehicle rescue operations, fire prevention practices, salvage operations, public relations and education, physical fitness and associated topics to prepare for full-time field operations. Work is performed under regular supervision of the Training Academy staff.
 
Fire and Rescue Recruits will receive full-time training in firefighting methods, emergency medical services, emergency vehicle rescue operations, fire prevention practices, salvage operations, public relations and education, physical fitness and associated topics to prepare for full-time field operations. This training will be conducted through a Fire and Rescue Department approved Recruit Academy, under the direction of the Chief Training Officer.
 
Successful completion of the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department Recruit Academy requires maintaining an 80% cumulative grade point average (GPA) throughout the duration of the Recruit Academy. Cumulative GPA is derived from practical evaluation performance, announced and unannounced examinations, and assigned homework. Recruits are also responsible for maintaining the Honor Code of the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department Recruit Academy. Additionally, successful completion of the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department's Work Performance Exam (WPE) is required prior to the completion of the Recruit Academy.
 
Upon successful completion of the training academy, Recruits will be eligible for promotion to the position of 24-Hour Fire-Rescue Firefighter/EMT or Fire-Rescue Firefighter/Medic. Personnel designated as Fire-Rescue Firefighter/EMT and Fire-Rescue Firefighter/Medic with the County of Stafford will be required to perform a large variety of tasks. These tasks are very diverse and may include: rescue of victims, firefighting activities, emergency medical services, fire prevention, station and apparatus inspection and maintenance, apparatus and equipment operation, hazardous materials containment, physical training, training sessions, continuing education, and community service. Fire and Rescue Recruits perform various related tasks as required.

LATERAL HIRING
Candidates that are currently employed by a Fire and Rescue Department, and are interested in joining our progressive agency, are encouraged to apply.  An option for pre-certified lateral hires, with advanced placement on the Fire and Rescue Pay Scale, and a consolidated training program may be available.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
This is heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects; work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound: visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, night vision, peripheral vision, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspections involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devises, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy or thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities: the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibrations, atmospheric conditions, oils, and wearing a respirator. The worker may be exposed to blood borne pathogens and hazardous materials and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.

ABILITY TO:

•  Learn and apply firefighting techniques and procedures;

•  Demonstrate mechanical aptitude as required in the operation of firefighting equipment;

•  Demonstrate physical aptitude;

•  Understand and follow written and oral directions promptly and accurately;

•  Perform heavy lifting and physical maneuvering;

•  Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;

•  Demonstrate continuous effort to become more proficient in general firefighter duties, improving operations, decreasing turnout times, streamlining work processes, improving personal physical fitness and working     cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service;

•  Learn and apply emergency management techniques and procedures.

• Must be 18 years of age prior to application;
• Must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent;
• Must possess a valid Driver's License recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Employment eligibility is contingent upon an acceptable driving record, based upon the regulations of the County of Stafford.

• Commonwealth of Virginia EMT-B, EMT-I, or EMT-Paramedic 
• Firefighter (NFPA 1001)
• Hazardous Materials Operations (NFPA 472)
• Emergency Vehicle Operations (NFPA 1002)
• Driver Operator-Pumper (NFPA 1002)
• Driver Operator- Aerial (NFPA 1002)
• Fire Instructor I (NFPA 1041)
• Fire Officer I (NFPA 1021)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support
• A program of study at an accredited college or university with course work in Fire Science, Emergency Medicine, or Fire Administration.

THIS POSITION IS TOBACCO-FREE. The Fire and Rescue Recruit must sign an agreement stating they will not use any type of tobacco/nicotine at any time on-duty or off-duty while employed by the County of Stafford's Fire and Rescue Department.
 
The Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department is an equal opportunity employer.
 
Applicants may be responsible for completion of a seven-step hiring process, with the most qualified applicants advancing to the next step:

Written Aptitude Examination

Candidate Physical Ability Test
Panel Interview
Background Investigation
Multiphasic Personality Inventory
Polygraph Examination
Chief's Interview
NFPA 1582 Medical Physical Examination
 

Written aptitude examinations will be scheduled based on the availability of full-time employee position vacancies. Applicants will be notified of the written aptitude examination testing schedule and will be required to RSVP prior to the examination date. Applicants are required to furnish a copy of their valid driver's license at the time of the written aptitude examination.

Salary : $56,653