Firefighter-Airport Specialist

Washington County Government; Hagerstown (MD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington County Government seeks a Firefighter‑Airport Specialist to perform fire suppression, aircraft rescue, and emergency medical response at Hagerstown Regional Airport. The role requires operating fire apparatus and participating in airfield safety inspections and special projects.

Qualified candidates will have Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter certification, EMT‑B or higher, and at least two years of emergency vehicle operation experience.

Qualifications

• General knowledge of airport firefighting and emergency response principles.
• Familiarity with maintaining facilities and safety practices.
• Ability to perform under adverse weather and physical strain.
• Knowledge of safety principles and light–to–medium equipment operation.
• Experience with incident reporting and basic maintenance tasks.

Responsibilities

• Operate light and heavy fire apparatus under emergencies and non‑emergencies.
• Respond to aviation and non‑aviation emergencies.
• Perform inspections and preventative maintenance of vehicles and equipment.
• Document incident and emergency response reports.
• Participate in FAA/DoD firefighter training and airfield safety inspections.
• Engage in airport security checks and airfield operations as needed.

Skills

Airport firefighting basics

Emergency response

Safety procedures

Equipment operation

General maintenance awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Firefighter II level

Airport Firefighter certification

EMT-B or higher

Emergency Vehicle Operators course

Hazardous Materials Operations

Pump Operators course

3 years firefighting experience

2 years emergency vehicle operation

Job description

JOB TITLE:

Firefighter-Airport Specialist

GRADE:

11

DEPARTMENT:

Hagerstown Regional Airport

FLSA STATUS:

Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO:

Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting Manager (Airport Fire Chief)

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:

Perform responsible protective service work in fire suppression, fire apparatus operation and rescue services in aviation and non-aviation related emergency situations. The work performed affects the health and safety of individuals and the protection of property and the environment. The work requires periods of strenuous physical effort and involves exposure to heat, dirt, inclement weather, and other unpleasant conditions. An employee in this classification is regularly exposed to the risk of injury or disease, requiring the use of protective clothing and strict adherence to safety precautions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS:

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

1. Operates light and heavy‑duty fire apparatus under emergency and non‑emergency conditions.

2. Responds to aircraft and aviation‑related emergencies on and off airport as required.

3. Responds to fire, rescue, hazardous materials incidents and medical emergencies on and off the airport.

4. Perform inspections, preventative maintenance, and cleaning of vehicles and equipment to ensure operational readiness.

5. Executes comprehensive fire, rescue and/or emergency medical reports documenting emergency and non‑emergency responses.

6. Participates in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Defense (DoD) required firefighter training.

7. Performs airport facility safety and maintenance inspections.

8. Conduct airfield safety inspections.

9. Conduct daily interior and perimeter security checks.

10. Perform normal care‑taking duties to include general cleaning and maintenance of the airport terminal and fire station and other facilities as well as general exterior light maintenance including mowing, grounds care, trash collection, snow plowing, shoveling, and heavy equipment operation / airfield snow team duties.

11. Assist with airline ground handling operations (including but not limited to baggage loading/unloading, marshalling aircraft in/out of gate area, deicing, serving as a designated ramp observer, etc.)

12. Work as needed, and working on‑site “after‑hours”, responding to intercom and telephone calls from users of the terminal parking lot and collection of payment with a handheld point of sale device and/or generally resolve difficulties.

13. Ability to acquire additional training in the areas of airfield maintenance, airport security and wildlife management.

14. Participates in special projects as directed.

15. Perform related tasks as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. General knowledge of the principles, methods, tools, and techniques used in airport firefighting and emergency situations
2. Knowledge of the common practices, tools, and terminology used in maintaining facilities.
3. Must maintain a positive attitude, demonstrate a willingness to perform a wide variety of duties while working in all weather conditions, including adverse and severe weather.
4. Knowledge of principles of safety.
5. Knowledge of the principles and practices of operating light to medium construction and snow removal equipment. Ability to be self‑motivated and work effectively with associates and the public.
6. Applicants should be honest and trustworthy with a dependable work history.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

1. High School Diploma or GED.
2. University of Maryland or equivalent Firefighter level II.
3. University of Maryland or equivalent Airport Firefighter certification.
4. Maryland certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) or higher.
5. National Safety Council or University of Maryland or equivalent Emergency Vehicle Operators course.
6. University of Maryland or equivalent Hazardous Materials Operations course.
7. University of Maryland or equivalent Pump Operators course.
8. Minimum of three (3) years’ firefighting experience with a career or volunteer fire department.
9. Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in the operation of emergency vehicles.

A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

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, crawling, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, 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, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, hazards, atmospheric conditions, oils, and wearing a self‑contained breathing apparatus. The worker may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must possess a valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) driver’s license or other state equivalent.
2. Applicants will be subject to a full criminal background investigation to include fingerprinting.
3. This position provides demand‑based contracted services primarily around an evening or night base shift schedule. Position also requires the ability to work varied hours (including days, evenings, overnights, holidays, consecutive shifts, and mandatory overtime shifts) as needed and should be available on an on‑call basis for emergency situations.
4. This position is subject to random drug and alcohol testing and an annual physical.
5. Must complete all required airport and airline computer‑based training, as well as on the job training within 60 days as a condition of employment.
6. Required to complete all monthly computer‑based training courses as assigned.
7. Previous on‑airport work experience desired and/or working knowledge of airport/airfield operations is desired but not required.
8. Current live‑burn certificate is desirable.
9. NIMS certifications should be submitted for evaluation.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

Revised: 08/26

Note to Candidates: The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to perform Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting responsibilities and show continuous growth in airport knowledge, skills, and responsibilities of at the airport.

A Firefighter - Airport Specialist is expected to develop and maintain a broad range of competencies. Responsibilities may include operating heavy equipment; participating as trained and authorized members of the airport's wildlife management program; serving on the snow removal team; performing maintenance‑related tasks requiring basic mechanical aptitude; learning and applying airfield operations procedures; conducting airfield inspections; and performing other duties as assigned.

Successful candidates will possess a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. Airport Specialists serve as versatile, multi‑skilled employees who support a wide variety of airport functions and are expected to contribute wherever needed.