Firefighter Recruit / Certified Firefighter

FHLB Des Moines; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Virginia Beach is actively seeking Firefighter Recruit applicants and Certified Firefighters for consideration for an April 2027 academy. This posting details required certifications, testing steps, and the pathway to a condensed certified program if interest aligns.

Candidates should be prepared for a multi-stage process including online application, written test, CPAT, and multiple evaluations. Competitive pay ranges and full benefits accompany this role.

Qualifications

• Requires high school or GED or equivalent experience and training.
• Must have CPR certification.
• Includes certification as Firefighter I & II and EMT or National Registry.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the multi-step hiring process including online application, tests, and interviews.
• Complete the training academy as applicable for Firefighter roles.
• Meet physical and medical standards for firefighter duties.

Skills

CPR

EMS knowledge

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Firefighter I & II

EVOC

Hazmat Operations

EMT or National Registry

Job description

Job Posting End Date: Department: FIRE Compensation Grade: Y21 Compensation Range & Starting Salary: Firefighter Recruit Pay Range: $55,057.60 - $58,302.40 Starting salary – Minimum of the Pay Range Firefighter I Pay Range: $57,803.20 - $90,084.80 Starting salary – Minimum of the Pay Range Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime): No Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

About Us:

Recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2024, the City of Virginia Beach is proud to offer a diverse and dynamic work environment. Our workforce plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional government services to both our citizens and fellow City employees.

Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications:

The City of Virginia Beach is hiring Firefighters. This posting is for both Firefighter Recruit applicants and Certified Firefighter applicants interested in being considered for an April 2027 fire academy.

Required Certifications for Certified Firefighter:

Firefighter I & Firefighter II (IFSAC or ProBoard) FEMA/ICS – 100, 200, 700, 800 Emergency Vehicle Operator's Course (EVOC) CPR Hazmat Operations Virginia EMT or Nationally Registered (ALS Preferred) [NOTE: We will not accept another state's EMT certificate, you must possess either a Virginia EMT or be Nationally Registered.].

The hiring process for both takes approximately 6-months long and involves a multi-step process which includes the following:

• Online Application
• Written Test
• Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
• Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) & Reference Checks
• Structured Oral Interviews (SOI)
• Pre-Assessment Physicals & Psych Evaluations
• Background Checks
• Final Offers

Towards the end of the hiring process, VBFD Training Staff will check certifications to ensure reciprocity and interest for a Certified Firefighter academy. If there is enough interest, then those that are selected will be pulled into a condensed 10-week certified academy. If there are not enough candidates, NOTE: All dates are subject to change.

Written Test The Virginia Beach Fire Department offers full testing services for the position of Firefighter Recruit through National Testing Network (NTN). To register with NTN and schedule a test, go to www.nationaltestingnetwork.com, select 'Find Jobs', then select Firefighter Jobs and sign up for Virginia Beach Fire Department. When you visit the www.nationaltestingnetwork.com website: Complete the NTN registration process and schedule your test. Review all information related to the Virginia Beach Fire Department Firefighter or Firefighter Recruit position, including minimum requirements, salary, and benefits. Review detailed information about the testing process. Review the Frequently Asked Questions and take an online practice test (if desired). Candidates completing the written assessment via remote proctoring will be responsible for paying a one-time $65 fee at the time of registration. If the candidate is already registered with the NTN and has taken a test, then there is only $15 transfer fee to send your score to our department. The VBFD will be offering in-person written testing on November 7, 2026. Candidates that plan to test in-person with our department will be able to test free of charge. For those interested in testing in-person, please be sure to sign up as soon as possible. Test slots will be extremely limited, and will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Candidates must have submitted an application in order to test with our department. If you have signed up for an in-person written test session but have not applied, your appointment will be cancelled. Sign ups for in-person testing will close two (2) days prior to testing. All other candidates will have to take the written test remotely and pay a one-time $65 fee at time of registration OR a $15 transfer fee to transfer your score to our department. For candidates unable to pay the one-time $65 fee will need to fill out the Voucher Request and be able to demonstrate financial hardship through a brief written statement and limited documentation. Vouchers must be received by no later than 5 days prior to the last day of testing. We will be accepting written test results until November 8, 2026.

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Please review the CPAT Resources posted on the Virginia Beach Fire Department website for further information. Candidates can sign-up for a day/time that works best for their schedule. The VBFD will accept valid CPAT cards issued by IAFF-licensed agencies within the preceding 12-months from the end of VBFD CPAT Testing (November 13, 2025 – November 13, 2026).

Structured Oral Interviews (SOIs) Candidates that successfully complete the written test and CPAT will be invited to complete the Structured Oral Interview (SOI). Interviews are set to take place November 30, 2026 - December 4, 2026. Candidates that score highly on the SOI will move forward and will receive a conditional offer. Final offers are contingent on successful completion of all post-offer assessments.

Additional requirements:

• DMV Transcript: Yes
• CDL: No
• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: No
• CPS Check: Yes
• Physical: Yes
• Respirator: Yes
• Psychological Screening: Yes
• Polygraph: No
• At Will: No

Minimum Requirements:

• Requires high school or GED or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Requires a passing score on department’s written examination and vision test.
• Requires a passing time on the physical agility test.
• Requires a polygraph test evaluating personal employment history, criminal history, drug use, and other job-related background disqualifiers.
• Must be classified as fit for employment by the Occupational Health Office and able to pass the Department’s annual physical assessment test.
• Must refrain from using all tobacco products on and off the job.
• Must have a current and valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements:

All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. This position may require that incumbents wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel toed shoes, safety glasses, gloves, or other designated safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk. Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employee’s supervisor based on position assigned. This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug testing. Positive drug test results may result in counseling and/or discipline, up to and including, termination.

Skills:

Working Conditions: Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City’s business. The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile. Please copy and paste the URL below into your web browser to view the Working Conditions Summary for this position. https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/P2572.pdf

Official Job Descriptions:

Official Job Descriptions: To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=E

VRS Contribution:

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Drug Free Workplace:

Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law. The City of Virginia Beach boasts a diverse workforce of around 7,500 employees dedicated to delivering outstanding government services. Our team is guided by core values of quality customer service, teamwork, leadership and learning, integrity, commitment, and inclusion and diversity.