Fire Department

Employment and Training

 

Firefighter/EMT Recruitment

The announcement period for Firefighter/EMT I Recruit is now closed.  Request email notification when the next recruitment period officially opens.

The Arlington County Fire Department will send written communications regarding next steps in the recruitment process, whether or not you are being considered further for the position of Firefighter/EMT I Recruit.  This information may not be available for several weeks and we appreciate your patience as this process continues.  Please carefully read all of the information below and all links for details and instructions pertaining to the next steps and requirements in the recruitment process. 


Recruitment Process Overview

This page contains all of the information that you will need as you enter the recruitment process. Please ensure that you review all of the information on this page, as it outlines the entire hiring process and contains essential information and forms.

As an overview, the sequence of events that will take place during the recruitment process are as follows:

  1. Submission of online application
  2. Application screening
  3. Communication of eligibility via letter and/or email
  4. CPAT Practice Sessions
  5. Submission of Background Package
  6. CPAT Official Test
  7. Fingerprinting & Ongoing Background Investigation
  8. Panel Interview with Fire Department Personnel
  9. Conditional Offer of Employment
  10. Polygraph Examination
  11. Psychological and Physical Examinations
  12. Uniform Fitting
  13. Interview with the Fire Chief
  14. Final Offer of Employment

Important Facts and Information

Please make note of the following information pertaining to the Firefighter/EMT I Recruit hiring process:

  • Applicants must possess a valid driver's license at the time of appointment.
  • Applicants must be in good physical condition and be able to do prolonged and physically strenuous work under hazardous conditions.
  • Employees are not required to live in Virginia.
  • Applicants must reapply if they have previous applied for the position of Firefighter/EMT I Recruit.
  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by the date of the written examination.

Written Examination Info

At the time of an open recruitment, a study guide will be available to assist applicants....


Background Package Info

Applicants should immediately begin the process of collecting all necessary documents for the background package due to the large amount of information that is required. Applicants who are successful in the written examination must submit background packages no later than Friday, August 10, 2012. Please note that all required elements must be included. Please do not mail any transcripts, criminal or driving history reports, or any other documents directly to the fire department. All items must be collected by you and submitted in one envelope in order for the Background Package to be considered complete. Please follow the links below to download all of the elements of your Background Package.  


 

Working for Us

The Arlington County Fire Department is fully committed to providing an inclusive work environment that attracts the best-qualified applicants. Targeted recruitment and incorporation of best practices and procedures for selection will be utilized to provide a qualified and diverse workforce to best serve an urban community.

Located just across the Potomac River from Washington D.C., Arlington County Fire Department (ACFD) is a "world-class" fire department that provides essential fire suppression, emergency medical services, and allied public safety services for our densely packed community.

We have over 319 uniform employees and are highly regarded as an innovator and leader in the fire service. We are committed to eliminating threats to the lives, safety and property of the Arlington community.

ACFD protects 26 square miles of residential, commercial business, highway, Metro rail, and federal/ military installations including the Pentagon. One of the highest educated communities in the nation, our population is racially, ethnically and culturally diverse.  

ACFD provides mutual aid services to Washington D.C., Alexandria and Fairfax County fire departments.  Arlington is home to Ronald Reagan National Airport and we provide backup assistance to the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority Fire Department, Ft. Myer, and the Pentagon.  
 

                                                 

 



Links of Interest

International Association of Black Professional Firefighters

International Association of Firefighters

International Association of Hispanic Firefighters

Women in Fire & Emergency Service


Last Modified: March 07, 2013
2100 Clarendon Blvd. Arlington, VA 22201 Tel: 703-228-3000 TTY: 703-228-4611