What are the responsibilities and job description for the Firefighter Recruit position at City of Norfolk, VA?
Description
Do you have a passion for the fire service, committed to helping your community, and enjoy being part of a dedicated team. Consider joining a world class fire department in America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. Norfolk Fire-Rescue (NFR) is accepting applications for Firefighter Recruit.
NFR has a rich history of quality and innovative response to emergencies. Over 100 years of fire service response and over 30 years of pre-hospital emergency medical service (EMS) response have resulted in high service delivery standards. Members of NFR are cross-trained fire and EMS providers that respond on fire and medic apparatus. Norfolk's firefighters respond to calls for service that involve threats to life, property, and the environment. As well as technically challenging calls involving hazardous material responses, technical rescue responses, and water rescue emergencies.
If you are considering employment in a fire department and want to be part of a team that holds service and professionalism as its standard, then you should consider becoming part of the NFR team.
For any questions, please email FIRE-RECRUITERS@norfolk.gov.
Department Core Values
AIRPSI - Accountability, Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, Safety, Innovation
Academy Information
Firefighter Recruits participate in a paid 8–9-month program to become a Firefighter EMT-Advanced (EMT-A). Training is in accordance with curriculums and regulations of Hampton Roads Recruit Fire Academy (HRFA), Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP), and Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS). The academy will include a combination of classroom, physical fitness, technical rescue, and hazardous materials response training. Upon academy graduation, recruits receive a career progression to Firefighter EMT-A and an increase in salary to $53,942.
Essential Functions
Essential functions are included but not limited to:
High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
No experience necessary.
Additional Information & Requirements
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements at the time of applying:
Overview Of Process
Selected candidates will be required to sign an acknowledgement indicating that they will refrain from using tobacco products, both on and off-duty.
Signing Bonus
This position is eligible for a one-time $5,000 signing bonus. The signing bonus will be paid in two (2) increments: $2,500 upon completion of 60 days of employment, and $2,500 upon completing of your recruit academy. To receive the signing bonus, you must be an active employee in good standing.
Military Benefits
Veterans' benefits (GI Bill) may be awarded to eligible members that attend the NFR academy and during their probationary periods.
If you are hired January 1, 2022, or after to a position with Virginia Retirement System (VRS) benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre-tax payroll deduction.
The benefits described above are broad generalizations. The specific benefits that an employee may be eligible for are governed by City regulations, as applicable to job type.
Non-City
Positions listed with a job type designation of "Non-City" are not subject to the benefits descriptions above. Refer to the content of the job posting for information regarding these positions.
01
The following Supplemental Questions are specific to the position for which you have applied to assist the hiring manager in screening applications. Please be specific and honest in answering these questions as they will be used to evaluate which applications will be given further consideration in the process. Do not answer "see resume" or "see application" as these are not valid answers. Please note that if you are invited to move forward with the recruitment process by the department, your responses to the following questions may be subject to verification.
I have read and understand the automatic disqualifiers and certify to the best of my knowledge that none of the conditions apply to me. I also certify that I meet the minimum requirements for consideration as a Norfolk Firefighter Recruit.
The City Of Norfolk Hires United States (U.S.) Citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents And Those That Are Authorized To Work In The U.S. Please Select One Of The Following
The minimum age requirement for this position is 18 years of age. Do you meet the minimum age requirement for this position?
What is your highest completed level of education?
Do you possess a valid Driver's License?
Program(s) Currently Enrolled: (Select all that apply)
If you answered yes that you are currently enrolled in a program(s), please indicate your expected completion date(s). If not applicable, please indicate N/A.
09
Current EMS Certification: (Select all that apply)
Certifying agency(s) for your current EMS Certification: (Select all that apply)
Current Fire Certification: (Select all that apply)
Certifying agency(s) for your current Fire Certification: (Select all that apply)
Have you been convicted of drunk driving or driving under the influence within the past 3 years?
Have you been convicted of a hit and run within the past 3 years?
Have you at any time participated in any illegal act arising from the manufacture and/or distribution of any illegal drug?
Have you used a Schedule I of the Code of Virginia controlled substance within the past 5 years? This includes, but is not limited to, Heroin, LSD, MDMA, etc., excludes the usage of Marijuana.
Have you used a Schedule II of the Code of Virginia controlled substance within the past 5 years? This includes, but is not limited to, Cocaine, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Methamphetamine, PCP, etc.
Have you ever used a Schedule III-VI of the Code of Virginia controlled substance, or any noxious chemical inhalants within the past 6 months? This includes, but is not limited to, illegal steroids, huffing, etc.
If you answered yes to any of the drug questions, please list the type of drug, month/year you first used the drug, month/year you last used the drug and the total approximate number of times you used the drug. If not applicable, indicate N/A. If you do not provide the specific information, this may result in removal from the process.
20
Are you a current or previous City of Norfolk Employee?
How did you become aware Norfolk Fire-Rescue was hiring? (Please check all that apply)
If you were referred for this position by a current City of Norfolk employee, please provide the employee's full name, department, and job title. If not, please indicate by typing "N/A."
23
This position is required to sign an acknowledgement indicating that you will refrain from using tobacco products, both on and off-duty, if you are conditionally selected for hire.
As a Fire-Rescue employee in a sworn position, if you are scheduled to work, you will be required to report to work during periods of inclement weather.
This position requires the ability to work a varied work schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Please provide an explanation of any periods of unemployment that are 30 days or longer. Please indicate N/A if you have not experienced any periods of unemployment.
27
A conviction (felony or misdemeanor) does not necessarily eliminate you from employment consideration. A criminal background check is conducted on all new hires. Failure to disclose all criminal convictions may result in disqualification from employment consideration or may result in dismissal from City of Norfolk employment if you have been hired. The nature of the offense; the time that has passed since the offense, conduct and/or completion of the sentence; and the nature of the job sought may be taken into consideration. Have you ever been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor?
If you answered that you have been convicted of a felony and/or a misdemeanor, please provide an explanation including the city, state and date of the conviction. This excludes minor traffic violations such as speeding tickets.
29
Please indicate your veteran status. (A copy of your long form DD-214 may be required)
What type of discharge did you receive from the military? If not applicable, please select N/A.
Are you currently serving as a member of the United States Reserves?
If you are currently serving in the United States Reserves, please select if you are in a ready or standby status. If you are not currently serving in the Reserves, please select N/A.
Do you have a passion for the fire service, committed to helping your community, and enjoy being part of a dedicated team. Consider joining a world class fire department in America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. Norfolk Fire-Rescue (NFR) is accepting applications for Firefighter Recruit.
NFR has a rich history of quality and innovative response to emergencies. Over 100 years of fire service response and over 30 years of pre-hospital emergency medical service (EMS) response have resulted in high service delivery standards. Members of NFR are cross-trained fire and EMS providers that respond on fire and medic apparatus. Norfolk's firefighters respond to calls for service that involve threats to life, property, and the environment. As well as technically challenging calls involving hazardous material responses, technical rescue responses, and water rescue emergencies.
If you are considering employment in a fire department and want to be part of a team that holds service and professionalism as its standard, then you should consider becoming part of the NFR team.
For any questions, please email FIRE-RECRUITERS@norfolk.gov.
Department Core Values
AIRPSI - Accountability, Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, Safety, Innovation
Academy Information
Firefighter Recruits participate in a paid 8–9-month program to become a Firefighter EMT-Advanced (EMT-A). Training is in accordance with curriculums and regulations of Hampton Roads Recruit Fire Academy (HRFA), Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP), and Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS). The academy will include a combination of classroom, physical fitness, technical rescue, and hazardous materials response training. Upon academy graduation, recruits receive a career progression to Firefighter EMT-A and an increase in salary to $53,942.
Essential Functions
Essential functions are included but not limited to:
- Acquires knowledge of fire and emergency medical service (if applicable), to become a member of Norfolk Fire-Rescue (NFR) by participating and successfully completing certification courses determined by the Commonwealth of Virginia, NFR Training, NFR Administration, course Medical Director and all testing and additional certification elements of an approved Fire Academy as documented by the Training Chief and verified by the Fire Chief.
- Performs limited fire or emergency medical service functions.
- Participates in physical fitness training.
High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
No experience necessary.
Additional Information & Requirements
- The Written Examination will be held at the Norfolk Fire-Rescue Training Center on the below dates.**
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements at the time of applying:
- Be a (U.S.) citizen, lawful permanent resident, or authorized to work in the U.S.
- Be 18 years of age.
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalency.
- Possess Valid Driver's License.
Overview Of Process
- Applicants must successfully complete the following steps:
- Written Examination: Designed to measure the reading comprehension necessary to successfully complete required trainings(s) and certification(s).
- Physical Agility Test: Designed to simulate typical work-related situations that require the ability to perform specific physical activities.
- Ranking Interview: Panel interview. All applicants are asked the same set of questions.
- Personal History Booklet: Used to gather information of your personal history.
- Psychological Evaluation: Using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Test (MMPI), used to assess personality traits and psychopathology, provided at City expense.
- Background Investigation: Involves obtaining and verifying information related to prior employment, drug usage, personal and professional references and criminal records, DMV records and credit records. Includes a criminal and an Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) fingerprint background check.
- Polygraph Examination: Used to verify the background data disclosed in the Personal History Booklet and employment application, provided at City expense. Deception noted in the areas of the automatic disqualifiers may prevent further processing of your application.
- Medical Examination: Includes medical physical and drug screen, provided at City expense. Required vaccinations will be verified.
Selected candidates will be required to sign an acknowledgement indicating that they will refrain from using tobacco products, both on and off-duty.
Signing Bonus
This position is eligible for a one-time $5,000 signing bonus. The signing bonus will be paid in two (2) increments: $2,500 upon completion of 60 days of employment, and $2,500 upon completing of your recruit academy. To receive the signing bonus, you must be an active employee in good standing.
Military Benefits
Veterans' benefits (GI Bill) may be awarded to eligible members that attend the NFR academy and during their probationary periods.
- Regular full-time and permanent part-time employees may receive paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, employer paid pension plan, basic life insurance, voluntary participation in medical and dental, Section 457 deferred compensation, long-term disability, optional life insurance for self, spouse and children, medical and dependent care reimbursement plans, access to membership in credit union and employer provided parking.
- Special project/grant employees are generally eligible for the same benefits of regular full-time employees; however, retirement, life insurance and participation in health plans vary depending upon funding and authorization.
- Temporary/seasonal and part-time employees are generally only eligible for employer provided parking and access to membership in credit union.
- Retirement
If you are hired January 1, 2022, or after to a position with Virginia Retirement System (VRS) benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre-tax payroll deduction.
- The Tuition Assistance Program is established to encourage employees toward continued self-development and education. Permanent full-time and permanent part-time classified, unclassified permanent, full-time special projects, and constitutional employees who have completed six months continuous service will be eligible to apply. The applicant’s school of enrollment must be an accredited institution.
The benefits described above are broad generalizations. The specific benefits that an employee may be eligible for are governed by City regulations, as applicable to job type.
Non-City
Positions listed with a job type designation of "Non-City" are not subject to the benefits descriptions above. Refer to the content of the job posting for information regarding these positions.
01
The following Supplemental Questions are specific to the position for which you have applied to assist the hiring manager in screening applications. Please be specific and honest in answering these questions as they will be used to evaluate which applications will be given further consideration in the process. Do not answer "see resume" or "see application" as these are not valid answers. Please note that if you are invited to move forward with the recruitment process by the department, your responses to the following questions may be subject to verification.
- I understand and will answer the following supplemental questions completely and thoroughly.
I have read and understand the automatic disqualifiers and certify to the best of my knowledge that none of the conditions apply to me. I also certify that I meet the minimum requirements for consideration as a Norfolk Firefighter Recruit.
- I have read and understand the above statement. I meet the minimum requirements for consideration as a Norfolk Firefighter Recruit.
The City Of Norfolk Hires United States (U.S.) Citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents And Those That Are Authorized To Work In The U.S. Please Select One Of The Following
- I am a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
- I am not a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident, but I am authorized to work in the U.S. I understand that I will be required to present documentation proving my identity and that I am authorized to work in the U.S.
- I am not a U.S. citizen, or a lawful permanent resident and I am not authorized to work in the U.S.
The minimum age requirement for this position is 18 years of age. Do you meet the minimum age requirement for this position?
- Yes
- No
What is your highest completed level of education?
- High school diploma or GED
- Some college, training or certifications
- Associate's Degree or equivalent
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
Do you possess a valid Driver's License?
- Yes
- No
Program(s) Currently Enrolled: (Select all that apply)
- EMT
- Advanced EMT
- EMT-Intermediate
- Paramedic
- Firefighter Level 1
- Firefighter Level 2
- None
If you answered yes that you are currently enrolled in a program(s), please indicate your expected completion date(s). If not applicable, please indicate N/A.
09
Current EMS Certification: (Select all that apply)
- EMT-Basic
- Advanced EMT
- EMT-Intermediate
- Paramedic
- None
Certifying agency(s) for your current EMS Certification: (Select all that apply)
- Virginia Office of EMS
- National Registry
- Another State (other than Virginia)
- None (I do NOT hold an EMS Certification)
Current Fire Certification: (Select all that apply)
- Firefighter Level 1
- Firefighter Level 2
- None
Certifying agency(s) for your current Fire Certification: (Select all that apply)
- Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP)
- International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC)
- ProBoard Accreditation Program
- None (I do NOT hold a Fire Certification)
Have you been convicted of drunk driving or driving under the influence within the past 3 years?
- Yes
- No
Have you been convicted of a hit and run within the past 3 years?
- Yes
- No
Have you at any time participated in any illegal act arising from the manufacture and/or distribution of any illegal drug?
- Yes
- No
Have you used a Schedule I of the Code of Virginia controlled substance within the past 5 years? This includes, but is not limited to, Heroin, LSD, MDMA, etc., excludes the usage of Marijuana.
- Yes
- No
Have you used a Schedule II of the Code of Virginia controlled substance within the past 5 years? This includes, but is not limited to, Cocaine, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Methamphetamine, PCP, etc.
- Yes
- No
Have you ever used a Schedule III-VI of the Code of Virginia controlled substance, or any noxious chemical inhalants within the past 6 months? This includes, but is not limited to, illegal steroids, huffing, etc.
- Yes
- No
If you answered yes to any of the drug questions, please list the type of drug, month/year you first used the drug, month/year you last used the drug and the total approximate number of times you used the drug. If not applicable, indicate N/A. If you do not provide the specific information, this may result in removal from the process.
20
Are you a current or previous City of Norfolk Employee?
- Yes - I am a current City of Norfolk Employee
- Yes - I am a previous City of Norfolk Employee
- No - I am not a previous or current City of Norfolk Employee
How did you become aware Norfolk Fire-Rescue was hiring? (Please check all that apply)
- Career Fair/Job Event
- Military Resources: Career Development Center
- Military Resources: TAP
- YouTube
- Print Ad: Poster/Sign
- Printer Ad: Banner
- Tidewater Community
- Old Dominion University
- Norfolk State University
- Google search
- Norfolk.gov
- Government.Jobs
- Indeed
- Text to apply
- Family Member/Friend
- Norfolk Fire-Rescue employee
- Fire-Firefighters@norfolk.gov
- Other
If you were referred for this position by a current City of Norfolk employee, please provide the employee's full name, department, and job title. If not, please indicate by typing "N/A."
23
This position is required to sign an acknowledgement indicating that you will refrain from using tobacco products, both on and off-duty, if you are conditionally selected for hire.
- I acknowledge that I understand this requirement
As a Fire-Rescue employee in a sworn position, if you are scheduled to work, you will be required to report to work during periods of inclement weather.
- I acknowledge that I understand this requirement
This position requires the ability to work a varied work schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
- I acknowledge that I understand this requirement
Please provide an explanation of any periods of unemployment that are 30 days or longer. Please indicate N/A if you have not experienced any periods of unemployment.
27
A conviction (felony or misdemeanor) does not necessarily eliminate you from employment consideration. A criminal background check is conducted on all new hires. Failure to disclose all criminal convictions may result in disqualification from employment consideration or may result in dismissal from City of Norfolk employment if you have been hired. The nature of the offense; the time that has passed since the offense, conduct and/or completion of the sentence; and the nature of the job sought may be taken into consideration. Have you ever been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor?
- I have been convicted of a felony
- I have been convicted of a misdemeanor
- I have been convicted of a felony and a misdemeanor
- I have not been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor
If you answered that you have been convicted of a felony and/or a misdemeanor, please provide an explanation including the city, state and date of the conviction. This excludes minor traffic violations such as speeding tickets.
29
Please indicate your veteran status. (A copy of your long form DD-214 may be required)
- I am not a Veteran
- I am a Veteran
- I am a Disabled Veteran
What type of discharge did you receive from the military? If not applicable, please select N/A.
- I am currently still serving
- Honorable Discharge
- General Discharge under Honorable Conditions
- Other than Honorable Discharge
- Bad Conduct Discharge
- Dishonorable Discharge
- Other type of Discharge
- N/A
Are you currently serving as a member of the United States Reserves?
- Yes
- No
If you are currently serving in the United States Reserves, please select if you are in a ready or standby status. If you are not currently serving in the Reserves, please select N/A.
- Ready status
- Standby status
- N/A
- Required Question
Salary : $53,942
