What are the responsibilities and job description for the Firefighter Recruit position at City of Virginia Beach?
The City of Virginia Beach is hiring Firefighters. This posting is for both Firefighter Recruit applicants interested in completing the full (6-month) recruit academy, and Certified Firefighter applicants interested in completing the condensed (3-month) academy. 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, VB Fire Department will check certifications and interest for a Certified Firefighter academy. If there is enough interest, then those that are selected will be pulled into the condensed certified academy.
Certified Firefighter Salary: $52,280.10 (Y.22)
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.
Candidates completing the written assessment in-person will be able to take the exam at no cost to them. Emails will be sent to candidates with sign-up information for in-person testing after applications close. In-person testing will take place May 16th and May 17th.
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 (May 17, 2024 – May 17, 2025).
Structured Oral Interviews (SOIs)
Candidates that successfully complete the written test and CPAT will be invited to complete the Structured Oral Interview (SOI). SOIs will be recorded. Candidates will be asked a series of interview questions that will be recorded through NTN's candidate portal. Review of SOIs will take place June 23, 2025 – June 27, 2025.
To record an online interview, candidates must have the latest version of Chrome, a webcam, a microphone, a quiet and private room, a computer or laptop running Windows 10 or better (or Mac 10.11), and a good internet connection. Mobile options are not compatible with these online interviews.
Candidates that score highly on the SOI will move forward to reference checks and will receive a conditional offer. Final offers are contingent on successful completion of all post-offer assessments.
Post-Offer Assessments
- Reference Check
- Occupational Health & Safety Physicals
- Psych Evaluations
- FBI Background Check / Fingerprints
- CPS Background Check
- DMV Driving Record & Driver’s License Check
Salary : $52,280
