Firefighter - Recruit

Frederick County Government•Division of Fire and Rescue Services - Frederick, MD

12d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a sworn entry-level position in Frederick County's professional fire and rescue service. When assigned to duty, this skilled position provides a full range of fire/rescue services including firefighting, rescue and emergency medical services (EMS), as well as routine non-emergency assignments. Supervision and direction are received from the fire/rescue station supervisor and/or through the chain of command, however Firefighters must frequently exercise independent judgment and discretion. Workstation and duty assignment will be determined by the Division/DFRS. Shifts may be scheduled for 24 hours on-duty/48 hours off-duty (7-day schedule), 12 hours per day (4 days per week), or other shift rotations as determined by the Division/DFRS). Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

Requirements

High school graduation or the equivalent
Possession of a valid driver's license
Applicants must be 18 years of age by January 1, 2027
Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
Ability to successfully complete the Firefighter Recruit Academy (required prior to station assignment)
Ability to maintain minimum EMS certification or licensure as determined by the employee's post-academy station assignment
Ability to successfully complete periodic physical fitness training and job-related re-certifications
Ability to apply training to respond quickly, calmly and effectively in emergency situations, demonstrating good judgment and independent action
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, volunteer fire/rescue personnel and the general public
Ability to maintain professional attitude, appearance and manner of performance
Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills, including the ability to understand and effectively carry out written and spoken orders and standard operating procedures
Ability to successfully complete the post-academy in-station probationary period
Available for all shifts as assigned and on-call as needed
The probationary period for this position is 18 months
A Background Information Disclosure Agreement is required, a satisfactory background investigation conducted prior to date of employment
Abstinence from all tobacco use prior to employment offer and while employed by DFRS. An Advance Notice Agreement/Tobacco Free Condition of Employment is required.
Secondary employment will not be approved for DFRS personnel before successful completion of the probationary period
A Training Reimbursement Agreement/Promissory Note is required; applies if employee terminates employment within 36 months from hire and accepts other Fire/EMS related work within 1 year from termination date
A Conditions of Employment Agreement is required at time of employment
This position is subject to random drug and tobacco testing
Specified certifications, licenses and physical abilities stated above must be maintained throughout term of employment
Entry-level written examination
Fitness for duty CPAT (IAFF/IAFC) to be administered by DFRS or certificate from an accredited agency
One or more interviews
A pre-employment psychological examination
A pre-employment physical examination and drug test (NFPA standards) with determination of tobacco, tobacco products, e-cigarette and vaporizer device use (disqualifier)

Nice To Haves

College degree
Current National Registry Paramedic certification at time of application and conditional job offer
Minimum 2 years of current active operational firefighter experience within a Career or Volunteer organization
Military service experience

Responsibilities

Response in emergency vehicles to render aid to sick and injured persons and provide EMS patient care at a wide variety of emergency incidents.
Respond to and extinguish fires and execute rescues.
Drive and operate emergency vehicles and equipment.
Maintain equipment and emergency vehicle readiness by performing regular maintenance and tests.
Write comprehensive fire, rescue and medical reports regarding incidents.
Perform routine maintenance of the fire and rescue station.
Assist with routine administrative tasks.
Maintain knowledge of current roads, water supplies and building pre-plans.
Conduct routine fire safety inspections.
Maintain knowledge of current Maryland Protocols.
Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
11 paid holidays
Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan).
Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan Vesting after 5 years of service
Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Wellness Program
Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
Deferred Compensation Plan
Legal Resources
Supplemental Life Insurance
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan