Job Posting

Arlington County Fire Department is seeking qualified lateral transfers to join their team! If you are a motivated current Firefighter/EMT looking for a new challenge, this is an opportunity to make a difference in an urban community of over 235,000 residents with high-rises, a metro system, residential areas, and a major airport.

Benefits and Opportunities

• Fast-paced, Diverse Environment: Respond to emergencies in an urban community of over 235,000 residents with high-rises, a metro system, residential areas, and a major airport.
• Special Operations Opportunities: Join our elite Hazmat, Technical Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, or Bomb Squad teams.
• Career Growth: Explore diverse areas like fire prevention, communications, training, and more.
• Collaborative Spirit: Work alongside regional partners to ensure community safety.
• Competitive Schedule & Benefits: Work a predictable schedule with excellent pay and healthcare, including a generous retirement plan.
• Paid Training: We'll provide paid lateral firefighter school and support your ALS advancement.
• Progressive Department: Be part of a department with a rich history of innovation.
• Great Location: Work in Arlington, Virginia, a dynamic, diverse community.

Invest in Your Future with ACFD

• Great Schedule & Pay: Enjoy working the equivalent of 8 or 9 days each month or approximately a 50-hour work week with competitive pay, paid annual leave, sick leave, paid parental leave (14 weeks) and holidays plus premium pay for additional certifications, allowing you to increase your earning potential.
• Financial Security & Peace of Mind: We provide a comprehensive benefits package including full health insurance, dental, vision coverage and a generous defined benefit (pension) ensuring your financial security.
• Advancement Opportunities: ACFD is committed to your professional growth. We offer paid lateral firefighter school to get you started and support your advancement to earning the ALS (Advanced Life Support) certification.
• Join a Progressive Department: Be part of a department with a rich history of innovation, from having the first female firefighter in 1974 and forming the first Metropolitan Medical Strike Team to respond to chemical, biological, and radiological threats.

This is more than just a job; it's an investment in your future! We offer a competitive salary, industry-leading benefits, and ongoing opportunities for advancement. Join the Arlington County Fire Department and become part of something special.

Minimum Qualifications

At the time of application, candidates must have two (2) years of experience post-probation as a full-time firefighter/EMT professional with a jurisdiction or agency whose primary responsibility is fire protection and emergency service, including fire suppression, hazardous materials mitigation, and EMS; and:

• Completion of a career recruit school that includes the following certifications:
• National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians - Basic (NREMT-Basic);
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR);
• Firefighter I and II Certifications;
• Hazmat Awareness/Operations Certification;
• Emergency Vehicle Operations and Incident Command (EVOC) Courses EVOC I, II, and III); and
• Incident Command System (ICS) Courses (ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800).

Certification Substitutions

We understand you may have equivalent certifications. We'll accept them if they're accredited through Pro Board or a similar organization.

Breaks in Service

If you're a previously paid firefighter with a break in service exceeding 90 days your application will require a review process.

Desirable Skills (For Priority Consideration)

• Virginia EMT-I (Intermediate);
• EMT-P (Paramedic) Certification; or
• National Registry EMT-P (Paramedic) Certification.

Special Requirements

Qualified candidates are required to complete an interview, psych evaluation, polygraph test, background check, and up to 4 weeks of a lateral transfer academy.

Premium Pay

• VA EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) Intermediate - $0.88 per hour (non-shift rate)
• VA Paramedic - $1.75 per hour (non-shift rate)

FTA and Probationary Period

The FTA is the beginning of a 12-month probationary period and during that period they must complete a 6 week FTA skills verification (with a possibility of extending to 8 weeks if needed), after which they will be assigned to shift work for a 4-10 month trial period to complete additional training in the field.

Bonus Payment Information

Hiring Bonus up to $15,000 for qualified applicants.

• $5,000 for previous employment with ACFD within 3 years and at least 12 months separation.
• $10,000 for certified Firefighter II and Emergency Medical Technician.
• $15,000 for certified Firefighter II and Advanced Life Support Technician.
• Returning ACFD employees will receive one lump sum at hire.

Eligibility Note

Please note: This process is intended for lateral hires and does not apply to individuals who retired from ACFD. Retirees are not eligible for this hiring program.