The expected starting salary for this position is $63,654.55.

WHO WE ARE

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) is currently accepting applications for the position of Firefighter/Rescuer I (Recruit) Grade F1. This announcement provides information for Recruit Class 61 (RC61) tentatively scheduled to begin June 2027.

MCFRS, an Accredited Agency, is a full-spectrum life safety agency protecting about 500 square miles and over 1 million people living and working in Maryland's most populous jurisdiction. The MCFRS annually handles over 120,000 emergency calls for service and is staffed by nearly 2200 career uniformed men and women, professional civilian staff, and volunteers. Our mission is to protect lives, property, and the environment with comprehensive risk reduction programs and safe and effective emergency responses.

Our hiring needs vary from year to year; however, our goal is to recruit and hire highly qualified and diverse candidates to join our organization. The hiring process is very competitive. MCFRS delivers services to our customers with impartiality and excellence, promotes the highest standards of safety and welfare, and serves with integrity and mutual respect.

To learn more about MCFRS please visit: Join.MCFRS.com

Montgomery County Firefighter/Rescuers perform manual and technical work in fire suppression prevention, rescue, communications, and emergency medical services primarily on a rotating 24-on /48-off shift work schedule, which requires the highest level of sustained exertion and agility. Candidates selected for this position are considered “Essential Employees.” Essential employees must report to work during a period of general emergency or liberal leave.

Candidates selected for hire are required to serve a probationary period of twelve (12) months prior to attaining permanent status, during which time performance will be carefully evaluated.

Candidates selected for hire will be required to sign an agreement stating they are tobacco-free, both on and off duty. Failure to remain tobacco-free throughout employment with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service may result in termination.

• Experience: None
• Education: High School graduate or equivalent acceptable to the State of Maryland. Verification of a high school diploma or equivalent by December 15, 2026.
• License: Possession of a valid, non-provisional/learners driver’s license from the candidate’s state of residence by December 15, 2026.
• Age: Must be eighteen (18) years of age by December 15, 2026.
• Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States or Permanent Resident.

THE HIRING PROCESS

Prior to receiving a final offer of employment, candidates must successfully complete the following steps:

• Written Entrance exam
• Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
• Background Investigation
• Oral Interview
• Medical examination with drug & alcohol screening (NFPA 1582 Standard) & SCBA Fit Test
• Psychological Evaluation may be required

Candidates applying for this position must use their legal name and continue to use this name throughout the hiring process.

Candidates who meet the minimum requirements, as described above will be invited to take the written entrance exam. Throughout the entirety of the hiring process, communication will be via email. It is the candidate’s responsibility to provide a valid personal email address at the time of application, that is not blocked by IT systems (for example a school or employer email address) and will remain valid throughout the hiring process. Candidates are strongly encouraged to regularly check all email folders (including spam) to avoid missing important information.

ADDITIONAL HIRING INFORMATION

Based upon service needs, hiring preference may be given to:

• Candidates that have the following training / certifications at the time of application:
• Firefighter I
• Firefighter II
• Hazardous Materials Operations
• EMT-B or Paramedic (Maryland or National Registry)

All certifications will be verified.

All certifications must be MFRI, Pro Board or IFSAC. Credentials from agencies will be considered on a case-by-case basis, however, approval is not guaranteed.

Candidates selected for hire based on their ALS certification, will be required to sign an agreement requiring them to obtain Montgomery County, Maryland ALS certification within (1) one year and maintain their ALS Certification for (7) seven years. Candidates with ALS Certification will receive a pay differential, in addition to their base salary, after obtaining their Montgomery County, Maryland ALS Certification.

2) Candidates that have the following at the time of application (all will be verified):

• Veteran
• Veteran with a Disability
• Bachelor’s degree
• Associate degree or 30 or more college credits from an accredited college or university
• Residency in Montgomery County (for at least 6 months before the time of application)
• Basic multilingual skills (oral communication) in one of the following languages:

American Sign Language – Amharic – Chinese – French – Korean – Spanish - Vietnamese

3) Successful completion of the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue High School Cadet Program

There are no preferred criteria for this position.