Fire Department Recruitment

If you are interested in a position with the Alexandria Fire Department check below for information regarding the application process.
Page updated on September 20, 2023 at 11:22 AM

About the Alexandria Fire Department

The Alexandria Fire Department employs more than 300 professional personnel, which includes firefighters, paramedics, fire prevention staff and administrative support. A network of 10 stations protects nearly 16 square miles. Among the department's specialized teams are the Northern Virginia Regional Hazardous Materials Team, Technical Rescue, Marine Operations and the Inland Water Rescue teams. 

Our mission is to serve the community by protecting lives, property, and the environment.

How to Apply

The application process for the Firefighter I position with the Alexandria Fire Department is is now open. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. For questions about recruitment and the application process, please contact AFD's recruiters at Fire.recruitment@alexandriava.gov. For information about other opportunities in the department, please complete a job interest form.

Applications will be accepted online through NeoGov. You will need to set up an account if you have not applied in NeoGov previously. If you have previously applied to another agency or for another position with the City of Alexandria, you will need to enter your NeoGov username and password. An email address is necessary to apply online. Upon completion and submission of your application, you will receive an email notification stating your application has been received.

To apply online, click the job title you are interested in and then click the "Apply" link. If this is the first time you are applying using our online job application, you will need to create an account and select a username and password. After your account has been established, you can build an application by clicking on the "Build Job Application" link. This application can be saved and used to apply for more than one job opening.

Thank you for your interest in the Alexandria Fire Department. 

Contact the Recruitment Staff 

Alexandria Fire Department
Recruitment Section
900 Second Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

Telephone: (703) 746-5276

Email:  Fire.recruitment@alexandriava.gov

Firefighter I Job Description

Firefighter I is a full time, paid, uniform, entry-level position in the Alexandria Fire Department. The starting annual salary is $57,332.08. The Firefighter I recruit learns and performs firefighting, emergency medical services, and fire prevention in a combination of classroom and on-the-job training.  

FOR THOSE APPLICANTS WHO HAVE THEIR NATIONAL REGISTRY PARAMEDIC OR VIRGINIA EMT-INTERMEDIATE CERTIFICATION

Candidates who are certified as a National Registry Paramedic (NRP) will be hired as a Firefighter I at the annual salary of $$57,332.08. The NRP candidate will be entitled to a lump sum bonus of $5,000.00 upon verification of Virginia certification eligibility/reciprocity. NRP candidates will begin receiving a $10,000.00 a year incentive once they begin session 2 of the ALS Internship program.

Major Duties

  • Firefighting and Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
  • Participating in fire prevention activities (inspections, public education, pre-fire building surveys)
  • Operating apparatus and equipment
  • Attending drills, training, and classes
  • Participating in physical fitness training
  • Maintaining, cleaning,  and inspecting equipment and fire stations
  • Other related duties and assignments

Minimum Qualifications

  • high school diploma or GED 
  • Minimum of 18 years of age
  • Valid motor vehicle operator’s license with no restrictions
  • NO felony convictions

Applicant Selection Process

You don't have to be a United States citizen to work for the Alexandria Fire Department; however, you must present official documentation that you are eligible to work in the U.S. There is no residency requirement to apply. The selection process consists of the following steps and may take up to a year to complete. 

  1. Submission of online application
  2. Application screening
  3. Communication of eligibility via letter/email
  4. Mandatory orientation and Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) – orientation video, practice CPAT, timed runs, official test
  5. Written examination
  6. Fingerprint/Background questionnaire (ongoing background investigation)
  7. Polygraph evaluation
  8. Psychological evaluation
  9. Medical examination
  10. Panel Review
  11. Fire Chief interview
  12. Selection

You must be smoke-free at the time of appointment and be willing to sign a Conditions of Employment Agreement to not smoke on- or off-duty.

Selection Process

STEP 1: CPAT (Candidate Physical Abilities Test) ORIENTATION VIDEO/PRACTICE/TIMED RUNS/TEST

 Departments using CPAT as a condition of hire must give all candidates an opportunity to attend at least two (2) CPAT orientation practice sessions at least eight (8) weeks preceding the test. During these sessions, candidates will receive hands-on familiarity with the test apparatus and receive guidance on specific conditioning regimens and techniques to help prepare for the test. In addition, departments must ensure that each candidate has an opportunity to perform two, timed trial runs of the CPAT within 30 days of the test. A candidate may waive all of the aforementioned program components and be eligible to participate in a CPAT test. Such a waiver shall only be acceptable if it is in writing, and is made on a wholly knowing and voluntary basis. 

Candidates are recommended to attend both orientation (practice) sessions and the timed practice runs during the eight-week mentoring period. For location and additional information about CPAT, refer to the CPAT Schedule provided below. All candidates during practice, timed practice runs, and testing must wear long pants. Shorts are PROHIBITED. Sport shoes and t-shirts are acceptable with the long pants. We supply the vest, helmet, and gloves. All candidates need to make every effort to arrive on time for all sessions. The department will ensure you have the opportunity to warm up prior to receiving hands-on instruction from the Peer Fitness Trainer.

DOCUMENT REVIEW AND CPAT

The completed background questionnaire and all required items must be submitted for approval. Any inaccurate, untruthful, or misleading statement(s) in the background questionnaire will be cause for disqualification from the selection process.

STEP 2: THE WRITTEN EXAM

The written examination includes but is not limited to, reading comprehension, basic math, physics and grammar. Applicants must obtain a passing score to continue with the process.

National Firefighter Selection Inventory (NFSI) Information

STEP 3: FINGERPRINT/BACKGROUND QUESTIONNAIRE

To complete the background questionnaire, applicants must download the questionnaire and submit it for review by the due date provided by the AFD. The entire background questionnaire must be completed. Any inaccurate, untruthful, or misleading statement(s) in the background questionnaire will be cause for disqualification from the selection process.

​​​​​​​BACKGROUND QUESTIONNAIRE

STEP 4: POLYGRAPH EVALUATION

The polygraph evaluation is conducted by a certified polygraph examiner. The polygraph evaluation (psychophysiological detection of deception) measures the accuracy of information provided during the selection process. All applicants must review and sign an authorization for release of personal information prior to the administration of the polygraph.

STEP 5: PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILE EVALUATION

The psychological evaluation is conducted by the Law Enforcement Psychological Services Inc. This evaluation measures the psychological suitability for a career in the Alexandria Fire Department. It consists of several written tests and a structured clinical interview.

STEP 6: MEDICAL EXAMINATION

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code 1582 is the standard for AFD's medical examinations. You must pass your medical exam to continue in the selection process.

STEP 7: PANEL REVIEW

A panel made up of executive leadership team members will evaluate candidates and provide recommendations prior to the Fire Chief interviews.

STEP 8: FIRE CHIEF INTERVIEW

The Fire Chief interviews are conducted by the Fire Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department.

STEP 9: SELECTION

A Human Resources representative will notify candidates who have been selected as incoming recruits for the Alexandria Fire Department.

Firefighter Applicant Disqualifiers

The following are considered disqualifying factors, which shall result in non-selection for employment opportunities in uniform positions with the Alexandria Fire Department.  

CRIMINAL HISTORY​

  • Conviction of any felony
  • Conviction of initiating a false alarm as an adult
  • Conviction of arson or arson-related crime
  • Commission of undetected crimes of a serious or repetitive nature
  • Conviction of any crime against a person entrusted to his/her care or protection in which the victims is a patient or is a resident of a health care facility.

OTHER

  • Any punitive discharge from the military: including Bad Conduct and Dishonorable discharge; from any military service
  • Any founded charge of child abuse or neglect
  • Inclusion on either the National Sex Offender Public Website or the Virginia State Department of Social Services’ Child Protective Services Registry
  • Permanent revocation of EMS certification or license in Virginia or any other state; and disciplinary or enforcement action by Virginia or other state EMS office or other recognized state or national health care provider licensing or certifying body in the last five years.
  • Untruthfulness, the withholding of information, or deliberate inaccuracies, on any application, interview or paperwork, or cheating on any examination or testing associated with the selection process  

While illegal drug use is highly discouraged, it is not an automatic disqualifying criterion. Recent illegal drug use and frequency of drug use will be examined at multiple stages of the process and may result in non-selection.

The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. If you require special accommodations to proceed in the selection process, please contact the Recruitment Section at (703) 746-5276 prior to the scheduled event. Please inform us of any changes to your address, email, or phone number to ensure proper notification for each exam. Please make sure you update your email settings so messages from Alexandria Fire Department won't be delivered to your SPAM folder.

Recruitment FAQs

Is the Department currently accepting applications?

The Alexandria Fire Department is now accepting applications for the position of Firefighter I. The application process will be open through Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. For questions about recruitment and the application process, please contact AFD's recruiters at Fire.recruitment@alexandriava.gov.

I'm a Nationally Registered Paramedic; will I be paid as a firefighter or a paramedic?

Candidates who are certified as a National Registry Paramedic (NRP) will be hired as a Firefighter I at the annual salary of $53,535.56. The NRP candidate will be entitled to a lump sum bonus of $5,000.00 upon verification of Virginia certification eligibility/reciprocity. NRP candidates will begin receiving a $10,000.00 a year incentive once they begin session 2 of the ALS Internship program.

Do I need Emergency Medical Services experience in order to be considered?

No. Previous experience is not required.

Will negative points on my driving record affect my chances of being considered?

Yes. These will be examined on a case-by-case basis. If you have more than negative four (-4) on your driving record, this could hurt your chances in our process. Check with your local jurisdiction to see how to reduce your negative point total.

Once I have completed the process, will I be hired?

No. Completing the process does not guarantee you will be hired. If you are not selected to move forward, you should consider reapplying to our next process.

How many candidates do you plan to hire during your next recruitment process?

Hiring is dependent on the number of vacancies and can vary each year.

Do you accept a CPAT Certificate from another jurisdiction?

Yes, you will be exempt from taking CPAT contingent on verification with the jurisdiction. CPAT certificates are valid for 12 months and must be completed prior to our last CPAT test date.

Applicants must submit the valid CPAT Certificate to Fire.Recruitment@alexandriava.gov

What entry exam will be used?

At this time, the National Firefighter Selection Inventory (NFSI) will be used for the entrance exam.

What are the working hours?

Currently, recruit school is approximately 26 weeks. While in recruit school you will be required to work 8 hour days, five days a week. Upon graduation, you will be assigned to a station and will go on shift work. The shift is 24 hours a day, approximately 10 days a month. This is the equivalent to a 56-hour work week.

I am a Firefighter in another jurisdiction. Do you accept lateral transfers without competition?

No. We do not accept lateral transfers. All applicants are required to go through the competitive process.

I am in the military and want to start the process. When should I apply?

We recommend you apply 6-12 months prior to your end time in service. You will need to be available to complete all scheduled events because failure to do so will disqualify you from the current process. When possible, we will make an attempt to work with military candidates to try to give them a fair chance to make all scheduled events during the process. 

Do I need to be a citizen of the United States to apply?

No. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen; however, you must present official documentation that you are legally eligible to work in the U.S.

Do I need to be a resident of Virginia or the City of Alexandria in order to work for the AFD?

No. We have no residency requirements.

Do you consider applicants who have had legal or drug use issues in their backgrounds?

These issues will be handled on an individual basis. However, you will be disqualified if you are not truthful about these issues on your application or any time during the selection process. We cannot hire anyone who has been convicted of a felony. Any recent illegal drug usage will be grounds for disqualification.

How can I find out if a medical condition is not allowed under National Fire Protection Association regulations?

You may inquire with the Fire Department’s Human Resources Manager to clarify any questions about the medical conditions not allowed under NFPA 1582 regulations.

I currently possess a Virginia EMT-I (Medic Intermediate) license or a NREMT-P (National Registered Paramedic) license. Does this help me in the hiring process?

Yes. These will be considered along with other education and training.

Are CPAT orientations and timed trials mandatory?

No, but they are recommended you must complete a waiver if you wish to decline attending the orientation and timed trial runs.

Can previously passed Alexandria Fire Department written test scores be used?

Yes, if taken within the last 12 months. However, AFD does not accept test scores from other jurisdictions.

How recent should my driving record be?

Driving records should be dated after your application date.

How will I be notified on my application status?

All notifications will be emailed to the email address listed on your application and can also be checked via your Government Jobs account.