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City of Alexandria, VA

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  • Live

    Make the most of Alexandria's outstanding quality of life with information and services of interest to residents.

    • Be Prepared

      Are you ready? Find resources and information to help residents, businesses and visitors to prepare for all types of emergencies, and to stay safe.

      • Flooding Preparedness
      • Snow and Ice Control
      • Hurricane Preparedness
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Public Health Emergency
    • Community Life

      Learn more about pets and animals, schools and libraries, parks and farmers' markets, community gardens, and more.

      • Community Gardens
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Parks
      • Pets
      • Recreation
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards and Commissions
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • City Academies
      • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus and Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Historic Preservation

      Historic Alexandria is a treasure trove of early structures, artifacts, and records that creates a unique way of life for its citizens and provides enjoyment for thousands of people who visit this special community every year. The City continues to add resources to its collection of local and nationally designated historic districts.

      • Alexandria History
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Historic Alexandria
      • Historic Districts
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • Building & Construction
      • Business Licenses
      • Health Permits
      • Marriage Licenses
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
    • Parking

      Information about parking in the City of Alexandria, including parking options, enforcement, districts and permits.

      • Contest a Parking Ticket
      • Guest Parking Permits
      • Parking Permits
      • Parking Studies
      • Parking in Old Town
      • Pay a Parking Ticket
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Domestic Violence
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual Assault
      • Substance Abuse Prevention
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving and Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Schools & Libraries

      Did you know that ACPS is one of the most diverse school systems in the country? Our students come from more than 80 different countries, speak more than 60 languages, and represent a myriad of ethnic and cultural groups. The Alexandria Library is an educational, user-oriented service institution providing free public access to recorded knowledge and ideas.

      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Library
      • Child Care
      • Higher Learning
      • Out of School Time Programs
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care Assistance
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Resources
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Utilities

      The City of Alexandria does not operate any public utilities. The following companies are the primary providers of their respective service:

      • Cable TV (Comcast / Xfinity)
      • Drinking Water (Virginia American Water)
      • Electricity (Dominion Energy)
      • Natural Gas (Washington Gas)
      • Sewage/Water Treatment (Alex Renew)
      • Wired Telephone (Verizon)
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  • Play

    Whether you live here or are just visiting, Alexandria is a great place to shop, dine, take in the arts, get outdoors, and just have fun.

    • About Alexandria

      If you are looking for small-town charm and big-city amenities, Alexandria is the place to find them. Alexandria has a fascinating history, and many of its historic buildings are still preserved today. The City's many historic homes, churches, businesses, and museums allow residents and visitors alike to experience the past that makes it the charming town it is today.

      • Alexandria's History
      • Demographics & Statistics
      • Maps & GIS
      • Visit Alexandria
    • Arts & Culture

      Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to arts and culture, the City builds a vibrant community for its residents, workers, and visitors.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Historic Property Rentals
      • Museums & Historic Sites
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
      • Office of the Arts
    • Entertainment

      Find events and activities, shops and restaurants, concerts and performances, arts and culture, historic attractions, parks and libraries, farmers' markets, and more.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Office of the Arts
      • Visit Alexandria: Things to Do
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Museums & Historic Sites

      Alexandria is a desirable location to live, work and play. The City owns many of the premier historic sites in Alexandria and it is charged with the conservation, interpretation and promotion of these links to the past.

      • City Museums
      • Historic Sites & Attractions
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront Parks
      • ParkLink Interactive Map
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Visit Alexandria

      Information about visiting Alexandria, including shopping, dining, attractions, accommodations, events listings and more. Plan your visit with an itinerary builder, interactive maps, hotel booking, online restaurant reservations and much more.

      • Group Tours
      • Meet in Alexandria
      • Plan Your Visit
      • Trip Planning Assistance
      • Visitor Center
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  • Services

    We are here to serve you. Browse the topics to the right to learn more about the programs and services we offer.

    • Alex311

      Connect with professional and knowledgeable staff for City service and information requests from every City department.

      • Missed Collection
      • Parking
      • Potholes
      • Street Cleaning
      • Trash & Recycling Containers
      • Trees
      • Yard Waste / Bulky Items Pickup
    • Animals

      What you need to know about animals, pets and wildlife in Alexandria.

      • Animal Adoption
      • Animal Control
      • Dog Parks
    • Buildings & Construction

      The City provides services to residents, businesses, contractors, and visitors needing permits for constructions and other developments.

      • Building Codes
      • City Code
      • Code Administration
      • Green Building
      • Land Use & Zoning
      • Permit Center
      • Permits & Land Use Applications
    • Environment

      "Green" initiatives, air quality, noise, water conservation, mosquito and rodent control.

      • Air Quality
      • Clean Waterways
      • Climate Change
      • Eco-City Alexandria
      • Green Building
      • Mosquito Control
      • Noise Control
      • Rodent Control
      • Stormwater Management
    • Jobs
      • City Government Jobs
      • Alexandria City Public Schools
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Maps & GIS

      Geographic Information Systems (GIS) centrally manages, shares and analyzes information about locations through specialized mapping technology. This information increases transparency, improves many City technology applications and provides critical data to decision makers and the public.

      • Interactive Maps
      • Open Data
      • Standard Maps
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Property & Housing

      The City administers various housing-related programs and services.

      • Housing Master Plan
      • Landlord & Property Manager Resources
      • Maps & GIS
      • Office of Housing
      • Parcel Viewer
      • Real Estate Assessments
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Emergency Mental Health Services
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual and Domestic Violence Services
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving & Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care
      • Children & Families
      • Discrimination & Disabilities
      • Gang & Youth Violence Prevention
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Assistance
      • Human Rights
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Transportation Planning
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  • Business

    Ideally located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is nationally recognized as one of the best places to live and do business on the east coast. Learn how we can help you start or relocate your business in Alexandria, and access resources for existing businesses and commuters.

    • Business Resources

      The City provides services and resources to help existing businesses expand within the City and promotes recruiting new businesses in Alexandria.

      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • BIPOC Small Business Program
      • Doing Business with the City
      • New Business Guide
      • Public-Private Partnerships
    • Jobs

      Alexandria offers wide range of job opportunities and services. Work for City government or City Public Schools, find out about an internship opportunity or learn about workforce development and career training options.

      • City Government Jobs
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • APEX Permitting & Land Use System
      • Business Licenses
      • Business Outdoor Program & Permits
      • Health Permits
      • Permit Center
      • Zoning Information
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Business License Tax
      • Business Personal Property Tax
      • Lodging Tax
      • Meal Tax
      • Payments
      • Real Estate Assessment Search
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Sales Tax
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Getting Around
      • Vehicle Registration
      • GO Alex Commuter Resources
      • Parking in Alexandria
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  • Government

    Learn more about Alexandria's accountable, effective, and well-managed government.

    • City Council

      The Alexandria City Council is composed of a Mayor and six Council members who are elected at-large for three-year terms. The Mayor, who is chosen on a separate ballot, presides over meetings of the Council and serves as the ceremonial head of government.

      • City Council Calendar
      • Communicate with City Council
      • Council Assignments
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Speak at a Meeting
    • Boards & Commissions

      The City of Alexandria has a strong commitment to citizen participation as evidenced by the number of citizen boards and commissions established by City Council. These bodies compose a formal system through which citizens can advise City Council on all major issues affecting the City.

      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Apply for a Board or Commission
      • Boards & Commission Calendar
      • Boards & Commission Vacancies
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
      • Planning Commission
      • Park & Recreation Commission
      • Transportation Commission
    • Departments & Agencies

      View a list of City departments, offices and other agencies, and learn about their role in the organization.

      • City Government Departments & Offices
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
      • Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA)
      • Alexandria Transit Company (DASH)
      • Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA)
      • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • Visit Alexandria (Official Tourism Site)
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Police Department
      • Fire Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Courts
      • Office of Emergency Management
      • Emergency & Customer Communications
      • Community Policing Review Board
    • Elected Officials

      Alexandria voters elect a Mayor and City Council and three local officers, as well as state and federal representatives.

      • City Council
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • Commonwealth's Attorney
      • Sheriff
      • Voting in Alexandria
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards & Commissions
      • City of Alexandria Academy Programs
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Transparency

      The City government acts with integrity in an open process, and provides timely access to clear, trustworthy information, presented and employed by all parties from the beginning to the end of the process, including the reasoning that leads to and supports the policy conclusion.

      • Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Performance Analytics
      • Alexandria's Strategic Plan
      • Race & Social Equity
      • Community Policing Review Board
      • Collective Bargaining
      • City Code
      • Open Data
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  • Projects & Plans

    Much of our work involves creating and improving infrastructure and planning for the future. Learn more about major projects and plans here, and how you can get involved!

    • Arts & Culture

      Information about arts, culture and historic projects in the City.

      • Arts & Culture Master Plan
      • Public Art Implementation Plan
    • Development

      Information about commercial and residential development projects in the City.

      • Landmark/Van Dorn Area Planning
      • North Potomac Yard Implementation / Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
      • Potomac River Generating Station Redevelopment
    • Environmental

      Information about environmental and "green" projects in the City.

      • 500 Block N. Pitt St. Sewer Separation Project
      • Flood Action Alexandria
      • Franklin St. Sewer Relocation Project
      • Holmes Run Trail Repairs
      • Lucky Run Stream Restoration
      • Oronoco Outfall Remediation Project
      • Wheeler Ave. Sanitary Sewer Pipe Relining
      • Windmill Hill Park Project - Phase II
    • Neighborhoods

      Information about neighborhood projects in the City.

      • Alexandria West Planning
      • Duke Street and West Taylor Run Project
      • Eisenhower Avenue Metrorail Station Pedestrian Crossing Improvements
      • King-Callahan-Russell Intersection Improvement Project
      • Mount Vernon Avenue North Complete Streets
    • Parks & Recreation

      Information about parks and recreation projects in the City.

      • Beauregard Street Multi-Use Trail Project
      • Bicycle Parking
      • Eugene Simpson Park Renovation Projects
      • Joseph Hensley Park Renovation
      • Old Cameron Run Trail Project
      • Robinson Terminal South Update: Historic Ship Stabilization
    • Public Facilities

      Information about public facilities projects in the City.

      • Alexandria Waterfront
      • King Street-Old Town Metro Access Improvement Project
      • Municipal Broadband
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
    • Social Services

      Information about social services projects and plans in the City.

      • Aging and Adult Services
      • Early Care & Education Common Agenda
      • The Partnership to Prevent & End Homelessness
    • Transportation

      Information about transportation projects and plans in and around the City.

      • Adaptive Traffic Signal Control
      • Alexandria Mobility Plan
      • Complete Streets
      • Duke Street in Motion
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
      • Smart Mobility
      • Traffic Mitigation
      • Vision Zero
      • West End Transitway
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  • Calendar

    There's always something to do in Alexandria! Browse community events, government meetings and activities, and important deadlines.

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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 February 21, 2023 at 4:50 PM

Fire Department

  • Office of the Fire Chief
  • Fire Department News
  • Recruitment
  • Community Risk Reduction
    • Community Outreach
    • Fire Marshal's Office
    • Fire Protection Systems Retesting Unit
  • Emergency Management
  • FAQs
    • Ambulance Billing
    • Dual-Role Provider
  • Contact AFD
  • Fire Department Homepage

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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 plan for and deliver responsive and caring emergency service, mitigate emergencies and disasters, prevent the loss of life, protect property and enforce applicable construction, fire, and building maintenance codes for the City residents and the general public in order to maintain and enhance public safety. We are dedicated to our community, to our profession and to each other.

How to Apply

The application process for the Alexandria Fire Department is currently closed. If you would like to receive an email notification when our process reopens, please complete a job interest form. For questions about recruitment and the application process, please contact AFD's recruiters at Fire.recruitment@alexandriava.gov.

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 $53,535.56. 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 $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.

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. Background questionnaire and ongoing background investigation
  7. Polygraph evaluation
  8. Psychological evaluation
  9. Medical examination
  10. Fire Chief interview
  11. 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. Our current CPAT location is 102 Shady Glen Drive Capitol Heights, MD 20743. 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.

  • CPAT Video
  • CPAT Candidate Preparation Guide
  • CPAT Waiver
  • 2023 CPAT Schedule

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.

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: FIRE CHIEF INTERVIEW

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

STEP 8: 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. All factors are considered when you apply, such as work history, education, the ability to work in a team environment and the desire to serve the public in all facets as a Firefighter/EMT.

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?

This is a competitive process, and not all candidates can be hired for recruit school. However, we do encourage all candidates to stay informed on our hiring process and consider reapplying when our application process reopens.

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

This number varies from year-to-year. It is dependent upon the number of firefighter vacancies there are, as well as budgetary considerations at the time of hiring.

If I have successfully passed the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) with another jurisdiction, can I be exempt from your CPAT?

You may be exempt from having to take our CPAT as long as you can provide valid documentation, with verification, of having successfully passed CPAT with a jurisdiction licensed under the IAFF and IAFC. Certificates are not valid after one year. Your CPAT must have been completed before the date of our scheduled CPAT Test.

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 you 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 wear glasses, will this disqualify me?

We follow NFPA 1582 regulations on medical allowances. This will be evaluated by a doctor who will determine if your vision meets the standards. Eye glasses and contacts are allowed.

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.

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Alexandria City Hall
301 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

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