Job Duties:
The City of Virginia Beach is hiring Firefighters. This posting is for both Firefighter Recruit applicants interested in completing the full (6-month) recruit academy, and Certified Firefighter applicants interested in completing the condensed (3-month) academy. The hiring process for both takes approximately 6 months long and involves a multi-step process which includes the following:
Towards the end of the hiring process, VB Fire Department will check certifications and interest for a Certified Firefighter academy. If there is enough interest, then those that are selected will be pulled into the condensed certified academy.
Certified Firefighter Salary: $52,280.10 (Y.22)
NOTE: All dates are subject to change.
Written Test
The Virginia Beach Fire Department offers full testing services for the position of Firefighter Recruit through National Testing Network (NTN). To register with NTN and schedule a test, go to www.nationaltestingnetwork.com, select 'Find Jobs', then select Firefighter Jobs and sign up for Virginia Beach Fire Department.
When you visit the www.nationaltestingnetwork.com website:
Candidates completing the written assessment via remote proctoring will be responsible for paying a one-time $65 fee at the time of registration. If the candidate is already registered with the NTN and has taken a test, then there is only $15 transfer fee to send your score to our department.
Candidates completing the written assessment in-person will be able to take the exam at no cost to them. Emails will be sent to candidates with sign-up information for in-person testing after applications close. In-person testing will take place May 16th and May 17th.
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
Please review the CPAT Resources posted on the Virginia Beach Fire Department website for further information. Candidates can sign-up for a day/time that works best for their schedule.
The VBFD will accept valid CPAT cards issued by IAFF-licensed agencies within the preceding 12-months from the end of VBFD CPAT Testing (May 17, 2024 – May 17, 2025).
Structured Oral Interviews (SOIs)
Candidates that successfully complete the written test and CPAT will be invited to complete the Structured Oral Interview (SOI). SOIs will be recorded. Candidates will be asked a series of interview questions that will be recorded through NTN's candidate portal. Review of SOIs will take place June 23, 2025 – June 27, 2025.
To record an online interview, candidates must have the latest version of Chrome, a webcam, a microphone, a quiet and private room, a computer or laptop running Windows 10 or better (or Mac 10.11), and a good internet connection. Mobile options are not compatible with these online interviews.
Candidates that score highly on the SOI will move forward to reference checks and will receive a conditional offer. Final offers are contingent on successful completion of all post-offer assessments.
Post-Offer Assessments
Official City Job Description:
Working Conditions:
https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/B.004260.pdf
Minimum Requirements:
MINIMUMS: Requires high school or GED or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Requires a passing score on department?s written examination and vision test. Requires a passing time on the physical agility test. Requires a polygraph test evaluating personal employment history, criminal history, drug use, and other job related background disqualifiers. Must be classified as fit for employment by the Occupational Health Office and able to pass the Departments annual physical assessment test. Must refrain from using all tobacco products on and off the job. Must have, or obtain, a current and valid Virginia or North Carolina drivers license in accordance with Virginia or North Carolina DMV driver?s license eligibility requirements. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. This position may require that incumbents wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel toed shoes, safety glasses, gloves, or other designated safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk. Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employees supervisor based on position assigned. This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug testing. Positive drug test results may result in counseling and/or discipline, up to and including, termination.
Additional Requirements:
DMV Transcript: Required
CDL: Not Required
DOT History: Not Required
CPS Check: Required
Physical: Required
Respirator: Required
Polygraph Review: Not Required
Psychological Screening: Required
Attachments Required: If applying as a Certified Firefighter, please include all indicated attachments:
*Firefighter I & Firefighter II (IFSAC or ProBoard)
*FEMA/ICS - 100, 200, 700, 800
*Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC)
*CPR
*Hazmat Operations
*Virginia EMT-B or National Registry (ALS Preferred)
Certified Firefighter candidates must possess a Virginia EMT or be nationally registered. We will NOT accept an EMT certification from another state due to minimum requirements in our state.
NOTE: You may need to combine some of your certifications into a couple of attachments (please make sure your file size isn't too big). Additional, relevant certifications can be sent at a later date, but all certifications listed above must be attached to your application.
Preferences:
Special Instructions:
Certified Firefighter candidates must possess a Virginia EMT or be nationally registered. We will NOT accept an EMT certification from another state due to minimum requirements in our state.
Communication will done via email. Please ensure that you are using the best email that you check frequently and to periodically check your spam/junk folder to ensure that you haven't missed any communication. If you miss an email that results in a missed a deadline, you will be removed from the process.
VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.
Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.
