Probationary Firefighter

Pay Schedule V, Grade 8F, Regular Schedule: 40 hours per week

A vacancy exists in the Fire Department. 

All interested transfer and promotional candidates must apply at this time.  

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experiences on your application.  Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note: Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered.  A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position.  Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

Note: Applications will not be processed until all documentation has been received.

Make sure to read about the testing process outlined in the "QUALIFICATIONS" section of this job posting.

*** The Public Safety Self-Assessment is required for this position. ***

Application Process

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the information listed below. 
 
Applicants will automatically receive a system-generated email confirmation when their applications have been successfully submitted.  
 
If you are unable to attach the required documents to your application, you may email them to [email protected] or deliver them in person to the Office of Human Resources at the address provided below.

ATTN: Probationary Firefighter
Office of Human Resources
Baltimore County Government
308 Allegheny Avenue
Towson, MD 21204

[email protected] (Scan/email)
410-887-3135 (Phone)

• Performs basic patient assessment and takes appropriate vital signs  
• Performs pulmonary and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Attends and successfully completes the Fire-Rescue Academy. 
• Gains knowledge and skill necessary to respond to alarms, to perform general firefighting, fire extinguishing, and rescue operations, and to maintain apparatus and equipment. 
• Gains knowledge and skills in administering basic life support to sick or injured persons.
• Follows Department rules, regulations, and procedures.  
• Learns geography of district. 
• Hears alarm and prepares for appropriate response.  
• Drives or rides safely in vehicle.  
• Understands visual and spoken orders and takes appropriate action.  
• Removes or leads persons from buildings or hazardous situations.  
• Carries or drags hoses, ladders, and other equipment.  
• Tests and maintains apparatus and associated equipment.
• Assists in the saving of lives and property and in extinguishing fires.  
• Operates firefighting and rescue equipment.  
• Participates in drills and other training activities.
• Performs basic patient assessment and takes vital signs.  
• Provides basic life support appropriate to patient's condition.  
• Performs CPR and rescue breathing.  
• Verbally communicates information regarding patient's condition to other medical staff.  
• Handles or lifts patients.  
• Drives departmental vehicles.  
• Prepares and maintains logs and reports.
   

• Assists in maintenance of grounds, buildings, fire hydrants, and quarters.
• May perform clerical functions and other related duties as required.
• Participates in specialized training courses and drills.

Training and Experience
Possession of a high school diploma or an appropriate equivalent at appointment. High school seniors and GED candidates on track to graduate may apply and proceed through the written examination.

Possession of a valid driver’s license, non-commercial class C Maryland driver’s license or equivalent is required at the time of application. 

To apply for this position, you MUST meet the following requirements
1.  Have a high school diploma, GED, state-accredited equivalent, or a college degree or transcript. 
2. Be at least 17.5 years old at the time of application. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment
3. Possess a valid driver's license, non-commercial class C Maryland driver's license or equivalent AND less than 4 points on driving record

Acceptable required documents to submit with the application:

1. Driver's License: Copy or Photograph of a valid driver’s license (provisional or full license C class, non-commercial) 

2. Degree: Copy or Photograph of high school diploma, GED, state-equivalent, or college degree, diploma, OR the same document submitted for the transcript section.  If you are 17.5 years of age AND on track to graduate High School at the time of appointment, you may upload a Word document indicating your upcoming date of graduation. 

3. Transcripts: Copy or photograph of high school or college transcripts OR the same document submitted for the degree section. If you are 17.5 years of age AND on track to graduate High School at the time of appointment, you may upload a Word document indicating your upcoming date of graduation. 

To be hired as a Probationary Firefighter, you MUST
1. Pass the written examination
2. Pass the physical ability examination
3. Pass the oral interview(s)
4. Complete a comprehensive background investigation
5. Pass a psychological examination, physical, and medical; including a drug test
6. Abstain from the use of tobacco products during for the duration of employment 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Entry Level)

• Knowledge of the English language
• Knowledge of arithmetic
• Basic knowledge of mechanical functions. 
• Ability to learn and apply the principles and practices of fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical care and rescue operations.  
• Ability to learn and follow County and departmental rules, regulations, policies, and operating procedures.  
• Ability to perform fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical care and emergency rescue activities.  
• Ability to perform physically strenuous work such as lifting, carrying, and dragging ladders, hoses, and other firefighting equipment.  
• Ability to operate a medic unit and other departmental apparatus in emergency and non-emergency conditions. 
• Ability to act calmly and decisively in emergency situations. 
• Ability to operate departmental vehicles, apparatus, and equipment.  
• Ability to communicate effectively.  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. 
• Ability to perform all duties while wearing personal protective equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus, in potentially hazardous environments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Full Performance)

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical care and emergency rescue operations. 
• Knowledge of County and departmental rules, regulations, policies, and operating procedures.  
• Knowledge of the types, causes, character, and behavior of fires.
• Skill in performing fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical care and emergency rescue activities.  
• Skill in performing physically strenuous work such as lifting, carrying, and dragging ladders, hoses, and other firefighting equipment.  
• Skill in the operation of a medic unit and other departmental vehicles, apparatus, and equipment. 
• Skill in the preparation and maintenance of logs and reports.

Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment. Applicants may apply at 17 ½ years of age. 

Character Requirements
All applicants must be of good moral character and emotionally stable, as determined by a comprehensive background investigation and a drug test.

Physical Requirements
Persons appointed to this classification must be able to safely perform the duties of the position without posing a threat to the health or safety of themselves or others. This includes the ability to perform duties when wearing essential personal protective equipment including self-contained breathing apparatus. After accepting an appointment to a position within this classification, candidates will be required to pass a physical examination.

Licenses and Certificates 
Possession of a Firefighter II certificate and possession of a Maryland Emergency Medical Technician certificate are required upon completion of Fire-Rescue Academy training. 
Possession of a valid driver's license, non-commercial, Class C Maryland driver's license or equivalent is required at the time of  application.

TESTING PROCESS

Written Examination

PLEASE NOTE: After prospective Probationary Firefighters (PFF) submit an application and are deemed eligible, they will receive an invitation from the National Testing Network (NTN). This invitation will include instructions on how to create an NTN account and register for the written exam and PSSA.  Additional information, including options for a physical testing site, can be provided upon request. Applicants with existing NTN accounts will receive instructions on how to re-submit a previous exam.

The invitation must be redeemed as soon as possible, and no later than 14 days after receipt. Carefully review all instructions; failure to follow them may result in you being responsible for the cost of a second exam.

Prior to testing, review all technical requirements, including a reliable internet connection, a working camera, and a compatible internet browser. You must log in at least 10 minutes before your scheduled exam time. Late arrivals will not be permitted to test.

You will receive notification of your test results at the email address you provided on your application.

*** The Public Safety Self-Assessment is required for this position. ***

Physical Ability Test
Applicants who successfully pass the written exam will be invited to participate in the Physical Ability Test. The Fire Department will contact you with the date, time, and location of your scheduled test. The Fire Department will hold practice sessions prior to the physical ability testing to help familiarize you with each station and the physical activity involved. Practice session dates and times will be e-mailed to applicants who pass the written exam.

The Fire Academy 
Recruit school is an intense, physically and mentally challenging program which provides a solid foundation in fire suppression and emergency medical services skills based upon nationally accepted standards. Strict academic and performance standards must be met in order to graduate.

Click here to learn more about the academyMedical Examination and Comprehensive Background Investigation
Applicants selected for an appointment to a position in Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, psychological evaluation, stress test, and drug screen, and a comprehensive background investigation, which includes but is not limited to a criminal background check, driver's license check, and fingerprinting.

Physical and Environmental Conditions
The work of this classification entails the performance of heavy physical labor involving the provision of basic life support, emergency medical operations, and rescue.  Work requires exposure to potentially hazardous public safety activities.

Conditions of Employment
Possession of a Firefighter II certificate and possession of a Maryland Emergency Medical Technician certificate are required upon completion of Fire-Rescue Academy training. Incumbents who do not obtain the required certifications will be terminated.

Employees in this classification may be assigned to work on either a rotating or fixed shift basis, which will include nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.  Employees in this classification are subject to recall to duty in emergencies, and may be required to work overtime with little or no notice.

Employees must maintain required licenses and certifications throughout their employment.