Firefighter - Recruit, Frederick County (MD), Frederick, MD
Frederick County (MD) -
Frederick, MD,
US
Firefighter - Recruit
Date Posted: 2024-05-18
Job description
Salary: $24.15 Hourly
Location : Division of Fire and Rescue Services - Frederick, MD
Job Type: Full-time Regular
Job Number: FY24-00548
Department: Division of Fire and Rescue Services
Division: Fire and Rescue Services
Opening Date: 05/01/2024
Closing Date: 7/1/2024 4:00 PM Eastern
JOB INFORMATION
Non-exempt; full-time (40 hours per week during Academy; 48 hours per week when assigned to duty); varying days and hours as scheduled; full benefits
This is a sworn entry-level position in Frederick County's professional fire and rescue service. When assigned to duty, this skilled position provides a full range of fire/rescue services including firefighting, rescue and emergency medical services (EMS), as well as routine non-emergency assignments. Supervision and direction are received from the fire/rescue station supervisor and/or through the chain of command, however Firefighters must frequently exercise independent judgment and discretion. Work station and duty assignment will be determined by the County. Shifts may be scheduled for 24 hours on-duty/48 hours off-duty (7-day schedule), 12 hours per day (4 days per week), or other shift rotations as determined by the County.
TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how much we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full time benefited Frederick County Government employee.
Other employee paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, etc.
For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Usual duties will include response in emergency vehicles to render aid to sick and injured persons and provide EMS patient care at a wide variety of emergency incidents. In addition to EMS duties, Firefighters will respond to and extinguish fires and effect rescues; drive and operate emergency vehicles and equipment; maintain equipment and emergency vehicle readiness by performing regular maintenance and tests; write comprehensive fire, rescue and medical reports regarding incidents; perform routine maintenance of the fire and rescue station; assist with routine administrative tasks; maintain knowledge of current roads, water supplies and building pre-plans; conduct routine fire safety inspections; maintain knowledge of current Maryland Protocols; and perform other related duties as required.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. In addition to the duties listed in the Essential Functions section, each employee in this classification may perform the above listed other duties. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
The qualifications / requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical demands or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS
EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include): (candidate must successfully complete each step to proceed to the next)
1) An evaluation of application information
2) An entry-level written examination
5) A pre-employment psychological examination
6) A pre-employment physical examination and drug test (NFPA standards) with determination of tobacco, tobacco products, e-cigarette and vaporizer device use (disqualifier)
This description reflects management's assignment of essential duties; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Retirement Plan:
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.
Health Insurance:
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.
Dental Insurance:
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment
NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts:
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $2,700 per year for Health Care Spending and $5,000 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.
Life Insurance:
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Voluntary Life Insurance Program is offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, spouses and dependents.
Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time.
Educational Reimbursement Program:
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may take up to two job-related courses per semester at any accredited educational institution. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.
Employee Assistance Program:
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related problem.
Leave
Annual Leave - Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year
0 - 2 years 11 days
2 - 10 years 17 days
10 + years 24 days
Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.
Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.
NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.
Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, Military.
Holidays:
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.
For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefit package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at
All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.
01
All candidates who meet the minimum eligibility requirement for this position will receive an email invitation to participate in the written exam taking place July 22nd, 24th, and 30th at the Urbana Volunteer Fire Hall.
02
Will you be at least 18 years of age on January 1, 2025?
03
Which one of the following items indicates your current level of education?
04
Do you have a valid automobile operator's license?
05
Do you have possession of a CURRENT National Registry EMS Certification? If so, please select all that apply.
06
Please list the certification details below to include expiration date, or place N/A in the text box.
07
Do you have possession of a CURRENT Maryland EMS Certification? If so, please select all that apply.
08
Please list the certification details below to include expiration date, or place N/A in the text box.
09
Do you have a minimum 2 years of current and active operational firefighter experience within a Volunteer organization?
10
In the text box below, please provide additional details regarding your volunteer service. These details should include the station, city, state and dates of service. NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the preference.
11
Do you have at least 2 years work experience as an operational career firefighter?
12
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.
13
Do you have military service experience?
14
Please provide details regarding that miliary history in the text area below. The military history details provided should include the branch of the military, your discharge date and status (i.e. honorable, etc.) and/or active assignment and the duties you performed. NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related military experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the preference.
15
Have you ever been employed with Frederick County Government?
16
Have you ever applied for a Firefighter position with Frederick County Government?
Required Question
Location : Division of Fire and Rescue Services - Frederick, MD
Job Type: Full-time Regular
Job Number: FY24-00548
Department: Division of Fire and Rescue Services
Division: Fire and Rescue Services
Opening Date: 05/01/2024
Closing Date: 7/1/2024 4:00 PM Eastern
JOB INFORMATION
Non-exempt; full-time (40 hours per week during Academy; 48 hours per week when assigned to duty); varying days and hours as scheduled; full benefits
This is a sworn entry-level position in Frederick County's professional fire and rescue service. When assigned to duty, this skilled position provides a full range of fire/rescue services including firefighting, rescue and emergency medical services (EMS), as well as routine non-emergency assignments. Supervision and direction are received from the fire/rescue station supervisor and/or through the chain of command, however Firefighters must frequently exercise independent judgment and discretion. Work station and duty assignment will be determined by the County. Shifts may be scheduled for 24 hours on-duty/48 hours off-duty (7-day schedule), 12 hours per day (4 days per week), or other shift rotations as determined by the County.
TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how much we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full time benefited Frederick County Government employee.
- 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
- 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
- 11 paid scheduled holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
- Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan option to include generous County HSA contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
- 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance benefit
- Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
- Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
- County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Vesting after 5 years of service (effective 07/01/2024)
- Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc
For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Usual duties will include response in emergency vehicles to render aid to sick and injured persons and provide EMS patient care at a wide variety of emergency incidents. In addition to EMS duties, Firefighters will respond to and extinguish fires and effect rescues; drive and operate emergency vehicles and equipment; maintain equipment and emergency vehicle readiness by performing regular maintenance and tests; write comprehensive fire, rescue and medical reports regarding incidents; perform routine maintenance of the fire and rescue station; assist with routine administrative tasks; maintain knowledge of current roads, water supplies and building pre-plans; conduct routine fire safety inspections; maintain knowledge of current Maryland Protocols; and perform other related duties as required.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. In addition to the duties listed in the Essential Functions section, each employee in this classification may perform the above listed other duties. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
The qualifications / requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical demands or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- High school graduation or the equivalent
- Possession of a valid automobile operator's license
- Applicants must be 18 years of age by January 1, 2025
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Frederick County Employee Driving Permit
- Ability to successfully complete the Firefighter Recruit Academy (required prior to station assignment)
- Ability to maintain minimum EMS certification or licensure as determined by the employee's post-academy station assignment
- Ability to successfully complete periodic physical fitness training and job-related re-certifications
- Ability to apply training to respond quickly, calmly and effectively in emergency situations, demonstrating good judgment and independent action
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, volunteer fire/rescue personnel and the general public
- Ability to maintain professional attitude, appearance and manner of performance
- Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills, including the ability to understand and effectively carry out written and spoken orders and standard operating procedures
- College degree
- Current National Registry Paramedic certification at time of application and conditional job offer
- Minimum 2 years of current active operational firefighter experience within a Career or Volunteer organization
- Military service experience
- While working in this position the employee is required to sit, stand, walk, reach and perform repetitive motions, climb, stoop/kneel/crouch, crawl; lift a minimum of 100 pounds and drive, push and pull over 40 pounds, with the ability to effectively listen and hear surrounding noises and acceptable vision to maintain the safety of yourself and others per the DFRS physical standards
- While working in this position the employee is working indoors and outdoors, walking on uneven terrain, working in hot temperatures (above 100 degrees) and cold temperatures (below 32 degrees), in a dirty and dusty environment, at heights, in a noisy environment, near machinery, chemicals and fumes; with potential exposure to infectious diseases and are required to wear protective equipment; work in confined spaces and limited visibility and below ground level
- Physical requirements necessitate that long hair and facial hair is maintained to properly wear SCBA full- and half-piece air purifying respirators and other job-specific safety equipment and pass SCBA fit test throughout employment
- Physical requirements include the ability to successfully complete an annual physical examination in accordance with DFRS standards
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS
- Ability to successfully complete the post-academy in-station probationary period
- Available for all shifts as assigned and on-call as needed
- Satisfactory background investigation
- Abstinence from all tobacco use
- Ability to successfully complete the post-academy in-station probationary period
- The probationary period for this position is 18 months
- Available for all shifts as assigned and on-call as needed
- A Background Information Disclosure Agreement is required, a satisfactory background investigation conducted prior to date of employment
- Abstinence from all tobacco use prior to employment offer and while employed by DFRS. An Advance Notice Agreement/Tobacco Free Condition of Employment is required.
- Secondary employment will not be approved for DFRS personnel before successful completion of the probationary period
- A Training Reimbursement Agreement/Promissory Note is required; applies if employee terminates employment within 36 months from hire and accepts other Fire/EMS related work within 1 year from termination date
- A Conditions of Employment Agreement is required at time of employment
- This position is subject to random drug and tobacco testing
- Specified certifications, licenses and physical abilities stated above must be maintained throughout term of employment
- Firefighter-Recruits who successfully complete the Firefighter-Recruit Academy are eligible for upgrade to Firefighter I at higher pay grade
EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include): (candidate must successfully complete each step to proceed to the next)
1) An evaluation of application information
2) An entry-level written examination
- Written exam will be administered on July 22nd, 24th, and 30th at the Urbana Volunteer Fire Department.
- IAFF/IAFC CPAT certificates will be accepted if issued since February 20, 2024
5) A pre-employment psychological examination
6) A pre-employment physical examination and drug test (NFPA standards) with determination of tobacco, tobacco products, e-cigarette and vaporizer device use (disqualifier)
This description reflects management's assignment of essential duties; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Retirement Plan:
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.
Health Insurance:
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.
Dental Insurance:
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment
NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts:
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $2,700 per year for Health Care Spending and $5,000 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.
Life Insurance:
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Voluntary Life Insurance Program is offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, spouses and dependents.
Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time.
Educational Reimbursement Program:
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may take up to two job-related courses per semester at any accredited educational institution. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.
Employee Assistance Program:
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related problem.
Leave
Annual Leave - Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year
0 - 2 years 11 days
2 - 10 years 17 days
10 + years 24 days
Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.
Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.
NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.
Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, Military.
Holidays:
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.
For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefit package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at
All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.
01
All candidates who meet the minimum eligibility requirement for this position will receive an email invitation to participate in the written exam taking place July 22nd, 24th, and 30th at the Urbana Volunteer Fire Hall.
- Yes
- No
02
Will you be at least 18 years of age on January 1, 2025?
- Yes
- No
03
Which one of the following items indicates your current level of education?
- Less than high school graduation
- High school graduation, GED or equivalent
- Associate's degree received
- Higher degree received
04
Do you have a valid automobile operator's license?
- Yes
- No
05
Do you have possession of a CURRENT National Registry EMS Certification? If so, please select all that apply.
- EMT-B
- EMT-I
- EMT-P
- No, I do not currently possess any of the above certifications
06
Please list the certification details below to include expiration date, or place N/A in the text box.
07
Do you have possession of a CURRENT Maryland EMS Certification? If so, please select all that apply.
- EMT-B
- EMT-I
- EMT-P
- No, I do not currently possess any of the above certifications
08
Please list the certification details below to include expiration date, or place N/A in the text box.
09
Do you have a minimum 2 years of current and active operational firefighter experience within a Volunteer organization?
- Yes, I have 2 years of Volunteer experience within Frederick County
- Yes, I have 2 years of Volunteer experience within the State of Maryland
- Yes, I have 2 years of Volunteer experience outside the State of Maryland
- No, I do not have this experience
10
In the text box below, please provide additional details regarding your volunteer service. These details should include the station, city, state and dates of service. NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the preference.
11
Do you have at least 2 years work experience as an operational career firefighter?
- Yes
- No
12
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.
13
Do you have military service experience?
- Yes
- No
14
Please provide details regarding that miliary history in the text area below. The military history details provided should include the branch of the military, your discharge date and status (i.e. honorable, etc.) and/or active assignment and the duties you performed. NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related military experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the preference.
15
Have you ever been employed with Frederick County Government?
- Yes
- No
16
Have you ever applied for a Firefighter position with Frederick County Government?
- Yes
- No
Required Question