Fire Department · Combination
Baltimore County Fire Department
Towson, MD · Baltimore County
Baltimore County Fire Department seeks retired police/fire employees as FRA Instructor at $35 hourly; apply by July 31, 2026.
Baltimore County Fire Department offers $74,403–$96,229 annual salary with a recruitment bonus of $5,000 paid over two years. Requires Paramedic certification and valid driver's license.
The Baltimore County Fire Department provides fire protection, emergency medical services, fire prevention, safety education, community services, and mitigation of emergency and non-emergency incidents to the residents of and visitors to Baltimore County, Maryland. It operates as a combination system, pairing career personnel with the volunteer companies of the Baltimore County Volunteer Firefighter's Association.
The department is a high-volume operation. It responded to 154,625 incidents in 2024, and more than 70 percent of all calls are emergency medical in nature. Its workload spans structure and vehicle fires, motor vehicle accidents and extrications, hazardous materials incidents, and technical rescues.
Career EMTs, paramedics, and firefighters are assigned across the County's 25 career fire stations. Each engine and ladder truck runs with a minimum of four personnel under an assigned officer, while medic units are staffed with an EMT and a paramedic.
The department runs a paramilitary rank structure and trains its own recruits at the Fire-Rescue Academy in Sparrows Point, with a satellite campus at Stevenson University's Greenspring Campus.
Baltimore County hires primarily at three entry levels: Probationary Firefighter, Probationary EMT, and Paramedic. No prior certification is required to apply for the Probationary Firefighter or EMT tracks. Applications are only posted online when there is an active opening, and there are no set annual dates, so candidates are encouraged to sign up for job-opening email notifications. As of this writing the department is accepting applications for entry-level paramedic and probationary emergency medical technician positions.
The hiring process runs through multiple competitive steps over several months, including a written exam, a Physical Ability Test, physical and psychological examinations, a comprehensive background check, and a drug test. Veterans' Preference is applied under Baltimore County Code. Successful recruits attend 21 to 34 weeks of training at the Fire-Rescue Academy and are paid their starting salary from their hire date, then serve a two-year probationary period.
Requirements
- High school diploma, GED, or state-accredited equivalent (seniors/GED candidates on track to graduate may apply and proceed through the written exam)
- Valid non-commercial Class C driver's license (or equivalent, any state) with fewer than four points
- At least 17.5 years old at time of application and at least 18 on the date of hire (no maximum age limit)
- Pass a physical examination, psychological evaluation, comprehensive background examination, and drug test
- Sign a tobacco abstinence agreement upon offer of employment
- No certifications required to apply for Probationary EMT or Firefighter positions
Hiring process
- Apply online during an active job posting (or sign up for job-opening email notifications)
- Pass the written examination
- Complete the Physical Ability Test (all stations required for Probationary EMT, Paramedic, and Probationary Firefighter)
- Pass physical examination, psychological evaluation, comprehensive background examination, and drug test
- Receive conditional offer and sign tobacco abstinence agreement
- Complete 21 to 34 weeks of Recruit Training at the Fire-Rescue Academy and graduate with certifications
- Serve a two-year probationary period
Benefits
The department offers an annual salary review with longevity increments, generous seniority-based vacation and sick leave, uniforms and personal protective equipment, an educational assistance program, and health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Personnel are represented by the Baltimore County Professional Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 1311, and receive retirement and deferred compensation plans (retirement eligibility after 30 years of service and age 50, or 10 years of service at age 60). Recruits are paid their starting salary from their hire date while attending the Academy.
Recruits train 21 to 34 weeks at the Fire-Rescue Academy in Sparrows Point or the satellite campus at Stevenson University's Greenspring Campus, covering academic, practical, and physical training; graduation requires all professional certifications for the position via written and practical exams administered by the Academy and the State of Maryland.
How do I apply, and when are applications open?
Applications are only available online when the Fire Department has an active job posting, and there are no set annual dates. Application periods vary with staffing needs, so candidates should sign up for email notifications about openings. The department is currently accepting applications for entry-level paramedic and probationary EMT positions.
What are the minimum requirements to become a firefighter or EMT here?
You need a high school diploma, GED, or accredited equivalent; a valid Class C driver's license with fewer than four points; and you must be at least 17.5 at application and 18 at hire (no maximum age). You must pass a physical exam, psychological evaluation, background examination, and drug test, and sign a tobacco abstinence agreement. No prior certifications are required for entry-level Probationary EMT or Firefighter roles.
What is the starting salary?
Probationary Firefighters and EMTs start at $57,697 to $73,841, and Paramedics start at $74,403 to $96,299. Recruits are paid their starting salary beginning on their hire date while attending the Academy.
What does the training academy involve?
Recruits spend 21 to 34 weeks at the Fire-Rescue Academy in Sparrows Point or the Stevenson University Greenspring satellite campus, completing academic, practical, and physical training. Graduating requires earning all professional certifications for the position through written and practical exams administered by the Academy and the State of Maryland.
What shift schedule do firefighters work?
Career A/B/C/D shift personnel work a 'two, two and four' rotation: two day shifts (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.), two night shifts (5 p.m. to 7 a.m.), then four days off. E-shift works four 10-hour days. Additional daytime/evening shifts are available to EMS-only personnel.
Do I have to be a volunteer firefighter first?
No. Volunteer service is not required to apply or be considered, though volunteering with a Baltimore County Volunteer Firefighter's Association partner is a good way to gain training and on-scene experience.