Fire Department · Combination
Howard County Fire And Rescue
Marriottsville, MD · Carroll County
No active openings right now
Watch this department to be notified when Howard County Fire And Rescue is hiring, or check their careers page.
Department careers page ↗Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) is a fully integrated combination organization of nearly 900 career and volunteer providers. It is statutorily responsible for fire suppression and prevention, fire training, arson investigation, rescue services, and emergency medical services across the county.
Set between Baltimore City and Washington, D.C., the county is served from 14 stations, each equipped with at least one engine and one paramedic unit — reflecting a strong integrated EMS model.
The department organizes its work around a stated set of core values: Service to Others, Integrity, Honesty, Accountability, Professionalism, Compassion, Respect, and Safety.
Mission"maintain a safe environment and high quality of life in Howard County by educating, protecting and serving our citizens, members and visitors"
Firefighter trainees are hired in academy classes posted through the county's Government Jobs portal (search "Fire and Rescue"); the most recent recruitment, Training Class 40, closed January 15, 2026, with future class openings announced on the department's social media. EMT or paramedic certification is not required to apply — trainees receive EMT training during the paid 32-week academy.
The selection process runs up to six months and includes a written exam, the CPAT physical ability test, an interview, and — after a conditional offer — background, medical, psychological, and drug screening before a final offer with an academy start date.
Requirements
- Valid Motor Vehicle Class C driver's license
- High School Diploma or GED
- Documentation of U.S. work eligibility
- No tobacco product use during employment (on or off duty)
- EMT/paramedic certification not required at application (EMT training provided in the academy)
Hiring process
- Apply via the Government Jobs website
- Written exam (multiple-choice, about 2 hours 20 minutes)
- CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test)
- Interview
- Conditional offer of employment
- Background check
- Medical evaluation (NFPA 1582 standards)
- Psychological evaluation
- Drug screening
- Final offer with academy start date
Benefits
Medical, dental, and optional life insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts; generous vacation and sick leave; uniforms and protective equipment; educational assistance and tuition reimbursement for Public Safety-related degrees; annual salary reviews and longevity increments; retirement and deferred compensation plans; and union representation by Howard County Professional Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 2000. EMT-P certified personnel are eligible for a $7,000 annual paramedic premium.
32-week non-residential academy, Monday-Friday roughly 7 a.m.-4 p.m. (some weekends/evenings), held at the James N. Robey Public Safety Training Center in Marriottsville. Trainees are paid throughout.
Do I need to be an EMT or paramedic before applying?
No. EMT or paramedic certification is not required at application; trainees receive EMT training as part of the 32-week academy. Members who hold EMT-P certification are eligible for a $7,000 annual paramedic premium.
What are the basic requirements to become a firefighter trainee?
You need a valid Class C driver's license, a high school diploma or GED, documentation of U.S. work eligibility, and you must not use tobacco products during employment (on or off duty).
How much do firefighter trainees earn?
Entry-level firefighter trainees earn $65,267 annually and are paid in full throughout the 32-week academy.
What is the hiring process like?
It runs up to six months: apply online, then a written exam, the CPAT physical test, an interview, and a conditional offer, followed by background, medical (NFPA 1582), psychological, and drug screening before a final offer with an academy start date.
What schedule do career firefighters work?
Career personnel typically work a 24-hour shift followed by 48 hours off. Some positions run 12-hour peak-load or 40-hour daywork schedules.
How do I apply and are they hiring now?
Applications are submitted through the county's Government Jobs portal (search "Fire and Rescue"). The Training Class 40 window closed January 15, 2026; future class openings are announced on the department's social media.