Firefighter - Recruit

JOB INFORMATION

Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible); 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. Workstation and duty assignment will be determined by the Division/DFRS. 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 Division/DFRS).

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members.  If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE: Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly 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 holidays
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan 
• Vesting after 5 years of service
• Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan

NOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year.

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 execute 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 employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employee's position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements 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.

• High school graduation or the equivalent
• Possession of a valid driver's license
• Applicants must be 18 years of age by January 1, 2027 KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES: A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:
• Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
• 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 PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:
• 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 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
• 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
• Ability to successfully complete the post-academy in-station probationary period
• The probationary period for this position is 18 months
• 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 August 10th, 11th, and 12th at the Urbana Volunteer Fire Hall 3) Fitness for duty CPAT (IAFF/IAFC) to be administered by DFRS or certificate from an accredited agency (this date will be made available at the time of written examination)

• IAFF/IAFC CPAT certificates will be accepted if issued since March 30, 2026 4) One or more interviews 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) Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to Recruitment@FrederickCountyMD.gov

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 $3,400 per year for Health Care Spending and $7,500 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 Supplemental Life Insurance is also offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, their spouse, and their 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. Contribution maximums are set each year by the IRS. 

Educational Reimbursement Program: County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may apply for education reimbursement for courses that can improve or develop an employee's capabilities related to their current job or for a promotional opportunity within Frederick County Government.  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 issue or concern.

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, and Military.

Holidays: The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.  

For additional information on Frederick County Government's benefits package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov.

All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.