Lateral Firefighter/EMT

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Hiring Bonus up to $15,000 for qualified applicants.
•    $5,000 for previous employment with ACFD within 3 years and at least 12 months separation. 
•    $10,000 for certified Firefighter II and Emergency Medical Technician.
•    $15,000 for certified Firefighter II and Advanced Life Support Technician.
 

Lateral Firefighter Hiring Salary/Competitive Step Placement: Arlington County offers a unique opportunity for experienced career firefighters to receive a higher starting salary based on prior service. For Fiscal Year 2026 (June 29, 2025 – June 27, 2026), lateral hires will receive step placement credit on a one-for-one basis for each year of qualifying service, up to a maximum of 10 years of credit, minus one year.

Ready to Make a Difference? Join the Arlington County Fire Department as a Lateral Transfer! Are you a motivated current Firefighter/EMT looking for a new challenge? The Arlington County Fire Department (ACFD) is seeking qualified lateral transfers to join our team!

Here's why you should consider ACFD:

• Fast-paced, Diverse Environment: Respond to emergencies in an urban community of over 235,000 residents with high-rises, a metro system, residential areas, and a major airport.
• Special Operations Opportunities: Join our elite Hazmat, Technical Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, or Bomb Squad teams.
• Career Growth: Explore diverse areas like fire prevention, communications, training, and more.
• Collaborative Spirit: Work alongside regional partners to ensure community safety.
• Competitive Schedule & Benefits: Work a predictable schedule with excellent pay and healthcare, including a generous retirement plan.
• Paid Training: We'll provide paid lateral firefighter school and support your ALS advancement.
• Progressive Department: Be part of a department with a rich history of innovation.
• Great Location: Work in Arlington, Virginia, a dynamic, diverse community.  

Invest in Your Future with ACFD:

• Great Schedule & Pay: Enjoy  working the equivalent of 8 or 9 days each month or approximately a 50-hour work week with competitive pay, paid annual leave, sick leave, paid parental leave (14 weeks) and holidays plus premium pay for additional certifications, allowing you to increase your earning potential. 
• Financial Security & Peace of Mind: We provide a comprehensive benefits package including full health insurance, dental, vision coverage and a generous defined benefit (pension) ensuring your financial security.
• Advancement Opportunities: ACFD is committed to your professional growth. We offer paid lateral firefighter school to get you started and support your advancement to earning the ALS (Advanced Life Support) certification.
• Join a Progressive Department: Be part of a department with a rich history of innovation, from having the first female firefighter in 1974 and forming the first Metropolitan Medical Strike Team to respond to chemical, biological, and radiological threats.

This is more than just a job; it's an investment in your future! We offer a competitive salary, industry-leading benefits, and ongoing opportunities for advancement. Join the Arlington County Fire Department and become part of something special. Watch a video tour of Fire Station 10 here!

Minimum Qualifications:

At the time of application, candidates must have two (2) years of experience post-probation as a full-time firefighter/EMT professional with a jurisdiction or agency whose primary responsibility is fire protection and emergency service, including fire suppression, hazardous materials mitigation, and EMS; and

• Completion of a career recruit school that includes the following certifications:
• National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians – Basic (NREMT-Basic);
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR);
• Firefighter I and II Certifications;
• Hazmat Awareness/Operations Certification;
• Emergency Vehicle Operations and Incident Command (EVOC) Courses EVOC I, II, and III); and
• Incident Command System (ICS) Courses (ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800).

Certification Substitutions:

We understand you may have equivalent certifications. We'll accept them if they're accredited through Pro Board or a similar organization.

Breaks in Service:

If you're a previously paid firefighter with a break in service exceeding 90 days your application will require a review process.

Desirable Skills (For Priority Consideration):

While not mandatory, these certifications may give your application a competitive edge:

• Virginia EMT-I (Intermediate);
• EMT-P (Paramedic) Certification; or
• National Registry EMT-P (Paramedic) Certification.

Special Requirements

Qualified candidates are required to complete an interview, psych evaluation, polygraph test, background check, and up to 4 weeks of a lateral transfer academy. 

Important: Please provide an active email address, phone number, and mailing address on your application. Failure to do so may hinder our ability to contact you regarding your application and potential next steps.

If you possess a current valid Virginia (VA) EMT-Intermediate or VA Paramedic certification you will be eligible to receive the relative premium pay upon hire:

• VA EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) Intermediate - $0.88 per hour (non-shift rate)
• VA Paramedic - $1.75 per hour (non-shift rate)

The FTA is the beginning of a 12-month probationary period and during that period they must complete a 6 week FTA skills verification (with a possibility of extending to 8 weeks if needed), after which they will be assigned to shift work for a 4-10 month trial period to complete additional training in the field.

Bonus Payment Information:

Hiring Bonus up to $15,000 for qualified applicants.
•    $5,000 for previous employment with ACFD within 3 years and at least 12 months separation. 
•    $10,000 for certified Firefighter II and Emergency Medical Technician.
•    $15,000 for certified Firefighter II and Advanced Life Support Technician.

Bonus payments will be paid in three portions:

• At the time of hire;
• At completion of the academy; 
• At the completion of probation; and 
• Returning ACFD employees will receive one lump sum at hire.

Please note: This process is intended for lateral hires and does not apply to individuals who retired from ACFD. Retirees are not eligible for this hiring program.

Want more information about the lateral transfer process? 

Click the link for more specific details about the Fire Department, including an overview of the hiring process, and to obtain the required downloadable documents. Visit the Fire Department's website (https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Departments/Fire) to learn more. 

#LI-Onsite

Salary: $71,510.40 - $115,003.20 Annually (Effective as of July 1, 2026)