12/2/2022 4:30 PM Eastern

To apply for this position, you MUST meet the following requirements:

1. Have a high school diploma, GED, or state accredited equivalent.
2. Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
3. Have a valid non-provisional, driver's license.
4. Have less than 4 points on driving record.

To be hired as a Probationary Firefighter, you MUST:

• Pass the written examination;
• Pass the physical ability examination;
• Pass the oral interview(s);
• Complete a comprehensive background investigation;
• Pass a psychological examination, physical, and medical; including a drug test; and
• Abstain from the use of tobacco products during the duration of employment.

Examples of Duties

Under close supervision, receives Fire-Rescue Academy and on-the-job training in fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical care, emergency rescue, drives a medic unit, and provides basic life support to sick or injured persons, and other related departmental functions.

Examples of Essential Duties

• 
  Attends and successfully completes the Fire-Rescue Academy.
• Gains knowledge and skills necessary to respond to alarms, perform general firefighting, fire extinguishing, and rescue operations, and to maintain apparatus and equipment.
• Gains knowledge and skills in administering basic life support to sick or injured persons.
• Follows Department rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Learns geography of district.
• Hears alarm and prepares for appropriate response.
• Drives or rides safely in vehicle.
• Understands visual and spoken orders and takes appropriate action.
• Removes or leads persons from buildings or hazardous situations.
• Carries or drags hoses, ladders, and other equipment.
• Tests and maintains apparatus and associated equipment.
• Assists in the saving of lives and property and in extinguishing fires.
• Operates firefighting and rescue equipment.
• Participates in drills and other training activities.
• Performs basic patient assessment and takes vital signs.
• Provides basic life support appropriate to patient’s condition.
• Performs CPR and rescue breathing.
• Verbally communicates information regarding patient’s condition to other medical staff.
• Handles or lifts patients.
• Drives departmental vehicles.
• Prepares and maintains logs and reports.

EXAMPLES OF OTHER DUTIES
Assists in maintenance of grounds, buildings, fire hydrants, and equipment. May perform clerical functions and other related duties as required. Participates in specialized training courses and drills.

( NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.)

Qualifications

To be hired as a Probationary Firefighter, you MUST:

• Pass the written examination;
• Pass the physical ability examination;
• Pass the oral interview(s);
• Complete a comprehensive background investigation;
• Pass a psychological examination, physical, and medical; including a drug test; and
• Abstain from the use of tobacco products during the duration of employment.

TESTING PROCESS

Written Examination

Applicants who meet the required job qualifications will be scheduled to take the written examination.

Applicants will be notified via email of the test date, time, and location of the written examination. The email will also include the subject areas to be tested and length of the examination.

You will receive notification of your test results at the email address you provide on your application.

Physical Ability Test

Applicants who pass the written exam will be invited to participate in the physical ability testing. Applicants will be contacted about physical ability test date, time, and location by the Fire Department.

The Fire Department will hold voluntary practice sessions prior to the physical ability testing to help familiarize you with each station and the physical activity involved. Practice session dates and times will be emailed to applicants who pass the written examination.

The Fire-Rescue Academy
The Fire-Rescue Academy is an academic, physical and practical training program, which introduces recruits to a career in fire and rescue services. Learn about the academy.

If you have questions about the Probationary Firefighter testing process or would like more information about the Fire-Rescue Academy, visit the Fire Department's website.

Training and Experience
Possession of a high school diploma or an appropriate equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Entry Level)
Knowledge of the English language.
Knowledge of arithmetic.
Basic knowledge of mechanical functions.
Ability to learn and apply the principles and practices of fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical care and rescue operations.
Ability to learn and follow County and departmental rules, regulations, policies, and operating procedures.
Ability to perform fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical care and emergency rescue activities.
Ability to perform physically strenuous work such as lifting, carrying, and dragging ladders, hoses, and other firefighting equipment.
Ability to operate a medic unit and other departmental apparatus in emergency and non-emergency conditions.
Ability to act calmly and decisively in emergency situations.
Ability to operate departmental vehicles, apparatus, and equipment.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to perform all duties while wearing personal protective equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus, in potentially hazardous environments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Full Performance)
Knowledge of the principles and practices of fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical care and emergency rescue operations.
Knowledge of County and departmental rules, regulations, policies, and operating procedures.
Knowledge of the types, causes, character, and behavior of fires.
Skill in performing fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical care and emergency rescue activities.
Skill in performing physically strenuous work such as lifting, carrying, and dragging ladders, hoses, and other firefighting equipment.
Skill in the operation of a medic unit and other departmental vehicles, apparatus, and equipment.
Skill in the preparation and maintenance of logs and reports.

Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment.

Character Requirements
All applicants must be of good moral character and emotionally stable, as determined by a comprehensive background investigation, medical and psychological evaluation and a drug test.

Physical Requirements
Persons appointed to this classification must be able to safely perform the duties of the position without posing a threat to the health or safety of themselves or others. This includes the ability to perform duties including while wearing essential personal protective equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus. After accepting an appointment to a position within this classification, all candidates will be required to pass a physical examination.

Licenses and Certificates
Possession of a Firefighter II certificate and possession of a Maryland Emergency Medical Technician certificate are required upon completion of Fire-Rescue Academy training.

Possession of a valid driver's license equivalent to a non-provisional, non-commercial, Class C Maryland driver's license is required at the time of application.

Conditions of Employment

Possession of a Firefighter II certificate and possession of a Maryland Emergency Medical Technician certificate are required upon completion of Fire-Rescue Academy training.

Incumbents who do not successfully complete all requisite courses upon completion of the Fire-Rescue Academy training program will be terminated.

Employees in this classification may be assigned to work on either a rotating or fixed shift basis, which will include nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.

Employees in this classification are subject to call to duty in emergencies, and may be required to work overtime with little or no notice.

Employees must maintain required licenses and certifications throughout their employment.

Employees hired into this classification are required to abstain from the use of tobacco products throughout their employment.

New employees are strongly encouraged to get COVID-19 vaccination.

Employees hired after July 1, 2022 are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System, with very limited exceptions.

Physical and Environmental Conditions
The work of this classification entails the performance of heavy physical labor involving fire suppression, emergency medical care and emergency rescue operations. Work requires exposure to potentially hazardous public safety activities.

Medical Examination and Comprehensive Background Investigation
Applicants selected for an appointment to a position in Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, psychological evaluation, stress test, and drug screen, and a comprehensive background investigation, which includes but is not limited to a criminal background check, driver's license check, and fingerprinting.

Employment Benefits for Full-Time, Merit or Classified Employees

Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to full-time,merit or classified employees. Some benefits vary for sworn employees of the Police and Fire Departments. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants.

Smoke free workplace
All Baltimore County offices are smoke free.

Drug free workplace
Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination.

Salary

Annual Salary review - Step increases may be granted on anniversary date based on satisfactory job performance
General Increases - Cost of living increases and adjustments may be granted as legislated.
Longevity Increases - In accordance with the specific pay schedule, a full-time merit or classified employee may receive a longevity increase, equivalent to one step, upon completion of a certain number of years of classified service with the County.

Employee Assistance Program
Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life.

Health Insurance
Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include:

Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and/or dependent care costs.

Life Insurance
Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional/Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000.

Retirement
Full-time civilian employees must join the Employment Retirement System (ERS) within sixty days of hire as a condition of employment. Part-time civilian employees can waive enrollment for up to sixty days, then may join or waive permanently. Newly hired employees at least 55 years of age may opt not to join the ERS.

Paid Leave
Paid benefits listed below vary depending upon the Classification.

Sick Leave
Vacation Leave
Personal Leave
Holidays
Bereavement Leave
Jury Leave
Military Leave

Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union
Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range of savings programs, loans, checking, direct deposit, payroll deduction, savings bonds, and other financial services.

Direct Deposit
Payroll through direct deposit to the financial institution selected by employee is required.

Educational Assistance
70 to 80 percent tuition reimbursement following successful completion of pre-approved courses related to position. Amount of reimbursement and fiscal year dollar limitations vary with bargaining group.

Deferred Compensation
Nationwide Retirement Solutions offers a 457 retirement plan allowing for payroll contributions of tax deferred dollars to investment options of your choice.

Disclaimer
This is only a summary of benefits and policies in Baltimore County. Any benefit or policy may be changed at any time at the discretion of the administration. This summary does not constitute an express or implied contract, nor does it constitute a guarantee that your employment relationship will continue for any specified period of time or end only under certain conditions.