Firefighter Recruit

Firefighter Recruit: $57,142/annually
Firefighter EMT-Advanced (EMT-A): $60,000/annually
Norfolk Fire-Rescue: https://www.norfolk.gov/6016/Fire-Rescue

Are you looking for a career that is exciting, meaningful, and never a dull moment. Norfolk Fire-Rescue (NFR) is accepting applications for Firefighter Recruit.

If you are cool under pressure, committed to training, and passionate about serving the community consider joining a world class fire department in America's most authentic and urban waterfront city.
 
NFR has a rich history of quality and innovative response to emergencies. Over 100 years of fire service response and over 30 years of pre-hospital emergency medical service (EMS) response have resulted in high service delivery standards. Members of NFR are cross-trained fire and EMS providers that respond on fire and medic apparatus. Norfolk's firefighters respond to calls for service that involve threats to life, property, and the environment. As well as technically challenging calls involving hazardous material responses, technical rescue responses, and water rescue emergencies.

Academy Information:

Firefighter Recruits participate in a paid 8-month Firefighter Recruit Academy designed to become a Firefighter EMT-Advanced (EMT-A). The Academy offers comprehensive instruction that includes:

• Classroom education
• Physical fitness conditioning
• Technical rescue training
• Hazardous materials response

No two days are the same, and every shift is a chance to make a difference. Consider becoming part of the NFR team. For any questions, 
please email FIRE-RECRUITERS@norfolk.gov. 

Essential functions are included but not limited to:

• Acquires knowledge of fire and emergency medical service (if applicable), to become a member of NFR by participating and successfully completing certification courses determined by the Commonwealth of Virginia, NFR Training, NFR Administration, course Medical Director and all testing and additional certification elements of an approved Fire Academy as documented by the Training Chief and verified by the Fire Chief.
• Performs limited fire or emergency medical service functions.
• Participates in physical fitness training.

High school diploma or GED equivalent required. 

No experience necessary.

**The Written Examination will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at the Norfolk Fire-Rescue Training Center**
Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements at the time of applying:

• Be a (U.S.) citizen, lawful permanent resident, or authorized to work in the U.S.
• Be 18 years of age.
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalency. 
• Possess Valid Driver's License.

To view all department specific Automatic Disqualifiers, CLICK HERE.

**All copies of certifications and licenses MUST be attached to your application**

• Valid Driver's License.
• Complete and recent (generated within 1 year of application date) Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) report from the state in which you are licensed. This report should show driving history. This needs to be a complete report, the end of the document should read, "This ends transmission" or "End of record."
• High school diploma or GED certification. Proof of a higher education diploma is also acceptable.
• DD214 long form that shows discharge information, if applicable (prior military only).
• Any relevant and valid EMS and/or Fire certifications.

Overview of Process: Firefighter Recruit Hiring Process Smart Book

• Applicants must successfully complete the following steps:
  • Written Examination: Designed to measure the reading comprehension necessary to successfully complete required trainings(s) and certification(s). 
  • Physical Agility Test: Designed to simulate typical work-related situations that require the ability to perform specific physical activities. 
  • Ranking Interview: Panel interview. All applicants are asked the same set of questions.
  • Personal History Booklet: Used to gather information of your personal history.
  • Background Investigation: Involves obtaining and verifying information related to prior employment, drug usage, personal and professional references and criminal records, DMV records and credit records. Includes a criminal and an Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) fingerprint background check.
  • Polygraph Examination: Used to verify the background data disclosed in the Personal History Booklet and employment application, provided at City expense. Deception noted in the areas of the automatic disqualifiers may prevent further processing of your application. 
  • Psychological Evaluation: Using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Test (MMPI), used to assess personality traits and psychopathology, provided at City expense. 
  • Medical Examination: Includes medical physical and drug screen, provided at City expense. Required vaccinations will be verified.
    

Tobacco Use:
Selected candidates will be required to sign an acknowledgement indicating that they will refrain from using tobacco products, both on and off duty.
Military Benefits:Veterans' benefits (GI Bill) may be awarded to eligible members that attend the NFR academy and during their probationary periods.