Job Opportunities Updates

The attached PDF file is the employment application ; the first three pages outline our hiring process and automatic disqualifiers.  The application is quite lengthy and requires additional documentation to complete.  Please be sure to fill the application out correctly and thoroughly, as any misstatement or omission of material facts shall cause forfeiture for consideration for employment. 

Making a copy of your completed application/documentation prior to mailing is advisable.  I would also recommend following up with Human Resources 757-664-6686 to be sure your application is received and keep them advised of any change in address or contact information. 

If you are unable to open the PDF file above, you may call HR to request a public safety application to be sent via US Mail.  Please feel free to contact NFR Recruitment (757-438-2520) with any additional questions.

RECRUITMENT NEWS AND ANSWERS TO F.A.Q.

Thank you for your interest in Norfolk Fire-Rescue! 

If you have already submitted an application, please contact Human Resources (HR) at 757-664-4486 to check on the status of your application.  Once your application is on file with HR, you will be notified via mail as soon as the dates for testing are set; please advise HR immediately of any change in your contact information. 

Norfolk Fire-Rescue is an all professional, career, paid, fire-rescue agency with all employees cross-trained as Firefighters AND Medics. 

We have no residency requirement and accept applications from individuals age 18-61, as the Norfolk Civil Service Commission has mandatory retirement at 62.

At this time we are unable to negotiate pay or retirement based on prior experience and no ride-along policy in place at this time. 

Our training division is ultimately responsible for decisions regarding prior Virginia Fire Programs or Virginia Office of EMS certifications and if you will be eligible to “fast-track” through any portion of the academy. 

For questions regarding reciprocity from other states or federal entities or volunteer opportunities, please contact our Commonwealth of VA certification agencies [Note: National Registry all levels of EMT are recognized by the Commonwealth of VA, but medics will still need to be signed off on the TEMS protocols prior to being able to practice in the area]:

Virginia Department of Fire Programs      http://www.vafire.com/index.htm

Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services     http://www.vdh.state.va.us/oems

Tidewater EMS Council     http://tidewater.vaems.org/

Norfolk Fire-Rescue does not require any prior experience, but if you are interested in courses related to the fire service or emergency medical service, the links below are for programs available through Tidewater Community College: 

Fire Science Program     http://www.tcc.edu/academics/programs/fire/index.htm

Emergency Medical Program     http://www.tcc.edu/academics/programs/ot/hst/ems.htm

Norfolk Fire-Rescue hires new employees with or without previous experience.   New hires enter the Department as Firefighter/Medic Recruits and are promoted to the rank of Firefighter/EMT-Enhanced or Intermediate

following successful completion of the Training Academy.   Individuals with Virginia EMT- Paramedic certification may request promotion to Firefighter/EMT-P, provided they meet medical practice requirements for

the City of Norfolk.  Compensation is based on a 52 hour work week.  Tours of duty are comprised of 24-hour shifts on a rotating schedule [Tues, Thurs, Sat, Mon, Fri, Sun, Wed, Tues, etc.]  A typical Firefighter-Medic

works 10 shifts during a month, spending 12 hours on an Engine and 12 hours on an Ambulance during a 24-hour shift.  Academy training is completed on a 5-day schedule with occasional nights and weekend work required.

Compensation Plan:  July 2007 to June 30, 2008

    Rank / Position                   Starting           Top Pay

   Firefighter/Medic Recruit      $33,825            N/A

   Firefighter/EMT-E                $35,492          $54,007

   Firefighter/EMT-I                 $37,385          $56,887

   Firefighter/EMT-P                $43,181           $65,70

Benefits

Recently hired firefighters accrue 12 vacation days, 13 holidays and 12 sick leave days per year. Accrual of vacation days increases with years of service. Other benefits include: 

       Medical and Dental Insurance Plans

       Disability Coverage Plans

       Sick Leave Bank Plans

       65% Retirement after 25 Years of Service

       9 Credit Hours of Paid Tuition per Year

Additional benefits are available, including 457 plans and retirement health savings plans.

Human Resources 757-664-4486

NFR Recruitment 757-438-2520

Application Deadline:  Applications are accepted Ongoing. 

Typically we develop an eligibility list annually to fill 1-2 Recruit Academies every year.  Applications must be received and on file with Human Resources prior to the mailing of scheduled test dates (usually 2-3 months prior to the first test date) or your application will be held until the following testing process.