Firefighter - Recruit

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Response in emergency vehicles to render aid to sick and injured persons and provide EMS patient care at a wide variety of emergency incidents.
• 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.
• Conduct routine fire safety inspections.
• Maintain knowledge of current Maryland Protocols.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

• High school graduation or the equivalent.
• Possession of a valid driver's license.
• Must be 18 years of age by January 1, 2027.

Qualifications

• Absolutely must display 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; 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.

Skills

• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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 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.

Pay

• Total Compensation Package details provided in the 'Total Compensation Package' section.

Schedule

• Varying days and hours as scheduled.
• 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.