Firefighter I

Prince George's County, MD Government • Full-time • Hillcrest Heights, Maryland, United States • $56.87k / year • 6d ago

Nature and Variety of Work

FIREFIGHTER I

Answer the Call to Serve.

The Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department is seeking dedicated, service-minded individuals to join one of the region's premier public safety organizations as a Firefighter I. This is an opportunity to build a rewarding career protecting lives, serving diverse communities, and responding to emergencies that require courage, compassion, and professionalism.

Recruits will attend the Fire/EMS Training and Leadership Academy, where they will receive extensive training in firefighting, emergency medical services, rescue operations, and public safety. Upon successful completion of the academy and probationary requirements, employees may be assigned to a shift schedule with opportunities for specialization, advancement, and continued professional development.

Why Join Prince George's County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS)?

A career with Prince George's County Fire/EMS offers the opportunity to:

Make a meaningful difference in people's lives every day.
Serve one of the most diverse and dynamic communities in the nation.
Receive extensive professional training and development.
Work alongside highly skilled and dedicated public safety professionals.
Pursue advancement and specialized career opportunities.
Build a career founded on teamwork, leadership, and public service.

About the Agency

The Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department is committed to protecting lives, property, and the environment through exceptional emergency response, risk reduction, and community engagement. Serving one of Maryland's largest and most diverse jurisdictions, the Department provides fire suppression, advanced life support, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, fire prevention, public education, and all-hazards emergency services.

Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, our firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and civilian professionals are united by a shared commitment to excellence, integrity, and service. Through innovation, leadership, and operational readiness, we strive to enhance the safety and quality of life for every resident, business, and visitor throughout Prince George's County.

Examples of Work

Provides basic and/or advanced life support, first responder, and pre-hospital emergency medical care; provides necessary medical care and transportation to all patients within the scope of practices as defined by the State and County regulatory agencies.
Applies modern techniques relative to fire code enforcement, interpretation, and inspection; assists in hydrant and hose testing;
Drives, operates, inspects, maintains, and cleans fire apparatus and/or other vehicles;
Assists in getting equipment and apparatus prepared for further alarms; assists in maintaining apparatus, equipment, station, and grounds; ensures adequate stock levels and proper operation of equipment and supplies; and performs routine housekeeping duties:
- Participates in fire drills and training exercises;
- Conducts fire prevention programs in schools;
- Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies, associations, management, staff, and the public.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Must have either a High School Diploma, GED recognized by the Maryland State Board of Education, or an acceptable equivalent diploma from a state approved educational program.
Must have a valid driver's license at the time of application.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must pass a written examination.
Must be successful in the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) process.
Must pass a Background Investigation.

Preferred Qualifications:

Any of the following:

Nationally Registered EMT
Nationally Registered Paramedic
Acceptable Military Service (Honorable Discharge)
Veteran's Preference
Successful Completion of College Credits
Successful Completion of the Prince George's County Fire Cadet Program
Prior Fire Services Experience

This position is designated "essential" and the incumbent must be willing to participate as a critical/essential employee during emergencies in the event of a natural or manmade disaster; or special activities/events. Essential employees are expected to report to work or remain at work when other County employees are granted administrative leave.

Additional Information

Please note - using a mobile device, such as a phone or tablet, to complete this application is NOT recommended. You are highly encouraged to use a desktop orlaptop computer so that you can carefully and thoroughly read and understand all aspects of applying for this position.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants must complete the online application process and successfully pass all required selection phases.

Online Application: Create an online profile and submit a completed application.
Eligibility Review: Only applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be contacted to participate in the additional selection phases below.
Written Examination: Applicants must pass the written examination. Qualified applicants will receive examination details and registration instructions. Scheduled examination dates are:
- Friday, November 20, 2026
- Sunday, November 22, 2026
- Monday, November 23, 2026
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT): Applicants must pass the CPAT, a continuous sequence of events designed to assess their physical ability to perform essential firefighting duties. Applicants follow a predetermined path from one event to the next.
- Review the CPAT Information Packet.
- Watch the CPAT Overview Video.
Background Investigation: Applicants must successfully complete a background investigation, including:
- Credit check
- Criminal background check
- Psychological screening
- Medical examination, including a complete NFPA 1582 physical examination

DISQUALIFIERS

The following factors may result in non-selection for employment as a Prince George’s County Firefighter. Each applicant’s circumstances will be reviewed individually.

Criminal History

A felony conviction, guilty plea, or probation.
Conviction of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, including breaking and entering, theft, arson, or assault.

Traffic Violations

Four (4) or more negative points on a Maryland driver’s license, or the equivalent for an out-of-state license, until the points expire.
One (1) DWI/DUI conviction, guilty plea, or probation within three (3) years of the application date.
More than one (1) DWI/DUI conviction, guilty plea, or probation.
Conviction for a serious traffic violation, including manslaughter, hit-and-run involving injury, leaving the scene of an accident, or eluding police.
A suspended, revoked, or refused driver’s license, until the license is reinstated.

Drugs

Illegal possession, use, distribution, sale, or purchase of non-prescription narcotics, controlled substances, or illegal drugs, including heroin, cocaine, or hallucinogens.
Prince George’s County maintains a drug-free workplace, including marijuana and cannabis.

Other Disqualifying Factors

Misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of information on an application, document, or response to a question during the selection process.
A history or pattern of alcohol abuse.
Previous disqualification from the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department or any other public safety agency.
Poor work history.
Failure to meet required physical standards.
Inability to successfully complete any phase of the selection process.
Any other disqualifying factor identified by the Fire/EMS Department.

This list is not exhaustive. The Fire/EMS Department may identify additional reasons for disqualification.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: All persons selected for the Firefighter I position must agree to and sign a Condition of Employment stating the following:

At the completion of the Fire/EMS Career Recruit School, the employee shall obtain and thereafter maintain national certification for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or national certification for Paramedic that meets or exceeds the minimum standard adopted by the department.
Maintain a driver-operator license for the class of vehicle specified by the Fire Chief.
Maintain at least an overall satisfactory rating in the County's Past Performance Appraisal System.
Participate in and successfully complete a mandatory Physical Fitness Program as designed by the Fire/EMS Department.
Successfully complete Fire/EMS Recruit School, the probationary period (1-year), and the Recruit Study Guide under guidelines established by the Fire Chief.
Successfully pass ALL Fire/EMS Recruit School courses.

All male U.S. citizens and male aliens living in the U.S. who are 18 and over are required to register with Selective Service. Please go to the Selective Service website to register or verify your registration. All notifications for this position will be made via email; therefore, each applicant must update their online profile at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pgc with any changes to personal information and must continually monitor the email account provided. Also, be sure to update your junk/spam settings to allow emails from all addresses ending in "@co.pg.md.us."

ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED

Eligibility to Work:Under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, an employer is required to hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. Applicants who are selected for employment will be required to provide and verify authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S., only after an offer has been accepted and the Form I-9 is completed. For information on E-Verify, or if you believe the County has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 888-897-7781 or visit their website at dhs.gov/E-Verify.

INTERNAL APPLICANTS: If you are a current Prince George's County Government employee and seeking a promotion, in accordance with Section 16-200 of the Personnel Law, you have the right to appeal a rejection rating within five (5) working days of receiving a rejection notice. Union employees should refer to their respective collective bargaining agreement and/or union representative for their grievance procedure.

Prince George's County Government is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action EmployerCommitted to Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

General Plan Information:

The Prince George’s County benefits plan year is from January 1 to December 31.

A spouse (to include a same sex spouse) can be added to the health benefit plans. A marriage certificate and social security number is required to add a spouse.

Children under the age of 26 are eligible for coverage under the health benefit plans. This includes stepchildren and children of the same-sex spouse. A birth certificate(s) and social security number(s) is required to add a child(ren). If you are only adding the stepchildren or child(ren) of a same-sex spouse, you will need to submit a marriage certificate. You will also need to submit the birth certificate of the child(ren) and your spouse must be listed as a parent.

The premiums for health benefits are deducted on a pre-tax basis with the exception of Long-Term Disability, Extra Life Insurance and Voluntary Benefits (Short-Term Disability, Whole Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, Cancer Indemnity, Hospital Indemnity Protection, Accident Indemnity Plan, Supplemental Dental and Group Legal Services).

New employees must enroll in the County’s health benefit plans within thirty (30) days of the hire date.

The effective date of the health benefits coverage is the beginning of the month following a waiting period of forty-five (45) days from the date of hire.

After enrolling in the County’s benefit plans, employees may only make changes to the plans either during the open enrollment period, which occurs annually (usually each October), and/or during the year, due to a family status change (i.e., marriage, births, divorce and adoption).

Employee Benefits

Prince George’s County is proud to offer employees an attractive and comprehensive benefits program, including the following:

Medical/Prescription/Dental/Vision Insurance Coverage (part time employees are eligible for medical insurance if they work 15 + hours, per week)
Group Term Life Insurance
Long & Short-Term Disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
- Dependent Care Assistance Program
- Health Care Flexible Spending Account
Paid Leave (Annual, Personal, & Sick)
13 Paid Holidays
Retirement Benefits
- Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  - Employer Contribution Rate-11.71%
- Supplemental Pension Plan
  - Employee Contribution Rate (Pre-Tax)-3.48%
- 457(b)
- 403(b)
Employee Discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Voluntary Benefits
- Critical Illness
- Whole Life Insurance
- Accident Insurance
- Legal Services

For additional details, please visit: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/human-resources-management/employees/benefits

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