Hiring Process

This will provide a brief overview of the hiring process for Fire/EMS personnel.

When a position is posted and you meet the pre-requisite qualifications then we encourage you to complete the application process through our Human Resources Department. All applicants should be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED. They should also have a current driver's license and CPR certification. The position specific certification requirements are below.

*Equivalency of firefighter certifications is based on Virginia Department of Fire Program's (VDFP) policy on recognition. It is highly encouraged that applicants submit certifications to ensure there recognition by VDFP prior to submitting an application.

**EMT-Intermediates and Paramedics must either be released in the Rappahannock EMS (REMS) Council or be able to provide a letter from their OMD stating they are a provider in good standing and have been released for at least a year. Providers not released in the REMS Council will also need to be able to pass the local protocols test that is administered by the council.

Physical Agility

Once your application is reviewed and qualification is confirmed you will be invited to take our physical agility (PDF) test. This process is designed to test the applicant's ability to complete basic fire service tasks, both in timed and non-timed events.

Written Exam

This part of the application process is administered jointly by the Fire Department and City Human Resources office; it is designed to evaluate essential job related skills and knowledge. Applicants must receive a score of 70% or higher on the written examination to proceed to the next phase of the process.

Oral Review Board

Applicants will appear individually before a review board comprised of Battalion Chiefs and an EMS supervisor. They will administer a series of questions one-by-one and evaluate the answers on a standardized scale.

Polygraph Exam

The polygraph examination is conducted by a private contractor to our department. The topics will be reviewed with the candidate prior to the examination. The relevant areas may include:

• Accuracy of information on application process
• Honesty, integrity and reliability
• Criminal history
• Traffic violation history
• Involvement with illegal drugs

It should be expected that if a candidate has not been truthful, they are not likely to remain eligible for consideration. It should be noted that this examination is only one component of investigative tools and will be reviewed in conjunction with other evaluations in this process.

Psychological Screening

This evaluation is performed to screen for candidates who show effective skills in decision making, maintaining control under stress and effective working relations with others. This evaluation is conducted by a licensed psychologist who has been contracted by the Fire Department.

Background Investigation

The background investigation is conducted by a special projects employee with the Fire Department. This employee has an extensive background in investigation and retired from the Police Department. References will be contacted and all testing materials will be reviewed and recommendations will be provided to the Fire Chief.

Chief Interview

This is an opportunity for the Fire Chief and the Deputy Fire Chief to meet the candidate and review experience, background information, and career aspirations.

Medical Exam

The medical examination is to determine if a candidate can meet the physical requirements of employment in the fire service or EMS. Candidates will be rated on a pass/fail basis in accordance with general health guidelines by an occupational physician.