Firefighter - Recruit

**JOB INFORMATION**:
Non-exempt; full-time (40 hours per week during Academy; 48 hours per week when assigned to duty); varying days and hours as scheduled; full benefits

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. Supervision and direction are received from the fire/rescue station supervisor and/or through the chain of command, however Firefighters must frequently exercise independent judgment and discretion. Work station and duty assignment will be determined by the County. 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 County.
**TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE**:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how much we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full time benefited Frederick County Government employee.
- 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
- 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
- 11 paid scheduled holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
- Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan option to include generous County HSA contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
- 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance benefit
- Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
- Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
- County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Vesting after 5 years of service (effective 07/01/2024)
- Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc
- Other employee paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, etc.

**For more information, visit our **benefits** page on the Frederick County Government **job opportunities webpage**.**

**ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES**:
Usual duties will include response in emergency vehicles to render aid to sick and injured persons and provide EMS patient care at a wide variety of emergency incidents. In addition to EMS duties, Firefighters will respond to and extinguish fires and effect 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; maintain knowledge of current roads, water supplies and building pre-plans; conduct routine fire safety inspections; maintain knowledge of current Maryland Protocols; and perform other related duties as required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. In addition to the duties listed in the Essential Functions section, each employee in this classification may perform the above listed other duties. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned.

**QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS**:
The qualifications / requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical demands or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- High school graduation or the equivalent
- Possession of a valid automobile operator's license
- Applicants must be 18 years of age by January 1, 2025

**KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES**:

- Ability to obtain and maintain a Frederick County Employee Driving Permit
- 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 establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, volunteer fire/rescue personnel and the general public
- Ability to maintain professional attitude, appearance and manner of performance
- 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

**PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR**:

- College degree
- Minimum 2 years of current active operational firefi