Job Information

BALTIMORE COUNTY
308 ALLEGHENY AVENUE
TOWSON, MARYLAND 21204
410-887-8517

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Updated: June 25, 2025

Probationary Firefighter

SALARY $56,016.00 - $71,690.00 Annually

LOCATION Various locations throughout Baltimore County, MD

JOB TYPE MERIT

JOB NUMBER 10.419 06-25

DEPARTMENT FIRE

OPENING DATE 06/16/2025

CLOSING DATE 8/1/2025 4:30 PM Eastern

A fire truck parked in front of a building

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Make sure to read about the testing process outlined in the "QUALIFICATIONS" section of this job posting.

***The Public Safety Self-Assessment is required for this position. ***

Application Process

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the information listed below.

Applicants will automatically receive a system-generated email confirmation when their applications have been successfully submitted.

Applicants are REQUIRED to submit a valid non-provisional driver's license equivalent to a noncommercial class C Maryland driver's license. If your license denotes that you are on your Provisionals, you MUST submit your conversion card and/or letter.

You must also submit your high school diploma, or GED or college transcripts. Copies in lieu of original documents are acceptable.

Please submit your documents with your application or you may forward them to the email address listed below. If you are unable to attach these items to your application or scan them to the email below, you can also drop them off in person to the Office of Human Resources address listed below.

ATTN: Probationary Firefighter
Office of Human Resources
Baltimore County Government
308 Allegheny Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
ohr_employment@baltimorecountymd.gov (Scan/email)
(Phone)

Note: Applications will not be processed until all documentation has been received.

Examples of Duties

Under close supervision, receives Fire-Rescue Academy and on-the-job training in fire suppression, fire prevention/education, emergency medical care, emergency rescue, driving/operating department vehicles, and other related departmental functions.

· Attends and successfully completes the Fire-Rescue Academy

· Gains knowledge and skills necessary to respond to alarms, perform general firefighting, fire suppression, and rescue operations

· Gains knowledge and skills in administering basic life support to sick or injured persons

· Interacts with members of the general public

· Becomes familiar and complies with department rules, regulations, and procedures

· Learns geography of response district

· Hears alarm and prepares for appropriate response

· Drives/operates or rides safely in department vehicles

· Understands, acknowledges, and complies with verbal and visual orders

· Removes or leads persons from buildings or hazardous situations

· Carries and/or drags hoses, ladders, and other equipment.

· Performs checks and maintains apparatus and associated equipment

· Assists in the saving of lives, property, and extinguishing fires

· Operates firefighting and rescue equipment

· Participates in drills and other training activities

· Performs basic patient assessment and obtains vital signs

· Provides basic life support appropriate to patient's condition

· Performs CPR and rescue breathing

· Verbally communicates information regarding patient's condition to other medical staff

· Handles or lifts patients

· Drives/operates departmental vehicles

· Prepares and maintains logs and reports

Examples of Other Duties
• Assists in the maintenance of grounds, buildings, fire hydrants, and equipment
• Checks and responds to e-mails and other correspondence as necessary
• May perform clerical functions and other related duties as required
• Participates in specialized training courses and drills

(NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.)

Qualifications

Training and Experience
Possession of a high school diploma or an appropriate equivalent.

To apply for this position, you MUST meet the following requirements
1. Have a high school diploma, GED, state accredited equivalent or a college transcript
2. Be at least 18 years old at the time of application
3. Have a valid non-provisional driver's license at the time of application
4. Have less than 4 points on driving record

In order to be hired as a Probationary Firefighter, you MUST
1. Pass the written examination
2. Pass the physical ability examination
3. Pass the oral interview(s)
4. Complete a comprehensive background investigation
5. Pass a psychological, physical, and medical examinations; including a drug test
6. Abstain from the use of tobacco products during for the duration of employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Entry Level)

· Knowledge of the English language

· Knowledge of arithmetic

· Basic knowledge of mechanical functions

· Basic knowledge of computers

· Ability to learn and apply the principles and practices of fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical care and rescue operations

· Ability to learn and follow County and departmental rules, regulations, policies, and operating procedures

· Ability to perform fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical care and emergency rescue activities

· Ability to perform physically strenuous work such as lifting, carrying, and dragging ladders, hoses, and other firefighting equipment

· Ability to maintain good physical strength and conditioning.

· Ability to operate a medic unit and other departmental apparatus in emergency and non-emergency conditions

· Ability to act calmly and decisively in emergency situations

· Ability to operate departmental vehicles, apparatus, and equipment

· Ability to communicate effectively

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships

· Ability to perform all duties while wearing personal protective equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus, in potentially hazardous environments

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Full Performance)

· Knowledge of the principles and practices of fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical care and emergency rescue operations

· Knowledge of County and departmental rules, regulations, policies, and operating procedures

· Knowledge of the types, causes, character, and behavior of fires

· Skill in performing fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical care and emergency rescue activities

· Skill in performing physically strenuous work such as lifting, carrying, and dragging ladders, hoses, and other firefighting equipment

· Skill in the operation of a medic unit and other departmental vehicles, apparatus, and equipment

· Skill in the preparation and maintenance of logs and reports

Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.

Character Requirements
All applicants must be of good moral character and emotionally stable, as determined by a comprehensive background investigation and a drug test.

Physical Requirements
Persons appointed to this classification must be able to safely perform the duties of the position without posing a threat to the health or safety of themselves or others. This includes the ability to perform duties when wearing essential personal protective equipment including self-contained breathing apparatus. After accepting an appointment to a position within this classification, candidates will be required to pass a physical examination.

Licenses and Certificates
Possession of a Firefighter II certificate and possession of a Maryland Emergency Medical Technician certificate are required upon completion of Fire-Rescue Academy training.

Possession of a valid driver's license equivalent to a non-provisional, non-commercial, Class C Maryland driver's license is required at the time of application and have less than 4 points on their driving record in addition to a high school diploma, GED, or state accredited equivalent.

TESTING PROCESS

Written Examination

Once prospective Baltimore County Probationary Firefighter (PFF) applicants submit their application and are deemed eligible, they will receive an invitation from the National Testing Network (NTN). This invitation will include instructions for first-time users on how to create an NTN account and register for the written exam, which includes the PSSA. Applicants with existing NTN accounts will receive guidance on how to re-submit a previous exam. Additional information is available upon request for candidates who require a physical testing location.

PLEASE NOTE: The invitation should be redeemed as soon as possible, and no later than 14 days after receipt. Be sure to read the instructions carefully, as failure to follow them will result in you being responsible for the cost of the second exam.

Make sure to read the test instructions prior to taking the examdue to the minimum computer requirements such as a reliable internet connection,camera, and specific type of internet browser. You also must log into the test ten (10) minutes early. If you are late, you will be denied entry.

Physical Ability Test
Applicants who pass the written exam will be invited to participate in the physical ability testing. Fire Human Resources will contact you with the date, time and location of the physical ability test.

Practice sessions will be offered prior to the physical ability test to help applicants familiarize with each station and the physical activity involved. Fire Human Resources will provide the date, time and location of the practice session.

The Fire Academy
Recruit school is an intense, physically and mentally challenging program which provides a solid foundation in fire suppression and emergency medical service skills based upon nationally accepted standards. Strict academic and performance standards must be met in order to graduate.

Click here to learn more about the academy.

Medical Examination and Comprehensive Background Investigation
Applicants selected for an appointment to a position in Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, psychological evaluation, stress test, and drug screen, as well as a comprehensive background investigation, which includes but is not limited to a criminal background check, driver's license check, and fingerprinting.

Conditions of Employment

Employees in this classification may be assigned to work on either a rotating or fixed shift basis, which will include nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.

Employees in this classification are subject to call to duty in emergencies, and maybe required to work overtime with little or no notice.

Employees must maintain required licenses and certifications throughout their employment.

Employees hired into this classification are required to abstain from the use of tobacco products throughout their employment.

Employees hired after July 1, 2022 are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System, with very limited exceptions.

Employer

Baltimore County

Address

308 Allegheny Avenue

Towson, Maryland, 21204

Phone

Website

http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov

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