Probationary Firefighter

Job Information

BALTIMORE COUNTY
308 Allegheny Avenue
TOWSON, MARYLAND 21204
410-887-8517

Updated: April 04, 2024

Baltimore County requires an application to be completed by candidates applying for this position. The application is located here.

PLEASE NOTE: After prospective Baltimore County Probationary Fire Fighters submit an application and are determined to be eligible, a confirmation e-mail will be sent with instructions on how to request a voucher code for testing costs. The voucher code should be redeemed within 30 days of being issued. If the voucher codes are not used within 30 days of being issued, candidates must notify Baltimore County as soon as possible to avoid potential fees. No refunds will be given to candidates who do not follow this process. Additional information will be provided to candidates upon request if a physical testing site is required to take the exam.

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

Job Title: Probationary Firefighter
Annual Salary Range: $53,862 to $68,933
Location: Various locations throughout Baltimore County, MD
Job Type: Merit
Department: Fire
Job Number: 10.419 04-24

Definition of Responsibility:
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.

Examples of Essential Duties:

• Attends and successfully completes the Fire-Rescue Academy
• Gains knowledge and skills necessary to respond to alarms, and 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, and 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 the 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.)

Minimum 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, or state-accredited equivalent
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 your 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 examination, physical, and medical; including a drug test
6. Abstain from the use of tobacco products 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 emergencies.
• 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 in addition to a high school diploma, GED, or state-accredited equivalent.

TESTING PROCESS:

• Written Examination
• Applicants who meet the required job qualifications will schedule the written exam with a voucher code from Baltimore County.

You will receive notification of your test results at the e-mail address you provided on your application.

PLEASE NOTE: After prospective Baltimore County Probationary Fire Fighters submit an application and are determined to be eligible, a confirmation e-mail will be sent with instructions on how to request a voucher code for testing costs. The voucher code should be redeemed within 30 days of being issued. If the voucher codes are not used within 30 days of being issued, candidates must notify Baltimore County as soon as possible to avoid potential fees. No refunds will be given to candidates who do not follow this process. Additional information will be provided to candidates upon request if a physical testing site is required to take the exam.

Physical Ability Test:

Applicants who pass the written exam will be invited to participate in the physical ability testing. You will be contacted about the physical ability test date, time, and location by the Fire Department.

The Fire Department will hold practice sessions prior to the physical ability testing to help familiarize you with each station and the physical activity involved. Practice session dates and times will be e-mailed to applicants who pass the written exam.

The Fire Academy:

Recruit school is an intense, physically and mentally challenging program that provides a solid foundation in fire suppression and emergency medical services 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, and 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 may be 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.