Firefighter Recruit Are you looking for a career that is exciting, meaningful, and never a dull moment. Norfolk Fire-Rescue (NFR) is accepting applications for Firefighter Recruit. If you are cool under pressure, committed to training, and passionate about serving the community consider joining a world class fire department in America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. NFR has a rich history of quality and innovative response to emergencies. Over 100 years of fire service response and over 30 years of pre-hospital emergency medical service (EMS) response have resulted in high service delivery standards. Members of NFR are cross-trained fire and EMS providers that respond on fire and medic apparatus. Norfolk's firefighters respond to calls for service that involve threats to life, property, and the environment. As well as technically challenging calls involving hazardous material responses, technical rescue responses, and water rescue emergencies. Firefighter Recruits participate in a paid 8-month Firefighter Recruit Academy designed to become a Firefighter EMT-Advanced (EMT-A). The Academy offers comprehensive instruction that includes: Classroom education Physical fitness conditioning Technical rescue training Hazardous materials response No two days are the same, and every shift is a chance to make a difference. Consider becoming part of the NFR team. For any questions, please email FIRE-RECRUITERS@norfolk.gov.Essential Functions Essential functions are included but not limited to: Acquires knowledge of fire and emergency medical service (if applicable), to become a member of NFR by participating and successfully completing certification courses determined by the Commonwealth of Virginia, NFR Training, NFR Administration, course Medical Director and all testing and additional certification elements of an approved Fire Academy as documented by the Training Chief and verified by the Fire Chief. Performs limited fire or emergency medical service functions. Participates in physical fitness training. Education/Experience High school diploma or GED equivalent required. No experience necessary. Additional Information & RequirementsThe Written Examination will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at the Norfolk Fire-Rescue Training Center. Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements at the time of applying: Be a (U.S.) citizen, lawful permanent resident, or authorized to work in the U.S.Be 18 years of age. Possess a high school diploma or equivalency. Possess Valid Driver's License.All copies of certifications and licenses MUST be attached to your applicationValid Driver's License. Complete and recent (generated within 1 year of application date) Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) report from the state in which you are licensed. This report should show driving history. This needs to be a complete report, the end of the document should read, "This ends transmission" or "End of record."High school diploma or GED certification. Proof of a higher education diploma is also acceptable. DD214 long form that shows discharge information, if applicable (prior military only).Any relevant and valid EMS and/or Fire certifications. Overview of Process: Firefighter Recruit Hiring Process Smart Book Applicants must successfully complete the following steps: Written Examination: Designed to measure the reading comprehension necessary to successfully complete required trainings(s) and certification(s).Physical Agility Test: Designed to simulate typical work-related situations that require the ability to perform specific physical activities. Ranking Interview: Panel interview. All applicants are asked the same set of questions. Personal History Booklet: Used to gather information of your personal history. Background Investigation: Involves obtaining and verifying information related to prior employment, drug usage, personal and professional references and criminal records, DMV records and credit records. Includes a criminal and an Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) fingerprint background check. Polygraph Examination: Used to verify the background data disclosed in the Personal History Booklet and employment application, provided at City expense. Deception noted in the areas of the automatic disqualifiers may prevent further processing of your application. Psychological Evaluation: Using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Test (MMPI), used to assess personality traits and psychopathology, provided at City expense. Medical Examination: Includes medical physical and drug screen, provided at City expense. Required vaccinations will be verified. Tobacco Use: Selected candidates will be required to sign an acknowledgement indicating that they will refrain from using tobacco products, both on and off duty.
Military Benefits:
Veterans' benefits (GI Bill) may be awarded to eligible members that attend the NFR academy and during their probationary periods.
Benefits:
Regular full-time and permanent part-time employees may receive paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, employer paid pension plan, basic life insurance, voluntary participation in medical and dental, Section 457 deferred compensation, long-term disability, optional life insurance for self, spouse and children, medical and dependent care reimbursement plans, access to membership in credit union and employer provided parking. Special project/grant employees are generally eligible for the same benefits of regular full-time employees; however, retirement, life insurance and participation in health plans vary depending upon funding and authorization. Temporary/seasonal and part-time employees are generally only eligible for employer provided parking and access to membership in credit union.
Retirement:
The Tuition Assistance Program is established to encourage employees toward continued self-development and education. Permanent full-time and permanent part-time classified, unclassified permanent, full-time special projects, and constitutional employees who have completed six months continuous service will be eligible to apply. The applicant's school of enrollment must be an accredited institution.
NOTE:
The benefits described above are broad generalizations. The specific benefits that an employee may be eligible for are governed by City regulations, as applicable to job type. Non-City Positions listed with a job type designation of "Non-City" are not subject to the benefits descriptions above. Refer to the content of the job posting for information regarding these positions.
