Baltimore County Government

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)

410-887-3135 (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 Fire Fighter, 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 Fire Fighter (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 test due to the minimum computer requirements you must have like reliable internet connection, a camera, a certain type of internet browser, etc. You also must log into the test 10 minutes early before your exams starts. 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 you 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.

Employment Benefits for Full-Time, Merit or Classified Employees

Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to full-time,merit or classified employees. Some benefits vary for sworn employees of the Police and Fire Departments. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants.

Smoke free workplace

All Baltimore County offices are smoke free.

Drug free workplace

Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination.

Salary

Annual Salary review - Step increases may be granted on anniversary date based on satisfactory job performance

General Increases - Cost of living increases and adjustments may be granted as legislated.

Longevity Increases - In accordance with the specific pay schedule, a full-time merit or classified employee may receive a longevity increase, equivalent to one step, upon completion of a certain number of years of classified service with the County.

Employee Assistance Program

Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life.

Health Insurance

Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include:

Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and/or dependent care costs.

Life Insurance

Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional/Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000.

Retirement

Employees are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System (ERS), with very limited exceptions.

Paid Leave

Paid benefits listed below vary depending upon the Classification.

Sick Leave

Vacation Leave

Personal Leave

Holidays

Bereavement Leave

Jury Leave

Military Leave

Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union

Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range of savings programs, loans, checking, direct deposit, payroll deduction, savings bonds, and other financial services.

Direct Deposit

Payroll through direct deposit to the financial institution selected by employee is required.

Educational Assistance

70 to 80 percent tuition reimbursement following successful completion of pre-approved courses related to position. Amount of reimbursement and fiscal year dollar limitations vary with bargaining group.

Deferred Compensation

Nationwide Retirement Solutions offers a 457 retirement plan allowing for payroll contributions of tax deferred dollars to investment options of your choice.

Disclaimer

This is only a summary of benefits and policies in Baltimore County. Any benefit or policy may be changed at any time at the discretion of the administration. This summary does not constitute an express or implied contract, nor does it constitute a guarantee that your employment relationship will continue for any specified period of time or end only under certain conditions.

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