Fire Department · Combination
Chesterfield Fire and EMS
Chesterfield, VA · Chesterfield County
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗Chesterfield Fire and EMS is the emergency response agency for Chesterfield County, a large suburban county just south of Richmond, Virginia. It describes itself as an all-hazards agency dedicated to protecting life, property, and the environment.
The department runs on a combination of career and volunteer members. Career firefighter/EMTs work alongside operational volunteers and administrative volunteers, and several affiliated volunteer rescue squads round out coverage across the county.
Beyond fire suppression, the department handles emergency medical response and transport, fire and hazardous-materials investigation, and a broad slate of community risk-reduction and safety-education programs, including hands-only CPR training and an EMS subscription program for residents.
MissionAn All-Hazards Emergency Response Agency
Chesterfield hires career firefighter/EMTs through a structured, roughly six-month process that starts with an online application and a written examination, followed by a panel interview, background investigation, the Fireground Physical Ability Test, a pre-employment physical, and uniform fitting. No fire or EMS certification is required to enter, though paramedic and intermediate (ALS) credentials earn meaningful pay premiums.
New hires attend a 26-week fire recruit school (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm) at the county's Eanes-Pittman and Enon training centers, covering fire, EMS, and physical fitness. Prospective applicants can reach the recruitment team at fireapplicant@chesterfield.gov.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old at the time of the written test
- High school diploma or GED at the time of the written test
- Valid driver's license with a point balance of -1 or better
- Eligible to work in the U.S. at time of application
- No fire or EMS certification required for entry (ALS credentials earn pay premiums)
Hiring process
- Submit online application
- Written examination (math, mechanical aptitude, reading/writing, interpersonal skills)
- Panel interview (about 30 minutes)
- Background investigation (driving record and criminal history)
- Fireground Physical Ability Test (FPAT) practice sessions
- FPAT administration (13 job-simulation components)
- Pre-employment physical examination
- Uniform fitting
Benefits
Benefits include Virginia Retirement System coverage with a public-safety supplemental retirement, tuition assistance (county reimbursement and the Brad McNeer Scholarship), educational leave for formal education and training, health and wellness programs, and line-of-duty injury, disability, and death benefits. ALS providers earn additional compensation: intermediate ($5,800-$9,893) and paramedic ($8,700-$14,840) premiums on a 25-step scale.
26-week fire recruit school (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm) at the Eanes-Pittman Public Safety Training Center and Enon Fire Training Center, covering fire, EMS, physical fitness, and teamwork.
What are the minimum requirements to become a firefighter/EMT?
You must be at least 18 with a high school diploma or GED at the time of the written test, hold a valid driver's license with a point balance of -1 or better, and be eligible to work in the U.S. No prior fire or EMS certification is required to apply.
What is the starting pay?
The starting salary is $60,147. Providers who hold ALS credentials earn additional pay: intermediate ($5,800-$9,893) and paramedic ($8,700-$14,840) premiums.
What does the hiring process look like?
After the online application, candidates take a written exam, complete a roughly 30-minute panel interview, undergo a background investigation, attend Fireground Physical Ability Test practice and testing, then complete a pre-employment physical and uniform fitting. The full process takes about six months.
Do I need to already be certified?
No. No fire or EMS certification is required for entry. New hires complete a 26-week fire recruit school covering fire, EMS, and physical fitness. Paramedic and intermediate (ALS) credentials do earn compensation premiums.
Are applications open right now?
Yes. The career firefighter/EMT application period is open. Questions can be directed to the recruitment team at fireapplicant@chesterfield.gov or 804-748-1360.
Past postings, kept for reference. These are no longer accepting applications.