Fire Department · Career
Hopewell Fire & EMS
Hopewell, VA · Hopewell (city) County
“Semper Paratus”
Hopewell Fire & EMS seeks a Firefighter II/EMT with EMT-Basic and Firefighter I certifications. Salary $58,334–$74,466 annually, open until filled.
Hopewell Fire & EMS seeks a Medic/Firefighter I with EMT Intermediate or Paramedic certification. Salary $58,334–$74,466 annually, continuous hiring.
Hopewell Fire & EMS seeks part-time ALS/Firefighter at $26-$28/hour with continuous hiring. EMT Intermediate or Paramedic certification required.
Hopewell Fire & EMS is a fully career department that has protected the City of Hopewell since 1916, giving it more than a century of professional service. It is staffed by 53 fire personnel working across three shifts plus administrative roles, housed in two fire stations.
Both stations run an advanced life support (ALS) engine and an ALS medic, and a minimum of 13 firefighters are on duty every hour of every day, all year. Station 1 also keeps the city's fully staffed aerial apparatus, a rescue boat, and a Heavy Tactical Rescue Trailer, while Station 2 houses the Hazardous Materials Response Trailer and Command Bus.
The department extends its reach through regional partnerships, serving as a member of the Crater Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team and the Crater Regional Heavy Tactical Response Team, both drawing members from multiple jurisdictions across the tri-cities region.
MissionTo enhance the safety of Hopewell's citizens and visitors by protecting against the loss of life and property within the City of Hopewell by mitigating the devastation of fires, medical emergencies, and disasters of all kinds.
Hopewell Fire & EMS hires at three entry points depending on your certifications: Firefighter II/EMT Recruit (entry-level, no certifications required at hire), Firefighter II/EMT (already holding Firefighter I), and Medic/Firefighter I (for ALS providers holding EMT-I or EMT-P). All openings are posted and applied for through governmentjobs.com.
Newly hired recruits attend a 16-week weekday rookie school before moving to a shift schedule; successful completion is required for continued employment. Questions can go to the recruitment team at HFEMSRecruitment@hopewellva.gov or 804-541-2288.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license with 0 or positive points
- Firefighter II/EMT applicants must hold Firefighter I certification
- Medic/Firefighter I applicants must hold EMT-I or EMT-P certification
- Recruit applicants need no certifications at hire
Hiring process
- Apply online via governmentjobs.com for the position matching your certifications
- Recruits complete a 16-week weekday rookie school
- Successful completion of rookie school required for continued employment
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits are offered through the City of Hopewell Human Resources Department. Compensation includes a step plan with a 2.75% base salary increase each year with a satisfactory evaluation, plus ALS pay adjustments of 5.5% for EMT-Is and 8.25% for EMT-Ps upon completing the preceptor program.
Recruits attend a 16-week weekday rookie school; completion is required for employment.
What are the minimum requirements to apply?
You need a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license with 0 or positive points. Certification requirements vary by position: the Recruit track requires no certifications at hire, Firefighter II/EMT requires Firefighter I, and Medic/Firefighter I requires EMT-I or EMT-P.
What does the job pay?
Salaries range from $58,334 to $74,466 depending on certification level. There is a step plan with a 2.75% base salary increase each year with a satisfactory evaluation, plus ALS pay adjustments of 5.5% for EMT-Is and 8.25% for EMT-Ps after completing the preceptor program.
What is the work schedule?
Firefighter II/EMT works a 24-hour on / 48-hour off schedule, while Medic/Firefighter I works 24 on / 72 off. Recruits train weekdays for 16 weeks and then move to the 24/48 schedule.
Can I apply if I'm already certified (lateral entry)?
Yes. Hopewell hires at multiple entry points, including Firefighter II/EMT for those already holding Firefighter I and Medic/Firefighter I for ALS providers holding EMT-I or EMT-P, so certified candidates can enter above the recruit level.
How do I apply?
All open positions are posted and applied for through governmentjobs.com, with links for each position on the department's Join Our Team page. Questions can go to HFEMSRecruitment@hopewellva.gov or 804-541-2288.
Is there a training academy for new hires?
Yes. Newly hired recruits attend a 16-week weekday rookie school, and successful completion is required for continued employment.