Fire Department · Career
Portsmouth Fire, Rescue And Emergency Services
Portsmouth, VA · Portsmouth (city) County
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗Portsmouth Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (PFRES) is the career fire and EMS agency for the City of Portsmouth, an independent city on the Elizabeth River in Virginia's Hampton Roads region. The department delivers fire suppression, emergency medical services and clinical care, and emergency management to the community.
Operations are run out of eight fire stations across the city. Beyond front-line fire and EMS work, PFRES fields several specialty teams, including a Hazardous Material Response Team, a Heavy Technical Rescue Team, and a Maritime Incident Response Team suited to the city's shipyards and waterways.
The department also runs a Community Crisis Co-Response Team, a Fire Marshal's Office, a Fire Training Division, an Honor Guard, and fire administration and support services.
PFRES recruits career firefighters through the City of Portsmouth's employment portal on governmentjobs.com, with dedicated recruitment pathways for aspiring firefighters, paramedics and EMTs, college and university students, high school students, and military veterans and active-duty service members.
Hiring for firefighter positions is done in classes when the department is filling vacancies; interested candidates should watch the city careers portal for open Firefighter and Firefighter/EMT postings and apply during an active recruitment window.
How do I apply to become a Portsmouth firefighter?
Applications are submitted through the City of Portsmouth's employment portal at governmentjobs.com/careers/portsmouthva. Firefighter positions are posted there when the department is hiring, so check for an open Firefighter or Firefighter/EMT posting and apply during the active window.
Does Portsmouth Fire hire EMTs and paramedics?
Yes. The department has dedicated recruitment pathways for paramedics and EMTs in addition to firefighters, and it provides EMS operations and clinical care as a core service.
Are there pathways for students or military veterans?
Yes. PFRES lists recruitment pathways aimed at college and university students, high school students, and military veterans and active-duty service members, in addition to its general firefighter and paramedic/EMT tracks.
What specialty teams can I work on at Portsmouth Fire?
The department operates a Hazardous Material Response Team, a Heavy Technical Rescue Team, and a Maritime Incident Response Team, along with a Community Crisis Co-Response Team and an Honor Guard.
How many stations does Portsmouth Fire operate?
The department operates eight fire stations across the city (Stations 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, and 12).