Fire Department · Combination
Roanoke County Fire and Rescue
Roanoke, VA · Botetourt County
“"Dedicated to Service"”
combination department, ~200 career and ~200 volunteer members
Roanoke County Fire and Rescue offers $50,960–$63,324 annual salary for EMT/FF positions. Continuous hiring; must be at least 19 years old with a valid VA driver's license.
Roanoke County Fire and Rescue seeks a part-time Paramedic with EMT-Paramedic certification, offering $22 hourly. Apply continuously.
Roanoke County Fire and Rescue seeks Paramedic/Firefighters earning $57,768–$72,540 annually. Continuous application period; must be at least 19 years old with valid VA driver's license and certifications.
Roanoke County Fire & Rescue Department (RCFRD) protects the communities of Roanoke County in southwest Virginia. It operates as a combination system, blending nearly 200 full-time career personnel with about 200 active volunteers who together cover 12 fire and rescue response areas positioned throughout the county.
The department fields both fire suppression and emergency medical services, answering more than 15,000 calls for assistance each year on a budget of over $19 million. Work is organized under Operations and Support Services divisions.
As a combination department, RCFRD offers pathways for both paid firefighters and volunteers, with volunteers serving evening, weekend, and holiday hours alongside the career staff.
Career openings for Roanoke County are posted through the county's NEOGOV/GovernmentJobs portal at governmentjobs.com/careers/roanokeva; fire/rescue positions appear there when the department is actively recruiting. At the time of review, no fire/rescue positions were listed.
The department also recruits volunteers through an interest form and a recruitment video. Volunteer applicants go through a screening process that includes FBI and Virginia State Police criminal history checks, a DMV driving record review, and reference checks, and new volunteers have 18 months to earn a core certification (EMT-Basic, Emergency Vehicle Operator Course rescue driver, or Firefighter I).
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old (junior program available for ages 16-17 with parental consent)
- Pass FBI and Virginia State Police criminal history screening
- Pass Department of Motor Vehicles driving record screening
- Provide references / pass reference checks
Hiring process
- Submit an application (career positions via the county GovernmentJobs portal) or a volunteer interest form
- Complete background screening (FBI and State Police criminal history, DMV record, reference checks)
- Complete required certification/training (volunteers: EMT-Basic, EVOC rescue driver, or Firefighter I within 18 months)
Benefits
Volunteer members receive personal protective equipment, workers' compensation coverage, an annual vehicle license fee voucher, a Volunteer Incentive Program worth up to $500 per year, and recognition events. Career firefighters are Roanoke County employees; specific career benefit details are not listed on the site.
New volunteers have 18 months to achieve one of three certifications: EMT-Basic, Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) rescue driver, or Firefighter I.
How do I apply for a career firefighter job with Roanoke County Fire & Rescue?
Career positions are posted through the county's employment portal at governmentjobs.com/careers/roanokeva. Fire/rescue openings appear there when the department is hiring; none were listed at the time of this review.
Does Roanoke County Fire & Rescue use volunteers?
Yes. It is a combination department with roughly 200 career personnel and about 200 active volunteers. Prospective volunteers can apply through an interest form on the county website.
What are the basic requirements to join?
Applicants must be at least 18 (a junior program exists for ages 16-17 with parental consent) and must pass FBI and Virginia State Police criminal history screening, a DMV driving record check, and reference checks.
What training or certification will I need?
New volunteers have 18 months to earn one of three certifications: EMT-Basic, Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) rescue driver, or Firefighter I, plus ongoing training to stay certified.
What hours do members work?
Volunteer coverage typically runs 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on weekdays with full 24-hour availability on weekends and holidays; career staff work alongside volunteers across the county's 12 stations.