Fire Department · Career
Shenandoah County Department Of Fire-Rescue
Woodstock, VA · Shenandoah County
Apply for Deputy Fire Chief at Shenandoah County with a base salary of $72,405 to $83,266. Requires EMT-B and various certifications; preferred certifications include EMT-Intermediate or higher.
Apply by July 17 for a Firefighter/EMT Recruit position with Shenandoah County. Annual starting pay $45,000-$46,000 based on certifications; $49,478 after probation.
Shenandoah County Department of Fire-Rescue (SCFR) is the county emergency services agency for northern Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, established in 1998. It operates as a combination system, blending paid career personnel with a network of long-standing volunteer fire departments and rescue squads.
The department serves nearly 45,000 residents across about 512 square miles. Twelve volunteer fire and rescue companies (organized across 13 departments) provide local coverage, and nine of those stations are backed by county-funded personnel around the clock.
SCFR frames itself around a strong values-driven identity, emphasizing discipline, innovation, collaboration, empathy, and courage, and it runs a range of community programs including EMS/ambulance response, CPR and First Aid training, a free smoke detector program, fire code enforcement, and juvenile firesetting education.
MissionWe will continuously improve.
SCFR maintains continuous recruitment for career firefighter/EMT roles alongside its volunteer program. Career hiring runs through the county jobs portal, where openings such as the Firefighter EMT-Recruit position are posted. The department also has a dedicated Recruitment and Retention Officer to guide both career and volunteer candidates.
The career process is application-based: applicants submit online, then complete a physical agility test, a panel interview, and a background investigation. A high school diploma/GED, valid driver's license, being 18 or older, and drug-free status are required; EMT and Fire I certifications are preferred and carry certification incentive pay.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license
- At least 18 years old at date of hire
- Drug-free status
- EMT certification preferred
- Fire I certification preferred
Hiring process
- Submit online application
- Pass physical agility test (2-mile run/walk in 30 minutes wearing a 45 lb weight vest)
- Panel interview
- Background investigation
Benefits
Certification incentives ($3,500–$7,500), Virginia Hazardous Duty retirement benefits, and medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Career firefighter/EMTs work a 48-hour work week with a fixed day off.
Are you currently hiring?
SCFR offers both career and volunteer positions and maintains continuous recruitment for professional roles. Career openings, such as the Firefighter EMT-Recruit position, are posted on the county jobs portal.
What are the requirements to become a career firefighter/EMT?
You must have a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, be at least 18 years old at date of hire, and be drug-free. EMT and Fire I certifications are preferred.
What is the hiring process?
Submit an online application, pass a physical agility test (a 2-mile run/walk in 30 minutes wearing a 45 lb weight vest), complete a panel interview, and undergo a background investigation.
What is the pay and schedule?
Starting salary is $44,069, rising to $47,556.61 after probation, plus certification incentives of $3,500 to $7,500. Career firefighter/EMTs work a 48-hour work week with a fixed day off.
What benefits are offered?
Benefits include Virginia Hazardous Duty retirement, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, and certification incentive pay.
How do I become a volunteer?
Shenandoah County has 12 volunteer fire departments and rescue squads actively recruiting. Contact Recruitment and Retention Officer Logan Bollinger at 540-459-9105 or lbollinger@shenandoahcountyva.us.