Join the Baltimore County Fire Department

Join The Baltimore County Fire Department

How Can I Apply For a Job With the Fire Department?

The Fire Department is not hiring at this time. We do not plan to accept job applications for the remainder of 2009.

If you would like us to notify you the next time we accept job applications, submit a "Job Interest Card." Select the "EMS," "Fire & EMS" and "Public Safety" category boxes on the Job Interest Card. Then complete the required fields at the bottom of the page and submit your request.

We will notify you for one year if and when we decide to hire new personnel. The Job Interest Card is the best way to ensure that you are notified of job openings.

The Fire Department offers three entry-level positions: The Department's greatest need is for emergency medical technicians.

Probationary Emergency Medical Technician
Probationary Firefighter
Paramedic

The Department's greatest need is for probationary EMTs. The Department advertises for these positions as the need arises.

What Do I Need To Apply For a Job In the Fire Department?

The required minimum qualifications for Probationary EMT and Probationary Firefighter are:

Must have a high school diploma or an appropriate high school equivalency.
Possession of a valid driver's license equivalent to a non-provisional, non-commercial, class C Maryland driver's license with less than four points.
Must be at least 18 years old at time of application.
Must pass a physical examination, comprehensive background examination and a drug test.

Applicants for the position of Paramedic must possess, in addition to the requirements above, a current license as a National Registry EMT-Intermediate or National Registry EMT-Paramedic.

Employees hired with the Fire Department serve a probationary period of two years. Applicants are not required to possess any certificates or certifications to apply for probationary, entry-level EMT or firefighter positions.

Learn About the Job

When considering a job with the Fire Department, we strongly recommend that you learn about fire station life and the type of work that EMTs do.

Also, the Fire Department section of this web site can broaden your understanding of the agency.

Salary and Benefits An applicant completes one station of the Department's physical ability test.

The starting salary for Probationary EMTs and firefighters is $33,433.

Starting pay for paramedics is $45,573.

The Fire Department offers excellent benefits. These include:

Annual salary review and longevity increments
Generous vacation and sick leave
Uniforms and personal protective equipment
An educational assistance program
Health, dental and life insurance coverage
Representation by a certified labor organization, the Baltimore County Professional Firefighters Association, Local 1311
Excellent retirement and deferred compensation plans
Opportunities for career advancement

Apply for the Job

When you apply for a job with the Fire Department, Also, use this handy guide to help you complete the County's job application form; please note that the County uses the same application form for all jobs, regardless of the department.

Once you have applied, you can also check the status of your application.

Prepare for the Tests

The Written Exam

The Fire Department application process includes a written examination. The written exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions in the following subject areas:

Interpersonal skills (20 questions)
Reading comprehension (15 questions)
Vocabulary (15 questions)
Grammar (15 questions)
Maryland Driving Laws (10 questions)
Basic Math (5 questions)
Sequencing/Logical Order (20 questions)

You will be given 2 1/2 hours to complete the written exam, and you will receive your test score by mail about two weeks after the test.

Use this study guide to help you prepare for the written examination.

Also, these test-taking resources can increase your chances of success on the written exam:

Physical Ability Test

The Department invites applicants who pass the written exam to take the physical ability test.

Candidates for Probationary EMT and Paramedics take this physical ability test.

The Department holds practice sessions prior to the actual test so that candidates have the best possible chance of success.

You will need to bring a Physical Ability Test Waiver (PDF), signed by your doctor, in order to take the physical ability test. Download and print the Physical Ability Waiver form. Be sure to allow your doctor enough time to complete this form.

Applicants who fail to bring a completed and signed Physical Ability Waiver with them to the physical ability test will not be allowed to participate in the test.

Reminder: The Fire Department is not accepting applications at this time!

Revised October 7, 2009