Join the Fire Department

We are not currently accepting applications. 

If interested in a career as a Paramedic, Probationary EMT, or Probationary Firefighter, please submit a job interest card for a position listed below. 

• Paramedic
• Probationary EMT
• Probationary Firefighter

Find information about station life, the recruit experience, duties and more.

The starting salary is $53,862 to $68,993 for Probationary Firefighters and EMTs. The starting salary for Paramedics is $69,458 to $89,833.

The Fire Department offers excellent benefits, including:

• Annual salary review and longevity increments
• Generous vacation and sick leave
  • Time off is granted on the basis of seniority. New personnel should not expect to be able to take vacation whenever they choose.
• 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 Fire Fighters Association, Local 1311
• Excellent retirement and deferred compensation plans
  • EMTs, paramedics and firefighters may retire after 30 years of service and after the age of 50, or with 10 years of service at age 60.
• Opportunities for career advancement

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

• Must have a high school diploma, GED or state accredited equivalent.
• Possession of a valid driver's license equivalent to a non-provisional, non-commercial, class C driver's license with fewer than four points. It does not have to be a Maryland license.
• Must be at least 18 years old at time of application. There is no maximum age limit.
• Must pass a physical examination, psychological evaluation, comprehensive background examination and a drug test.
• Note: All applicants offered a position of employment will be required to sign a tobacco abstinence agreement.

In addition to the requirements above, applicants for the position of Paramedic must possess one of the following certifications:

• Maryland Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic
• Maryland Cardiac Rescue Technician
• National Registry Paramedic
• National Registry Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate 99

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 entry-level Probationary EMT or Firefighter positions.

The Fire Department application process includes a written examination administered by the Office of Human Resources (OHR).

Results are pass/fail. If you pass, you will be invited to take the Physical Ability Test.

The Department invites applicants who pass the written exam to take the Physical Ability Test. Tests are scheduled via email, by appointment only.

Applicants for Probationary EMT, Paramedic and Probationary Firefighter must complete all stations of the Physical Ability Test. The Department holds practice sessions prior to the actual test so that candidates have the best possible chance of success. 

To learn what to expect and assist with preparing, review the test stations and watch videos of the Physical Ability Test courses.

AUTHORIZATION FORMS

In order to participate in the Physical Ability Test, and depending upon which position you are applying for, candidates must have completed one of the following forms:

• Probationary EMT Medical Authorization Form
• Probationary Firefighter Medical Authorization Form

The Applicant Data Form must be completed prior to the Physical Ability Test.

The authorization form must signed by a doctor. Be sure to allow your doctor enough time to complete either of these forms.

An Interview will be conducted after successfully completing the Physical Ability Test and:

• Consist of a two or three member panel
• Include multiple questions with different scenarios
• Are 15 to 20 minutes long

Selections are made by the Fire Chief. If selected, you will receive an invitation to attend a Pre-Hire Meeting. At this meeting, Fire Department Human Resources will discuss the next phase of the Hiring Process and extend a Conditional Offer of Employment. Documents and Instructions will be given to applicants along with a chance to ask questions about the next phase. The following must be conducted and successfully passed during this phase of the process:

• Background Investigation
• Medical Evaluation (including a Stress Test)
• Psychological evaluation
• Drug and alcohol screening

If qualified, you will receive a formal letter from the Fire Chief with your start date and salary. You must also agree to tobacco abstinence. 

Recruit training takes place at the Fire-Rescue Academy in Sparrows Point. You must successfully complete all phases of training. All Firefighter or EMT courses are required to graduate. Training includes: 

• 40 hours per week
  • Varies from five eight-hour days to four 10-hour days, Monday through Friday
  • May include nights and weekends as necessary
• Daily physical fitness workouts
• Introduction to other County agencies and Fire Department divisions
• Fair practices training
• Emergency Vehicles Operations (EVOC)
• Internship
  • In-station
  • Regular shifts
• Mentors assigned to all recruits

Training facilities include a burn building, drill tower, flashover simulator, SCBA maze, driving simulator and EMS.

Upon successful completion of Recruit Training, a graduation ceremony will be held where you will graduate with your Recruit Class. After graduation, you will begin your fire service career with Baltimore County.