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Airport Firefighting Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

FIREFIGHTER

Quantico, VA · On-site

$50K/yr

Firefighter I/II, Airport Firefighter, Hazmat Operations, Hazmat Technician, Driver Operator Pump, Driver Operator ARFF, and National Registered EMT. All certifications must be issued by the ...

Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and ... Driver Operator ARFF. These certifications must have been awarded by DoD, IFSAC or ProBoard to meet ...

FIREFIGHTER

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$50K/yr

Firefighter I/II, Airport Firefighter, Hazmat Operations, Hazmat Technician, Driver Operator Pump, Driver Operator ARFF, and National Registered EMT. All certifications must be issued by the ...

FIREFIGHTER

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$46K/yr

Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and ... Driver Operator ARFF. These certifications must have been awarded by DoD, IFSAC or ProBoard to meet ...

FIREFIGHTER

Quantico, VA · On-site

$46K/yr

Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and ... Driver Operator ARFF. These certifications must have been awarded by DoD, IFSAC or ProBoard to meet ...

ProBoard and/or IFSAC Firefighter II * ProBoard and/or IFSAC Airport Firefighter * ProBoard and/or IFSAC Fire Instructor I * ProBoard and/or IFSAC Fire Inspector I * ProBoard and/or IFSAC Fire ...

Firefighter/EMT Lateral

Arlington, VA · On-site

$71K - $115K/yr

Lateral Firefighter Hiring Salary/Competitive Step Placement: Arlington County offers a unique ... airport. * Special Operations Opportunities: Join our elite Hazmat, Technical Rescue, Swift Water ...

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Showing results 1-20

Airport Firefighting information

What is airport firefighting?

Airport firefighting is a specialized branch of firefighting that focuses on responding to aviation-related emergencies at airports, such as aircraft fires, fuel spills, and rescue situations. Airport firefighters are trained to handle high-risk scenarios unique to the aviation environment, including rapid response to runway incidents and hazardous materials. They also conduct fire prevention inspections, train for mass casualty events, and work closely with airport operations and emergency services. The goal is to protect passengers, crew, airport staff, and infrastructure while ensuring the safety and security of air travel.

What are some common challenges faced by airport firefighters, and how are they addressed on the job?

Airport firefighters often face unique challenges such as responding to large-scale aircraft emergencies, hazardous material incidents, and rapidly changing weather conditions. These situations require swift decision-making, specialized training, and close coordination with airport operations and emergency services. To address these challenges, airport firefighters participate in regular, scenario-based drills, maintain certifications in aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF), and work within highly structured teams to ensure clear communication and safety protocols are always followed.

What is the difference between Airport Firefighting vs Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting?

AspectAirport FirefightingAirport Rescue and Fire Fighting
CertificationsFirefighter certification, HAZMAT trainingFirefighter certification, HAZMAT training
Work EnvironmentAirports, aircraft rescue zonesAirports, aircraft rescue zones
Employer & IndustryAirports, airlines

Both Airport Firefighting and Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting involve responding to aircraft emergencies at airports. They share similar certifications, work environments, and industry usage. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Airport Firefighting' is the more common term for the role focused on aircraft rescue and fire suppression at airports.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an airport firefighter?

To thrive as an Airport Firefighter, you need expertise in fire suppression, emergency medical response, and hazardous materials handling, typically supported by certifications such as Firefighter I/II, EMT, and specialized ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting) training. Proficiency with firefighting equipment, rescue tools, and communication systems such as radios and alarm monitoring panels is essential. Strong teamwork, quick decision-making, and calmness under pressure are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure rapid, effective response to aviation emergencies, safeguarding lives and property in a high-risk environment.
What are popular job titles related to Airport Firefighting jobs in Virginia? For Airport Firefighting jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Airport Firefighting job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Firefighter II ($10,000 Sign-on-Bonus) Written Exam & WPE Scheduled for the week of Aug. 24, 2026

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

Oak Hill, VA

$32.43 - $51.98/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Compensation Grade:

F10

Salary Range:

$32.43-$51.98

Opening Date:

July 27, 2026

Closing Date:

August 24, 2026

Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As a Firefighter II for the Airports Authority, you will help protect the lives of the traveling public by responding to and fighting fires and delivering emergency medical care.
Firefighter II
Serves in the Fire and Rescue Department of the Office of Public Safety at either Washington Dulles International Airport or Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Performs full-performance level Firefighter functions in emergency situations including fire prevention, suppression, and rescue and emergency medical services at the basic life support (BLS) level. Performs related functions.For more information about the Firefighter II Recruitment Bonus Program, click here:
Firefighter II Recruitment Bonus Program Information

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Responds to emergency incidents, executing all tasks required to mitigate an emergency as certified.

Drives vehicle/apparatus safely. Operates and inspects all apparatus, tools, and equipment safely and effectively to mitigate emergencies and extinguish/suppress fires.


Performs individual and team fire ground operations to ensure safety, fire control, and property protection. Uses risk assessment procedures, assesses emergency situations, and determines appropriate course of action according to training/guidelines, minimizing risk (to self and others) and property damage.

Performs as a member or may perform as a shift team leader to control and stabilize releases or potential releases of HAZMAT when approaching the material.

Helps inspect airport buildings for adherence to baseline fire and life safety codes.

May lead or help lead non-specialty type training modules/sessions, as required.

Assists with the Department's EMS internship programs.

Participates in the Airports Authority and/or community relations programs.

Performs station maintenance and housekeeping to ensure a clean, safe, and healthy working/ living environment.

Attends in-service/mandatory/basic or specialized training to maintain response readiness. May lead training sessions, as required.

Continued employment as a Firefighter is contingent upon Successful completion of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Recruit Training School and Airports Authority Fire Department orientation.

Must be cleared as a driver/operator of an EMS transport unit within one year of hire, promotion, or placement into position.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must be at least 18 years old by the closing date of the job posting.

Be able to successfully complete a background investigation, including a full employment history check, a credit check, a criminal history records check, and a driving records check.

Be able to pass a comprehensive medical and vision examination, including drug screening.

Be able to successfully pass a physical ability examination and a polygraph examination.

Be able to pass a written exam.

Operational-level knowledge of:

hazardous materials incident response,

basic firefighting and rescue skills, and

use of associated equipment and procedures.

Must be cleared as a driver/operator of an EMS transport unit within one year of hire, promotion, or placement into position.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Firefighter experience at an Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) airport (commercial or military).

Airport Firefighter certification by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), or a fully equivalent certification.

EDUCATION

A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

A state driver's license in good standing.

Firefighter I certification accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board), the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), or the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP).

Firefighter II certification accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board), the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), or the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP).

Hazardous Materials Operations certification accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board), the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), or the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP).

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification, or higher, issued by the VA Department of Health Office of Emergency Medical Services (VAOEMS) or National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

Must be able to perform duties without adverse effects of motion sickness/claustrophobia.

Works under pressure and maintains emotional self-control during emergencies.

Work requires heavy physical effort; it uses strength, climbing/balancing, and crawling.

Regularly exposed to dangerous/hazardous conditions, communicable diseases, and potential for serious injury or death. Wears personal protective equipment.

Works established shifts; is subject to holdover and recall for essential services and emergencies.

Subject to one-time and recurring training, certification, and other requirements and standards mandated by the Commonwealth of Virginia and other proper authorities.

Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quality, quantity, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.

WHAT WE OFFER

A career with the Airports Authority comes with more than just a paycheck; it offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family's health, financial security, and professional growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; well-being resources; health savings and flexible spending accounts; pension and retirement plans; and ongoing training and development opportunities. Discover more about our benefits packagehere.

A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.