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Emt Trainee Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Emt Trainee information

What is an EMT trainee?

An EMT Trainee is an entry-level position for individuals training to become Emergency Medical Technicians. Trainees typically undergo classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and on-the-job training under supervision. Their responsibilities may include assisting certified EMTs, learning how to provide basic life support, and responding to emergency situations. This role is designed to prepare individuals for certification and full EMT duties.

What are the typical duties and team structure for an EMT trainee?

As an EMT Trainee, you'll primarily assist certified EMTs and paramedics in providing emergency medical care, which may include taking vitals, preparing equipment, and supporting patient transport. You’ll often work in small teams, usually alongside a supervising EMT or paramedic who guides your training and ensures patient safety. Your shifts might include exposure to a variety of emergency situations, offering valuable hands-on experience. This collaborative environment helps you develop practical skills and prepares you for independent EMT certification and future advancement in emergency medical services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an EMT trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as an EMT Trainee, you typically need a high school diploma or GED, basic medical knowledge, and physical stamina, along with the ability to complete an accredited EMT training program. Familiarity with emergency medical equipment, ambulance protocols, and patient care documentation systems is important. Strong communication, quick decision-making, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills. These abilities are crucial for delivering effective emergency care and collaborating efficiently in high-stress environments.

Do you get paid to train as an EMT Trainee?

EMT trainees typically do not receive pay during their initial training or certification courses, which focus on learning emergency medical skills. However, once they complete training and become certified EMTs, they are usually paid employees earning wages for their work in emergency response environments. Some training programs may offer stipends or part-time pay, but this varies by employer and program.

Is it hard to get hired as an EMT Trainee?

Getting hired as an EMT Trainee can vary depending on location and demand, but generally requires completing a state-approved training program and obtaining certification. Employers often look for good communication skills, a clean background, and the ability to handle stressful situations, which can influence hiring difficulty.

What are the most commonly searched types of Emt jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Emt jobs in Washington, DC are:

What job categories do people searching Emt Trainee jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Emt Trainee jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Emt Trainee job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Firefighter II- EMT Trainee ($5,000 Sign-on-Bonus) Written Exam & WPE Scheduled for the week of Aug.

Dulles, VA • On-site

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
Aviation • 1 - 5K employees

$32.43 - $51.98/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


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 - EMT Trainee
Works under the direct supervision of the Fire Officer (usually Fire Captain) during shift, but may report to another rank or a civilian.
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 emergencies, including fire prevention, suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services at the basic life support (BLS) level upon obtaining the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services (VA OEMS) EMT certification. Performs related functions.
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.
Inspects or 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 the Airports Authority Fire Department orientation.
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.
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).
Must successfully complete the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Emergency Medical Technician certification within 6 months of hiring.
Must successfully complete the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Recruit Training School and Airports Authority Fire Department orientation within 6 months of hiring.
Must be cleared as a driver/operator of an EMS transport unit within one year of hire, promotion, or placement into position.
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; 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 authority.
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 package here.
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.