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Federal Firefighter Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized ... Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and ...

... the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized ... Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and ...

... the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized ... Serving as a Firefighter (Paramedic) providing fire prevention, and protection, assist in emergency ...

... the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized ... Firefighter I/II, Airport Firefighter, Hazmat Operations, Hazmat Technician, Driver Operator Pump ...

FIREFIGHTER

Blackstone, VA

$25 - $29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join a mission-driven team supporting critical federal training operations where emergency ... WHAT YOU'LL DO As a Firefighter, you will provide fire protection, rescue response, emergency ...

FIREFIGHTER

Blackstone, VA · On-site

$25 - $29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join a mission-driven team supporting critical federal training operations where emergency ... WHAT YOU'LL DO As a Firefighter, you will provide fire protection, rescue response, emergency ...

... the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized ... Firefighter I/II, Airport Firefighter, Hazmat Operations, Hazmat Technician, Driver Operator Pump ...

Description COUNTY OF WARREN DEPARTMENT OF FIRE AND RESCUE FIREFIGHTER/EMT The County of Warren is ... will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are ...

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Showing results 1-20

Federal Firefighter information

See Virginia salary details

$28.3K

$59.1K

$99.1K

How much do federal firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal firefighter in Virginia is $59,095.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,100.00 and $68,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are there federally employed firefighters?

Yes, federal firefighters are employed by government agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Federal Emergency Management Agency. They respond to wildfires, structural fires, and other emergencies, often requiring specialized training and certifications. These positions typically offer competitive pay, benefits, and require adherence to federal employment standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a federal firefighter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Federal Firefighter, you need strong knowledge of firefighting techniques, emergency medical response, and hazardous materials handling, typically supported by certifications like Firefighter I/II, EMT, and CPR. Familiarity with fire suppression equipment, SCBA systems, and incident command software is essential. Physical fitness, teamwork, quick decision-making, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for protecting lives and property in high-pressure, rapidly changing emergency situations.

Is 27 too late to be a federal firefighter?

Federal firefighting agencies typically require applicants to be at least 18 years old, and there is often no upper age limit as long as candidates meet physical and medical standards. Age should not be a barrier if you meet the qualifications, pass the physical fitness tests, and obtain necessary certifications such as firefighter training and EMT certification.

What is a federal firefighter?

Federal firefighters are trained professionals employed by the U.S. government to protect federal property, personnel, and natural resources from fire and other emergencies. They may work for agencies such as the Department of Defense, National Park Service, or the U.S. Forest Service. Their duties include fire prevention, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, and rescue operations on federal lands or installations. Federal firefighters often operate in unique environments, such as military bases or national parks, and must meet specific federal training and certification requirements.

What is the difference between Federal Firefighter vs State Firefighter?

AspectFederal FirefighterState Firefighter
CertificationsFirefighter I & II, EMT certification often requiredSimilar certifications, often including EMT or paramedic
Work EnvironmentFederal facilities, national parks, military basesState and local fire departments, public safety facilities
Employer & IndustryFederal government agencies like FEMA, DOI, DODState government fire departments, local municipalities

Federal Firefighters and State Firefighters share similar certifications and work environments, focusing on fire suppression and rescue. The main difference lies in their employers—federal agencies versus state and local departments—affecting jurisdiction and specific duties.

What does a federal firefighter do?

A federal firefighter works for a federal agency and provides firefighting services to structural or wildland fires. The Bureau of Land Management, the U.S Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Forest Service, and branches of the U.S. Military are just some of the agencies that employ federal firefighters. These positions are available to people in the military and civilian firefighters. Your responsibilities in these positions involve responding to fire alarms, hazardous materials incidents, and medical emergencies, and maintaining the firefighting equipment and station. Wildland firefighter duties include prescribed burning, fire preparedness, refugee assistance, and wildfire suppression.

What are some common challenges faced by federal firefighters, and how can new hires best prepare for them?

Federal firefighters often encounter unique challenges such as responding to emergencies on large federal properties, adapting to strict protocols, and working in remote or hazardous environments. New hires should be prepared for extensive training, rotating shifts, and the need to collaborate closely with other federal agencies. Building strong teamwork skills, maintaining physical fitness, and staying up-to-date with federal safety standards can help new firefighters adapt quickly and perform effectively in this demanding role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Federal Firefighter jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Federal Firefighter jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Federal Firefighter jobs in Virginia?

For Federal Firefighter jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Federal Firefighter jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Federal Firefighter jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Federal Firefighter jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Federal Firefighter job openings:

Infographic showing various Federal Firefighter job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,095 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

$46K/yr

Full-time

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


U.S. Department Of Homeland Security rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 292 rated public sector bodies


Job description

This position is located at the Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center (MWEOC), Fire Services Branch. MWEOC is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, approximately 60 miles west of Washington, DC. The ideal candidate for this position will have experience in hazardous firefighting and rescue operations and currently hold the necessary firefighter certifications for the position.
Qualifications:The qualification requirements listed below must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
To qualify for this position at the GS-05 level, you must possess one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 level in the Federal government, which has equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. Experience may be obtained in the federal government, a state or local government, or private sector, and must demonstrate the following:
  1. Utilizing and maintaining firefighting and emergency equipment AND,
  2. Performing advanced life support functions (i.e., resuscitation, intubation, decompression) AND,
  3. Participating in worksite inspections to evaluate potential hazards.
AND
In addition to the minimum qualifications described above, you must possess the following minimum certifications to be considered qualified for the position. These are required to be uploaded at time of application, or the applicant will be found not qualified.
  • Firefighter I
  • Hazardous Materials Awareness
  • Current State or National Registry Paramedic

To qualify for this position at the GS-07 level, you must possess one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 level in the Federal government, which has equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. Experience may be obtained in the federal government, a state or local government, or private sector, and must demonstrate the following:
  1. Utilizing and maintaining firefighting and emergency equipment AND,
  2. Performing advanced life support functions (i.e., resuscitation, intubation, decompression) AND,
  3. Applying hazard and risk assessment techniques during hazardous materials incidents, OR
  4. Using chemical, biological, radiation (CBR) equipment.
AND
In addition to the minimum qualifications described above, you must possess the following minimum certifications to be considered qualified for the position. These are required to be uploaded at time of application, or the applicant will be found not qualified.
  • Firefighter I
  • Firefighter II
  • Hazardous Materials Awareness
  • Hazardous Materials Operations
  • Driver/Operator Pumper
  • Current State or National Registry Paramedic

To qualify for this position at the GS-09 level, you must possess one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-08 level in the Federal government, which has equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. Experience may be obtained in the federal government, a state or local government, or private sector, and must demonstrate the following:
  1. Utilizing and maintaining firefighting and emergency equipment AND,
  2. Performing advanced life support functions (i.e., resuscitation, intubation, decompression) AND,
  3. Performing hazard and risk assessment techniques during hazardous materials incidents AND,
  4. Using, operating and maintaining chemical, biological, radiation (CBR) equipment.
AND
In addition to the minimum qualifications described above, you must possess the following minimum certifications to be considered qualified for the position. These are required to be uploaded at time of application, or the applicant will be found not qualified.
  • Firefighter I
  • Firefighter II
  • Hazardous Materials Awareness
  • Hazardous Materials Operations
  • Hazardous Materials Technician
  • Driver/Operator Pumper
  • Driver/Operator Aerial
  • State or National Registry Paramedic

Please read the following important information to ensure we have everything we need to consider your application:

  • Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
  • Your resume serves as the basis for experience related qualification determinations, and you must highlight your most relevant and significant work experience and education (if applicable), as it relates to this job opportunity. Please use your own words, be clear, and specific when describing your work history. We cannot make assumptions regarding your experience.

Are you qualifying based on your work experience?

  • Qualifications are based on your ability to demonstrate in your resume that you possess one year of the specialized experience for this announcement at a comparable scope and responsibility. To ensure all of the essential information is in your resume, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS online Resume Builder. If you choose to use your own resume, it must contain the following information organized by experience/position: (1) job title, (2) name of employer, (3) start and end dates of each period of employment (from MM/DD/YY to MM/DD/YY), (4) detailed description of duties performed, accomplishments, and related skills, and (5) hours worked per week (part-time employment will be prorated in crediting experience). Federal experience/positions must also include the grade level, occupational series and dates in which you held each grade level.
  • Are you a current or former FEMA Reservist/Disaster Assistance Employee (DAE)? To accurately credit your experience from intermittent positions and Reservist Deployments, you must list the dates (from MM/DD/YY to MM/DD/YY) of deployments that are relevant to your qualifying experience, along with the job title and specific duties you were responsible for during each deployment.
  • Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information. Failure to provide the above information in your resume may result in your application being found "not qualified.
  • Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills, and provides valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
  • For additional information on crediting experience and/or education, please reference the OPM General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Education:

No Educational Substitution: There is no educational substitution for this position, and you must meet the qualifications listed in the "qualifications" section of this announcement.

Employment Type: OTHER

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About U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency operating within the government services industry in Washington, DC, US. Established in 2003, the DHS is directly responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries. Its main responsibilities include protecting the United States from and responding to terrorist attacks, man-made accidents, and natural disasters. Through its more than 20 component agencies including Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it ensures the safety of the US through numerous programs and initiatives. The DHS upholds a core value system with the mission of safeguarding the American people, our homeland, and values. Notably, the DHS plays a critical role in the spectral range of activities to prepare, prevent, and respond to possible threats to the US.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003