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Fire Fighter Trainee Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Fire Fighter Trainee information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$14

$22

$37

How much do fire fighter trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire fighter trainee in Springfield, VA is $22.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $25.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it difficult to get hired as a fire fighter trainee?

Getting hired as a fire fighter trainee can be competitive, as it often requires passing physical fitness tests, written exams, background checks, and interviews. Candidates typically need to meet minimum qualifications such as a high school diploma or equivalent and obtain relevant certifications like CPR or EMT training. The selection process varies by department but generally involves demonstrating physical ability and a commitment to public safety.

What is the difference between Fire Fighter Trainee vs Fire Fighter?

AspectFire Fighter TraineeFire Fighter
Required CertificationsBasic EMT, Firefighter IFirefighter I, EMT or Paramedic certification
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, fire stations, supervised callsActive firefighting, emergency response, rescue operations
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning firefighting techniques, assisting in drillsResponding to fires, rescues, hazardous situations

Fire Fighter Trainees are in training, focusing on learning skills and gaining certifications, while Fire Fighters are fully qualified personnel actively responding to emergencies. Trainees work under supervision, whereas Fire Fighters operate independently in the field.

What is a fire fighter trainee?

Fire Fighter Trainees are individuals who are undergoing training to become professional firefighters. They participate in structured programs that teach them essential skills such as fire suppression, emergency medical response, hazardous materials handling, and rescue operations. Trainees learn both in the classroom and through hands-on exercises, preparing them to respond effectively to a variety of emergency situations. Upon successful completion of their training, they may be eligible for certification and full-time firefighter positions within a fire department.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire fighter trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Fighter Trainee, you need physical fitness, basic emergency medical training, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, personal protective gear, and systems such as incident command protocols is often required, and some departments may seek CPR or EMT certification. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for handling high-pressure situations. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring safety, quick response, and collaboration during emergencies.

How do you start a career as a fire fighter trainee?

To start a career as a fire fighter trainee, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass physical fitness and medical exams, and obtain a valid driver's license. Many departments require completion of fire academy training and emergency medical technician (EMT) certification before advancing to full firefighter roles.

What are some common challenges fire fighter trainees face during their initial training period?

Fire Fighter Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to the physical demands of the role, learning to operate specialized equipment, and mastering emergency response protocols under pressure. The training is both physically and mentally rigorous, requiring teamwork, quick decision-making, and resilience. Trainees also need to develop strong communication skills to coordinate effectively with team members during simulations and real emergencies. Overcoming these challenges is key to building the confidence and competence needed for a successful firefighting career.
What are popular job titles related to Fire Fighter Trainee jobs in Springfield, VA? For Fire Fighter Trainee jobs in Springfield, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Fighter Trainee jobs in Springfield, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Fighter Trainee jobs in Springfield, VA are:
What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Fire Fighter Trainee jobs? Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Fire Fighter Trainee job openings:
Fire Fighter Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Fighter Trainee job openings in Springfield, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,949 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

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

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

Oak Hill, VA

$32.43 - $51.98/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 14 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 - 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 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.

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