Firefighter Trainee Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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.