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Firefighter Trainee Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Firefighter Trainee information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$20

$35

How much do firefighter trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for firefighter trainee in Virginia is $20.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $24.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Firefighter Trainee position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Firefighter Trainee, you need strong physical fitness, basic emergency response knowledge, and typically a high school diploma or GED. Firefighter trainees often learn to operate firefighting equipment, use protective gear, and may need CPR or basic first aid certification. Teamwork, quick decision-making, and strong communication are essential soft skills for success in this position. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safety, effective response during emergencies, and smooth collaboration with firefighting teams.

What does a typical day look like for a Firefighter Trainee?

As a Firefighter Trainee, your days are structured around a mix of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and physical conditioning. You’ll learn about fire behavior, emergency medical procedures, and equipment use, as well as participate in drills that simulate real-life emergencies. Trainees often work alongside experienced firefighters, gradually gaining exposure to live fire scenarios and rescue operations under supervision. The role requires adaptability, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous learning to prepare you for the full responsibilities of a firefighter. This training environment helps build the essential skills and confidence needed for a successful firefighting career.

What is a Firefighter Trainee job?

A Firefighter Trainee is an entry-level position for individuals preparing to become full-fledged firefighters. Trainees undergo rigorous training in fire suppression, emergency medical response, hazardous materials handling, and rescue operations. They work under the supervision of experienced firefighters while learning department protocols and safety procedures. This role is designed to develop the necessary skills and knowledge required to pass certification exams and advance to a firefighter position.

What are the most commonly searched types of Firefighter jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Firefighter jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Firefighter Trainee jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Firefighter Trainee jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Firefighter Trainee jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Firefighter Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Firefighter Trainee job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,613 per year, or $21 per hour.
Pre-Qualified Firefighter/ EMT, AEMT, EMTI, EMTP

Pre-Qualified Firefighter/ EMT, AEMT, EMTI, EMTP

City of Hampton, VA

Hampton, VA • On-site

Full-time

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


City Of Hampton (Virginia) rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

561st of 832 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Certified Va Firefighter I & II

We are hiring: Certified VA Firefighter I & II EMT, AEMT, EMT-I, EMT-P. We are looking for passionate, knowledgeable, professional individuals to join us!! Come work for the City of Hampton Fire and Rescue Division, a group of highly motivated, respectful, and diverse individuals who are passionate Hampton is a vibrant waterfront community celebrating and embracing 400 years of history and innovation, creating an even more dynamic future! We are located in the center of the Hampton Roads region and offer lots of waterfront fun, rich and diverse history, and a vibrant restaurant scene. Hampton offers excellent benefits, career and professional development, tuition reimbursement, and other benefits.

Examples Of Work

  • Responds to fire alarms and other emergency calls. Under supervision, lays out and connects hoses, and directs streams of water or extinguishment agents onto fires. Positions, raises, and climbs ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings or to rescue individuals from burning structures. Carries out firefighting activities using tools and methods in a prescribed manner; creates openings in buildings for ventilation, ingress, or egress, using axes, crowbars, and other appropriate tools. Salvages and preserves property to minimize fire loss; protects property from water and smoke by use of waterproof salvage covers, smoke ejectors, and deodorants. Performs emergency lifesaving activities; administers emergency medical care. Performs clean-up activities following fire suppression operations.
  • Provides emergency medical care to the sick and injured, including bandaging, splinting, administering oxygen, and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Extricates patient from the scene using a stretcher, stair chair, and other approved methods of extrication and loads and unloads patients into and out of an ambulance. Transports patients to hospitals or convalescents to an approved destination and places the ambulance back in service upon arrival. Sanitizes and decontaminates the ambulance and equipment. When assigned, performs advanced life support and emergency medical services in the capacity of a trainee, at the level certified, under the general guidance of a Medic/Firefighter.
  • Performs assigned duties in maintaining apparatus, quarters, buildings, equipment, and grounds. Sweeps and mops station house floors; cleans and clears driveway; police grounds and trims grass. Inspects all fire apparatus daily; checks crankcase oil level, observes coolant level in radiator, checks batteries and all warning signals; inspects tires and cleans body of trucks. Checks and accounts for mobile and portable radio communications equipment. Inspects all related fire tools and equipment daily. Cleans and paints equipment as necessary.
  • Participates in drills, demonstrations, and courses in hydraulics, pump operation and maintenance, and firefighting techniques. Inspects buildings for fire hazards and compliance with fire prevention ordinances.
  • Drives fire apparatus, EMS vehicles, and support vehicles to the scene of emergencies. Makes adjustments to equipment as the situation demands at a moment's notice. Maintains proper operation of fire apparatus and other vehicles at all times. Informs the fire communications dispatcher of the status of emergency situations via radio.
  • When assigned, may perform the following: vehicle maintenance and station maintenance; maintains supplies, conducts inventories; prepares a variety of reports; performs a variety of training functions under the direction of a senior officer; and performs a variety of safety functions, such as conducting safety inspections and tests, preparing safety materials and statistical reports, and completion of accident reports.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Graduation from high school or successful completion of the GED; must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
  • Must be certified as a Virginia Firefighter I & II and must be an EMT, AEMT, EMT- I, or EMT-P.
  • Required medical standards provided by the city by a licensed physician; successful completion of the department's physical agility test; successful completion of the required application process for approval by the Fire Department; must pass a character background investigation and a polygraph examination; must agree to conditions of employment as specified by the Fire Department.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain a satisfactory driver's record based on the City of Hampton's criteria.
  • Must possess no physical defects which would render the incumbent unfit to perform all the duties of a firefighter/emergency medical technician; ability to be courteous yet firm with the public; ability to communicate effectively and coherently over radios and other types of communication equipment; ability to prepare written documents and reports such as special reports, accident or investigation reports, etc.; ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions; ability to operate equipment and machines such as fire and emergency response equipment and two-way communication equipment; ability to use personal computer and/or mainframe for job specific applications; ability to communicate general information regarding laws, ordinances, and regulations to the public; ability to communicate effectively with others by giving information and directions; ability to interact positively with members of the community and maintain harmonious working relationships with diverse groups; good skills of observation and memory.

Features

  • Duties may be performed on various shifts to include 8 hour, 12 hour, 24 hour, or other shifts as directed, up to 56 hours per workweek in accordance with all applicable Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) guidelines.
  • May be rotated to medic/firefighter positions throughout all areas within the Fire Division.
  • Receives formal performance evaluations at required intervals.
  • Requires working under hazardous conditions.
  • Must successfully complete all required training programs as directed by the Fire Division.
  • Will be required to work in small confined areas and areas of extreme danger, to include heights, and to deal with extreme stress.
  • This is a non-exempt position.

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