We specialize in mitigating and rebuilding residential and commercial properties damaged by fire ... This is a full-time, exempt, director-level role based in Northern Virginia (Purcellville) with ...
We specialize in mitigating and rebuilding residential and commercial properties damaged by fire ... This is a full-time, exempt, director-level role based in Northern Virginia (Purcellville) with ...
Full Time Fire Fighter information
See Virginia salary details
$20K - $25.9K
1% of jobs
$25.9K - $31.8K
6% of jobs
$36.8K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$31.8K - $37.7K
21% of jobs
$37.7K - $43.7K
17% of jobs
The median wage is $45.1K / yr.
$43.7K - $49.6K
19% of jobs
$54.3K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$49.6K - $55.5K
14% of jobs
$55.5K - $61.5K
8% of jobs
$61.5K - $67.4K
6% of jobs
$67.4K - $73.3K
3% of jobs
$73.3K - $79.2K
2% of jobs
$79.2K - $85.2K
2% of jobs
$20K
$49K
$85.2K
How much do full time fire fighter jobs pay per year?
As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time fire fighter in Virginia is $48,980.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,000.00 and $56,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a full time fire fighter?
Full time fire fighters are professionals who work for municipal or governmental fire departments, responding to emergencies such as fires, medical incidents, hazardous material spills, and rescues. Unlike volunteer or part-time fire fighters, full time fire fighters are employed on a regular schedule and often work in shifts to provide 24/7 coverage. Their duties include fire prevention, emergency response, equipment maintenance, and public education. They also undergo extensive training and certifications to ensure they are prepared for a wide range of emergency situations. This career demands physical fitness, teamwork, and a commitment to public safety.
What skills and qualifications are needed to be a full time fire fighter?
To thrive as a Full Time Fire Fighter, you need physical fitness, emergency response knowledge, and completion of fire academy training, often supported by EMT certification. Proficiency with firefighting equipment, rescue tools, and communication systems is crucial on the job. Teamwork, resilience, and strong decision-making are standout soft skills that help in high-pressure situations. These abilities are essential for ensuring public safety, effective emergency response, and reliable collaboration under stress.
What challenges do full time fire fighters face during their shifts, and how are they addressed?
Full time firefighters often encounter physically demanding situations, exposure to hazardous environments, and unpredictable hours, which can be both mentally and physically taxing. To address these challenges, fire departments emphasize rigorous safety training, strong teamwork, and rotating shift schedules to prevent burnout. Regular debriefings and peer support systems are integral to helping firefighters manage stress and maintain resilience, ensuring a supportive work environment where everyone's well-being is prioritized.
What is the difference between Full Time Fire Fighter vs Volunteer Fire Fighter?
| Aspect | Full Time Fire Fighter | Volunteer Fire Fighter |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Firefighter certification, EMT/paramedic license often required | Basic training, certification varies by department |
| Work Environment | Paid, full-time employment with scheduled shifts | Unpaid or part-time, on-call basis, often local community-based |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Municipal fire departments, government agencies | Community organizations, local volunteer departments |
Full Time Fire Fighters are paid professionals working full-time for municipal fire departments, requiring certifications and working scheduled shifts. Volunteer Fire Fighters are unpaid or part-time, serving their communities on an on-call basis with varying training requirements. Both roles are vital for fire safety, but differ mainly in compensation, training, and work commitment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Fighter jobs in Virginia?
The most popular types of Fire Fighter jobs in Virginia are:
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Posted 6 days ago
Job description
We specialize in mitigating and rebuilding residential and commercial properties damaged by fire, water, storms, and other disasters. We partner with leading insurance carriers and handle everything from emergency cleanup to complete rebuilds, with a focus on safety, integrity, and advocacy. As entrepreneurs, we take full ownership of the work we do and the families we serve.
At Merit, our purpose is simple and non-negotiable: we work together as a team so we can change lives. Teamwork is the foundation of everything we do-because teamwork creates impact, and impact changes lives. We exist to help people, and the only way we do that at the highest level is by moving as one team, aligned in mission, values, and execution.
Why we exist. We exist for two families. The families we serve and the families inside this company. When we work together and serve our clients at the highest level, both families win.
JOB SUMMARY
As the Rebuild Service Line Director for Merit Restorations, you will report to the Vice President, Branch Operations & Integration Performance and work alongside the Emergency Services Service Line Director, the Director of Training & Compliance, Branch Managers, and executive leadership. This is a companywide leadership role responsible for the systems, standards, training, and quality of all reconstruction operations at Merit, spanning both Core Claims (high-volume residential rebuild) and Large Loss (complex, multi-phase commercial and residential projects).
You are not managing individual jobs-you are building the operating system that every Project Manager, Estimator, and branch runs on, and training them to execute it at the Merit standard. This is a full-time, exempt, director-level role based in Northern Virginia (Purcellville) with regular travel across all Merit markets, including Lynchburg, Chesapeake, and Winchester, VA, and Dallas, TX.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Core duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Rebuild Operations & Standards
• Own the full lifecycle SOPs for rebuild operations, from ES handoff through scoping, estimating, permitting, construction, and closeout.
• Set the estimating and supplement standard-how Merit scopes work, what we fight for, and how we document every dollar.
• Build and maintain the audit system, including branch reviews, file quality scoring, and performance standards across all locations.
• Set subcontractor standards-who Merit works with, how they're qualified, and how they're held accountable.
Training & Performance
• Lead all rebuild training, covering estimating, project management, file quality, carrier communication, and subcontractor oversight.
• Own the data that measures division performance-cycle time, estimate accuracy, gross margin, and supplement rates-built together with leadership within the first 90 days.
Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Experience & Technical
• 8+ years of experience in insurance restoration, with deep experience in reconstruction project management, estimating, or operational leadership.
• Advanced estimating skills, with the ability to write airtight scopes, supplement claims, and teach others to do both.
• Experience managing or overseeing multi-trade reconstruction projects; both residential and commercial experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of the insurance claims process, carrier requirements, and adjuster relationships.
Character & Competencies
• A track record of building systems and training programs-not just following them.
• Multi-location or multi-branch experience strongly preferred.
• Lives Merit's core values every day: servant leadership, innovation, gratitude, growth, impact, honor, and grit.
• Able to travel regularly across Merit's Virginia and Texas markets.
Benefits
At Merit, our purpose is simple and non-negotiable: we work together as a team so we can change lives. Teamwork is the foundation of everything we do-because teamwork creates impact, and impact changes lives. We exist to help people, and the only way we do that at the highest level is by moving as one team, aligned in mission, values, and execution.
Why we exist. We exist for two families. The families we serve and the families inside this company. When we work together and serve our clients at the highest level, both families win.
JOB SUMMARY
As the Rebuild Service Line Director for Merit Restorations, you will report to the Vice President, Branch Operations & Integration Performance and work alongside the Emergency Services Service Line Director, the Director of Training & Compliance, Branch Managers, and executive leadership. This is a companywide leadership role responsible for the systems, standards, training, and quality of all reconstruction operations at Merit, spanning both Core Claims (high-volume residential rebuild) and Large Loss (complex, multi-phase commercial and residential projects).
You are not managing individual jobs-you are building the operating system that every Project Manager, Estimator, and branch runs on, and training them to execute it at the Merit standard. This is a full-time, exempt, director-level role based in Northern Virginia (Purcellville) with regular travel across all Merit markets, including Lynchburg, Chesapeake, and Winchester, VA, and Dallas, TX.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Core duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Rebuild Operations & Standards
• Own the full lifecycle SOPs for rebuild operations, from ES handoff through scoping, estimating, permitting, construction, and closeout.
• Set the estimating and supplement standard-how Merit scopes work, what we fight for, and how we document every dollar.
• Build and maintain the audit system, including branch reviews, file quality scoring, and performance standards across all locations.
• Set subcontractor standards-who Merit works with, how they're qualified, and how they're held accountable.
Training & Performance
• Lead all rebuild training, covering estimating, project management, file quality, carrier communication, and subcontractor oversight.
• Own the data that measures division performance-cycle time, estimate accuracy, gross margin, and supplement rates-built together with leadership within the first 90 days.
Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Experience & Technical
• 8+ years of experience in insurance restoration, with deep experience in reconstruction project management, estimating, or operational leadership.
• Advanced estimating skills, with the ability to write airtight scopes, supplement claims, and teach others to do both.
• Experience managing or overseeing multi-trade reconstruction projects; both residential and commercial experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of the insurance claims process, carrier requirements, and adjuster relationships.
Character & Competencies
• A track record of building systems and training programs-not just following them.
• Multi-location or multi-branch experience strongly preferred.
• Lives Merit's core values every day: servant leadership, innovation, gratitude, growth, impact, honor, and grit.
• Able to travel regularly across Merit's Virginia and Texas markets.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
- Unlimited PTO