International Search Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $59,648.42 Annually
Location : Alexandria, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00294
Department: Fire Department
Opening Date: 04/01/2026
Closing Date: 5/31/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: International Association of Fire Fighters
Firefighter I
The City of Alexandria is in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington, and Fairfax counties. With a population estimated at 159,200 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. Approximately one-quarter of the City's square miles have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. If you're interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Firefighter I position
*The Alexandria Fire Department will be conducting a Virtual Orientation session for this position. Please continue reading this announcement for further details
The OverviewA Firefighter I performs entry-level firefighting duties including the safe and efficient operation of Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) apparatus and equipment, provides medical care to the level of a basic emergency medical care technician, performs fire-suppression activities, conducts pre-emergency analysis, maintains equipment and grounds, performs public education in fire prevention, and participates in the physical-fitness program. The work is performed on a shift basis and is done in accordance with instructions and a well-defined routine. Considerable time is spent in the special and routine maintenance of equipment, apparatus, and facilities. Work is normally performed under close supervision and is supervised by a Fire Lieutenant or Fire Captain.
The Opportunity

• Responds to and participates in firefighting, medical emergencies, auto extrications, hazardous materials incidents, and technical rescue incidents.
• Safely drives and operates fire engines, ladder trucks, heavy rescue squads, medic units, and other specialized apparatus.
• Supplies water from hydrants and static water sources and maintains proper pressure to supply lines, attack lines, master streams, foam devices, and fire protection systems, and operates aerial ladder devices.
• Trains and drills on SCBA use; forcible entry, ventilation, deployment of ground ladders, utility control, elevator rescue, search and rescue, railroad and metro emergencies, natural disasters, terrorism, and WMD responses, communicating with portable radios, and handling detection and suppression systems.
• Maintains a ready physical condition per department guidelines to be able to respond to the incidents listed above, including strength, aerobic, and flexibility conditioning.
• Performs and evaluates necessary maintenance and cleaning of department vehicles, equipment, and tools to assure a constant state of readiness.
• Maintains and inventories necessary supplies.
• Learns and maintains skills related to computers and computer technologies; maintains required certifications at City, State, and Federal levels.
• Attends city-required courses/classes.
• Maintains area familiarization of target hazards to include high-risk locations such as nursing homes, assisted living, special needs facilities, schools, hospitals, federal buildings, industrial facilities (ex. ethanol plant), water plants, and historical buildings.
• Maintains area building familiarization to include building construction, water supply, utilities (gas, electric, water), access, security, suppression, and detection systems.
• Maintains public relations through station tours, neighborhood and City events, school visitations, smoke alarm installations, and public education activities.
• Provides public fire education training to students in Alexandria schools, both public and private, and the residents of Alexandria.
• Dedicated to teamwork with a strong desire for community service.
• Passionate about learning and growing in both Fire and EMS.
• Performs related work as required.

About the Department
"To Serve the Community by Protecting Lives, Property, and the Environment"The Alexandria Fire Department provides fire, emergency medical services, and special operations such as technical rescue, hazardous materials, and marine response with additional capabilities including fire prevention, inspections, protection, and investigation to a 15-square mile city. The Alexandria Fire Department employs more than 300 personnel, which include firefighters, paramedics, fire prevention staff, and administrative support. A network of ten stations protects 15 square miles. Among the department's specialized teams are the Northern Virginia Regional Hazardous Materials Team, Technical Rescue, Marine Operations, and the Special Operations Team. The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is also a city-wide function within the Alexandria Fire Department.
Minimum & Additional Requirements
Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) at the time of application.
Must possess a valid driver's license with no restrictions issued by their state of residence, City residency is not required.
Additional Requirements upon Successful Completion of Recruit Academy:
Must achieve the status of minimum staffing and be non-probationary before deemed fully qualified and must gain the following certifications in recruit training: Firefighter I & II; EVOC IV, Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations; Emergency Medical Technician; AHA Healthcare Provider CPR, Driver Pump Operator, Driver Aerial Operator and Introduction to Technical Rescue Module I.
Preferred Qualifications
Additional Requirements: The ability to acquire knowledge of the street system and physical layout of Alexandria; knowledge of building, housing, fire, related codes, and code enforcement procedures; ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions; ability to learn a variety of firefighting duties and methods, including the operation of firefighting apparatus, within a reasonable working period; aptitude for mechanical work; conscientiousness and dependability; physical strength, agility and freedom from serious physical defects as indicated by a physical examination, and the ability to perform prolonged manual work; and the ability to perform the tasks of the class under adverse conditions.
Preferred Qualifications:Candidates who are certified as a National Registry Paramedic (NRP) will be hired as a Firefighter I at an annual salary of $59,648.42. The National Registry Paramedic candidate will be entitled to a lump sum bonus of $5,000.00 upon verification of Virginia certification eligibility/reciprocity. National Registry Paramedic candidates will begin receiving a $10,000.00 a year incentive once the internship program is completed.
Notes
Examination Information:
Qualified applicants will be provided additional information regarding scheduling for the written examination. To be eligible for this examination, each applicant must submit a completed application online, successfully pass the candidate physical abilities test (CPAT), and maintain the email account designated in the application. Notices will only be delivered via the email address you used to apply for the position. Please update your profile if there are changes to your personal information. The application must be completed and submitted online via the City of Alexandria website.
To watch the Candidate Physical Abilities Test click here:
Conditions of Employment:
All persons selected for the Firefighter I position must agree to sign a Condition of Employment:
Maintain Virginia Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, Emergency Medical Technician - Intermediate or Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic certification that meets or exceeds the minimum standard adopted by the Department.
Maintain a driver-operator license for the class of vehicles specified by the Fire Chief. Maintain at least an overall satisfactory rating on annual Performance Evaluations.
Participate in and successfully complete a mandatory Physical Fitness Program designed by the Fire Department.
Successfully complete Recruit School, the probationary period (1 year), and the Probationary Firefighter/EMS Task Book under guidelines established by the Fire Chief.
Maintain the medical standards according to National Fire Protection Association standard 1582.
This position requires all applicants to successfully complete and pass each of the following pre-employment hiring steps:

• Submission of online application through the applicant tracking system
• Virtual Orientation Session
• Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT)
  • Click here to watch the
• Written Examination
• Fingerprint and ongoing Background Check
• Polygraph Evaluation
• Psychological Evaluation
• Medical Examination
• Panel Review
• Fire Chief Selection

*Steps are subject to change
When the posting closes, all applicants will receive an email with a link to attend the virtual orientation session. This virtual orientation will cover all aspects of the Hiring Process, including how to obtain your CPAT Certification.
Former Alexandria Fire Department Firefighters that have been separated from the department for more than 1 year but have continued employment as a Firefighter operating under the NoVa regional protocols are eligible to apply to this posting.
The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. If you require reasonable accommodations during the hiring process, contact the Recruitment Section at (703) 746-5276 or submit an email to before the scheduled event. Questions or concerns can be emailed to the address listed above.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, and training and career development programs.
"This institution is approved to offer GIBILL® educational benefits by the Virginia State Approving Agency• GI BILL® is a registered trademark for the US Department of Veterans Affairs(VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government Website at "
The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, military status, or disability.
We are proud to welcome you to explore the City of Alexandria's excellent benefits and programs!
The benefits referenced on this site, may be changed from time to time without notice. Temporary and some part-time positions are not eligible for these benefits. For further information, please contact the Talent Acquisition Team of Human Resources at
01
Are you 18 years of age or older?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you currently possess a valid driver's license? A learner's permit is not accepted.

• Yes
• No

03
What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• Currently in school
• GED
• High school diploma
• Some college
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree

04
Do you currently hold any of the following certifications? (Select all that apply)

• Virginia - Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT)
• Firefighter I
• Firefighter II
• National Registered Paramedic
• None of the above

05
Are you currently enrolled in a paramedic program?

• Yes
• No

06
Please list all Public Safety agencies to which you have currently applied. Include the name, date of application, and current status. If not applicable, enter N/A
07
Please tell us how you learned about this job opportunity?
Required Question