Pre-Certified Firefighter/EMS Provider — Earn While Training

The Opportunity The Goochland County Department of Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services is accepting applications for the position of Firefighter/EMS Provider (Pre-Certified). This position will perform firefighter and emergency medical services duties and will work underset policies and procedures as directed by supervision. Goochland County Fire-Rescue(GCFR)is an all-hazard, full-service, combination fire-rescue department. We currently operate out of 7 stations that are strategically positioned within the +/-289 square miles of the county and serve a population close to 30,000. Goochland County is located just west of Richmond, Virginia, and is home to several Fortune500 and nationally known companies. We offer an excellent employee benefits package, contributions to the Virginia Retirement System, competitive annual leave accrual for holidays, and competitive pay stipend incentives. Position Details Pre-Certified Starting Salary: $63,000 Fire/EMS Recruit Salary: $57,960 (after the required certifications are received, salary is increased to $63,000) EMT-Intermediate Incentive: $8,000 (after being cleared to practice by the Department OMD) Paramedic Incentive: $11,000 (after being cleared to practice by the Department OMD) PRE-CERTIFIED DEFINED Applicants must possess current Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Hazardous Materials Operations certifications, or be eligible for Virginia reciprocity at the time of application. Applicants lacking the required certifications or reciprocity eligibility will not advance in the hiring process. Applicants must also possess a current National Registry EMT certification or Virginia Office of EMS Emergency Medical Technician certification or be eligible for Virginia reciprocity. Applicants who do not currently hold EMT certification must obtain certification within six (6) months of the hire date from an EMT class scheduled to be taught by Goochland County Fire-Rescue, for which the applicant will be compensated to attend. If the applicant is already enrolled in an EMT class, they may continue but must successfully complete within six (6) months of the hire date. Applicants will NOT be compensated to attend. Applicants hired without EMT certification will be compensated at the established Fire/EMS Recruit salary until certification requirements have been successfully completed. Responsibilities Performs firefighting activities, including driving fire apparatus, operating pumps, and related equipment, and performing fire suppression, containment, and extinguishing tasks; lays and connects hoses; secures nozzles and directs streams; raises and climbs ladders; uses various types of extinguishing agents and other firefighting tools to effectively mitigate incidents. Participates in activities and operations in response to natural and manmade disasters, major accidents, incidents involving hazardous materials, and other emergencies. Participates in emergency rescue operations, including search and rescue, building collapse, trench and confined space rescue, water rescue, high elevation rescue, and other rescue operations. Responds to emergency medical service calls and provides appropriate first aid and emergency medical treatment as needed or as qualified. Inspects, cleans, tests, and performs basic preventive maintenance work on apparatus, hoses, tools, medical and firefighting gear, and other equipment. Maintains all assigned apparatus and equipment in a constant state of readiness to respond to emergency calls. Performs routine fire station and grounds maintenance activities to maintain a clean and orderly environment. Participate in routine non-emergency activities such as fire prevention inspections, code enforcement, hydrant maintenance, and pre-fire planning. Presents programs to the community on safety and fire prevention topics. Skills Completing various reports Following simple oral and written instructions, adhering to policy and procedure, and maintaining technical knowledge Operating, utilizing, and helping maintain fire department equipment. Participating in public education and community outreach programs, performing custodial duties at the station. Providing fire suppression duties, hazardous material response, rescue operations, hazard inspections, conducting investigations, and performing emergency medical services Providing fire-rescue services for people in harmful situations, including providing emergency medical assistance to those in need. Staying physically fit. Uses a variety of fire and EMS equipment such as hand tools, power saws, ladders, forcible entry tools, medical devices, and related equipment. Working under extremely stressful situations, day and night Abilities Reading and comprehension Conscientiousness Dependability Good problem-solving Mental alertness Team player Eligibility & Requirements Minimum of 18 years of age at the time of application. There is no maximum age limit. Requires a high school diploma or GED. Valid Virginia Driver’s License with a driving record that does not have a negative point balance. Applicants must complete a Written Competency Assessment designed to evaluate the applicant’s ability to process information, analyze situations, and demonstrate critical thinking skills. All applicants must pass the Goochland Physical Ability Test. Applicants must possess the following certifications to participate in this application process: Firefighter 1, Firefighter II, and Hazardous Materials Operations, or be eligible for Virginia reciprocity from VDFP. Applicants must possess or be eligible to successfully complete a National Registry EMT Certification or a Virginia Office of EMS EMT Certification within six (6) months of being hired. During the GCFR Training Academy, applicants must maintain a cumulative minimum average score of 75%, which will be tabulated from all department quizzes, tests, and practical evaluations. Upon successful completion of the GCFR Training Academy, personnel will be assigned to Operations and will serve a minimum of a one-year probationary period. Fire/Rescue Recruits will be required to sign a Training Reimbursement Contract. Background, Screening & Driving Record Selected applicants who are offered conditional employment must successfully pass the following 4 evaluations: NFPA 1582 Medical Examination, Drug screening test, National and State criminal history records check and FBI fingerprint check, Full scope background investigation check. Any applicant who will operate a county vehicle while performing job duties must possess and maintain a valid Virginia driver's license with a driving record that does not reflect a negative point balance. An applicant is automatically disqualified if there are negative traffic points on their Virginia driver’s license (or the equivalent for an out-of-state license) at either their date of application or at their date of hire. An applicant is automatically disqualified if there is more than one DWI/DUI conviction or a DWI/DUI conviction within 3 years of the date of application or within 3 years of the date of hire. A conviction for any felony or entering a plea of nolo contendere in any felony charge automatically disqualifies an applicant. An applicant cannot have been convicted of any offense that denies the applicant licensure as a Virginia Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Hiring Process All candidates must complete a Written Competency Assessment and the Goochland Physical Agility Test (GPAT), administered by GCFR Administration. Upon successful completion of both the written and physical assessments, all scores will be compiled and ranked, and the highest-ranking candidates will be invited to participate in a panel interview. Two optional practice sessions for the Physical Agility Test are available: Monday, June 15, 2026–5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (2 Slots) Wednesday, June 17, 2026–5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (2 Slots) Firefighter Assessment Test Dates: Saturday, June 20, 2026– TBD Week of June 29,2026 Apply today to join a community-centered team committed to safety, service, and continuous improvement in emergency response. Additional Information The online application MUST be completed and include copies of all applicable certifications. #J-18808-Ljbffr Goochland-County