Firefighter chez City of Harrisonburg, VA

About the Department

Are you looking for a rewarding career that combines service, compassion, physical and mental toughness, and grit into one calling? The Harrisonburg Fire Department (HFD) is actively recruiting interested individuals for the position of Firefighter. No prior experience is required for individuals who possess a valid Regional Firefighter Testing Certificate*. Individuals with prior training and experience (including career and volunteer firefighters) are also encouraged to apply through this recruitment process.

*The Regional Firefighter Testing referenced in this job advertisement is the event hosted by the following agencies: City of Harrisonburg, City of Staunton, City of Waynesboro, Augusta County, Rockingham County, and Rockbridge County.

The preferred hiring ranges are listed below. Applicants may be considered for the Firefighter level at which they qualify and a corresponding annual rate commensurate with applicant qualifications.

• Firefighter Recruit (2,080 hours): $23.10 - $24.84 per hour (equivalent to $48,048 - $51,667 annually).
• Firefighter (2,756 hours): $19.01 - $20.43 per hour (equivalent to $52,391 - $56,305 annually).

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must meet the following criteria:

• At least 18 years of age by date of hire.
• High School Diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Click here to view the physical requirements of this position.

Applicants with partial or no certifications must:

• Have successfully completed and provide a valid Regional Firefighter Testing Certificate with their application.

Applicants who are currently Career Firefighters (full-time) must meet the following criteria:

• Possess Virginia Firefighter II, EMT, and Hazardous Materials Operations certifications, or VA-recognized equivalencies.
• If hired, the individual must successfully complete the Regional Firefighter Testing's physical agility test at the next scheduled test date, but no later than 12 months from the hire date, if not currently employed with one of the jurisdictions that participates in the Regional Firefighter Testing event (listed above).

 Important Notes: 

1. Applicants offered a position with the department who do not hold required certifications will be required to successfully complete the Regional Career Academy as a condition of employment. Candidates assigned to the Academy will be compensated as general employees (with benefits) at a rate commensurate with their qualifications and may have their salary adjusted upon graduation and assignment in the Department.
2. All uniformed personnel in the Department must become a released Engine Driver/Operator and be proficiently advanced to a Firefighter II position in accordance with the corresponding position description within one year of assignment to the Suppression Division, or as deemed appropriate by the department.
3. Successful applicants for this position will be subject to the following screenings and must receive satisfactory results:
   • DMV record review;
   • Criminal background check;
   • Medical evaluation;
   • Drug screening; and
   • Personal History Statement.

Other Qualifications

Application Deadline: To be considered, all candidates must submit a City of Harrisonburg online employment application, including education history and work experience, by 5:00pm EST on Monday, November 17, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

At a later step in the recruitment process, a Harrisonburg Fire Department Personal History Statement must be completed and submitted for review. Only qualified and eligible candidates will be notified of the Personal History Statement deadline once advanced to a later step in the recruitment process. Please do not submit a personal history statement prior to being provided with the notification of the deadline.

The City provides an excellent benefits package including health insurance, retirement (VRS with Enhanced Hazardous Duty Benefits, & MissionSquare), life insurance, paid leave, and holidays.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

The City of Harrisonburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.