Firefighter/Paramedic Trainee (EMT Paramedic or EMT Intermediate certification is REQUIRED upon hire)

Are you ready to launch your career in public safety and emergency response? The City of Chesapeake is seeking motivated, service-driven individuals to train and serve as Firefighter/Paramedic If you’re passionate about saving lives, helping others, and being part of a high-performing team, we want you on board!

As a Firefighter/Paramedic, you’ll train in and assist with emergency response, including firefighting, advanced pre-hospital medical care, and public safety services. You’ll play a vital role in protecting the community by responding to fires, accidents, natural disasters, hazardous materials incidents, and medical emergencies.

Ready to start your journey in emergency services? Apply now and serve your community with courage, care, and commitment!

VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to an associate’s degree in fire science and emergency medical services or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: None required. A minimum of one year of related, full-time equivalent experience is preferred.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES: Requires a valid driver’s license or CDL and a driving record in compliance with City Driving Standards. Special skills and/or certifications including Firefighter certification will be required within a specified period of time. EMT-Intermediate, or EMT-Paramedic certification is required upon hire. Selected candidates with Emergency Medical Technician – Intermediate are required to obtain Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic within 36 months from the last date of probationary status.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties.

AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFYING FACTORS: Disqualification factors from the date of the application include, but are not limited to, the following:

Medical marijuana:
In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or is a sworn law-enforcement officer/deputy.

Upon verification of your EMT-P or EMT-I certification, you will receive a SignUpGenius invitation to schedule your CPAT Orientation, tentatively set for April 9, 10, and 11, 2026.

All applicants are REQUIRED to successfully complete the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) process—including passing the CPAT—to be invited to interview for the Firefighter/Paramedic Trainee position.

CPAT Schedule (Tentative):

You will receive an invitation via SignUpGenius to schedule your time for CPAT Orientation, Trial #1, Trial #2, and the Final.

Click https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/Assets/images/departments/fire/CPAT+Orientation+Video.mp4 to view a video of the entire CPAT process.

Click https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/Assets/documents/departments/fire/CPAT+Orientation+Guide.pdfto access the CPAT Orientation & Practice Session Guide.

Click https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/Assets/documents/departments/fire/CPAT+Candidate+Preparation+Guide.pdf to access the CPAT Preparation Guide.

It is highly recommended that you read and are familiar with both documents prior to your scheduled orientation date. Upon successful completion of the CPAT trials, all who qualify will be invited to participate in an EMS skills assessment and a panel interview with the CFD. Once all steps of the process have been successfully completed, an eligibility list will be established.

A background investigation, pre-employment physical/drug screen, and polygraph examination are required once a conditional offer of employment has been made.

Medical marijuana:
In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or is a sworn law-enforcement officer/deputy.