Firefighter I
Salary
$56,872.00 Annually
Location
Various Locations Throughout Prince Georges County, MD
Job Type
Probationary FT
Job Number
PSI 54-1 FF1-FY2026
Department
Fire-EMS Department
Division
FD Training & Leadership Academy
Opening Date
11/01/2026
Closing Date
11/8/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit
50069037
Max Number of Applicants
1000
Nature and Variety of Work
FIREFIGHTER I
Answer the Call to Serve.
The Prince Georges County Fire/EMS Department is seeking dedicated, service-minded individuals to join one of the regions premier public safety organizations as a Firefighter I. This is an opportunity to build a rewarding career protecting lives, serving diverse communities, and responding to emergencies that require courage, compassion, and professionalism.
Recruits will attend the Fire/EMS Training and Leadership Academy, where they will receive extensive training in firefighting, emergency medical services, rescue operations, and public safety. Upon successful completion of the academy and probationary requirements, employees may be assigned to a shift schedule with opportunities for specialization, advancement, and continued professional development.
Why Join Prince Georges County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS)?
A career with Prince Georges County Fire/EMS offers the opportunity to:
Make a meaningful difference in peoples lives every day.
Serve one of the most diverse and dynamic communities in the nation.
Receive extensive professional training and development.
Work alongside highly skilled and dedicated public safety professionals.
Pursue advancement and specialized career opportunities.
Build a career founded on teamwork, leadership, and public service.
About the Agency
The Prince Georges County Fire/EMS Department is committed to protecting lives, property, and the environment through exceptional emergency response, risk reduction, and community engagement. Serving one of Marylands largest and most diverse jurisdictions, the Department provides fire suppression, advanced life support, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, fire prevention, public education, and all-hazards emergency services.
Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, our firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and civilian professionals are united by a shared commitment to excellence, integrity, and service. Through innovation, leadership, and operational readiness, we strive to enhance the safety and quality of life for every resident, business, and visitor throughout Prince Georges County.
Examples of Work
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Any of the following:
This position is designated "essential" and the incumbent must be willing to participate as a critical/essential employee during emergencies in the event of a natural or manmade disaster; or special activities/events. Essential employees are expected to report to work or remain at work when other County employees are granted administrative leave.
Additional Information
Please note - using a mobile device, such as a phone or tablet, to complete this application is NOT recommended. You are highly encouraged to use a desktop or laptop computer so that you can carefully and thoroughly read and understand all aspects of applying for this position.
SELECTION PROCESS
Applicants must complete the online application process and successfully pass all required selection phases.
Online Application: Create an online profile and submit a completed application.
Eligibility Review: Only applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be contacted to participate in the additional selection phases below.
Written Examination: Applicants must pass the written examination. Qualified applicants will receive examination details and registration instructions. Scheduled examination dates are:
Friday, November 20, 2026
Sunday, November 22, 2026
Monday, November 23, 2026
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT): Applicants must pass the CPAT, a continuous sequence of events designed to assess their physical ability to perform essential firefighting duties. Applicants follow a predetermined path from one event to the next.
Review the CPAT Information Packet.
Watch the CPAT Overview Video.
Background Investigation: Applicants must successfully complete a background investigation, including:
Credit check
Criminal background check
Psychological screening
Medical examination, including a complete NFPA 1582 physical examination
DISQUALIFIERS
The following factors may result in non-selection for employment as a Prince George's County Firefighter. Each applicant's circumstances will be reviewed individually.
Criminal History
Traffic Violations
Drugs
Other Disqualifying Factors
This list is not exhaustive. The Fire/EMS Department may identify additional reasons for disqualification.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: All persons selected for the Firefighter I position must agree to and sign a Condition of Employment stating the following:
All male U.S. citizens and male aliens living in the U.S. who are 18 and over are required to register with Selective Service. Please go to the Selective Service website to register or verify your registration. All notifications for this position will be made via email; therefore, each applicant must update their online profile at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pgc with any changes to personal information and must continually monitor the email account provided. Also, be sure to update your junk/spam settings to allow emails from all addresses ending in "@co.pg.md.us."
ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED
Eligibility to Work: Under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, an employer is required to hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. Applicants who are selected for employment will be required to provide and verify authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S., only after an offer has been accepted and the Form I-9 is completed. For information on E-Verify, or if you believe the County has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 888-897-7781 or visit their website at dhs.gov/E-Verify.
INTERNAL APPLICANTS: If you are a current Prince Georges County Government employee and seeking a promotion, in accordance with Section 16-200 of the Personnel Law, you have the right to appeal a rejection rating within five (5) working days of receiving a rejection notice. Union employees should refer to their respective collective bargaining agreement and/or union representative for their grievance procedure.
Prince Georges County Government is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
General Plan Information:
The Prince George's County benefits plan year is from January 1 to December 31.
A spouse (to include a same sex spouse) can be added to the health benefit plans. A marriage certificate and social security number is required to add a spouse.
Children under the age of 26 are eligible for coverage under the health benefit plans. This includes stepchildren and children of the same-sex spouse. A birth certificate(s) and social security number(s) is required to add a child(ren). If you are only adding the stepchildren or child(ren) of a same-sex spouse, you will need to submit a marriage certificate. You will also need to submit the birth certificate of the child(ren) and your spouse must be listed as a parent.
The premiums for health benefits are deducted on a pre-tax basis with the exception of Long-Term Disability, Extra Life Insurance and Voluntary Benefits (Short-Term Disability, Whole Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, Cancer Indemnity, Hospital Indemnity Protection, Accident Indemnity Plan, Supplemental Dental and Group Legal Services).
New employees must enroll in the County's health benefit plans within thirty (30) days of the hire date.
The effective date of the health benefits coverage is the beginning of the month following a waiting period of forty-five (45) days from the date of hire.
After enrolling in the County's benefit plans, employees may only make changes to the plans either during the open enrollment period, which occurs annually (usually each October), and/or during the year, due to a family status change (i.e., marriage, births, divorce and adoption).
Employee Benefits
Prince George's County is proud to offer employees an attractive and comprehensive benefits program, including the following:
Paid Leave (Annual, Personal, & Sick) 13 Paid Holidays Retirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Employer Contribution Rate-11.71%
Supplemental Pension Plan
Employee Contribution Rate (Pre-Tax)-3.48%
457(b)
403(b)
Employee Discounts Employee Assistance Program Voluntary Benefits
For additional details, please visit: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/human-resources-management/employees/benefits
01
PLEASE READ AND ACKNOWLEDGE (MQ1) I understand that I am applying for a career as a Firefighter I with Prince Georges County. Further, I acknowledge, understand and certify that: (a) this application is an OFFICIAL DOCUMENT that will be used to determine if I meet the selection requirements mandated by Federal, State, and County laws and regulations; (b) I will carefully and thoroughly read and answer ALL questions honestly and without error; and (c) my ability to successfully complete this Application and the Supplemental Questions is one of the requisite skills to be considered for this position.
02
(MQ2) I will: (a) provide complete and truthful answers to all parts of this application, supplemental questions, and questions asked as part of the recruitment process.; (b) participate in all of the selection and evaluation processes required for this position; and (c) save and review the information I provided in this application often because I will not try to claim that any mistakes or errors were made later. I understand that failure to do so will result in being PERMANENTLY DISQUALIFIED from consideration for any Public Safety position with Prince Georges County. I also understand that should I be offered employment and accept a position with Prince Georges County and subsequently it is discovered that any information I provided is false that I may be terminated from employment in accordance with Personnel Law.
03
Please provide your full middle name and any other names you have used or are known by. Examples are maiden names, names by a former marriage, name changes, nicknames, other names you commonly use, etc. Separate each with a comma.
04
Do you have any EMT certifications? (select all that apply)
05
(MQ3) What is your current age?
06
If you are currently 17 years old and have participated in the Prince Georges County High School Fire Science Program, please check all the certification classes that you have completed. CHECK ALL THAT APPLY. If this question does not pertain to you, select N/A only.
07
(MQ4) I am willing to undergo a comprehensive background investigation, including contacts with all my references, employers, co-workers, close personal associates, etc., and a review of my driving record, credit and financial history, criminal history, educational history, and military service and subject to a psychological evaluation, physical examination, and drug testing.
08
(MQ5) Are you eligible to work in the United States?
09
(MQ6) I understand that: (a) This is a highly competitive process with many qualified applicants for a limited number of positions. (b) Every step in the process is designed to evaluate my character, comprehension, and abilities. (c) Some responses may lead to permanent disqualification, so I have carefully reviewed my application to ensure it is error-free. I commit to: (a) Providing complete and truthful answers. (b) Participating in all evaluation processes required for the position. (c) Regularly reviewing the information provided in my application. I understand that failure to do so could result in being PERMANENTLY DISQUALIFIED from consideration for any Public Safety position with Prince Georges County. I also understand that should I be offered employment and accept a position with Prince Georges County and subsequently it is discovered that any information I provided is false that I may be terminated from employment in accordance with Personnel Law.
10
(MQ8) Which best describes your HIGHEST level of education? You must have at least a High School diploma or GED in order to apply.
11
(MQ9) I, as the applicant, am the only person that has provided any information in this application. I understand and willingly accept that I will be PERMANENTLY DISQUALIFIED for a Public Safety position if anyone has completed any part of this application on my behalf.
12
What languages are you fluent in? (select all that apply)
13
(MQ10) I will update my online profile with any changes to my personal information as soon as they occur. I will also check my online profile regularly, including the email account I provided, because I understand that all information, notices and scheduling regarding this application and evaluation process will be provided only in my online profile and/or through the email account I provided. Also, I will update my junk/spam settings to allow emails from all addresses ending in "@co.pg.md.us".
14
(DRG1) How many times have you used, tried, inhaled, ingested, injected or experimented with cocaine after 18 years old? If you have used cocaine after 18 years old, please explain in question 20.
15
(DRG1A) How many years has it been since you tried, inhaled, ingested, injected, or experimented with cocaine? If you have used cocaine, please explain in question 20.
16
(DRG2) How many times have you used, tried, ingested, injected or experimented with Heroin, PCP, LSD, or other hallucinogens? If you have used Heroin, PCP, LSD, or other hallucinogens, please explain in question 20.
17
(DRG3) How many years has it been since you used, tried, inhaled, ingested, injected or experimented with narcotic drugs not prescribed to you for the purpose of getting high? If you have experimented with a narcotic not prescribed to you for the purpose of getting high, please explain in question 20.
18
(DRG4) Excluding marijuana, how many years has it been since you used, tried, inhaled, ingested, injected, or experimented with any drug or substance for the purpose of getting high? If you have experimented with any drug or substance other than marijuana for the purpose of getting high, please explain in question 20.
19
(DRG5) How many times have you used, tried, inhaled, injected, ingested, experimented with synthetic drugs in any form? If you have used synthetic drugs, please explain in question 20.
20
(MQ11) In the space provided below, please completely explain your history of using or experimenting with any drugs or other controlled substances, whether legal or illegal, prescribed or not prescribed, etc., for the purpose of getting high. You must include detailed information on: 1) What you used; 2) How many times you used it; 3) When you used it (month/year); and 4) Any other important information we should know about your drug use. If this question does apply to you please write "not applicable" in the space below
21
(CRM1) How many times have you sold or distributed illegal drugs? If yes, please explain in question 22.
22
(CRM1A) If you answered yes to the question 21 regarding selling drugs, please explain. If no, put N/A.
23
(CRM2) Are you currently on probation or parole, have any outstanding warrants, or are awaiting any pending criminal proceedings, protective or ex parte orders? If yes, please explain in question 24.
24
(CRM2A) If you answered yes to the question 23, please explain. If no, put N/A.
25
(CRM3) Have you ever been convicted, entered a guilty plea or been given Probation Before Judgement (PBJ) for an assault that occurred in a domestic setting? If yes, please explain in question 26.
26
(CRM3A) If you answered yes to the question 25, please explain. If no, put N/A.
27
(CRM4) Have you ever been convicted of, or plead guilty to, a felony? If yes, please explain in question 28.
28
(CRM4A) If you answered yes to the question 27, please explain. If no, put N/A.
29
(CRM5) Have you ever stolen anything of value? If yes, please explain in question 30.
30
(CRM5A) If you answered yes to the question 29 regarding theft, please explain. If no, put N/A.
31
(DRV1) Do you have a valid motor vehicle drivers license?
32
(DRV2) Do you currently have 5 or more negative points on your Maryland drivers license, or the equivalent for out of state licenses?
33
(DRV3) In the last 3 years, have you been convicted of, or plead guilty to any DWI or DUI charge?
34
(DRV4) How many times have you been convicted of, or plead guilty to a DWI or DUI charge?
35
(DRV5) Are you currently awaiting any pending traffic proceedings? If yes, please explain in question 36.
36
(DRV5A) If you answered yes to the question 35, please explain. If no, put N/A.
37
(MQ12) Effective public safety requires organization and teamwork. Are you willing and able to adhere to County and Departmental rules and regulations; to take orders from superiors; and to work with fellow team members who are of different nationalities, gender, age, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and economic, educational, or social backgrounds?
38
(MQ13) In responding to an emergency situation or incident, there may be victims who are injured and bloodied; may have soiled themselves; may have protruding and broken bones; may have suffered burns; may be suffering from hysteria or other emotional disorders; or may have died. Are you capable, with proper training, to assist these victims, regardless of their physical or mental conditions?
39
(MQ14) Firefighting requires constant preparation, i.e., maintaining technical skills and personal physical conditioning; maintaining and cleaning apparatus and equipment; and learning new skills. Are you prepared to spend a good portion of your work day undertaking these routine, but necessary tasks?
40
Are you willing and able to perform the duties listed below for this position? • I acknowledge that I am willing to work a rotating 24-hour shift that includes weekends and holidays. • I acknowledge that I am willing and able to work shifts that I may be held over for an extended work period of up to 72 hours. • I acknowledge that to progress through the ranks in the firefighting department, I will need to take external training and education at the departments expense. • I acknowledge that I am willing and able to devote personal time to training and education in order to progress through the firefighting ranks. • I acknowledge and understand that firefighters work 24-hour shifts and that the fire station is not only a workplace but it is also a residence maintained by firefighters and medics. • I acknowledge and understand that my job may require me to perform various housekeeping duties, such as cleaning living areas and restrooms, cooking meals, washing dishes, mopping floors, performing yard work (like mowing lawns and shoveling snow), and other similar tasks as needed. • I confirm that I am willing and capable of working any shift assigned to me on any day of the week, including weekends and holidays. I understand that my job is essential, and therefore, I will always report to work on time without fail, regardless of any weather or other circumstances. MQ15) (MQ16) (MQ17) (MQ18)
41
(MQ19) Please tell how you learned about the career opportunity as a Firefighter.
42
(MQ20) Before submitting my application for this position, I confirm that: (a) I have thoroughly reviewed my entire application and all of the answers I have provided to all of the questions that I completed, prepared, and/or submitted all portions of this application on my own, and have verified that all of the information is complete, honest and accurate; (b) I have corrected any and all errors, mistakes, and/or omissions and will not claim that any of my answers were mistakes or made in error; and (c) I have carefully read and thoroughly understand the position announcement. Since I have certified that I have not made any mistakes in my answers to these questions, and I have carefully checked all my answers and corrected any errors, I am ready to accept the consequences that result from the information I have provided.
Required Question
Employer Prince Georges County Government
Address 1400 McCormick Drive, Suite 159
Largo, Maryland, 20774
Phone 301-883-6330
301-883-6330
| Location | MD |
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