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1. What schedule do firefighters and paramedics work?

Field personnel with the Loudoun County Department of Fire and Rescue - Operations Division have a 42 - hour work week and operate on one of three schedules:

The 5-12 shift is a 12-hour day, from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, and is based on a Monday through Friday schedule with every weekend off. In addition to each weekend off, you will also be off at least one weekday each week. This is a 10-week rotation of days off where the tenth week you only work Tuesday and Wednesday.

The 7-12 shift is a 12-hour day, from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, and is based upon a seven-day-a-week schedule. The first week you work Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; and the second week only Wednesday and Thursday. It is a constant two-week rotation.

The 24-72 shift is a fixed schedule where you work 24 hours, 6:00 am to 6:00 am, and then are off for 72 hours. In other words, if you work Monday, you will work again on Friday. This translates to 7-8, 24-hour shifts per month.

2. Are there additional pay incentives for specialized training / positions?

Yes. Loudoun County offers pay incentives for the following specialties:

• Advanced Life Support (ALS) Preceptee (A trainee, who works in the field with a senior medic.)
• ALS Preceptor (A paramedic who oversees the student while in the field.)
• ALS Provider: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic
• Bomb Technician
• Canine Handler
• Hazardous Materials Technician and Specialist
• Peer Fitness Trainer
• Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Technician

3. What benefits do you enjoy as a Loudoun County employee?

• Deferred compensation retirement plan
• Disability benefits (short-and long-term)
• Flexible Savings Account
• Health benefits that include medical, dental, vision, and prescription medication
• Health Savings Account
• Holidays (12 and a half days per year)
• Virginia Retirement System

4. How long is firefighter / EMT recruit school?

Recruit training is a 26 to 27 week process, depending on holidays. This includes several weeks of time spent with an ambulance or medical unit.

5. What steps must I complete to be hired by the Department of Fire and Rescue?

• Complete the written exam with a 70% score or higher
• Complete a nine-station physical ability test course in less than 10 minutes
• Pass a polygraph test and background examination
• Successfully complete a pre-employment physical including drug screening
• Complete a panel interview

If you successfully complete all of the above steps, you will be placed on an eligibility list of firefighter vacancies.