Hiring Process Overview

fire ladder 1Thank you for your passion and desire to make a difference every day in our community by applying to become a member of the Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue. The Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue is composed of individuals committed to serve with bravery, honor, and dedication. The information below contains critical instructions and information regarding our hiring process, candidate eligibility requirements, salary, benefits, and hiring schedule. Please read over each area to ensure you are prepared, and remember we are here to assist you along the way.

Firefighter Recruit I Responsibilities

After training, Firefighter Recruit I employees will know how to, for example,:

  • Respond to fire alarms and other emergency calls. 
  • Provide emergency medical care to the sick and injured, including bandaging, splinting, administering oxygen, and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
  • Perform assigned duties in maintaining apparatus, quarters, buildings, equipment, and grounds. 
  • Participate in drills, demonstrations, and courses in hydraulics, pump operation and maintenance, and firefighting techniques. 
  • Drive fire apparatus, EMS vehicles, and support vehicles to the scene of emergencies. 
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Recruit Requirements

Fire Logo.jpgAll newly hired firefighter recruits must successfully complete a firefighter and emergency medical technician training program lasting approximately 38 weeks. To graduate from Hampton Roads Fire Academy  recruits must meet all department standards, including:

  1. A passing score on all written tests with an overall average of 80%.
  2. Attendance in all classes and practical training evolutions.
  3. Certification as a Virginia Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B).
  4. Certification as a Virginia Emergency Medical Advanced EMT (AEMT).
  5. Participation in physical fitness training and achievement of goals. 
  6. Adherence to all standards, rules, guidelines, and requirements.

General Eligibility Requirements (must be met as of the application closing date): 

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record based off the City’s driving criteria.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or legally eligible to work in the United States.
  • Must agree to sign a No Tobacco Use Agreement. 
  • Must meet the medical requirements set forth in NFPA 1582, Chapter 6: Medical Evaluations of Applicants.

Physical Requirements:

All applicants must pass a timed Candidate Physical Ability Test. The firefighter position requires the agility and physical strength to perform prolonged and arduous work under adverse conditions. This includes but is not limited to the ability to lift, move, and maintain position on items (e.g. charged hoses) up to 90 pounds; push objects up to 25 pounds; pull objects from 25 to 50 pounds, and lift or pull victims weighing more than 150 pounds. 

Driver's License Requirements: 

The Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue requires employees to maintain a valid driver's license in good standing in their current state of residence as a condition of employment. Refer to the DMV website for more information on driving and license requirements. 

See additional recruit eligibility requirements

Steps in the Hiring Process

Step 1: Apply. When the online application process opens, applicants may apply 24 hours a day at www.hampton.gov/HIRE. 

Step 2: Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) The process is designed to ensure all applicants have adequate time to learn the course and receive coaching, training, and up to three attempts to pass prior to the date of the applicant written test. The CPAT process must be successfully completed before an applicant may participate in the written test (Step 3). If the CPAT is required after an applicant is hired, the recruit must successfully complete the CPAT prior to the start of the fire academy. 

Step 3: Written Examination. Applicants must pass the CPAT to participate in the written examination. Applicants will be scheduled a time and place to take the written examination. There is no pass or fail in the examination, only a score. Examination scores are the sole property of the City of Hampton and scores are not disseminated to the applicants.

Step 4: Panel Interviews. After the division has determined the number of applicants expected to be hired, a number of applicants will be selected for a panel interview consisting of members of the Division and a representative from Human Recourses. NOTE: Not all applicants will receive an interview. However, as hiring needs arise throughout the year, applicants that were not initially interviewed may then be contacted for a panel interview.

Step 5: Conditional Job Offer. Applicants that have completed the panel interview and are recommended by the panel, may be given a Conditional Job Offer. Applicants must then complete the following:

  • A 12-page Background Questionnaire.
  • Fingerprinted for Va. State Police and FBI Criminal Background History check.
  • The DSS Background Check for crimes involving children.
  • Employment verification and reference checks.
  • Submit to a polygraph examination.
  • Applicants will be medically cleared through a NFPA 1582 physical.
  • Applicants will participate in medical and drug screenings. 

Applicants who successfully complete all steps after the Conditional Job Offer has been made, are eligible to be hired by the City of Hampton. If any of the conditions are deemed to be unsatisfactory, the City of Hampton reserves the right to withdraw the Conditional Job Offer. 

Salary and Benefits Information

Earn while you train: All firefighters are hired at the Firefighter Recruit I level with starting salary of $45,213 per year. The salary will advance to $48,800 after successful completion of the fire academy, Advanced EMT, and field training.

Benefits: Hampton offers excellent benefits, career and professional development, tuition reimbursement, and additional benefits.

  • Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts and Employee Education Assistance
  • Paid Vacation, Personal Days, Sick Leave, Bereavement Leave, Holidays (10), and Birthday
  • VRS Retirement Plan with 1.85% multiplier, to include Hazardous Duty Supplement after 20 years
  • Defined Contribution 401(a) and 457 Hybrid
  • Refer to the city’s benefits web page and the Employee Benefits Guide for detailed information. 

Additional Incentives: Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue is committed to acknowledging our team member’s efforts furthering their education. Additional educational degrees and certifications will increase firefighters' salaries. 
See additional salary details.

Contact Information

Should you have any questions regarding the hiring process, please contact the Recruitment and Training Support Group at sdoggette@hampton.gov.

If an applicant is disqualified from the applicant pool at any point in the process, the Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue reserves the right not to notify the applicant.