Firefighter I Trainee (Written Exam & WPE Scheduled for the week of Aug. 24, 2026)

Compensation Grade:

F9

Salary Range:

$29.93-$49.38

Opening Date:

July 27, 2026

Closing Date:

August 24, 2026

Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As a Firefighter I Trainee for the Airports Authority, you will train to protect the lives of the traveling public by responding to and fighting fires and delivering emergency medical care.
Firefighter I Trainee
Serves in the Fire and Rescue Department of the Office of Public Safety at either Washington Dulles International Airport or Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Performs tasks under the direction of higher level/more experienced employees, including tasks associated with emergency operations to include but not limited to fire suppression, administration of basic life support measures, search and rescue, and/or mitigation of emergency situations. Assists in the maintenance and inspection of apparatus and equipment; performs assigned administrative activities; and participates in training and development activities. Performs related functions.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Emergency Operations

Under the direction of higher level/more experienced employees, responds to and takes action at various types of incidents including structural, aircraft, vehicle, and other types of fires, medical emergencies, vehicular accidents, boating/water accidents, hazardous material emergencies, and weather-related emergencies.

Provides emergency medical, services, lifting and moving people of all ages and weights, adhering to HIPPA regulations, and monitoring the environment during emergency operations for hazardous conditions.

Training and Fitness

Under the direction of higher level/more experienced employees and instructors as appropriate, participates in physical training activities to meet and maintain department standards.

Participates in training sessions and drills to learn the proper use of apparatus and equipment, and enhance knowledge and skill to maintain proficiency and expertise. This function is above and beyond the initial, post-hiring training or orientation training required to meet the department's entry requirements.

Apparatus/Equipment Maintenance/Inspection

Under the direction of higher level/more experienced employees, conducts daily inspections of apparatus (fluid levels, tire pressure, lights, sirens, etc.) and equipment.

Performs periodic inspections and preventive maintenance on apparatus and equipment according to pre-established schedules, cleans equipment and appliances, conducts equipment inventory, washes vehicles, performs station cleaning duties, inspects/reports station maintenance problems, and inspects and maintains station hygiene (e.g., disinfects).

Team Environment

Under the direction of higher level/more experienced employees, participates in pre-planning of structures and post-incident analyses, communicates with community/traveling public at incident scenes to answer questions/provide information, communicates with peers to provide information, and contributes to a positive social environment in the station.

Administrative

Under the direction of higher level/more experienced employees, reviews runs and activities performed by prior shift; records daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly apparatus and equipment inspections within inspection logs.

Notifies OIC regarding apparatus/equipment status, deficiencies, and/or recommendations based on inspections; communicates with supervisor to obtain assignments and inform of issues/problems, complete incident reports, and submit training requests.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must be at least 18 years old by the closing date of the job posting.

Be able to successfully complete a background investigation including a full employment history check, a credit check, a criminal history records check, and a driving records check.

Be able to pass a comprehensive medical and vision examination including drug screening.

Be able to successfully pass a physical ability examination and a polygraph examination.

Be able to pass a written exam.

Be able to successfully complete Fire Recruit Training, including Emergency Medical Technician certification.

Be willing to place oneself in potentially dangerous/chaotic situations.

Ability to work in high-pressure and potentially stressful situations while making decisions and interacting with others.

Ability to follow instructions under a variety of stressful/high-demand situations.

Ability and willingness to effectively work within a team environment, in the station, and in the field.

Ability and willingness to adhere to a high set of standards of work quality, trustworthiness, ethics, moral character, and safety.

Proficiency in problem-solving and decision-making, enabling effective choices even with limited or unclear information.

Ability to use a computer and modern office suite software for time and attendance reporting and other functions.

Ability to speak and write effectively.

Ability to work under pressure, multi-task, and maintain emotional self-control during emergencies, critical incidents, and other situations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

None.

EDUCATION

A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

A state driver’s license in good standing.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

Must be able to perform duties without adverse effects of motion sickness/claustrophobia. 

Works under pressure and maintains emotional self-control during emergencies.

Work requires heavy physical effort; uses strength, climbing/balancing, and crawling.

Skill in handling multiple tasks at the same time.

Regularly exposed to dangerous/hazardous conditions, communicable diseases, and potential for serious injury or death.  Wears personal protective equipment.

Works established shifts; is subject to holdover and recall for essential services and emergencies.

Work requires considerable mental attention to maintain alertness and concentration to avoid or minimize danger when working in very close proximity to fires, energized electrical wires, and unstable substances or surroundings.

Subject to one-time and recurring training, certification, and other requirements and standards mandated by the Commonwealth of Virginia and other proper authorities.

Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quality, quantity, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.

A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.