Hiring Process: Read Carefully.
The Virginia Beach Fire Department’s comprehensive hiring process may take eight to ten months to complete. The process involves seven stages. Applicants must successfully pass one stage before proceeding to the next. City and state residency are not required. Virginia or North Carolina driver’s license is required within 30 days of employment. Below is a brief description of each stage. Note: Dates and timeframes are subject to change without notice.
Stage One: Starting early February 2012
The Virginia Beach Fire Department is currently not accepting applications.
Please check here often for updates.
IMPORTANT: Save 2012 Firefighter Recruit confirmation number to track application status. If you did not receive a WAVE confirmation number, call City Human Resources at 757-385-4157 for assistance.
Confirmed applicants will receive email notification of their written test appointment and instructions to complete the Virginia State Police History Check Request form (click HERE to print). Notifications will be sent via email. If you do not receive a written test email notification by March 2, 2012, contact Fire Human Resources at hireVBFD@VBgov.com or call 757-385-8579.
An optional Written Test Study Guide is available for purchase at www.publicsafetyrecruitment.com. The Study Guide is designed to help you become acquainted with the types of questions included in the examination, provide you with some general test-taking strategies, and provide information about common testing errors and strategies for avoiding them. NOTE: The Study Guide is not required.
Stage Two: Starting mid March 2012
The Written Test will be held on March 22, 2012 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, www.VBfun.com. Bring completed and notarized Virginia State Police Criminal History Check Request form to your assigned Written Test. VBFD will process the form to begin your background investigation. Fire HR appointment notice and photo ID required for test entry. Written Test Appointment Notices were emailed to all confirmed applicants on February 24, 2012. Contact Fire Human Resources by March 19, 2012 if you did not receive your notice. Email: hireVBFD@VBgov.com.
Stage Three: Starting late April 2012
Applicants continuing in the process must turn in their completed PHQ by 4:00 PM EST, April 27, 2012. Mail or deliver PHQ and required documents to: VBFD – HR, 2408 Courthouse Drive, Building 21, Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9129. Click here for PHQ
Required documents include: Make sure all photocopies are legible.
· Photocopy of Driver's License
· Photocopy of High School Diploma or GED
· Original State DMV Driving History Records dated after February 10, 2012. Must submit a DMV record for each state in which you were issued a Driver’s License in the past five years (Feb 2007 – present). DMV records from third party sources i.e. insurance companies, other public safety agencies are not acceptable.
· Photocopy of Military Discharge form DD-214, page Member 4 (if applicable)
· Photocopy of Fire certifications issued in 2008 or later (optional) – FF I, FF II, HazMat Awareness, and HazMat Operations
· Photocopy of EMS certifications (optional) i.e. EMT, First Aid, CPR, BLS
· Note: All documents submitted will become property of the City of Virginia Beach Fire Department and will not be returned. Incomplete packets will not be accepted. Start gathering or submitting requests for documentation now. Some agencies require up to 30 days processing your request i.e. DMV Driving Record. Find out the timeline requirements and plan accordingly.
Stage Four: Starting early May 2012
The Physical Agility Test (PAT) will be conducted at the Fire & EMS Training Center, 927 S. Birdneck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Applicants continuing in the process will receive email notification of their PAT appointment. Fire HR appointment notice and photo ID required for test entry. VBFD will provide opportunities for applicants to practice and train for the Physical Agility Test (PAT). Click HERE for a list of Physical Agility Practice Sessions dates. Applicants are required to sign a Waiver for Claim of Injury form prior to each practice session and agility test. Appropriate attire and shoes required.
Stage Five: Starting mid May through early July 2012
Fire HR will review Personal History Questionnaire, required documents, and initial background reports. Depending on the number of applicants remaining in the process, the City of Virginia Beach Human Resources may narrow the candidate pool to 400 candidates through an automated random selection process. Applicants continuing in the process will receive additional instructions via USPS Mail.
Stage Six: Late July 2012 through mid September 2012
Panel Interviews - Fire HR appointment notice and photo ID required. Candidates will complete a Virginia Department of Social Services Central Registry Check form. Candidates continuing in the process will receive a Polygraph appointment notice and instructions via email.
Stage Seven: Early October 2012 through early November 2012
The Fire Chief and Fire HR will review recommendations and final background investigation reports. Conditional offer letters of employment and pre-placement assessment appointments (at City’s expense) will be sent via USPS Mail.
Final offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion and recommendation of the following:
· Medical Exam by the Occupational Health Department
· Wellness and SCBA Fit Test
· Uniform Fitting
· Virginia Department of Social Services Central Registry review
The Tidewater Regional Fire Academy (TRFA) will begin in late Fall 2012. All Firefighter Recruits will attend the training academy for seven to eight months. Training will include class work and practicum to obtain certification in Firefighting and Emergency Medical Technician at Basic and Enhanced levels.
EOE