Accepting applications for Volunteer SupportTechnicians
December 1, 2012 through December 21, 2012!
Apply using the WAVE application found at
Program Dates: Classes will be held on Saturdays and Sundays, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, at the Fire & EMS Training Center, 927 S. Birdneck Road in Virginia Beach.
Minimum Application Requirements:
(1) Must be 18 years old by first day of training program
(2) Must have high school diploma or GED at time of application
(3) Must have a valid United States driver's license at time of application
(4) Must be eligible to work in the United States at time of application
Additional Process Requirements:
(1) Must attend one VST Information Meeting (see schedule listed under Application Process)
(2) Must be able to lift, bend, and walk while carrying a minimum of 60 lbs (Physical Ability Assessment will be conducted at VST Information Meeting);
(3) Must pass polygraph exam and review; Federal background check and review, and DMV driving record(s) check and review;
(4) Must comply with Fire Department's minimum disqualifiers (see below);
(5) Must pass Safety Sensitivity Physical conducted by City's Occupational Health Division
(6) Must attend all scheduled training*
*Must attend all weekend classes scheduled to begin (TBA)- at the Fire & EMS Training Center, 927 S. Birdneck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Classes will include physical fitness activity, classroom instruction, and practical exercise.
Program Requirements:
(1) Successfully complete the Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC)
(2) Maintain current CPR and Basic First Aid certifications
(3) Volunteer a minimum of 36 hours per month (this may include training and meetings)
(4) And adhere to uniform and grooming guidelines for VSTs
City of Virginia Beach Fire Department - List of Applicant Disqualifiers
The following are considered disqualifying factors and may result in non-selection. Each of these disqualifiers will be reviewed on an individual basis.
Criminal History:
- Conviction of any felony
- Conviction of any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude (e.g. lying, cheating or stealing)
- Conviction of any Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor, including traffic violations, within the last three years; or the Virginia State Law equivalent of a Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor within the last three years
- Conviction of initiating a false alarm as an adult
- Conviction of an arson or arson related crime
- Commission of undetected crimes of a serious or some repetitive nature
NOTE: Some minor offenses are classified as Class 1 misdemeanors (e.g. littering), but would not result in automatic disqualification. Convictions of this nature will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in the context of the full investigation/review. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Fire Human Resources to discuss specific concerns regarding your eligibility.
Traffic Violations:
- Three or more negative points on a Virginia Operator's License or the equivalent for out of state licenses within the last 12 months
- Any conviction of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol; unreasonable refusal to submit to blood or alcohol tests; reckless driving; eluding police; racing; leaving the scene of an accident or any suspension of driving privileges within the last five years
Drugs:
- Illegal possession or sale of marijuana or a derivative thereof within a 12-month time frame of the polygraph exam
- Illegal possession or sale of non-prescription narcotics, controlled substances or illegal drugs (such as heroin, cocaine, hallucinogens or any other schedule 1 or 2 drug, or any derivative thereof, as defined in the Code of Virginia) within a five year time frame of the polygraph exam
- Current illegal or improper use of any controlled substance including, but not limited to, marijuana and anabolic steroids
Other:
- Dishonorable discharge from any military service
- Untruthfulness, the withholding of information, deliberate inaccuracies, or incomplete statements on any application, interview or paperwork, or cheating on any examination or testing associated with the selection process
NOTE: This is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of background disqualifiers. An applicant may be disqualified for other concerns. Applicants who are successful in the initial testing will undergo a polygraph examination. Areas of concern will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Areas of concern may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Reduction of charges as a result of a plea agreement or other form of sentencing disposition prior to a conviction in any of the aforementioned criminal and driving history categories
- Crimes committed as a juvenile, including undetected crime
- Patterns of reckless or irresponsible driving or multiple convictions of driving under the influence
- Illegal drug possession that does not fall within the parameters defined above
- Less than honorable military discharge
- Erratic work record
- Unfavorable employment references