Agency-wide Requirements
All applicants must be:
- U.S. citizens (dual U.S. citizens also eligible)
- At least 18 years of age
- Willing to move to the Washington, DC area
- Able to complete security and medical evaluations
- Registered for the Selective Service
About the Job
As a Firefighter (non-supervisory), you will respond to and mitigate emergency incidents, to include fires, Haz Mat incidents, auto accidents, and provide emergency care to ill and injured persons.
Firefighters are based out of a Fire Station and drive and operate emergency apparatus, such as an Engine/Pumper, Tower/Ladder, Rescue/Squad, and Ambulance/Medic Unit (Advanced Life Support). Work involves combating and extinguishing fires, vehicle extrication, technical rescue operations, and providing emergency medical care to the sick or injured. A significant amount of the work-day is spent in preparing for emergencies, including training, practical evolutions, and performing standby duties for high hazard activities.
Firefighters work 48-hour shifts (144-hour bi-weekly work schedule) and are required to work overtime as needed. In the event of a large-scale emergency, Firefighters may be recalled to work. Work may involve strenuous physical activity and exposure to extreme heat, smoke, falling materials, toxic chemicals, and other hazardous conditions.
This position requires a 5-year service commitment. Upon Entrance on Duty (EOD), a 5-year commitment with the Fire Department is required before applying internally to other positions.
- Firefighter/EMT: $77,386 - $94,592
- Firefighter//Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT): $85,993 - 97,474
- Firefighter/Paramedic: $95,233 - $104,763
Who You’ll Work With
At the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), we recognize our Nation’s strength comes from the diversity of its people. People from a broad range of backgrounds and viewpoints work at CIA, and our diverse teams are the reason we can keep our country safe.
Read more about diversity and inclusion
What You’ll Get
Our benefits support every aspect of a working professional’s life, including health and wellness, time off, family, finances, and continuing education. Our programs include highly sought-after government health benefits, flexible schedules, sick leave, and childcare. In some cases, we also offer sign-on incentives and cover moving expenses if you relocate.
As a CIA employee, you’ll also get the satisfaction of knowing your work is part of something bigger than yourself. Our work is driven by one mission: to keep our Nation safe. Every day is an opportunity to enhance U.S. national security.
Learn more about working at CIA.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
- Up to a maximum thirty-seven (37) years of age at time of appointment, unless the candidate has prior Federal service in a FERS-Special covered Firefighter or Law Enforcement position
- FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700, 800
- Fire/Rescue Certifications must be accredited by the Pro Board and/or the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).
- Firefighter Level I & II (NFPA 1001)
- EMS certifications must be National Registry of EMTs:
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
- Paramedic
- Three (3) years of Fire and EMS experience
- Physically and psychologically fit with the ability to lift, carry, and otherwise move and utilize heavy fire/rescue/emergency medical equipment and individuals; must be able to lift and carry 125 lbs per OSHA requirements
- NFPA physical
- Experience as an attendant-in-charge of an ambulance or medic unit
- Ability to apply judgment and deductive reasoning to information about fire situations, recognize the relevancy of each item of information, reach logical conclusions, and adopt an effective course of action using accepted techniques
- Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions
- Ability to utilize basic computer software to document activities and information
- Ability to communicate clearly and accurately, both orally and in writing
- Ability to perform basic administrative activities
- Ability to think clearly; respond immediately; and act quickly, calmly, and effectively in emergency situations
- Ability to work from heights
- Ability to wear breathing apparatus; climb ladders; and work in confined spaces, toxic atmospheres, and extreme heat
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with personnel at the station, other firefighters, volunteers, and the public
- Ability to meet the minimum requirements for joining CIA, including U.S. citizenship and a background investigation
Desired Qualifications
- Fire/Rescue Certifications must be accredited by the Pro Board and/or the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). EMS certifications must be National Registry:
- Regional Fire Academy
- Emergency Vehicle Operations Course, S-3 (NFPA 1451)
- Driver Pump Operator (DPO) (NFPA 1002)
- Driver Aerial Operator (DAO) (NFPA 1002)
- Fire Instructor I (NFPA 1041)
- Fire Officer I (NFPA 1021)
- Fire Inspector I (NFPA 1031)
- Vehicle Rescue Level 1 / Operations (NFPA 1006)
- HTR Rope Rescue 1 / Operations Phase 2 (NFPA 1006)
- HTR Confined Space Rescue II / Technician (NFPA 1006, OSHA CFR 1910.146))
- Hazardous Materials Technician (NFPA 472, OSHA CFR 1910.120)
- FEMA ICS 300, 400
- Airport Rescue Firefighter (NFPA 1003-15)
- Emergency Medical Technician – Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) or Paramedic