Working for ACFR
Firefighter/EMT Pay
- You can expect to make between $52,000 - $87,018 depending on experience. Please reach out to workforacfr@albemarle.org to discuss your specific experience levels to determine the most accurate pay rate.
- College degree incentives
- $1,000 for associate's degree
- $2,000 for bachelor's degree
- Virginia Retirement System
Supportive Environment
- New and well-maintained equipment
- Peer support group
- Health and wellness programs
- ACFR Way
Skill-Based Pay and Stipends
- $10,000 for Paramedic stipend
- $1,000 for Driver Pump Operator
- $1,000 for Hazardous Materials Technician
- $1,000 for Technical Rescue Team
* Added to annual base pay after assessment, release, and, if applicable, placement onto specialty team.
Growth Opportunities
Firefighter/EMT
The Firefighter/EMT is the life blood of ACFR. This is where everyone begins and where you will experience fire and EMS calls for the first time. Your primary responsibilities will be driving the ambulance, basic emergency medical treatment of patients, assisting Paramedics, fighting fire with a hose line and providing public education.
Driver Pump Operator (DPO)
The Driver Pump Operator is the person behind the wheel of the fire engine. Your primary role is driving the crew to and from all incidents safely. You will also be responsible for securing and blocking roadways while crews work on scene. On a fire scene you are pumping water from the engine to all the fire hoses. Normally you will have 2-3 years on the job to achieve this level.
HazMat Team
ACFR’s Hazmat Team is specialized to handle and mitigate incidents involving hazardous substances within the County and City along with the City of Charlottesville’s Hazmat team, the two provide a joint response to the community. They possess specialized training in chemical, biological, and radiological materials and provide additional resources to handle spills, leaks, and other emergencies. The hazmat team is based out of Station 15 (Ivy) and with additional hazmat equipment assigned to Engine 151 and a specialty unit, Hazmat 15. Team membership is open to those off probation with the training listed in the Career Development Plan.
Paramedic
The Paramedic is the primary care provider to patients in the field. In other words, you are the "right-hand" of the doctor at the hospital until the patient arrives to the ER. Primary responsibilities are diagnosing injury or illness and treating life threatening problems with medications in order to get people to the hospital for further care. Normally, you will have 2-3 years on the job to achieve this level.
Officer
The Officer is the man or woman in charge of the incident and the crew leader on the ground. This person’s job is to keep everyone safe. Primary responsibilities are deciding what resources are needed, mitigating tasks, directing crew members, and updating everyone on the radio. A minimum of 6 years on the job is required along with specific training classes and passing the promotion process.
Technical Rescue Team
ACFR's Technical Rescue Team (TRT) provides services for complex rescue situations that require an advanced level of training. The team is based at Station 11 and operates Squad 11 for county-wide TRT responses. Response types include high and low angle rescues, light and heavy vehicle extrication, straight wall trench collapse, confined space rescue and machinery rescue. Team membership is open to any Firefighter/EMT or Officer who has achieved the required levels of training and attends regular team training
Water Rescue Team
The Water Rescue Team (WRT) provides water rescue services throughout the County and to surrounding jurisdictions upon request and in collaboration with other area teams. Members are trained in surface water, swift water and flood water rescue situations in addition to boat operations. The WRT operates a Zodiac Emergency Rescue Boat, a jet drive kayak as well as traditional sit-on-top style kayaks and utilizes Squad 11 for responses and a dedicated tow vehicle and trailer. Membership is open to any Firefighter/EMT or Officer who has achieved the required levels of training and attends regular team training.
Fire Marshal's Office
The Fire Marshal’s Office (FMO) resides within the Community Risk & Resilience section. These officers are responsible for determining the origins of incidents involving fires, hazmat, and explosions. During their investigations they will interpret law and codes, conduct interviews, and collect and process evidence. In addition to enforcement, they also assist with public engagement efforts throughout the community. Those interested in this work focus their training on building safety, inspections, and attend the Virginia Fire Marshal Academy.
Training and Professional Development
Training and Professional Development provides instruction across the fire, EMS, and special operations disciplines throughout the year, including recruit and paramedic schools. Comprised of one battalion chief, one captain, three uniformed instructors, one non-uniformed EMS coordinator, one non-uniformed EMS instructor, and one administrative assistant, the Training and Professional Development team provides initial and ongoing training for both paid and volunteer members in line with the department’s mission. Members interested in a training-centered career pathway should focus on obtaining Instructor and Train-the-Trainer credentials.