Airport Firefighter

Overview

Join the Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport as an Airport Firefighter, providing crucial Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) services along with emergency medical response in an aviation setting. This role involves protecting the public, airport staff, tenants, and visitors by responding to emergencies including aircraft incidents.

Key Responsibilities

• Respond promptly to aircraft emergencies, medical events, hazardous material incidents, and other urgent situations on airport grounds.
• Operate specialized ARFF firefighting vehicles and equipment efficiently.
• Deliver emergency medical care consistent with your certification level until advanced medical personnel arrive.
• Participate actively in rescue, emergency response, and post-incident recovery operations related to aircraft.
• Perform fire extinguisher inspections and assist with fire prevention measures.
• Engage in required training for ARFF and emergency medical protocols to comply with FAA standards.
• Support airport emergency preparedness and overall safety programs.
• Maintain firefighting apparatus, emergency vehicles, equipment, and station facilities in good working order.
• Serve as essential personnel during adverse weather and other emergencies to aid airport operations and public safety.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or an equivalent credential.
• Certification as a Virginia Firefighter I or equivalent training and experience.
• At least 21 years old.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Capability to obtain and maintain TSA clearance granting unescorted access to secure areas of the airport.
• Successful completion of a background check, medical exam, drug screening, and physical agility test.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF).
• Certification as Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), EMT, or higher.
• Hazardous Materials Operations certification.
• An associate degree in Fire Science, Emergency Services, Criminal Justice, or related fields.
• Minimum three years' experience in fire service or emergency services.

Training Provided

The Airport Commission supports candidate development by offering training to obtain FAA-required ARFF certification and Virginia EMR or higher certification within the first year of employment, subject to course availability.

Desired Attributes

• Integrity and professionalism in all duties.
• Capacity to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Dedication to safety and excellent customer service.
• Attention to detail and good judgment.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.

Work Schedule and Physical Demands

This role involves rotating shifts including nights, weekends, holidays, potential overtime, emergency callbacks, and extended hours during severe weather or crises. It requires physical fitness to perform demanding tasks—lifting, crawling, climbing, working in restrictive environments, wearing protective gear and SCBA, and enduring all weather conditions—with successful completion of physical agility evaluations.

Compensation and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary based on experience and qualifications, and a comprehensive benefits package including participation in the local pension plan, health, dental, and vision insurance, paid leave and holidays, life insurance, employee assistance programs, and opportunities for professional training.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Roanoke Regional Airport Commission is committed to equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals.