BVFD Seeks Full-Time Recruiter

Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department

Position Title: Recruiter
Updated: November 2025

Work Location: 13900 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904

Position Summary

The Recruiter is a full-time, on-site position responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing all recruitment and outreach initiatives for the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD). The primary mission of this role is to attract, engage, and sign-on new volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs), ensuring a sustainable and diverse membership that supports the department’s mission to serve the community.

The Recruiter serves as the main point of contact for prospective members, manages all stages of the application process, and provides accurate, timely updates to BVFD leadership. This position also develops and implements marketing strategies, community engagement initiatives, and performance tracking systems to meet established recruitment goals.

Note: The BVFD Recruiter is a grant-funded position supported through a federal SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant administered by FEMA. The position is contingent upon the grant award and is subject to all terms, conditions, and funding limitations of the grant. Employment under this position will be limited to the approved grant scope and period of performance and is contingent upon the continued availability of grant funding. Hiring decision and start date contingent on grant award and funding.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Recruitment and Outreach

  • Plan and implement strategies to recruit new volunteer firefighters and EMTs, ensuring a consistent pipeline of qualified applicants.
  • Conduct outreach and engagement with local schools, colleges, community groups, and partner organizations to promote BVFD volunteer opportunities.
  • Identify and coordinate participation in career fairs, school visits, and community events that support recruitment goals.
  • Identify and pursue new recruitment opportunities and partnerships to expand BVFD’s visibility in the region.
  • Maintain and enhance expertise in fire service recruitment by participating in relevant training, workshops, conferences, and professional networks. Apply new knowledge and techniques to continuously improve BVFD’s recruitment efforts and volunteer onboarding process.

 

Applicant Processing and Member Support

  • Serve as the primary contact for all applicants, providing clear communication and guidance throughout the recruitment process.
  • Work closely with the Membership Committee to manage all steps in the application process, including inquiries, applications, reference checks, interviews, ride-alongs, and orientation sessions.
  • Prepare monthly Membership Reports detailing upcoming status changes and applicant updates prior to Board Meetings.
  • Maintain an applicant database to ensure the membership committee and departmental leadership is always up to date with incoming applicants.

 

Marketing and Communications

  • Develop, lead, and track a comprehensive online and social media recruitment campaign that effectively promotes BVFD membership.
  • Design and produce professional recruitment materials for print, web, and events.
  • Ensure frequent updates across all BVFD social media platforms, highlighting member stories, training, and volunteer opportunities.
  • Manage the BVFD website as an effective recruiting tool.

Reporting, Tracking, and Administration

  • Provide weekly summaries and detailed monthly reports to BVFD leadership covering recruitment initiatives, applicant progress, and outreach results.
  • Create and maintain tracking systems for recruitment with accuracy and transparency.
  • Present recruitment updates at applicable Board and Membership Meetings.
  • Manage the annual recruitment budget, ensuring responsible use of resources for advertising, events, and materials.
  • Maintain confidentiality of all applicant and member information in accordance with BVFD policy.
  • In the absence of other BVFD leadership and personnel, serve as the on-site point of contact, representing the department to applicants, community members, and partner organizations. Address inquiries, provide guidance, and facilitate access to department resources as needed. 
  • Additionally, perform other duties as assigned to support the department’s operations and ensure optimal performance across all administrative and volunteer functions.

Qualifications & Skills

  • Proven experience in recruitment, marketing, community outreach, or volunteer coordination, ideally within a public safety or nonprofit setting.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, social media platforms, and digital marketing tools.
  • Experience creating professional marketing materials and managing website or social media content.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects under minimal supervision.
  • Familiarity with fire/rescue or volunteer service environments preferred.
  • Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the mission of volunteer service.
  • Ability to work independently and take initiative, managing responsibilities effectively without direct in-person supervision.

Work Schedule

Must be able to work on-site full time at the BVFD station, with flexibility including at least two evenings a month and some weekends to attend recruitment events, departmental or community activities, and meetings. Situational telework may be allowable.  

Compensation & Benefits

The position offers an anticipated starting salary of up to $60,494, commensurate with experience and available grant funding. Benefits provided within the scope of the position may include health insurance reimbursement, retirement contributions, paid holidays, and paid vacation, along with other applicable benefits. All compensation and benefits are subject to program limitations and departmental policies.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and a sample social media post (including both graphic and caption copy) promoting volunteer opportunities for firefighters and EMTs with the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department, using a Spring theme that demonstrates the candidate’s creativity and digital communication skills. Application materials should be sent to hiringcommittee@bvfd.com.

About the BVFD

The Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) is a volunteer, non-profit fire, rescue, and EMS organization serving Burtonsville and the surrounding communities. As part of Montgomery County’s combination fire and rescue system, BVFD volunteers work alongside career firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics to provide high-quality emergency services.

Responding to approximately 7,000 calls annually, BVFD operates a modern fleet of front-line apparatus to deliver fire suppression, rescue, and EMS with professionalism, teamwork, and dedication.

Founded in 1947, BVFD remains committed to protecting life and property. Our volunteers are the heart of the department, bringing skill, passion, and dedication to every call and community event.