How to Get Started
The new hire procedure is the same except for the application portion for volunteers and paid members.
Volunteers can stop by the station and speak with an on-duty crew member. The following process will be set up.
For paid recruitment, we usually utilize Indeed.com for our recruiting and application process. We create a post. There, the applicant can apply and list their qualifications and resume. We will then schedule a three-question phone interview, and the applicant must complete this skill to move forward. The testing session consists of a physical agility test and a cognitive exam.
An initial set of vitals is taken before the agility test. These vitals are not shared with anyone and are in place for the candidate’s safety. If a candidate has a blood pressure of 160 or above systolic or 100 or above diastolic, they will not be able to participate. The consumption of Energy drinks is strongly discouraged before the test.
The candidate will take two tests; the Physical Agility Test and the Cognitive Exam. See the information below about both.
Rules and Requirements for the Physical Agility Test
- All PT exercises must be completed in athletic apparel.
- NO SHORTS ARE ALLOWED.
- The run will be performed in athletic apparel.
- The main portion of the agility, a coat, helmet, gloves, and SCBA will be added to the candidate.
- The candidate will climb the ladder with only a helmet and work gloves added to the athletic apparel.
- The candidate will wear a harness during the climb and will be attached to a safety line.
Physical Agility Test
The physical agility test consists of the following three areas and candidates will get a small break between test areas.
- 1 mile run/walk/jog: The candidate can walk or run as long as it is completed in under 13 minutes.
- Skills: The candidate will perform the following skills:
- Punisher sled horizontal weight drive with a sledgehammer. The candidate will move the weight from one side to the other using the sledgehammer to move the weight by striking it.
- Simulated hose pull: the candidate will pull a fire hose attached to a weighted sled 100’. The sled must cover the entire distance.
- The candidate will perform a farmer’s carry using 45-lb dumbbells or kettlebells with one in each hand. The candidate must travel 200’ total. A cone will be set 100’ from the starting point. The candidate must walk around the cone and back to the starting point without dropping the kettlebells. The candidate is allowed to stop and reset their grip at the turn.
- The candidate must then carry a 50’ bundle of hose up a set of stairs twice. Up and back down is 1 rep.
- The candidate must then hoist a 5″ rolled section of hose up over the railing at the top of the stairs two times. Up and down is one rep.
- The candidate must then perform a sandbag lift from the ground to the shoulder two times. Ground to shoulder is 1 rep.
- The candidate must then drag the dummy 100’
- Aerial Device : The candidate will then have to climb an aerial device. Depending on what apparatus is in service, this may be 75’ or 107’.
Requirements for the Cognitive Exam
Cognitive Exam
- The cognitive exam used is the TABE 11.
- The test consists of a mathematics section, a reading comprehension section, and a language section.
- The test does not give a pass or fail grade.
- The grading criteria does show what grade level a candidate is on from grades 1-8. If the candidate is on a grade above 8th the grade given will be 8th grade plus. There are study guides available.
Interview Process
If the candidate passes both tests, they will be invited to participate in an interview. This interview could be in person or virtual. After the interview the candidates will be reviewed. A decision to make a job offer or the decision to not make a job offer will then be made. Depending on the availability of openings, some candidates may be put into a hiring pool.
Anyone that is interested is free to reach out to the Chief or Professional Development for help, guidance, or information about being in the fire service.