Fire Department
Hiring Process
The Basics
- Check the job announcements posted on this website. You can apply online, or download an application and mail it in.
- Applications are reviewed to determine if the applicants meet the minimum qualification requirements stated in the FF/EMT Trainee job announcement.
- Applicants who meet minimum requirements will be invited to take the FF/EMT Trainee written examination. The written exam consists of a multiple-choice aptitude test that may include measures of mechanical ability, ability to comprehend written materials and the ability to interpret a report.
- A voluntary, self-study pre-conditioning guide to the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is available for candidates to review before the test is given.
- Based on the needs of the department at any given time, oral panel interviews are conducted next, and a physical ability test is taken. All tasks will be demonstrated at the time of the test. Admission to this test is conditioned on the candidate's signing a form releasing the County from liability. This is a time-sensitive pass or fail test.
- Applicants who are selected receive a conditional job offer; that is, conditional on the following examinations and background investigations.
Medical/Physical/Psychological Examinations are given, which include drug screening and other screening examinations as appropriate. Background investigation are conducted to ascertain criminal history, credit, employment and personal reference checks. - A final job offer is made to candidates who pass the above exam and investigation. They are then issued uniforms and equipment, report to Recruit School, and participate in New Employee Orientation.
Hiring Process in Greater Detail
The Fire and Human Resources Departments coordinate the following tasks that candidates must complete in order to be hired as a FF/EMT Trainee.
Step 1: Conduct Outreach and Recruitment
Step 2: Post Job Announcement and Deadline
Step 3: Screen Applications
Applications are reviewed to determine if the applicants meet the minimum qualification requirements stated in the FF/EMT Trainee job announcement.
Step 4: Schedule Written Test and Distribute Written Test Study Guide
Applicants who meet minimum requirements will be invited to take the FF/EMT Trainee written examination.
Step 5: Administer Written Test
The written examination consists of a multiple-choice aptitude test that may include measures of mechanical ability, ability to comprehend written materials and the ability to interpret a report.
- Distribute Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Guide - This is a voluntary self-study pre-conditioning guide.
- View CPAT Video
- Distribute CPAT Practice Schedule
- Distribute Background Investigation Package
- Notarize Background and Credit Check Waivers
Step 6: Schedule Candidates for CPAT
- Conduct CPAT Practice Sessions
Step 7: Administer CPAT
All tasks will be demonstrated at the time of the test. Admission to this test is conditioned on the candidate’s signing a form releasing the County from liability. This is a time-sensitive pass or fail test.
Step 8: Schedule Candidates for Oral Panel Interviews
Step 9: Conduct Oral Panel Interviews
- Fingerprint Candidates for Criminal History Check
Step 10: Complete Background Investigations
This step includes criminal history, credit, employment and personal reference checks.
Step 11: Fire Chief’s Review and Recommendation
Step 12: Extend Conditional Job Offer
Based on the Fire Department’s staffing needs, selected applicants will receive a conditional job offer.
Step 13: Schedule Medical/Physical/ Psychological Examinations and Uniform Fitting
This step includes drug screening and may include other screening examinations as deemed appropriate.
Step 14: Select Candidates for Final Job Offer
Step 15: Notify Candidates of Final Job Offer
Candidates complete necessary Human Resources Department hiring documents.
Step 16: Issue Uniforms and Equipment
- Candidate Equipment Fit Test
Step 17: Candidates Report to Recruit School
Step 18: Candidates Participate in the Mandatory County New Employee Orientation
