Firefighter/EMT
THE 2003 APPLICATION PERIOD WILL RUN FROM MAY 1 THROUGH MAY 22. APPLICATIONS CAN BE OBTAINED IN PERSON, BY MAIL, OR ON LINE FROM BATES TECHNICAL COLLEGE AND THE FEDERAL WAY FIRE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AND TRAINING STATIONS DURING THAT TIME PERIOD. CHECK OUT THE BATES WEB SITE AT www.bates.ctc.edu
WRITTEN EXAM AND CPAT ORIENTATION WILL BE HELD AT BATES ON JULY 12**
THE 2003 APPLICATION PERIOD WILL RUN FROM MAY 1 THROUGH MAY 22. APPLICATIONS CAN BE OBTAINED IN PERSON, BY MAIL, OR ON LINE FROM BATES TECHNICAL COLLEGE AND THE FEDERAL WAY FIRE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AND TRAINING STATIONS DURING THAT TIME PERIOD. CHECK OUT THE BATES WEB SITE AT www.bates.ctc.edu
WRITTEN EXAM AND CPAT ORIENTATION WILL BE HELD AT BATES ON JULY 12**
CPAT PHYSICAL ABILITY TESTING WILL BE HELD AT BATES ON SEPTEMBER 6 AND 7**
**Dates are tentative and subject to change
The Federal Way Fire Department utilizes the eligibility list established by a joint testing process through Bates Technical College to hire for Firefighter/EMT positions. The Bates process consists of distribution of applications during a two-week period each May followed by a written test and physical agility testing to establish an eligibility list. When openings occur, the Federal Way Fire Department will use the eligibility list and follow the department’s Firefighter Hiring Policy. This policy and a Firefighter/EMT job description are shown below.
Welcome to our
Employment Opportunities page!
Firefighter/EMT
THE 2003 APPLICATION PERIOD WILL RUN FROM MAY 1 THROUGH MAY 22.
APPLICATIONS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM BATES TECHNICAL COLLEGE AND THE FEDERAL
WAY FIRE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS STATION AND TRAINING STATION DURING THAT
TIME PERIOD.
WRITTEN EXAM AND CPAT ORIENTATION WILL BE JULY 12.
CPAT PHYSICAL ABILITY TESTING WILL BE HELD SEPTEMBER 6 & 7, 2003
The Federal Way Fire Department
utilizes the eligibility list established by a joint testing process through
Bates Technical College to hire for Firefighter/EMT positions. The Bates
process consists of distribution of applications during a two-week period
each May followed by a written test and physical agility testing to
establish an eligibility list. When openings occur, the Federal Way Fire
Department will use the eligibility list and follow the department’s
Firefighter Hiring Policy. This policy and a Firefighter/EMT job
description are shown below.
FIREFIGHTER HIRING POLICY REVISED 4/16/2003
GENERAL COMMENT:
The following policy establishes the hiring practice that the Federal Way
Fire Department (FWFD) shall utilize to fill new firefighter positions
within the department. The FWFD shall utilize the joint testing process
established through Bates Technical College to establish an eligibility
list. Candidates will be taken from the eligibility list to proceed through
a selection process described herein.
A. HIRING POLICY:
Applicants for the position of firefighter shall be subjected to a
series of qualifying tests to include, but not limited to:
1. Completion of the Department’s application.
2. A thorough background and driving record check.
3. Written and physical ability tests administered by Bates Technical
College.
4. An oral Board administered by the Federal Way Fire Department.
5. A personal interview.
6. A medical examination by a licensed physician, which includes drug
testing. The medical examination will follow the requirements established in
the “Minimum Medical Standards for Firefighters in Washington Cities and
Fire Districts”.
7. A psychological examination by a licensed practitioner.
b. commitment to diversity
The Federal Way Fire Department represents a
diverse community and is committed to supporting diversity in its
workforce. In support of that goal, the Human Resource Manager shall pursue
educational strategies that will inform and encourage minority involvement
in the hiring process. This shall include, at a minimum, advertising in at
least two local minority publications prior to the annual Bates written
testing process.
c. Hiring Test Process:
The first step of the hiring process shall include written and
physical ability tests administered by Bates Technical College. This shall
be in conjunction with other fire departments in the Puget Sound area that
participate in a joint process to establish an eligibility list. Bates
Technical College annually establishes an eligibility list with the top 100
applicants for all of the participating departments to choose from when any
of them has an opening in their respective department. The FWFD may modify
the scoring process for the establishment of the top 100 candidates by
adding preference points for candidates that have current volunteer or
resident status with the FWFD.
1. Preference Points for Current Residents and Volunteers:
Current resident firefighters and “air rehabilitation/emergency
medical services support” and “fire investigator” volunteers who participate
in the Bates testing shall receive preference points based upon their active
participation with the FWFD. The preference points shall be added on to
their score to establish the top 100 candidates for the Federal Way Fire
Department. The points shall be equivalent to two percent (2%) of the
candidate’s total score. In other words, resident firefighters and “air
rehab/E.M.S” and “fire investigator” volunteers shall have 2% of their total
Bates score added on to make a final score (i.e. a score of “95” would then
become a score of “96.90”).
In order for resident firefighters and “air rehabilitation/emergency
medical services support” and “fire investigator” volunteers to receive
their preference points, they must have achieved and maintained the
following:
a. Must be a currently active (not on Leave of Absence) member of the
department for a period of at least six (6) months.
b. Must be current with all required drills, sleeper duties, and shift
assignments.
c. Must request their preference points during the Department’s
application process.
2. When an Opening Exists in the FWFD:
When the FWFD has an opening, the number of candidates that will
proceed on to the oral board process shall be determined by taking the total
number of openings and adding 30 to that number. Thus, if the department has
an opening for 6 firefighters, 36 of the candidates on the eligibility list
shall be invited to participate in the oral board process.
At the time that an opening is formally posted, the FWFD will initiate
the following steps:
a. Identify the top thirty (30) applicants plus the number of vacancies
that are available to interview for a position.
b.
Conduct an oral board process of
the applicants.
c.
Conduct a chief’s interview of the
applicants.
d.
Selection by the Chief of
Operations of the best candidates.
3. Testing Description:
a.
Written Test:
This is a general knowledge test administered by
Bates Technical College. The purpose of the test is to establish a list of
eligible candidates who may then proceed on to other dimensions within the
overall hiring process.
b.
Physical Ability Test:
This is a job simulation test that is used to
objectively measure a fire fighter candidate’s physical ability to perform
based on an exhaustive and comprehensive analysis of critical, arduous and
frequently performed fire fighting tasks. It is administered by Bates
Technical College, and utilizes the candidate physical ability test (CPAT)
jointly adopted by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and
the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).
The CPAT is a pass/fail test based on a validated maximum total time of 10
minutes and 20 seconds. In the test, candidates wear a 50-pound vest to
simulate the weight of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). An
additional 25 pounds of weight is added to the candidate’s shoulders to
simulate a high-rise pack during the stair climb event. Throughout all
events, candidates wear long pants, a hard hat with a chin strap, work
gloves and footwear with no open heel or toe.
The different events making up the CPAT include:
1)
Stair Climb
2)
Hose Drag
3)
Equipment Carry
4)
Ladder Raise and Extension
5)
Forcible Entry Machine
6)
Search Maze
7)
Rescue of Mannequin
8)
Ceiling Breach and Pull
Candidates who successfully complete the CPAT will be issued cards by
Bates Technical College validating their test results for a period of 90
days. Candidates will be required to retake the CPAT every 90 days in order
to maintain a valid card from Bates. The Federal Way Fire Department shall
only bring in candidates with a valid card (within 90 days of their
successfully completed CPAT) for inclusion in the oral board portion of the
hiring process.
c. Oral Board Examination:
The oral board examination shall be comprised of five assessors made up
of a combination of two Chief Officers, the Human Resource Manager, a member
of the Union Executive Board or their designee, and a firefighter chosen by
the Chief of Operations. The assessors shall interview the candidates and
shall score and rank them in order of their performance before the oral
board panel.
The oral board score shall count as 100% of the score to determine
which candidates shall then move on to the personal interview. This score
shall then represent the candidate’s “total score” on the hiring
test, which can be used to determine seniority in cases of more than one
person entering the Department at the same time.
d. Chief’s Interview:
The Chief of Operations shall take the top twenty (20)
available candidates from the oral board examinations, along with the total
number of firefighter positions being filled, to a personal interview with
him/her. (e.g., if 3 firefighters are being hired, then the top 23 will
proceed on to the Chief’s interview with the Chief of Operations).
Following the Chief’s interview, the Chief of Operations shall choose
the candidate(s) who he/she determines to have the best fit for the
department. Candidates selected shall be given a conditional offer of
employment to fill the vacant position(s). The Chief of Operations has the
authority to offer employment, subject to medical and psychological
examinations, as well as background checks, to any candidate that he/she
interviews from the eligibility list, limited to the number of vacancies
available.
e. Medical Examinations:
A conditional offer of employment will be made based on successful
passing of a medical physical examination and drug testing. The medical
examination will fit the requirements of the “Minimum Medical Standards for
Firefighters in Washington Cities and Fire Districts” as adopted by the
Association of Washington Cities and the Washington State Association of
Fire Chiefs. The offer of employment will be withdrawn if an individual does
not pass the physical to the satisfaction of the FWFD and the Department’s
physician.
In addition, the FWFD may choose to have applicants undergo a
psychological examination to determine an individual’s competency and/or
ability to function as part of the fire department. A conditional offer of
employment will be made based on passing of this examination to the
satisfaction of the FWFD.
f. Background Checks:
Background checks will be performed on
applicants, which at a minimum will include the following:
Applicants must have a valid, current
driver’s license, and a good driving record. An abstract of their driving
record will be requested from the Washington State Department of Licensing,
and reviewed by Fire Department officials..
Requests for criminal history information
under the Child/Adult Abuse Information Act (R.C.W. 43.43.830 through
43.43.845) will be sent to the Washington State Patrol.
Follow-up with current and/or past
employers.
g. Application Process:
All interested candidates that are on the Bates list must correctly
fill out an application form prior to participation in the aforementioned
hiring processes. The application forms shall be made available to the
candidates from the Bates Technical College eligibility list for
firefighters who qualify to move on to the Federal Way Fire Department oral
boards. Any candidate who does not correctly fill out the application and
return it to the FWFD by the date requested shall not be allowed to
participate in the FWFD oral board or personal interview portions of the
process.
Those who qualify shall return applications to the headquarters
station as directed by the Human Resource Manager or the Chief of
Operations. Candidates on the Bates Technical College eligibility list who
qualify to move on to the Federal Way Fire Department processes shall be
told when they can pick up the application forms at the headquarters
station, and when they need to have them filled out and returned. The Human
Resource Manager shall review all applications for content and thoroughness.
Once all applications have been reviewed, the date(s) for the oral board
examinations shall be established.
d. Hiring Preference due to
Reduction in Force:
1. Non-uniformed (non-firefighter) employees of the Federal Way Fire
Department that meet the following requirements may apply for hiring
preference for a posted firefighter position:
a. At least one (1) full year of full-time employment with the Department;
b. Have experienced a layoff from the Department up to two years prior to
the date of posting of a firefighter vacancy; or
c. Have been officially notified by the Department, as of the date of
posting of a firefighter vacancy, of an impending reduction of force that
will result in a future layoff of their position within six (6) months of
the date of posting of a firefighter vacancy.
2. The non-uniformed employees meeting these criteria may apply for open
firefighter positions via the following process:
a.
Candidate(s) shall send a letter
to the Chief of Operations indicating their desire to fill the vacant
position. The Chief of Operations shall interview all candidates to ensure
that the candidate has the aptitude to fill the role as a firefighter. The
Chief of Operations may reject candidate(s) if they do not have the aptitude
to fulfill the requirements of a firefighter position. Candidate(s) may
appeal any such finding to the Administrator and the Board of Commissioners.
b.
Candidates(s) shall have to pass
the Bates technical College written test with a minimum score of 70% or
above. This shall be on a pass/fail basis, with 70% required to pass.
c.
Candidate(s) shall then have to
successfully pass the CPAT as administered by Bates Technical College.
d.
The successful candidate(s) will
then have to successfully complete the required medical examination and drug
test as explained in this SOP.
e. When there are more candidate(s) than the number of firefighter
vacancies, seniority with the Department shall be utilized to determine the
candidate who gets preference to fill the position, unless this provision is
in conflict with the candidate(s) Union contract if applicable.
f. Successful candidate(s) shall then attend appropriate training
programs such as a Training Academy as assigned by the Chief of Operations.
The candidate(s) shall also be subject to a one (1) year probationary period
as a uniformed firefighter. The date of hire as a firefighter shall be
considered the employee’s date of hire for seniority purposes.
FEDERAL
WAY FIRE DEPARTMENT
JOB DESCRIPTION
DEFINITION:
Firefighters perform skilled emergency and non-emergency tasks in the areas
of fire prevention, fire suppression, hazardous materials, emergency
preparedness, and emergency medical services for the protection of life and
property for the citizens of this fire district.
Wages, hours, and working conditions are subject, in part, to the collective
bargaining agreement between I.A.F.F. Local #2024 and Federal Way Fire
Department.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Firefighters report to and are evaluated by their Company Officer.
The Firefighter, in the absence of the Fire Lieutenant, shall (when
assigned) assume the role and responsibilities of Fire Lieutenant as
directed.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Drives, operates, and maintains Fire Department equipment and apparatus.
Provides emergency medical service and pre-hospital care to the sick and
injured.
These alarms range from trauma to flu-like symptoms.
Drives or rides Fire Department apparatus to alarms, places equipment,
extends and connects hoses and nozzles, raises and climbs ladders, uses
chemical extinguishing agents and other tools and equipment as required.
Ventilates burning structures, performs salvage operations and other related
tasks.
Removes citizens and firefighters from danger and administers emergency
medical aid as required.
Responsible for emergency triage and treatment of patients in varied
settings. May transport patients for further treatment.
Participates in training and attends classes on firefighting, emergency
medical services, disaster control, etc.
Responsible for operating within emergency operations through utilization of
the Incident Command System.
Maintains skill level through ongoing training and drilling to prevent
degradation of skills.
Receives emergency alarms; operates radio and other communications equipment
under routine and emergency conditions.
Completes and maintains paper work, records, and forms as directed by the
company officer.
Participates in the in-service fire prevention program.
Maintains high level of proficiency by participating in EMT-CE, AED, and
other EMS training classes.
Performs minor maintenance and inspection of fire hydrants, apparatus, and
equipment.
Participates in the testing of pumpers, hose, ladders, and extinguishers.
Participates in public education.
Maintains quarters and personal appearance as directed by department policy
and procedures.
Carries out other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of the practices, principles and methods of fire suppression and
fire prevention work.
Knowledge of the practices and uses of various emergency medical equipment
used by the department.
Knowledge of the practices associated with other emergency operations, such
as hazardous materials identification and recognition.
Knowledge of rules, regulations, safety standards and established procedures
used by the department.
Must be familiar with the various types of vehicles and apparatus in use,
including care, operation and minor routine maintenance.
Ability to carry out oral and written instructions with and without direct
supervision.
Ability to deal with emergency situations in an effective manner that will
facilitate the quick and efficient completion of their assignment.
Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively, and to determine
proper courses of action.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other
employees and the community at large.
Ability to work closely with paramedics, physicians, and ambulance crews as
part of the local EMS system.
Must maintain self in good physical condition.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Must maintain a valid Washington State driver's license.
Must have graduated from high school or obtained equivalent G.E.D.
Must possess and maintain current Emergency Medical Technician certification
if assigned to Operations.
Probationary firefighters must possess a valid Emergency Medical Technician
certificate by the end of the first year of employment.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Emergency medical aid unit, portable defibrillators, fire apparatus, fire
pumps, hoses, and other standard firefighting equipment, ladders, emergency
medical equipment, radio, pager, computers, phone.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be
met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this
job.
Emergency activities may expose firefighters to hazardous conditions,
materials, or health risks during fire suppression, hazardous materials
incidents, or in caring for the sick and injured.
Performance of hazardous tasks requiring strenuous physical exertion may
occur for long periods of time under extremely adverse and stressful
conditions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required
to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or
controls, and reach with hands and arms.
The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, stoop,
kneel, crouch, or crawl,
talk or hear, and taste or smell.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds and
occasionally lift and/or move up to 200 pounds. Specific vision abilities
required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision,
peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of
those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of
this job.
Work is performed primarily in office, vehicle and outdoor settings, in all
weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during day and night
shifts. Work is often performed
in emergency and stressful situations.
Individual is exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with
fighting fires and rendering medical assistance, including smoke, noxious
odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents and oils.
The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high,
precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid
conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of
electrical shock, and vibration.
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