EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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**

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

 
TITLE:                        FIREFIGHTER/EMT

 

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.