Firefighter/met

Thank you for considering a career as a Firefighter-Paramedic with the City of Upper Arlington. To learn more about our department, please check out the following video: https://youtu.be/eHr7wNXkRQI

The Fire Division provides fire-fighting, emergency medical, rescue, and hazardous materials response for the community. There are also a variety of non-emergency programs available to assist the public, including fire prevention, smoke detector service, blood pressure screening, carbon monoxide testing, fire inspections, station and truck tours, and public speaking requests.

The City of Upper Arlington is currently seeking candidates for the position of Firefighter/Paramedic. Candidates with the highest scores will be invited to participate in the next phase of the process. All applicants must register and take the exam through National Testing Network. Please visit www.nationaltestingnetwork.comto sign up for the written exam.

We are looking for candidates who have the skills, experience, and service mind-set to best serve the community. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, our firefighters are people with different strengths, experiences, and backgrounds, who all share a passion for serving the community. The City of Upper Arlington is a community that strives to be a welcoming and inclusive place for all and seeks to have a work force that reflects the diversity of our region.

The physical ability practice and test sessions will be invitation only based upon candidates successfully passing the NTN entry examination. Candidates will receive instructions via e-mail regarding the location, and how to sign up for open time slots for the practice and test sessions once we have received their passing scores. To view the Physical Ability Test, please click on this link: https://youtu.be/DMvqfeBYkbk

Each applicant must receive a minimum passing score of 70% on the Human Relations Video test. Candidates are ranked based on this score.

Additionally, applicants must achieve a minimum passing score in each of the following sections as outlined below:
Reading: 80%
Math: 70%
Mechanical: 60%

Upper Arlington Fire Division applicants are NOT required to take Part 2 of the Public Safety Self-Assessment Score. Part 2 of the Public Safety Self-Assessment Score is not taken into consideration with regard to your final score for the position of firefighter-paramedic with the Upper Arlington Fire Division.

Salary Information: The City offers competitive wages and benefits which start on your first day of employment

2022 Annual Wages:
Step A: $61,035 (first 6 months)
Step B: $79,421
Step C: $85,627
Step D: $96,250

Step A is the entry step for an original appointment. Advancement to succeeding steps occurs after twelve months of continuous service at each step.

Benefits Information: Full benefits; vacation, medical, dental, life insurance, participation in Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund (OP&F), deferred compensation / 457 plan options

Department Overview:
The Upper Arlington Fire Division is a full-time fire department that provides all hazard emergency response within the City of Upper Arlington, and portions of Perry Township. Services include fire, rescue, emergency medical ambulance transport (paramedic), hazardous materials response, USAR and a Community Paramedicine program. UAFD also responds to neighboring jurisdictions through automatic aid agreements.

The UAFD provides a variety of non-emergency services to the public, including fire prevention inspections and fire code enforcement, fire safety education, and smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm checks and installations.

City Information:
Upper Arlington is premier residential suburb within the Columbus metro area with close proximity to The Ohio State University and downtown Columbus.

Size: 10 square miles

Population: 34,675

Job Requirements

Requirements & Hiring Process : NOTE: Interested candidates MUST register and take the entry exam through National Testing Network (www.nationaltestingnetwork.com). Those interested in the position of Firefighter-Paramedic must meet a number of basic requirements. These include, but are not limited to the following. The applicant must:

• Be eighteen (18) years of age at the time of appointment
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Possess a valid Ohio driver’s license at time of appointment
• Possess a valid State of Ohio EMT-Paramedic certification at time of appointment
• Have an acceptable driving record. Charges of Driving Under Suspension (DUS), Driving Under the Influence (DUI), and/or Hit-Skip may disqualify the candidate from consideration
• Not have been convicted of or admitted to the commission of a felony
• Not have been convicted of or admitted to a domestic related crime of violence
• Successfully pass the written Civil Service Examination through National Testing Network
• Meet stringent physical requirements that include, but are not limited to:Vision correctable to 20/20

The ability to pass a thorough physical examination which includes but is not limited to a stress test, hearing test, and a drug screening test
Possess the physical ability and ability to perform the duties of a Firefighter-Paramedic, including passing a physical ability test

Candidates that have passed the entry exam via NTN will be invited to the physical ability test. The physical ability test is administered by the Upper Arlington Fire Division. This is a pass/fail test.

Additional Points:
Additional points can be added to your scoring for the eligibility list based upon the City’s Civil Service Rules and Regulations. Candidates are responsible for providing documentation timely in order to receive these points. These documents may be submitted electronically when invited to attend the physical ability test or submitted in person the day of the physical ability test. No late submissions can be accepted.

• Military points: Applicants who have been honorably discharged, are on active duty, or in current reserve status are eligible for one (1) point. A copy of the applicant’s DD-214 or other official document verifying this information will be required
• Educational points: Candidates will be awarded one (1) point for an Associate degree, two (2) points for a Bachelor's degree, or three (3) points for a Master's degree. A copy of a degree or transcript will be required.
• Lateral transfer from another agency points: Applicants who currently hold the position being applied for in good standing at another agency are eligible for five (5) points if they have served in that capacity for at least a year and hold the required certifications for the position. A letter of verification from the current employer will be required.

Candidates that pass both the entry exam and the physical ability test are then placed on the Civil Service list and will proceed to the background investigation phase as vacancies occur.

Background Investigation : Candidates who are on the certified Civil Service list will undergo a thorough background investigation to ensure they are qualified to become a Firefighter-Paramedic for the City of Upper Arlington.

This process includes, but is not limited to the steps listed below:

The candidate will complete a comprehensive personal history questionnaire

Each candidate will complete and sign a personal inquiry waiver granting permission for the investigator to request personal and professional information deemed important to the selection process.

The investigator will conduct a review of the candidate’s prior employment history, military service, financial records, educational records, and other information contained within the questionnaire to ensure that all information is complete, accurate, and that there are no misunderstandings between the applicant and investigator.

The candidate’s criminal history will be researched

Once all required forms and preliminary information has been obtained, the investigator will conduct an in-depth background investigation. This will include contacting friends, family, business associates, past and present employers, and any other resources necessary to establish the credibility of the applicant

When the initial phase of the background investigation is completed, the candidate must submit to a computer voice stress analysis (CVSA) examination or polygraph examination. This examination will verify the truthfulness of the information the candidate provided to the background investigator

Please be advised, under Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 149, ALL material contained within a background investigation is public information and therefore must be released to any person making a public records request

Oral Review Board: : The top ranked candidates who have successfully completed all previous phases will participate in an Oral Review Board. The Fire Chief will determine the number of candidates invited to participate in the Oral Review Board. This is typically ten, in accordance with Civil Service Rule 8.B.1. (AKA the Rule of 10)

Each candidate will be advised when and where he/she is scheduled to appear in front of the Oral Review Board. An invitation to appear in front of the Oral Review Board will be based upon the candidate’s ranking on the Eligibility List. After receiving an invitation, the candidate MUST successfully complete the Oral Review Board in order to be considered for a position as an Upper Arlington Firefighter-Paramedic.

The Fire Chief selects the members of the Oral Review Board. Those serving on the Oral Review Board are not limited to sworn members of the Fire Division. The results of the Oral Review Board will be forwarded to the Fire Chief, along with the complete background investigation packet

Candidates that pass both the entry exam and the physical agility test and complete the oral review board are then placed on the Civil Service list.

Fire Chief’s Interview Phase

Each candidate MUST participate in an interview with the Fire Chief to be eligible for employment.

Candidates being considered for a conditional offer of employment must undergo a psychological examination to determine if the applicant is psychologically and emotionally suitable to perform the duties and accept the responsibilities as a Firefighter-Paramedic

The Fire Chief will use Civil Service Rule 8.B.1. (known as the Rule of 10) to select a candidate(s) to be given a Conditional Offer of Employment

Conditional Offer of Employment : Once a candidate is selected and offered a conditional offer of employment, the selected individual will:

Undergo a rigorous medical/physical examination, which includes, but is not limited to a stress test, hearing test, and drug screen results. This examination will also confirm that the selected individual has eyesight, or corrected eyesight, that meets the standards set by the Fire Division. The physical will establish that the candidate is medically able to safely perform the fundamental duties of a Firefighter-Paramedic.

If the selected candidate passes the physical examinations, he/she will be given a date to begin his/her first day of employment as a Firefighter-Paramedic with the City of Upper Arlington.

Basic Training : The candidate MUST successfully complete, or have completed, a basic firefighter training course approved by the Fire Chief. This process is as follows:

All applicants not currently certified as a firefighter will be required to attend and successfully complete the Firefighter Level II course, as designated by the Fire Chief. Should the candidate fail to graduate from the academy with all required certifications for any reason to include but not limited to, academic standards, physical fitness standards, or any violation of honor, his/her employment with the Fire Division will be terminated.

All applicants currently certified as a State of Ohio Firefighter Level II may request to have the required basic training waived by the Fire Chief. This waiver of training will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The Fire Chief will consider, but not be limited by, the candidate’s credentials, past work history, recommendations by the background investigator, comments from the Oral Review Board, information obtained during the hiring process, and the interview between the Candidate and the Fire Chief. The decision of the Fire Chief is final.

Disqualification: Reasons for disqualification of the applicant during any phase of the hiring process or background investigation are listed within the Civil Service Rules (Rule 6D). Any candidate not selected for appointment may reapply for future positions six months from the date last examined.

Additional Information : Once a candidate is certified on the Civil Service list for Firefighter-Paramedic, the candidate will remain active for one (1) year. The candidate can be extended any length of time up to a maximum of one (1) additional year, if requested by the Fire Chief and approved by the Civil Service Commission

The application process and testing procedures fall under the explicit control of the Upper Arlington Civil Service Commission. All questions concerning the testing process should be directed to the Human Resources Office of the City of Upper Arlington at hr@uaoh.net

All questions concerning the Fire Division, policies, and/or procedures of operations, benefits, salaries, job positions, and any other related topics should be directed to the Upper Arlington Fire Division. Applications containing minor omissions will be routinely processed if such deficiencies can be corrected before the oral board interview process.

Please direct all questions regarding testing or testing dates to Customer Support at National Testing Network at 1-866-563-3882. If you have any other questions regarding the hiring process, please email hr@uaoh.net

The City of Upper Arlington is an equal opportunity employer.

Examples of Duties:

Under general supervision of the Lieutenant, performs fire suppression, prevention, fire investigation, emergency medical, recordkeeping, facility, equipment, supplies, and continuing education functions; performs other related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: For purposes of 42 USC 12101:

1. Performs fire suppression and prevention functions; makes openings in burning buildings for ventilation and entry; responds to fire alarms; lays and connects hose lines; operates nozzles directing water streams; operates portable chemical fire extinguisher, axes, claw tools, and other equipment; performs salvage operations at fire scenes (e.g., covering furniture, mopping floors, cleaning debris, etc.); drives and operates all vehicles (e.g., pump and ladder trucks, aerial bucket truck, automobiles, etc.); operates fire suppression equipment; raises and climbs ladders; prevents the spread of fire and protects property from water damage; tests fire hose for condition and strength; tests fire hydrants for flow, pressure, condition, accessibility, and location; assumes command of fire or emergency scene in absence of an officer (e.g., evaluates situation, determines appropriate methods and procedures to be used, directs and coordinates activities of firefighters and other agencies on scene, etc.); administers pre fire planning program (e.g., pre attack plans, target hazards, etc.); communicates with dispatcher and safety personnel in person and via two way radio.

2. Performs emergency medical functions; responds to rescue calls; performs fire and emergency rescue activities; removes persons from emergency situations; administers emergency first aid treatment to injured persons; stabilizes injured or ill persons; administers cardiopulmonary resuscitation; operates emergency medical equipment.

3. Performs fire investigation functions; investigates fires of suspicious or undetermined origin; communicates with owners, tenants, known adversaries of owners or tenants, neighbors, etc.; searches fire scenes for clues and evidence; reconstructs fire origin and traces fire patterns; secures fire scenes.

4. Performs recordkeeping functions; prepares periodic reports for external agencies (e.g., news media); maintains record of work completed; maintains inventory records.

5. Performs facility, equipment, and supplies functions; performs periodic inspections of facility and equipment; maintains inventory of equipment and supplies; performs preventative maintenance, minor repairs, and routine cleaning and maintenance of facility, grounds, and equipment.

6. May assist the state Arson Investigator in performing fire investigations functions; requests data and information checks by police department; prepares and maintains documentation of investigations; testifies in court; collects, records, and preserves evidence for laboratory analysis; utilizes a variety of investigative equipment to perform duties.

7. Maintains licenses and certifications as required, if any.

8. Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.

9. Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable OSHA safety standards that pertain to essential functions.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

10. Performs other duties as required. (5%)

Typical Qualifications:

High School diploma or GED; ability to successfully complete and pass state mandated hours of training at state recognized firefighting academy; ability to successfully meet the EMS requirements; or any combination of training, education, or experience which provides the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Possession of or ability to obtain level II fire training certification; State of Ohio EMT-P certification at time of appointment; possession of a valid state of Ohio motor vehicle operator's license and maintain insurability under the city's vehicle insurance policy.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $61,035.00 - $96,250.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Upper Arlington, OH 43221: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $61,035 - $96,250