Firefighter Jobs, News & Training | Chicago Fire Wire
Firefighter/Paramedic
Deadline: Open Until Filled
Salary: $64,135 – $93,124 Annually
Job Description:
ENTRY LEVEL PARAMEDIC/FIREFIGHTER
$64,135
EXPERIENCED PARAMEDIC/FIREFIGHTER
$64,135 – $93,124
(2018 Full Salary Range for Para IV – Para I, subject to increase in 2019)
South Metro Fire Rescue is looking for both Entry Level and Experienced Paramedic/Firefighters to join our organization. We value previous paid fire and paramedic experience and are willing to compensate our new hires based on the paid experience they bring to SMFR (see below for compensation details). It is unknown exactly how many positions we will be hiring at this time for the Fall 2019 Academy.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED)
- Must be 21 years of age or older by 08/16/2019)
- Valid CPAT certificate through at least 03/01/2019)
Aims Community College hosts the CPAT test on multiple dates but space is limited so register ASAP to secure your spot – see https://www.aims.edu/academics/fire-science/cpat/ for details
Current Colorado EMT-P or National Registry Certificate accepted at time of application (03/01/2019); however, National Registry certificate holders must obtain Colorado State Certifications by date of hire (08/16/2019)
- CPR Certified for the Professional Rescuer at time of application (03/01/2019)
- Current ACLS Provider at the time of application 03/01/2019
- Possess a good driving history and be insurable by the District’s insurance provider
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check, criminal history review, physical, fitness/wellness assessment, medical evaluation, drug screen and psychological exam.
**SMFR does not permit the use of marijuana within one year from contingent offer regardless of whether it is legal in Colorado
The following documentation is required at the time of application (3/1/2019): Copy of High School diploma, GED, or college transcripts; copy of driver’s license; copy of CPAT certificate; copy of EMT-P or National Registry certificate; copy of CPR certificate; and copy of ACLS provider certification
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR EXPERIENCED PARAMEDIC/FIREFIGHTER:
- 1 year paid Firefighter experience AND 1 year paid Paramedic experience (must be within the last 12 months from 08/16/2019)
- 400 hours approved academy or an equivalent (Determined by SMFR after application is submitted)
HIRING PROCESS:
Step #1 CPAT
Candidates are required to have a CPAT certificate that is valid through at least 03/01/2019. If you do not have a valid CPAT certificate you will need to obtain one by 03/01/2019.
Aims Community College is hosting the CPAT test on 12/14/2018, 01/18/2019, 02/16/2019, as well as other dates but space is limited so register ASAP to secure your spot – see http://www.aims.edu/academics/fire-science/cpat/ for details.
Additional CPAT Resources:
National Testing Network (NTN) provides convenient professional administration of the CPAT in: Arizona, Florida, Oregon and Washington. Please visit https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/cpat_info.cfm
to schedule a CPAT through NTN.
CPAT Orientation Guide https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/pdf/CPAT_Orientation_Guide.pdf
Candidate Preparation Guide
https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/pdf/CPAT_Candidate_Prep_Guide.pdf
Step #2 FIRE TEAM TEST
Candidates are required to take the FireTEAM test no later than 02/06/2019 with National Testing Network. You can take the FireTEAM test at a number of different testing centers across the United States on various dates. In order to take the FireTEAM test you must visit their website, identify a testing center near you and register to take the test. Space is limited so please don’t delay and register ASAP at: https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/search.cfm?position=2&state=All+States
FireTEAM scores are valid for up to one year. If you have taken your FireTEAM test prior to SMFR opening the hiring process, please login to your FireTEAM account and add SMFR to permit us to view your FireTEAM score no later than 02/06/2019.
There is a $50 fee to take the FireTEAM test that will be at the candidate’s expense. For information on the testing process with NTN visit: https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/testing-process.cfm
The FireTEAM test is a video based test consisting of 4 different components: Human Relations, Math, Mechanical and Reading. Applicants will watch a video clip and respond to a series of related questions for the Human Relations, Math and Mechanical components of the test. The Reading component of the test requires applicants to read various texts and answer related questions. See https://ergopracticetests.com/?FTB for additional details and to take a practice test.
For frequently asked questions regarding the FireTEAM test and/or the National Testing Network (NTN), please visit: https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/faqs.cfm
SMFR will pull your FireTEAM test scores following the 02/06/2019 test deadline. A limited number of candidates will be invited to submit an application based on FireTEAM test scores. The number of candidates who will be invited to apply has yet to be determined.
APPLICATION:
Based on the candidates’ FireTEAM scores, SMFR will invite a limited number of candidates to complete an application. SMFR applications are due no later than 03/01/2019.
PARAMEDIC WRITTEN EXAM:
Only a limited number of candidates will be invited to participate in the written exam following the application screening process. The written exam will tentatively be held in late April 2019. Specific exam dates and times are to be determined. The exam consists of approximately 100 multiple choice, true/false and fill in the blanks. The questions are produced from a test bank based on the Paramedic National Registry Curriculum. Candidates will also be required to provide a diagnosis on three 12 lead EKGs.
PARAMEDIC PRACTICAL EXAM:
Only a limited number of candidates will be invited to participate in the practical exam following the application screening process. The practical exam will tentatively be held in late April 2019. Specific exam dates and times are to be determined. The exam will consist of four different assessment stations where candidates will be evaluated by SMFR Paramedic/Firefighters and outside Medical Professionals. There will be some downtime in between stations, in which the candidates will be required to write a short essay. The four stations consist of a medical scenario, technical knowledge assessment, rapid fire questions and an essay follow up. The practical is a combination of written and hands-on assessments.
ORAL BOARD:
A limited number of candidates who successfully pass the Paramedic Practical and Written exam will be invited to participate in Oral Boards. Out of state candidates will be scheduled in the days immediately following the Paramedic Practical.
TENTATIVE 2019 ACADEMY HIRING PROCESS TIMELINE:
February 8, 2019 SMFR will invite a limited number of candidates (exact
number TBD) to complete a job application based on the
top FireTEAM scores
March 1, 2019 Application deadline
March 2019 SMFR will invite a limited number of candidates to move on
in the testing process after application screening process
Late April 2019 Paramedic Practical
April 2019 Oral Boards
Mid-May 2019 Contingent job offers extended via email
Late May 2019 – Pre-employment Testing (fitness/wellness assessment,
Late June 2019 physical, psychological, drug screen & background
interview)
Early July 2019 Final Job Offers
August 16, 2019 SMFR Academy Starts
December 6, 2019 Academy Graduation
**The hiring process timeline is subject to change at any time**
COMPENSATION:
16 Week Academy – 2018 Para IV $64,135 (subject to increase in 2019)
All candidates will go through 16-week academy regardless of previous experience. Everyone is paid the same wage during academy.
2018 Paramedic/Firefighter Wages (subject to increase in 2019)
Paramedic IV $64,135
Paramedic III $76,962
Paramedic II $84,659
Paramedic I $93,124
Additional Compensation
SMFR strongly values education and in turn compensates employees who have a degree with an education differential as follows:
Associates 1% of base wage
Bachelors 3% of base wage
Masters 5% of base wage
PHD 6% of base wage
CONTACT INFORMATION:
For all questions related to the Paramedic/Firefighter Hiring Process, please email Human Resources Employment at employment@southmetro.org.
For more information regarding the Paramedic/Firefighter Hiring Process please visit http://www.southmetro.org/475/Recruiting.
All communication throughout the testing process will be sent to the email address that you provide on your application. Please be sure to enter your email address correctly on your application and check your email frequently, including your junk or spam email folder. All applicants will be notified of their status via email by February 8, 2019 at 4:00 PM.
How to Apply: The full job description and application can be found HERE.
