CITY OF SAINT PAUL invites applications for the position of. Firefighter/EMT.

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1 CITY OF SAINT PAUL invites applications for the position of Firefighter/EMT OPENING DATE: 05/01/14 CLOSING DATE: 05/28/14 at 04:30 PM SALARY: JOB TYPE: Full Time $ $34.16 Hourly $1, $2, Biweekly $48, $71, Annually DEPARTMENT: Fire VACANCIES: Varies GENERAL DUTY STATEMENT: Performs work as directed by a superior, in the protection of life and property from fire and other hazards, the prevention and extinguishing of fires, the treatment of medical emergencies, and the inspection of property. Lifts equipment, and tools, maneuvers them around obstacles and under adverse conditions. Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required. Essential Functions are the functions that the individual holding the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation. The Essential Functions for this position are identified in the Supplemental Information section of the Firefighter/EMT Job Description. REQUIREMENTS: High School diploma or General Education Development (GED) Diploma by December 31, Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age by December 31, Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License, or equivalent out-of-state driver's license by December 31, The driver's license must have no suspensions or revocations for driving-related offenses within the two year period prior to the date of appointment. Suspensions for parking-related offenses are excluded. Must show proof of current State of Minnesota Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification. Candidates may participate in the testing process and be placed on the eligible list without submitting proof of EMT certification. Verification of certification will be completed prior to interview. ** This information will be verified during the background check process. If it is determined that you do not meet the minimum requirements by the specified deadlines, your application will be rejected and, if applicable, your name will be removed from the eligible list. ** Continued employment is contingent upon: Successfully passing the one-year probationary period. Successfully completing the journey level apprenticeship program by the 36th month of employment. Successful completion of apprenticeship coursework and testing in order to advance to the 12th month, 24th month, and 36th month journey level status is required. Maintaining a current State of Minnesota Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic certification.

2 Maintaining a current Firefighter license as required by the State of Minnesota. Maintaining a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License, or equivalent out-of-state driver's license. Yearly passing of an annual respirator certification, or other certifications, as required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). BY CLOSING DATE, YOU MUST: 1. Submit City of Saint Paul online application by 4:30pm on Wednesday, May 28, DO NOT submit any additional documents or information (except a DD214 for veteran's preference) with your application. We will NOT retain any additional documents. 2. Submit the $50 application fee at Applications received without the application fee will be incomplete and rejected. All applications must be completed online. The job application and the application fee must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, An information packet, including the written exam preparation guide, will be mailed to you after both the job application and application fee are received. SELECTION PROCESS INFORMATION: Open Examination: This posting is open to anyone who meets the position requirements. Information Sessions: You are invited to attend one of the following sessions: Saturday, May 10, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Central High School o 275 N. Lexington Pkwy, Saint Paul, MN (Lexington Pkwy and Marshall Ave) Tuesday, May 13, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Washington Tech Magnet School o 1495 Rice Street, Saint Paul, MN (Rice Street and Nebraska Ave) At these information sessions, you will have an opportunity to ask Firefighter/EMTs questions to help you determine if a career in Firefighting/EMS is for you. You will also learn about the general hiring process, view the physical performance test video, and examine equipment used in the physical test. You do not need to sign up for these sessions - just show up. You are strongly encouraged, but not required, to attend one of these sessions. A recording of the information session will be online after May 19, 2014 at Application Fee: All applicants are required to pay a $50.00 application fee. This fee is due by the application deadline (4:30 p.m. on May 28, 2014). Your application will not be considered complete until your application and application fee have been received. You can pay this application fee online at or in person at the Office of Human Resources (no personal checks accepted). Please ensure you have funds available if paying with a debit card. Deadline extensions will not be granted due to insufficient funds in your account. No refunds will be given. Economic Hardship Waivers are available. If you would like to request a waiver and receive information on what documentation is required to demonstrate an economic hardship, please call Residency Points: Applicants who live in Saint Paul on the application deadline, AND have lived in the City for one year prior to the application deadline, will receive 10 additional points added to their final passing score. More information will be provided at the written exam, and online after July 15, 2014 at Documentation of residency will be required by September 15, 2014 and will be verified. Veteran's Preference: If you wish to claim veteran's preference in accordance with MN State Statute , you must submit a legible photocopy of your DD214, and if disabled, a veteran's administration letter dated within the last 6 months documenting a compensable service-connected disability to the Office of Human Resources. Veteran's preference can be given at any time during the length of the eligible list. However, it is preferable to submit documentation at the time of application. Click here for More Information. EMT Minimum Requirement: Candidates will not be eligible to participate in an interview unless the State of Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board (EMSRB) website verifies the candidate has a current State of Minnesota EMT-Basic, or higher, certification. Candidates are responsible to ensure the EMSRB website is up to date and accurate. This verification will be conducted online at and also during the background check process. Please check this website or call the EMSRB at if you have questions regarding your status. Page 2 of 6

3 Obtaining EMT Certification: Information on where to obtain your EMT Certification is available on our website or through the Minnesota Emergency Services Regulatory Board at Additional Information: If you need an accommodation, please contact the Office of Human Resources at THE IDEAL CANDIDATE Firefighter/EMTs are expected to protect the life and property of Saint Paul communities by extinguishing fires, treating emergency medical problems, and inspecting property. New employees will be joining a team that is dedicated to providing compassionate, prompt, state of-the-art services to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to lift victims, equipment, and tools of up to 175 lbs, maneuver them around obstacles and under adverse conditions. Firefighter/EMTs will work in difficult work environments including conditions of high heat, low visibility, confined space, on elevated ladder or apparatus, at accident scenes, under pressure or stressful conditions, when fatigued, and under adverse weather conditions, wearing full personal protective equipment. The ideal candidate will be a leader, able to use his or her interpersonal influence to show initiative, inspire, motivate, and mentor others; be respectful, supportive, flexible, dependable, punctual, and accountable in everyday work and interactions; possess excellent problem solving skills, strong communication skills, and demonstrate a high level of customer service. The successful candidate will demonstrate honesty, integrity, positive and consistent behavior, exercise good judgment and decision making, maintain complete response readiness at all times, and support the safety of one another in a team. Additional skills or education that are desirable to the City of Saint Paul include fluency in a second language prevalent in Saint Paul; experience working in diverse communities; a historical, cultural, and social connection to Saint Paul and it s neighborhoods; an Associate s Degree, or equivalent semester credits; national registration as a Paramedic and able to be certified as a Paramedic in the State of Minnesota; Firefighter I and Firefighter II certifications from the Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board; experience as an emergency medical responder, and as a full-time, volunteer, or military Firefighter. EXAM SUBJECTS: WRITTEN EXAMINATION AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE TEST Written Exam: This exam is an aptitude test and covers a broad range of abilities and personal characteristics that have been found to be important to the job of Firefighter/EMT. These abilities include basic areas such as reading comprehension, verbal expression, reasoning, and problem sensing. The personal characteristics include work style preferences, attitudes, behaviors and experiences that have been found to be important for the job of Firefighter/EMT. More detail regarding the written exam is provided in the Written Test Preparation Guide that will be mailed to candidates after the job application and application fee are received. You do not need previous Fire/EMS experience to do well on this exam. You must pass the Written Exam with a score of 75% or higher in order to participate in the Physical Performance Test. Written Exam Time and Location: Tuesday, July 15, The exam will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. and conclude by 3:30 p.m. Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. in the Lobby. Plan to arrive early. The exam will take place at the Saint Paul RiverCentre, located at 175 West Kellogg Blvd, Saint Paul, MN Please Note: You must bring valid photo identification, such as a driver's license, state identification card, or military ID with you. The identification must include a picture and date of birth. If you do not bring a valid form of photo identification you will not be allowed to take the exam. No make-up exams will be given. You may not bring calculators, recording devices, computers, cellphones, or other reference documents or electronic devices to this exam. Any such devices brought to the test site will be collected by test administrators and held until the conclusion of the examination. Any such devices found in a candidate's possession after the examination begins, will subject a candidate to disqualification from the exam process. Please record this information as no further notice will be mailed to applicants regarding the examination time and location. Page 3 of 6

4 If you pass the written exam, you will be notified by when your physical exam time is scheduled. The exams are tentatively planned for late September or early October Physical Performance Exam: The physical performance test includes the following components: climbing stairs while carrying a hose bundle, dragging a charged hoseline, pulling a 175 lb. rescue mannequin, carrying a fan, and performing an exercise which simulates ventilation or chopping through a roof. In order to receive a passing score, you must complete the above tasks within seven (7) minutes. Your score will be based on the length of time it takes to complete the five tasks. The more quickly you complete the test, the better score you will receive. For additional information on the physical exam, and to view a video of the physical performance test, go to Physical Exam Time and Location: The exam will take place at the Saint Paul Fire Training Facility, located at 1683 Energy Park Drive, Saint Paul, MN You will receive an with your exam date and time around September 1, No make-up exams will be given. Exam Results: Final Score = (Written Examination x.50) + (Physical Test x.50) A rating of 75% is required to pass each examination. You must pass both exams to be placed on the eligible list in rank order based on your overall score. Your overall score is calculated by adding any residency or veteran's preference points to your final score. Candidates will be notified by of the final results. Final Selection Process: Candidates will be contacted for an interview. The City will determine who to invite for interviews based on overall score and in accordance with Civil Service Rule 8. Interviews will be held on an as-needed basis. Conditional offers will be made to the candidates who best meet the qualities of an ideal candidate. Background Checks: Prior to hire, this position requires a candidate to successfully pass a criminal history check, medical examination, psychological examination, driver s license check, credit check, and a drug test. PREPARATION FOR THE EXAMS Written Test Preparation Guide: This guide will be provided to everyone who submits an application and application fee. The preparation guide is provided to familiarize you with the format of the test and the nature of the questions that will be asked. The guide will contain suggested preparation and test-taking strategies as well as sample questions. You will not receive the preparation guide until both the application and the application fee are received. Written Test Tutorial Sessions: Tutorials will present information and strategies to help you prepare for the written exam, take a short practice quiz, and ask questions. Tutorials are free. You are not required to attend a tutorial, but it is recommended for you to attend one session. If interested, you must register online in advance, and bring your preparation guide to the tutorial session. For specific dates, times, locations, and registration, go to The tutorial PowerPoint slides and practice quiz will be available online beginning June 9, It is not necessary to print or complete the quiz prior to the tutorial session. For more information visit, Physical Test Preparation Guide: This document will be provided to everyone who submits an application and the application fee. This is also available online at Physical Test Practice Sessions: Applicants that pass the written exam with 75% or higher will have an opportunity to practice the physical performance test prior to the actual exam. You will receive information regarding the practice sessions at the written exam. An orientation to the test and equipment will be provided prior to the first practice session. Page 4 of 6

5 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. What apprentice training is required of a Firefighter/EMT? All Firefighter/EMTs must successfully complete a State of Minnesota approved three-year apprenticeship program, including classroom and practical training examinations. Employees must satisfactorily complete all apprenticeship training, pass an annual physical fitness examination, and satisfactorily perform required duties during the entire three-year apprenticeship period to attain a journey-level status. The physical fitness and medical screening program is designed to meet the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations pertaining to Firefighter/EMTs. This includes various screenings for health and physical problems that potentially place Firefighters at risk. All standards of the apprenticeship program must be met to retain employment with the City of Saint Paul. 2. What information is checked during a background check prior to hire? The background check includes, but is not limited to, criminal, financial, employment, medical, psychological, educational, residency, state certifications, and driving histories. Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS) provides a full range of high quality legal services to low income persons and eligible client groups in civil matters. SMRLS St. Paul Telephone Intake: SMRLS Link 3. Are there age, height, weight, or medical restrictions that automatically disqualify a candidate for a Firefighter/EMT position? The minimum age is 18 and the maximum age is 65. There are no minimum or maximum height or weight restrictions that disqualify candidates from the position. When a job offer is made, it is contingent upon passing a full medical examination. See Firefighter Preplacement Vision and Hearing Standards. 4. How many hours does a Firefighter/EMT work in a typical shift or week? Following the academy, Firefighter/EMT work schedules are organized around a three-shift system where each shift is 24 hours. The average work-week during a segment is 56 hours. The typical Firefighter/EMT works days per month and are required to work holidays that fall during their shift. 5. Do newly hired Firefighter/EMTs work in the same fire station each shift? Apprentice Firefighter/EMTs work in a pool for at least three years. They fill in for regularly-assigned personnel who are unavailable for work at stations throughout the City. 6. What is the fire academy training program? During the fire department Recruit Academy, Firefighter/EMTs receive classroom and practical instruction on firefighting, technical rescue, and emergency medical care procedures. They participate in a physical conditioning program aimed at National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) fitness standards. They gain certifications in NFPA 1001 Firefighter I and Firefighter II training and will be trained in SPFD emergency medical protocols. They will also complete Hazardous Materials Operations Level training, Driver/Operator training, and other specialty training disciplines and will become licensed MN Firefighters upon successful completion of the academy. The program lasts approximately weeks, Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week. 7. What benefits are available to a newly hired Firefighter/EMT? New Firefighter/EMTs receive paid vacation and sick leave. They are eligible for employer-contributed health insurance beginning the first of the month following 30 days of employment. More information about these and other benefits are available on the City s website at 8. What is the possibility of being trained or employed as a Paramedic? The paramedic program is an integral part of the Saint Paul Fire Department. Firefighter/EMTs may be asked or required to become a Firefighter/Paramedic. 9. What promotional opportunities exist at the Saint Paul Fire Department? There are many advancement opportunities including: Fire Equipment Operator, Fire Captain, Emergency Medical Services Coordinator, Fire District Chief, Fire Training Assistant, and Fire/Arson Investigator. The appointed positions include Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief and Fire Chief. Page 5 of 6

6 10. How do I know my online application and my application fee have been received by the City of Saint Paul? You will receive an that says your application was submitted, in addition to an confirmation of payment. In addition, once your application and application fee have been processed by the Office of Human Resources, you will receive a confirmation . Check your spam folder or log in to your account to check the status of your application if you do not receive an confirmation. FIREFIGHTER/EMT SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE * 1. Do you meet the residency requirements listed below and plan to request residency points to be added to your 2014 Firefighter final passing score? Information will be provided at the written exam and you will be required to submit proof of residency to the Office of Human Resources by September 15, 2014 which will be verified as part of this process. Applicants who have been a resident of the City of Saint Paul for at least one (1) year immediately prior to the application deadline (May 28, 2014) shall receive an additional ten (10) points added to their final passing score. Yes No * Required Question HUMAN RESOURCES CONTACT INFORMATION: Liz Staberg Human Resources Consultant 200 City Hall Annex 25 West Fourth Street Saint Paul, MN Phone: Fax: jobs@stpaul.gov To refer back to this information, we recommend you print this job posting before you apply. The City of Saint Paul is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. Therefore we encourage applications from all individuals including persons with disabilities, persons of color, LGBT, and women. An Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employer SUBMIT APPLICATIONS AND ADDITIONAL MATERIALS ONLINE: Office of Human Resources: hour Recorded Jobline: Exam Number# FIREFIGHTER/EMT LS Page 6 of 6