Nature of Work
This is general duty firefighting work in the protection of life and property by combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires. This work also involves responding to emergency medical calls providing care for those who are sick or injured. Primary responsibility is for specialized firefighting duties under emergency conditions that may involve personal hazards. Specific orders and directions are given by superior officers, but work requires a thorough individual understanding of firefighting methods gained by training and experience. A large part of the time is spent in training and routine work in the maintenance of firefighting equipment, apparatus, and quarters, an inspection of premises for fire hazards, and the performance of varied details in and around the fire station. An employee may be assigned to operate and maintain a major piece of firefighting equipment or apparatus employing special skills learned on the job.
This posting is to build a list of eligible candidates in preparation for future hiring.
Minimum Training and Experience
- At least 18 years old
- High School Diploma or GED
- Have a valid driver's license
- At least 20/30 corrected vision or 20/100 for uncorrected
- No felony convictions
Other Necessary Qualifications
ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Candidates that pass all assessment steps will be eligible for hire.
Cognitive/Behavioral Assessment - Candidates meeting minimum quallifications will be emailed instructions on scheduling an assessment. Applicants living 250 miles or more from the City of Grand Rapids will be offered an online at-home proctored test option.
This assessment is an entry-level Firefighter exam developed and published by Industrial/Organizational Solutions (IOS) Inc., National Firefighter Selection Inventory (NFSI). Study guides are sold by the test publisher and may be purchased from their website iosolutions.com. Additionally, study guides are available for reference in the following Grand Rapids Public Library branches:
MainMadison Square
Ottawa Hills
Seymour
Van Belkum
Westside
Yankee Clipper
Candidates who pass the cognitive/behavioral assessment will be invited to complete an Oral and Physical Agility Exam.
Oral Exam - consists of an online, self-recorded, one-way video interview.
Physical Ability Test - Practice sessions and testing will be offered on various dates. A valid CPAT card may be submitted to have the physical agility test waived.
Additional details are available at joingrfire.com.
Other Information
- Competitive salary
- Attractive work schedule
- Paid sick leave/vacation/holidays
- Medical, dental, and vision, starting on the first day
- Tuition reimbursement
- Extra pay for college incentive
- Pension plan
- Continuing career training and education
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling sessions
- Homeownership grant opportunities in target areas
- Diverse career advancement opportunities
The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.