STAFFORD COUNTY Department of Human Resources Stafford, VA 22555-0339http://staffordcountyva.gov
Invites Applications for the Position of:
FIRE & RESCUE RECRUIT – ACCELERATED RECRUIT ACADEMY 02342

An Equal Opportunity Employer

OPEN DATE: 02/23/17

CLOSING: Continuous

THE POSITION

Applicants will be eligible to be hired into an accelerated and abbreviated recruit academy. This Accelerated Fire and Rescue Academy Recruit position is designed for applicants that have previous experience and possess certain minimum certifications (as listed below). All candidates must successfully complete the entire selection process. Due to the accelerated academy, candidates may be required to complete a physical ability test within the selection process.

Necessary Requirements:

Firefighter I & II (Pro-Board or IFSAC certified)
Applicants who possess certifications in any other state must obtain reciprocity from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs prior to start of employment
Virginia EMT, EMT-I, or EMT-Paramedic
Applicants who possess certifications in any other state or through the National Registry of EMTs must obtain Virginia legal recognition prior to start of employment

All other Recruit Requirements Apply:
Fire and Rescue Recruit is an entry-level position for work within the Fire and Rescue Department for the County of Stafford. Selected applicants are enrolled in the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department’s Recruit Academy for training in firefighting methods, emergency medical services, emergency vehicle rescue operations, fire prevention practices, salvage operations, public relations and education, physical fitness and associated topics to prepare for full-time field operations. After successful completion of the Recruit Academy, employees are eligible for promotion to the position of 24 Hour Fire-Rescue Firefighter/EMT or 24 Hour Fire-Rescue Firefighter/Medic. Work is performed under regular supervision of the Training Academy staff.

This is heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects; work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound: visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, night vision, peripheral vision, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspections involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devises, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy or thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities: the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibrations, atmospheric conditions, oils, and wearing a respirator. The worker may be exposed to blood borne pathogens and hazardous materials and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Fire and Rescue Recruits will receive full-time training in firefighting methods, emergency medical services, emergency vehicle rescue operations, fire prevention practices, salvage operations, public relations and education, physical fitness and associated topics to prepare for full-time field operations. This training will be conducted through a Fire and Rescue Department approved Recruit Academy, under the direction of the Chief Training Officer.

Successful completion of the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department Recruit Academy requires maintaining an 80% cumulative grade point average (GPA) throughout the duration of the Recruit Academy. Cumulative GPA is derived from practical evaluation performance, announced and unannounced examinations, and assigned homework. Recruits are also responsible for maintaining the Honor Code of the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department Recruit Academy. Additionally, successful completion of the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department’s Work Performance Exam (WPE) is required prior to the completion of the Recruit Academy.

Upon successful completion of the academy, Recruits will be eligible for promotion to the position of 24 Hour Fire-Rescue Firefighter/EMT or Fire-Rescue Firefighter/Medic. Personnel designated as Fire-Rescue Firefighter/EMT and Fire-Rescue Firefighter/Medic with the County of Stafford will be required to perform a large variety of tasks. These tasks are very diverse and may include: rescue of victims, fire fighting activities, emergency medical services, fire prevention, station and apparatus inspection and maintenance, apparatus and equipment operation, hazardous materials containment, physical training, training sessions, continuing education, and community service. Fire and Rescue Recruits perform various related tasks as required.

OTHER DESIRABLE CERTIFICATIONS:
Hazardous Materials Operations (NFPA 472)
Driver Operator- Pumper (NFPA 1002)
Fire Instructor I (NFPA 1041)
Fire Officer I (NFPA 1021)
A program of study at an accredited college or university with course work in Fire Science, Emergency Medicine, or Fire Administration.
VA Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (AHA)
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (AHA)
International Trauma Life Support
Emergency Vehicle Operators Course Class III
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Healthcare Provider
Additional Virginia Department of Fire Programs Certifications; such as Driver/Operator Aerial, Mayday Firefighter Down, Introduction to Technical Rescue- Module I & II, HTR Vehicle Rescue Level I, etc.

ABILITY TO:
Learn and apply firefighting techniques and procedures;
Demonstrate mechanical aptitude as required in the operation of firefighting equipment;
Demonstrate physical aptitude;
Understand and follow written and oral directions promptly and accurately;
Perform heavy lifting and physical maneuvering;
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
Demonstrate continuous effort to become more proficient in general firefighter duties, improving operations, decreasing turnout times, streamlining work processes, improving personal physical fitness and working cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service;
Learn and apply emergency management techniques and procedures.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

Typical Qualifications:
Must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

Special Requirements:
Must be 18 years of age prior to application; Must possess a valid Driver’s License. Employment eligibility is contingent upon an acceptable driving record, based upon the regulations of the County of Stafford.

THIS POSITION IS TOBACCO-FREE. The Fire and Rescue Recruit must sign an agreement stating they will not use any type of tobacco/nicotine at any time on-duty or off-duty while employed by the County of Stafford’s Fire and Rescue Department.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment:
The Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department is an equal opportunity employer.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Applicants will be responsible for completion of a seven-step hiring process, with the most qualified applicants advancing to the next step:

Written Aptitude Examination
Panel Interview
Background Investigation
Multiphasic Personality Inventory
Chief’s Interview
Polygraph Examination
NFPA 1582 Medical Physical Examination

Applicants will be notified of the written aptitude examination testing schedule, and will be required to RSVP prior to the examination date. Applicants are required to furnish a copy of their valid driver’s license at the time of the written aptitude examination.