Employment Information

 

 

 

 

"TAKE THE TRUE TEST OF COURAGE"

 

THE CHARLESTON FIRE DEPARTMENT IS RECRUITING

FIREFIGHTER \ PARAMEDIC

QUALIFICATIONS

  •     At least 18 years old and must apply before 36th birthday.
  •        Must have a High School Diploma or Equivalent.
  •     Must have a valid drivers license.
  •    Must be a National Registry Paramedic OR have a WV Paramedic Certification on the examination date for the Paramedic Test.

 

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE

 

   Written Examination:

The written examination will determine the applicant’s relative ability to function as a firefighter.  (Examination Study Guides will be available when CFD Application is completed and returned to the department.).  The written exam is planned for July 13, 2009 at 5:30 p.m., at the Charleston Civic Center.

     

   Qualifying Applicants:

After passing the written examination, the applicant will be placed on an eligibility list.  Positions on the eligibility list will be based on written exam scores only.

        

  The applicant will then undergo:

      1.            Candidate Physical Ability Testing (CPAT) - Visit www.cpatusa.com for info.  The Candidate Physical Ability Test is required for eligibility for hire by the Charleston Fire Department.  The CPAT is a physically and aerobically challenging test and requires a strong level of physical fitness for success.  Orientation sessions for the CPAT will be conducted by the training division on June 20, 2009 at 9:00 am., June 27, 2009 at 9:00 am.  To better prepare yourself for successful completion of the CPAT, it is strongly recommended that you attend at least one (1) of these sessions.  You must call in and schedule your time.  For an appointment please call 348-8057 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  The application packet will have a guide to help prepare you physically for the CPAT.  There are also forms that must be filled out prior to participating in the CPAT.  If you fail to bring these forms to the CPAT you will not be permitted to participate.  A doctor’s form must be brought in also attesting to the fact that you are capable of performing this test.

      There will be 2 practice sessions for the CPAT, July12, 2009 at 9 a.m., and July 18, 2009 at 9 a.m.

      The CPAT test will be Saturday July 25, 2009 at 9 a.m., and on July 26, 2009 if needed.

     2.          A background investigation which will include:

                ·             Fingerprint check

                ·             Driving history check

                ·             Criminal history check

                ·             Employment history check

                ·             Reference check

                ·             Neighborhood check

    3.          Psychological Screening

    4.          A Medical Exam  (NFPA 1582)

Upon successful completion of the above elements, a conditional offer of employment may be made.

 

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

 

The Fire Department Will Provide:

    1.          Training:

               Fire Suppression Training

               EMT Medical Training – Required Upon Employment

               Hazardous Materials Training

               3 Year Journeyman Firefighter Training

    2.          Specialized Training is also available:

               Paramedic Training (optional)

               Arson Investigation

               Fire Code Enforcement

               Fire Prevention Education

               Technical Rescue

               Fire Boat Operations

               Water Rescue & SCUBA Diving

Promotional Policy:

Promotions are based on written examinations scores and department seniority, as set by the Charleston Fire Department Civil service Commission.

 

FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC BENEFIT PACKAGE

 

Salary:

Firefighter Paramedic Starting Pay as of July 1, 200 is $37,011.21

Additional EMT & Paramedic Incentive Pay:

.50 cents extra per hour when you work as an EMT and $2.50 extra per hour when you work as a Paramedic on one the fire department ambulances.

College Incentive Pay:

Firefighters will receive .50¢ a month for each credit hour, up to a maximum of 128 hours after probation.

Clothing Allowance:

$700 annually after probation.

Retirement:

A firefighter may retire after 20 years service and after age 50 may draw a pension:

  *20 years—60% of the average of their       highest three years

  *25 years—70% of the average of their       highest three years

  *30 years—75% of the average of their       highest three years

(75% is the maximum)

 

After 20 years, a firefighter with military service will receive 1 percentage point towards his pension for each year of military service, up to four years.

   ·A "section 457" deferred compensation is also offered, on a voluntary basis, through the "ICMA Retirement Corporation"

Insurance

The City of Charleston offers several Health Insurance plans (with optional dependant coverage).  Vision Care Insurance, Dental Insurance and Life Insurance.

 

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications can be obtained from the City Clerks office at 501 Virginia Street East, or at Fire Station 2 at 808 Virginia Street West.

 

Applications will  be available from:

June 1, 2009 till June 30,2009

 

 There will be fire (5) study sessions available prior to July 13th, to help prepare you for the test.  Study sessions will be held at 115 Lee St. West on the following dates:

June 30, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.
July 7, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.

Please call the training center between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at (304) 348-8099 to schedule which session you would like to attend.

 

 

 

 

 

chasfire@ntelos.net