FIREFIGHTER - CITY OF TRAVERSE CITY (MICHIGAN)

The following full-time employment posting will remain open until

all budgeted vacancies are filled.

Firefighter

Starting Base Salary: $50,057.28 + Stipends and Allowances

Scheduled Step Increase at 6 months, 12 months, 36 months, and 48 months

Three additional full-time Firefighter positions were recently approved.

Immediate vacancies exist. Candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Testing and interviews will be scheduled as qualified candidates are identified.

To learn more about the Traverse City Fire Department, please click on the following links:

TCFD Recruitment Video - TCFD Recruitment Video

TCFD Webpage: TCFD Webpage

JOB DESCRIPTION: FIREFIGHTER (NON-EXEMPT)

UNIT GROUP – IAFF

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

Receives general supervision by the Fire Chief, and direct supervision by the assigned Captain and/or Lieutenant.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Under the general supervision of the Fire Chief or his/her designee, the employee is responsible for extinguishing fires, responding to emergency calls and performing emergency medical techniques in order to protect and minimize the loss of life and property. The employee assists in the mitigation of critical incidents, and serves as additional safety measure for events held in the City, such as the National Cherry Festival. Assignments are received and carried out with a degree of independence within the established department guidelines. The work involves an element of personal danger, and the employee uses considerable judgment, initiative and skill in a variety of emergency situations and must be able to act without direct supervision in completing work.

Work also involves continuous training; apparatus, equipment, building and grounds maintenance as scheduled or directed; inspections, public education and related fire protection activities.

The employee shall support and enforce the policies, rules, and regulations of the City of Traverse City and the Traverse City Fire Department. The employee shares responsibility for assigned crew members, department buildings and equipment. The employee will participate in duties on a rotational basis as assigned, ensuring the opportunity to participate in all aspects of fire suppression services activities.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities performed by persons assigned to this classification. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor or manager to assign, direct and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. All principal duties and responsibilities of this position are essential functions of the position. Job descriptions are reviewed on a regular basis and may be revised at any time. Revisions will be communicated to employees within the classification. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Knowledge of:

• Modern emergency response tactics and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of modern fire suppression tactics and procedures, and the ability to apply this knowledge to a variety of situations.
• The operation and capabilities of a wide variety of firefighting apparatus and equipment.
• The location of all streets within the City limits of the City of Traverse City, and be familiar with major buildings and location of fire hydrants.
• Knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations relating to fire control and fire prevention as part of community risk reduction.
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) Basic Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems.

Skills and Abilities to:

• Skill in performing Basic EMT pre-hospital medical care, such as performing CPR, artificial ventilations, oxygen administration, basic airway management, defibrillation using an AED, spinal immobilization, monitoring of vital signs and bandaging/splinting. May also administer nitroglycerin, glucose, epinephrine and albuterol.
• Must meet the designated physical standards appropriate to this classification.
• Ability to observe situations analytically and objectively, and report and record them clearly and accurately.
• Physically and mentally capable of performing all the duties of the classification.
• Ability to maintain and organize records, compiling data and preparing comprehensive reports on matters related to firefighting and emergency response.
• Ability to coordinate and manage multiple tasks and establish appropriate timetables for completion.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the English language, and present ideas orally and in writing.
• Skill in effectively using office equipment and technology, including computers and related software, and the ability to master new technologies.
• Ability to react quickly and effectively to emergency situations.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgement, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with employees, elected officials, the media, professional contacts, and the public.
• Ability to consistently demonstrate sound ethics and maintain confidentiality of information.

Education, Training and Experience:

• High School Graduate
• Preferred: Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree

Licensing and Other Requirements:

• Michigan Firefighter I and II certification or equivalent
• Michigan EMT Basic License/Certification
• Preferred: Michigan Paramedic License/Certification (Paramedic Licensing must be obtained within 3 years of date of hire)
• Valid Michigan Operator's License and a safe driving record
• Must reside in and maintain principal residence within 20 miles from the nearest city limit, within twelve months of the date of hire
  • City of Traverse City 20 Mile Radius Map
• Must meet the designated standards appropriate to this classification

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT - The physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SUPERVISORY OR LEAD WORK RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises: No supervisory responsibilities

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

In the performance of job duties, the employee is required to use a computer for extended periods of time, mobilize to other locations, communicate verbally, and hear. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; observe and interpret situations; read and interpret data, information and documents; perform highly detailed work under changing, intensive deadlines, on multiple concurrent tasks; work with frequent interruptions; and interact with officials and the public.

The employee frequently is required to stand, walk and sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to run, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and maneuver when physical mobility is required. The employee must frequently lift and/or move items of light to heavy weights. May be required to lift up to 120 pounds and push/pull up to 200 pounds to move objects on an occasional basis. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

In the performance of job duties, the employee may use the following tools and/or equipment: general office and communications equipment, such as computers/tablets, mobile and portable radios, Fire/EMS related software, multi-line phone system.

Must be able to drive and operate all applicable Fire and EMS apparatus, including Fire Engines, Aerial trucks, Ambulance, Marine vessels and off-road vehicles. Must be able to operate all equipment associated with all apparatus, including but not limited to hydraulic rescue tools, ground ladders, fire suppression hose lines, air monitoring equipment, and Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipment including but not limited to cardiac monitors and defibrillators.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

In the course of the work shift, the degree of physical demands and exposure to environmental conditions may vary. The environment of the position includes exposure to heights, fire/heat, chemicals, traffic hazards, moving equipment, and noise. The employee may be required to attend evening and/or weekend meetings, as directed. The employee occasionally is required to travel to other locations. The noise level in the work environment is can range between quiet to very loud.

Job Description Updated: November 29, 2022

CITY OF TRAVERSE CITY FIREFIGHTER - SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS

The City of Traverse City is currently accepting applications for the Firefighter position. In addition to filling budgeted vacancies, an employment eligibility list may be created to fill any additional vacancies that arise in the next twenty-four months.

The City of Traverse City provides a competitive benefit package. Click on the following link to view a summary of the benefits afforded to the Traverse City Firefighter Position. Summary of Benefits - Traverse City Firefighter

The selection and hiring process will consist of the following steps:

STEP 1 – Completion of the Abbreviated Employment Application

Applications will be accepted December 9, 2022 until all budgeted positions are filled, and a current eligibility list is established.

Firefighter II (or equivalent) Certification - 2 Ways to Meet Required Certification

EMT-B or higher License - 3 Ways to Meet Licensing Requirement

Applicants who meet one of the criteria outlined for the Firefighter II Certification and one of the criteria outlined for the EMT-B or higher licensing requirements will be considered for Department Testing.

STEP 2 – Abbreviated Applications Screened

• Responses to the abbreviated application will be reviewed.
  • Qualified candidates will be emailed the Firefighter Candidate Information Packet.

  • Applicants that do not meet the minimum requirements will be notified they are no longer being considered.

STEP 3 - Firefighter ‘Candidate Information Packet’ Emailed to Qualified Candidates

STEP 4 – Screening of the Information Packets

• Information Packets will be screened. Qualified candidates will advance to the Testing process.

STEP 5 – Department Testing Scheduled

• Firefighter Physical Agility Test (Physician Approval Required)
  • Qualified candidates will be scheduled to take the Firefighter Physical Agility Test.

  • Physician Approval required prior to practice session or testing session being scheduled.

  • Physician form will be provided to qualified candidates. The form must be dated (by the physician) no more than 30 days prior to the Physical Agility Test date.

  • Detailed information on Agility Test requirements included on last page of this posting.

• Written Testing
  • Qualified candidates will be scheduled to take the National Firefighter Selection Inventory (NFSI)

  • National Firefighter Selection Inventory (NFSI) is a cognitive ability and behavioral exam.
    • Candidates are allowed up to 2 ½ hours to complete the exam.

    • Study Guide Available (Optional) - Study guides material and pricing can be found at the following link: https://iosolutions.com/shop/?swoof=1&pa_examination=nfsi

STEP 6 – Oral Board Interview with Fire Chief and Command Staff.

• Interview and Selection Process
  • Interviews will be scheduled as qualified candidates are identified.

  • Candidates will be notified of the disposition of the interview within 30 days.

  • Applicants must meet the minimum requirements and successfully complete all testing and oral board interview requirements to be placed on the eligibility list.

STEP 7 - Eligibility List

STEP 8 – Conditional Offer Extended to Candidate

STEP 9 – Background, Preemployment Medical Exam and Psychological Testing

• Upon acceptance of the contingent offer, candidates will advance to the:

• The background, psychological and pre-employment physical/drug screen may all run concurrently. Candidates must pass all requirements to be considered for hire.

STEP 10 - Start Date Determined / New Hire Orientation Scheduled

• Upon being cleared for hire, a start date will be determined.

Probationary Period:

• Firefighter / Paramedics – Currently licensed Firefighter/Paramedics have a six-month probationary period.

• Firefighter / EMT B – Currently licensed Firefighter/EMT Basics must obtain Paramedic licensure within 3 years of Date of Hire. During that three-year time, the employee will be on probation until they obtain Paramedic Licensing.

Additional Information:

Application Status

• All candidates will be notified via email of the disposition of their employment application.

Recruiting Information

• To learn more about City of Traverse City's Firefighter hiring and selection process, please email jobs@traversecitymi.gov

Ride Along

• Individuals who are interested in the City of Traverse City’s Firefighter position are encouraged to schedule a ride-along. Please contact, Alanna Crouch, Administrative Assistant at acrouch@tcfire.org or 231-922-4930 to schedule a ride along.

Standard of Appearance Policy

• All new hires will be required to meet the City of Traverse City Standard of Appearance Policy.

AGILITY TEST - TRAVERSE CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT

Agility Test Criteria: The agility test will consist of two sections. The first section shall consist of several events that are to be done continuously. The events will simulate evolutions that may be done at a fire scene. This entire section will be pass/fail with a maximum passing time of eight (8:00) minutes. The second section shall consist of non-timed event to be started within ten (10:00) minutes of completing Section I.

Section I - Continuous events as follows. All events will be done wearing currently approved NFPA safety gear to include: turnout coat, turnout pants, turnout boots, helmet, gloves, (all with liners), and SCBA (45-minute rated bottle) with approximately 4500 PSI in the bottle. The candidate shall breathe from the SCBA for this event. A proctor will follow the candidate through the entire course and time the candidate. Time starts when the candidate successfully picks up the hose in the first event and stops when the candidate has successfully completed all of the following events in numerical order. The candidate has eight (8:00) minutes to complete this portion of the test. The proctor shall notify the candidate of the time elapsed in 2-minute intervals. There is no running allowed between events. Running is only allowed during the hose drag event. On stair and ladder climbs the candidate must hit every step going up and down. He/she may walk quickly but safely. At any time during the test if the proctor thinks you are performing unsafely, the candidate may be disqualified.

Section II - Aerial Ladder Climb

Within ten (10) minutes of completing the Section I, the candidate shall continuously climb to the top of a 100-foot aerial ladder and return to the ground. The ladder shall be unsupported, extended to 100 feet, and at an approximate 65-degree angle. This event is not timed and shall be done in a controlled and safe manner. The candidate shall wear all of the equipment that was worn in Section I except the face mask. The candidate will not be breathing from the SCBA bottle for this event. This section is pass/fail.

The City of Traverse City is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. All employment actions are taken without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religious beliefs, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information or political affiliation. Employees must live within a radius of twenty (20) miles of the City limits, measured from the nearest City limit. We accept employment applications only for specific positions that are open and solicited. Unsolicited applications will not be accepted. By submitting the application via electronic means, the applicant acknowledges that his or her electronic signature on the application has the same effect as his or her original signature under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.

The City of Traverse City is an equal opportunity employer. Full-time positions receive a competitive benefits package; paid time off, short-term leave, health, dental, vision, and life insurance, employer retirement contribution, and participation in Michigan’s Municipal Employee Retirement System, pension benefit program.