Firefighter

About the Department

Under direct supervision, performs emergency operations, participates in fire prevention activities; to assist in operating and maintenance of fire apparatus and equipment; maintain fire stations and other related duties.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
Upon appointment of employment to the position of Firefighter, employee shall be required to maintain a valid California License as an Emergency Medical Technician (E.M.T.) or Paramedic. Certification from a local accreditation Agency (LA County DHS) for paramedic is desirable at time of appointment.  A current State of California and Los Angeles County Paramedic license and accreditation.  A current State of California or National Registry Paramedic Certification.   Employees may be required to obtain California State Paramedic License (the City will provide the required training).

Position Duties

This position reports to an assigned Fire Captain. Technical supervision is received from a Fire Engineer regarding the operation and maintenance of vehicles, equipment, and apparatus.

Minimum Qualifications

Other Qualifications

Education and Experience:    

• High school Diploma or (G.E.D.) equivalent 
• License at the time of appointment. Valid California State Emergency Medical Technician License OR Paramedic License with accreditation from Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.
• Valid Health Care Provider CPR card.
• Valid CPAT Certification Card current within a year.

 Age: Applicants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of application.
 
Required Licenses or Certifications: Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Successful completion of a Fire Fighter I training academy approved by the California State Fire Marshall is desirable.

Required Knowledge of:

• The geography of the local area. 
• Firefighting methods and techniques, and basic operation and mechanics of firefighting equipment. 
• The location of hydrants and water mains, and major fire hazards.

Required Skill in:

• Maintaining proficiency in emergency medical techniques, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation. 
• Learning to drive a fire apparatus with care and safety in accordance with the California Vehicle Code and Fire Department procedures. 
• Applying fire and life safety codes and regulations. 
• Understanding and carrying out oral and written directions; retaining presence of mind in emergency situations. 
• Establishing and maintaining a cooperative working relationship with those contacted in the course of work. 
• Meet physical and health status requirements necessary for performance in this classification of work as outlined in the City's Medical Standards for Applicants and Employees.

Internal applicants must use their personal email to apply, as City of Compton work emails will not be accepted for job applications. While we cannot prevent applicants from using their work email, the City is not responsible for missed communications due to system outages, firewall restrictions, employee leave, or any other technical or accessibility issues affecting City email accounts.

All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for the position and submit all required documents -such as licenses, certifications, and proof of education- outlined in the job posting. Incomplete applications, including those missing any required documentation, will not be considered. 

Important Notice: The first fifty (50) applicants who meet the qualifications and needs of the Fire Department will be invited to advance to the written examination phase. Additional candidates may be considered for subsequent examination rounds based on departmental needs.

EXAMINATION
The purpose of this examination is to establish an eligible list from which vacant position(s) may be filled.

Phase one (1) is a written examination (weighted 50%) which will measure all or portions of the above knowledge, and skills. Please review the City of Compton's Entry-Level Firefighter Candidate Orientation Guide by clicking on the link to be redirected to the City's website and prepare for this exam: Compton Firefighter Candidate Orientation Guide. Phase two (2) is an oral examination (weighted 50%) that will be administered by an appraisal panel to evaluate professional qualifications, background and suitability. The oral examination may include graded simulation exercises, writing exercises, and oral presentations. A passing score for each phase is 70%. Each candidate will be notified via mail or e-mail.

The City of Compton reserves the right to utilize alternative testing methods, if deemed necessary. Failure in one phase of the examination shall be grounds for declaring the applicant as failing in the entire examination, and as disqualified for subsequent parts of an examination.

GENERAL INFORMATION TO EXAMINATION APPLICANTS
The City of Compton does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or provisions of services.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must give advanced notice to the Human Resources Department prior to the final filing date.

ELIGIBLE LISTS
Recruitment may be conducted on a (a) promotional basis, (b) open-competitive basis, or (c) promotional and open-competitive basis simultaneously. All candidates who attain an overall score of at least 70.00 (open-competitive) and at least 75.00 (promotional) will be placed in rank order on the relevant eligible list(s).

PLEASE NOTE:
All permanent City employees that attain an overall score of at least 75.00 will be placed on both the promotional eligible list and the open-competitive eligible list. All City employees that attain a score of 70.00 on EACH PHASE of the examination but an overall score of less than 75.00 will be placed on the open-competitive eligible list only.

Each eligible list shall remain in effect one (1) year from the date of its establishment unless it is extended, abolished or exhausted. Whenever possible, three (3) names are certified to fill any one (1) vacant position. No candidate may be certified more than three (3) times for any one classified position. When certifying eligible lists to appointing powers, the promotional eligible list takes precedence over the open-competitive eligible list. A department manager's recommendation for employment is subject to the City Manager's approval.

EXAMINATION APPEAL PROCEDURE
A candidate may, within five (5) days after taking the written examination, file in writing with the City Manager an appeal against any part of the test, citing the item or items against which the appeal is directed, and the reason(s) for such appeal. The Personnel Board will consider appeals from the decisions and ratings of qualifications appraisals (interview) boards if such appeals meet the conditions described in the Personnel Rules and Regulations (Section 6.8).

EXAMINATION RECORDS
All examination papers, including the employment application, resume, and other attachments submitted by candidates are the property of the Personnel Board and are confidential records which may be open to inspection only for purposes and under conditions established by the Personnel Board.

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE
In all entrance examinations (open-competitive only) for positions in the Classified Service, veterans who served in the armed forces of the United States during time(s) of war, and who attain an overall passing score in the examination are allowed additional preferential credit in accordance with the Personnel Rules and Regulations. In order to claim veterans' credit, the applicant must submit proof of service and honorable discharge (showing specific dates of service) on a U.S. Military form (DD-214) at the time of application or not later than the final filing date for the examination.

FRINGE BENEFITS
The City's comprehensive fringe benefits program includes: retirement (Public Employees' Retirement System), medical, dental, life and vision insurances, deferred compensation, sick and vacation leaves, after-hours education reimbursement, ride share program, uniform allowance and other provisions.

Provides municipal government and public services to residents.