Recruitment
The Canton Fire Department has approximately 154 firefighter/paramedics and officers who are active in many facets of policing and are progressive in seeking the latest technology and training to complete our mission of service to the Hall of Fame City. Our fire family has the opportunities of a large city with that hometown feel. Opportunities for movement include: Firefighting Operations, Paramedic Operations, Engineer, Fire Prevention Bureau, K-9 Operations, Training Bureau, Technical Rescue Operations Team, Water Rescue Team, HAZMAT Team, SWAT Medic and Public Education. Promotional Exams are conducted as positions are vacated. Our firefighter/paramedics are from all different backgrounds and in a variety of roles. They are making a difference and they love what they do. You could too!
APPLICATION STANDARDS
To apply, you must meet the qualifications given below:
*** You must be at least 18 years of age on or before December 1, 2020 and you must be appointed before your 35th birthday. NO FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC SHALL BE APPOINTED AFTER THEIR 35TH BIRTHDAY. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.
*** You must possess a valid driver’s license issued by your state of residence.
*** You must be a high school graduate or possess a G.E.D.
*** You must be a citizen of the United States or have legally declared your intention of becoming a United States Citizen.
*** You must never have been convicted of a felony.
*** You must have normal color vision.
CAUTION: YOU WILL BE DISQUALIFIED IF IT IS FOUND THAT YOU…
*** Have made false statements or concealed any material fact, or practiced, or attempted to practice any deception or fraud in your application, or in your examination or in establishing your eligibility.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants can apply by going to governmentjobs.com and filling out job application. Once applying on governmentjobs.com, all qualified candidates will be referred to National Testing Network. National Testing Network will then contact applicants via e-mail to schedule their exam. Candidates will also be required to fill out the Personal History Questionnaire on the National Testing Network. All testing is required to be complete no later than December 1, 2020.
TESTING PROCESS
The testing process will consist of two components. The two components are a written examination and a skills assessment test. The written examination will count as 100% of your total grade. The skills assessment test is a pass fail. APPLICANTS MUST PASS BOTH COMPONENTS TO BE CONSIDERED. An applicant’s overall score plus bonus credits shall be the basis for the ranking of candidates on an eligibility list. The following is a brief overview of each of the testing phases.
SKILLS ASSESSMENT TEST
The next step is the Skills Assessment Test. This examination will be scheduled at a later date. In order to take this exam, you must have passed the written examination. You will need to receive medical clearance from a physician. Details of this examination will be provided to applicants who have passed the written examination.
BONUS CREDIT – DOCUMENTATION & STANDARDS
Bonus credits shall be added only if the candidate passes both test components. All credits will be added to the final score provided candidates submitted the necessary documentation when they applied.
A member in good standing of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio national guard, who successfully completes the member’s initial entry-level training shall receive a credit of fifteen percent (15%) of the person’s total grade given upon receiving a passing score (ORC 124.23C). Applicant must submit a certificate of service or honorable discharge (Form DD-214 – Long version) when they apply to receive the bonus credit.
ACCOMMODATIONS
If you have a disability requiring an accommodation at any phase during the testing process, please advise the Civil Service Commission Office as soon as possible so that the steps necessary to accommodate your needs can be met. Failure to do so may result in the City’s inability to accommodate the disability.
CERTIFICATION OF RESULTS
A candidate is declared eligible for employment upon successful completion of both facets of the testing process. Eligible candidates will be ranked in grade order from highest to lowest scores according to their scores plus any applicable bonus credit(s) provided the minimum passing score is attained and bonus credit documentation is provided. The eligibility list will be valid for a one-year period.
THE HIRING PROCESS
The hiring process begins with a formal request from the City Administrator to employ a number of Firefighter/Paramedics. The Civil Service Commission will forward the appropriate number of names of the highest scoring candidates to the Administration.
Candidates will then be required to undergo a background investigation conducted by the Canton Fire Department. Candidates will be scheduled to appear before an interview Committee composed of representatives of the Canton Fire Department which will take approximately one (1) hour to complete. The Safety Director shall be notified of the results of the interviews and the Committee’s recommendations. Those candidates selected by the Safety Director will then be required to undergo the examinations described below.
PHYSICAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION
All candidates for Firefighter/Paramedic must submit to and successfully pass a physical and psychological examination by a licensed physician designated by the Civil Service Commission before being appointed to the position of Firefighter/Paramedic.
DRUG SCREENING REQUIRED
All candidates for Firefighter/Paramedic must submit to a drug screen examination. Eligibility for employment shall not be considered final until drug testing has been successfully completed with a negative result. “Drug” means a controlled substance as defined by Chapter 3719 of the Ohio Revised Code, entitled “Controlled Substances”, and/or Section 202, Schedules I through V of the Federal Controlled Substance Act, including but not limited to, marijuana, hashish, “crack”, cocaine, heroin, morphine, codeine, opiates, amphetamines, “ice”, barbiturates, and hallucinogens.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT
The City of Canton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for appointment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, political affiliation, age, type of disability, or any other non-merit factor.
DUTIES
Performs fire suppression and emergency medical assistance duties and related safety duties as required by the Chief of Fire.