Title
Entry-Level Firefighter Hiring Process
Recommended Action
Staff Recommendation:
Move to approve the entry-level firefighter hiring process.
Report
Staff Contact:
Matt Morris, Fire Chief, Olympia Fire Department, 360.753.8466
Nicole Camus, Interim HR Director, Human Resources 360.753.8213
Background
The fire department is requesting to revise the hiring process for our entry-level firefighter recruitments to align with the current job market and match competitors, as well as expand the candidate pool. There are currently fourteen other departments in the Northwest actively recruiting at the same time. These changes will improve our ability to attract quality candidates.
• Applicants take PST test
• Applicants with scores over 70% shall be invited to Interview (pass or fail to get to next stage)
o Cap at top 200 scores go to interview
• Interview panels (Scored - 60% of final score)
o Two panel speed interviews
o Overall score (both panels combined) of 70% or higher goes to chief’s interview
• Chief’s Interview (Scored - 40% of final score)
• Certify Register
o Interview panels (60% of final score)
o Chief’s Interview (40% of final score)
o All candidates earning a 70% or higher will make the register
• Referral of Names (Rule of 3)
• Conditional Offer
• Background Check
o Phase II Psychological Evaluation
o Medical Exam
• Final Job Offer
AFTER HIRE
• Attend Fire Academy
• CPAT must be completed in the first 180 days of employment
Findings:
The proposed process allows for the efficient and fair processing of entry-level firefighters consistent with civil service rules.
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends implementing the process outlined above to establish an entry-level firefighter register.
Policy Reference:
Civil Service Rules, Rule IV, Examinations
Civil Service Rules, Rule V, Registers