ENTRY LEVEL
FIREFIGHTER/RESCUER I (Recruit)
APPLICATION GUIDE

Dear Firefighter/Rescuer Applicant,

This application guide has been designed to provide you with an overview of the process, requirements and job description of the Firefighter/Rescuer position. The occupation of Firefighter/Rescuer is a labor intensive and stressful profession, however, it is also very rewarding. If you are appointed to the Department, you will work with devoted, conscientious professionals, striving to help others in times of need. The aspects of this job are varied and unique, and best viewed close-up. I encourage you to visit a Montgomery County Fire Station, or join a Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Corporation. There, you will get a better feel for what the position involves and offers, and whether it is the right career choice for you.

I offer you my best wishes as you consider your future, and look forward to the possibility of working with you in the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service. If you have any questions regarding this career opportunity or application process, please call our Recruitment Team at (240) 777-2238.

Sincerely,
Thomas W. Carr, Jr.
Fire Chief

ENTRY LEVEL FIREFIGHTER/RESCUER
Starting Salary:  $43,278 

This is an entry level, manual and technical work in fire suppression, prevention, rescue, communications, and emergency medical services involving duties and responsibilities of an emergency and hazardous nature on a rotating shift basis which may require the highest level of sustained exertion and agility. ALL PERSONNEL WILL BE REQUIRED, ON A REGULAR BASIS, TO WORK UP TO A 48-HOUR WEEK INCLUDING HOLIDAYS AND WEEKENDS.

ALL APPLICANTS SELECTED FOR HIRING WILL BE REQUIRED TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT STATING THAT THEY ARE TOBACCO-FREE (ON AND OFF DUTY) UPON APPOINTMENT AND THROUGH THEIR LENGTH OF SERVICE IN THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE OR BE SUBJECT TO TERMINATION.

If you currently possess any relevant certifications, licenses and letters of reference you may submit that information directly to the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, 101 Monroe Street, 12th Floor, Rockville, Maryland 20850, Attention: Administrative Services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

SELECTION PROCESS

APPLICATION:

The first step of the employment process is the application procedure. Applications will only be accepted during periods of open enrollment.

• Electronic Online Application

You may apply electronically through the Office of Human Resources web site using the Electronic Online Application. If you are not able to provide any attachments in electronic format, you will need to deliver your "non-electronic" attachments to:

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services
Office of Administrative Services
c/o Applicant Information
101 Monroe Street, 12th Floor
Rockville, MD 20850

If you feel you need accommodation for the application process please contact us at one of the following numbers 240-777-5000, 240-777-5126 (TTY) or emailing Special.Accommodations@montgomerycountymd.gov .

VETERANS PREFERENCE:

Applicants requesting Veteran's Credit consideration must provide a copy of your DD214 and a Notarized letter that you have been a resident of Maryland for at least 5 consecutive years preceding the date of your application for employment.

ORAL INTERVIEW

A candidate who has successfully passed the written test may be selected for an oral interview based upon expected vacancies within the Department.

The following qualities will be assessed in the oral examination:

Upon successful completion of the oral interview, and considering department needs, employment may be offered contingent on the successful completion of the medical examination, physical ability test, and background investigation.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

Candidates will be given a background packet to complete. The investigation, conducted by the Department, will consist of a review of the background packet, criminal background check, review of driving record, review of military record (if applicable), interviews with past and present employers, neighbors and supplied references.

The interview with the background investigator will occur immediately after the Oral Interview. This will be in the same building, but a different room.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

Montgomery County uses nationally recognized firefighter standards to ensure that all Firefighter/Rescuer Recruits are in an optimal state of wellness. All candidates are subject to a medical examination to determine if the candidate can perform the essential job functions safely. Candidates must also pass a drug & alcohol screening.

CANDIDATE PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST (CPAT):

The CPAT must be completed within a specified time limit prior to position appointment. It consists of eight (8) stations designed to demonstrate the candidate's physical ability to be trained as a firefighter/rescuer. The stations are, in order:

If you pass the written entrance exam, you will be given task specific orientation and testing information. This will include hands on orientation to the test equipment immediately after the written exam. Additional information on CPAT will be provided prior to and immediately after the written exam as well as in informational sessions offered by the Department.

IT IS STRONGLY ADVISED TO BEGIN PHYSICAL CONDITIONING NOW, TO INCLUDE PUSHUPS, SIT-UPS, PULL-UPS, AND RUNNING A TIMED MILE AND A HALF.

In an effort to help you prepare for CPAT, there is a minimum 12-week Fitness Mentoring program held three times a week at the Montgomery County Public Safety Training Academy. Attendance and participation in this mentoring program is strictly voluntary however, approximately 85% of individuals who attend mentoring or a regular basis successfully complete CPAT on test day. The CPAT Mentoring Program is available only to applicants who has successfully completed the Written Examination.

All applicants selected for hiring will be required to sign an agreement stating that they shall be tobacco-free (ON AND OFF DUTY) upon appointment and through their length of service in the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services or be subject to termination.

RECRUIT TRAINING PROGRAM

Immediately following appointment as a Firefighter/Rescuer Recruit, new employees attend an intensive 21 week training program conducted at the Public Services Training Academy in Rockville, Maryland. The Recruit Training Program teaches the fundamentals of fire fighting, basic emergency medical care and functioning as a member of the Fire/Rescue Service. A rigorous Physical Fitness Program is conducted for the duration of the Recruit Training Program.

The Recruit Training Program includes, among other things, the following:

At the completion of the Recruit Training Program, the employee will be given a station assignment. This is usually a 24 hour shift followed by 48 hours off, but may be four 10 or 12 hour days during each week. All station assignments are based on Department needs.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services Recruitment Office at 240-777-2238 or email Fire.Recruiting@montgomerycountymd.gov

Contact the Office of Human Resources at 240-777-5000 (TTY for the hearing impaired: 240-777-5126) to receive additional information or job description and application.

If you feel you need accommodation for the application process please contact us at one of the following numbers 240-777-5000, 240-777-5126 (TTY) or emailing Special.Accommodations@montgomerycountymd.gov.

AN EEO/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
M/F/DISABLED