Firefighter Trainee - Fire

JOB SUMMARY

This is an application for the position of Firefighter Trainee. Applications received will be

considered for the next recruit academy based on department needs. The Firefighter Trainee is an entry-level fire suppression, prevention, and emergency response position for the Mount Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD). Upon successful completion of the required recruit academy, personnel will progress into the position of a probationary firefighter.

Firefighter Academy:

The recruit academy’s focus is on training and preparing the candidate to meet specific

standards of the MPFD. The program includes classroom instruction and hands on training in

firefighter techniques, search and rescue, vehicle extrication, emergency medical services,

firefighter survival, and the use of various firefighting tools and equipment. The candidate will

work a 10-hour shift (overtime, nights, and weekends may be required) from 19-25 weeks. If you have medical certifications, please submit with the application though it is not required. Upon completion you may move to a 24 on, 48 off standard firefighter shift schedule.

Physical Tasks:

Candidates must be able to climb ladders and stairs and work at considerable heights; lift, carry,

drag, pull, and push very heavy weights; perform work in physically demanding and adverse

conditions including heat, smoke, fire, high temperatures, humidity, and cramped spaces. Must

be able to sit or stand for extended periods and lift or move more than 50 pounds.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:      

• Participates at fire scenes including the laying of hose, ventilating buildings, raising ladders, firefighting, salvage, overhaul, administering first aid and rescuing persons at a fire or other emergency scenes.
• Participates in fire-related emergency situations including driving and operating fire apparatus, pumps, equipment, entry, suppression, and rescue.
• Assists in maintaining equipment and apparatus in proper working condition.
• Conducts daily inspection of department’s firefighting equipment and apparatus and ensures that equipment and apparatus is in place and ready for use.
• Performs emergency medical care to ill or injured persons at emergency scenes.
• Participates in fire prevention and community service programs such as Operation S.A.F.E., smoke detector installations, and pre fire planning.
• Provides suppression to fires in neighboring communities when required.
• Participates in department training courses to learn firefighting theory and practice, first responder and CPR emergency medical care and the handling of hazardous materials and explosives.
• Performs emergency driving role including the driving of an ambulance when needed.
• Performs other related assigned duties.
• Considered emergency essential position and subject to report to work during any declared emergency situations(s).

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• High School Diploma or GED – No previous firefighter experience necessary.
• Out of state employees must obtain a valid South Carolina Driver’s License as required by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
• Must successfully complete the annual medical physical.
• Must successfully complete the annual Physical Ability Test (PAT).

HIRING PROCESS:

Applicants meeting the minimum requirements and who submit a completed application may be

selected to proceed in the following:

• The WonScore assessment is a pre-employment assessment created by Wonderlic that combines three tests into one: a cognitive ability test, a personality test, and a motivation test. The cognitive ability test, also known as the Wonderlic Personnel Test, measures your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Physical Ability Test (PAT) – Applicant must pass the MPFD administered PAT. Must complete the PAT in under 9 minutes 3 seconds.
• Oral Board Interview - Candidates who successfully pass the PAT will move onto the oral board interviews.
• If given a conditional offer, candidates will be subject to extensive criminal background checks, polygraph examination, drug screening, psychological evaluation, medical and audio evaluation. 

Physical Ability Test

The PAT Is a Job-Simulation Test. This test assesses the most challenging physical abilities related to the firefighter job. The timed series of simulations mimic critical engine and ladder tasks, which include:

• Carrying fireground equipment
• Forcible entry using both a right-handed and left-handed orientation
• Carrying a ladder
• Advancing a charged hose line
• Crawling
• Feeding a charged hose line
• Breaching and puling ceiling
• Dragging a victim
• Cardio-vascular endurance is indirectly assessed throughout the entirety of the test

To deliver superior performance in a manner that is distinctive and impactful to each person served and that establishes a standard for quality that endures for generations.