Ever wonder what a firefighter's day includes? Click here » to view a compilation of a typical day for a firefighter. |
What is the mission of the Rochester Fire Department? Answer: The Rochester Fire Department works within the community to provide the protection for life property and economic stability. The Department does this through eight primary operations: response to fire emergencies; medical emergencies; hazardous material incidents; vehicular accidents; water main breaks; natural gas leaks; utility emergencies and other non-fire emergencies. The Department provides fire prevention services including code enforcement, building inspections, fire cause investigation, and public fire safety education services. What does a firefighter's job involve? Answer: Firefighters control and extinguish fires, perform search and rescue at fire emergencies, perform emergency medical care, and conduct public fire safety education classes. They enforce fire safety laws, ordinances, rules and regulations regarding the prevention, control and extinguishment of fires. Firefighters also respond to non-fire emergencies including hazardous material incidents, vehicle accidents, water and gas line breaks, water and ice rescue and other public safety emergencies. Can a woman become a firefighter? Answer: Yes. The Rochester Fire Department strongly encourages women to consider careers as firefighters. There are many career opportunities and job benefits afforded to both men and women in the fire service. What is the work schedule like? Answer: In the Rochester Fire Department, firefighters work a 24 hour duty day beginning at 8:00 AM and ending 8:00 AM the following day. These 24 hour shifts are on a rotating schedule that allow for 24 hours on duty and 24 hours off duty for a series of three shifts followed by 4 days (96 hours) off, in a nine day cycle. Fire prevention inspection, fire investigation and the administrative staff work standard 8 hour days in a 40 hour work week. Do firefighters have to stay at the fire station when on duty? Answer: Yes. While on duty firefighters must stay with their assigned crew to be able to respond at a moments notice to any emergency dispatched to them. Firefighters are responsible for providing their own meals while on duty and are provided private sleeping accommodations at their assigned station. What benefits do you receive as a Rochester Fire Department firefighter? Answer: As a firefighter with the City of Rochester, you receive a competitive benefits package that includes medical and dental coverage for you and your family, membership in the Public Employee Retirement Association, paid vacation, and paid holidays. Answer: Starting pay for firefighters in the City of Rochester is $15.465/hr or about $45,034.08/yr. (January 4, 2007) When can I apply for the entrance exam? Answer: Applications are only accepted during an established period of time prior to the examination process. Notification of the firefighter entrance examination process and application period will be sent to individuals supplying online job interest cards indicating their interest in Fire and EMS positions. Advertising will also be included in the Rochester Post Bulletin and through other relevant advertising sources. Click here to complete an Online Job Interest Card. How often is the entrance test given? When is the next written examination? Answer: The firefighter entrance test is given approximately every two years. The Fall 2007 examination process begins with the written examination on September 22, 2007. Applications will be accepted through September 10, 2007. Click here to complete an Online Job Interest Card indicating an interest in Fire and EMS. Can I take the entrance examination more than once? Answer: Yes, however, you may take the firefighter entrance examination just once during an examination process. You will need to reapply and retake the entrance examination if you are not appointed. Does the written examination test my knowledge of the Rochester Fire Department? Answer: No. The written examination is a test that gauges a candidate’s knowledge of fire fighting principles, techniques and the ability to learn and perform the work of a firefighter. It may include questions to assess the applicant's skill level in reading comprehension, problem solving, spatial recognition and applying rules to general concepts. After I pass the written test, what should I expect? Answer: After taking the written test the names of all those with a passing score will be placed in rank order based on test scores. Candidates that are eligible to continue will be contacted regarding the date and time of the Physical Performance Test. Following the Physical Performance Test, successful candidates will be invited to participate in an oral interview. Successful candidates will be placed on a certified eligibility list from which fire department vacancies will be filled. Selected finalists will be required to complete background investigations, interviews with the Fire Chief, and pre-employment medical examinations and psychological evaluations as a condition of employment. What does the Physical Performance Test involve? Answer: The Physical Performance Test is a series of tasks similar to those performed by firefighters on the job. This phase of the entrance process will test your strength, stamina, endurance, agility, and ability to follow directions, to accomplish specific tasks within a prescribed time limit. You should have no trouble completing this phase of the process if you are physically fit and in good health. View a video of the PPT. Do you need to be really physically strong to be a firefighter? Answer: No. It certainly helps but it is not as important as physical fitness and endurance. Physical fitness and regular exercise are necessary to be successful throughout your career as a firefighter. What does the Oral Interview involve? Answer: A panel of 3-5 people interview firefighter candidates. The panel is interested in your prior experience, education, and your reasons for seeking a career in the fire service. This is your opportunity to sell yourself as a good candidate for the position of firefighter. Where can I find an application? Answer: We encourage applicants to apply online when the application process opens for the position of Firefighter. You can do this by going to the Employment page of the City of Rochester website, www.rochestermn.gov. Click on the job title, Firefighter. This will allow you to view the job information and to begin the application. If you have additional questions, you may contact Human Resources at 507-328-2555. If the application period is not open you may submit an Online Job Interest Card indicating your interest in Fire and EMS. You will receive email notification when the application period for the position of Firefighter opens. Do you have to be a Rochester resident to be a firefighter in the Rochester Fire Department? Answer: No. The City of Rochester does not have a residency requirement, but Firefighters are required to establish and maintain residence within a response time of no more than thirty (30) minutes from the city limits of the City of Rochester. New employees not meeting this requirement at the time of their employment must meet the requirement within one (1) year of their date of employment. Do you have to live in Rochester or the State of Minnesota to take the Rochester Fire Department firefighter examination? Answer: No, it does not matter where you live when you take the firefighter entrance test, the response time requirement noted in the previous answer only applies to those individuals actually hired as firefighters in the Rochester Fire Department. Can you receive extra points on the exam if you are a veteran? Answer: Yes. MN Statute, Sec. 197.455, provides that veterans may elect to be afforded an additional points to their eligibility rank score, provided that the veteran obtained a passing rating on the competitive examination prior to addition of the points. Do you have to be a United States citizen to be a Rochester Fire Department firefighter? Answer: Yes, United States citizenship is required at the time of application. What are the age requirements? Answer: Firefighter applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application. Answer: Age requirements are not illegal. The Federal Age Discrimination In Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) was amended in 1995 to allow states and political subdivisions of states to impose age limitations for hiring and retirement of police officers and firefighters. [Title 29, United States Code, Section 623(j)]. Are there any requirements that must be met by candidates appointed to the Rochester Fire Department? Answer: Yes, you must be free from any physical, emotional, mental, or medical conditions which might adversely affect the performance of the duties of firefighter. You must agree not to use tobacco products on or off duty for as long as you are employed by the Rochester Fire Department. What level of education is required to be a firefighter? Answer: Applicants must have a High School Diploma or equivalent GED. Are there any additional or special training certifications required? Answer: Yes, applicants must have completed Fire Fighter level I and II training curriculum as approved by the National Fire Academy or equivalent program which conforms to NFPA 1001 and current active* National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) certification. Applicants are required to provide appropriate supporting documentation and certifications to verify the minimum qualifications for the position have been met. *Current and active NREMT certification must be maintained throughout the entrance process, including while on the eligibility register. *effective 7/16/07 Is Fire Fighter I/II and NREMT certification required to apply? Answer: Yes, all applicants will be required to provide and submit documentation of these curriculum and certification requirements at the time of application. *Current active NREMT certification must be maintained throughout the entrance process, including while on the eligibility register. *effective 7/16/07 APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION AND CERTIFICATIONS TO VERIFY THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION HAVE BEEN MET. If my NREMT certification status is inactive, can I still apply? Answer: No, it is the applicant’s responsibility to have a current active NREMT certification at the time of application and to maintain it throughout the selection process,including while on the eligibility register. Do you get extra points on the Firefighter exam for having your Fire Fighter EMT certification? Answer: No. Do I have to have a driver's license to be a Firefighter? Answer: Yes, you must obtain and maintain a valid State of Minnesota driver's license. Do I get any extra points for a college degree or college credits? Answer: No, a college degree is not required to apply for firefighter in the Rochester Fire Department. However, a college degree or college course work in fire science, fire technology or public administration can improve your performance on the written test and in the oral interview. Advanced degrees are strongly recommended for all applicants in preparation for a career in the fire service. Future promotional opportunities for leadership roles within the fire department may depend on attaining an associate or baccalaureate degree in a fire service or public administration field. Do I get extra points or credit for firefighting experience in other municipalities or countries? Answer: No, previous fire fighting experience does not make you eligible for additional points on your rank score, however previous experience can improve your performance on the written exam, Physical Performance test and oral interview. Can I transfer from another fire service to the Rochester Fire Department without having to take the test? Answer: No. There are substantial differences between various departments in eligibility and minimum qualifications. The entrance examination process is important to insure incoming firefighters have a similar level of knowledge and capability to increase the number of candidates who successfully complete their probationary period. How many firefighters get hired by the Rochester Fire Department? Answer: Historically, the Rochester Fire Department hires 1 to 7 firefighters on an annual basis, depending on the rate of firefighter retirements or position openings. How can I get more information? Answer: For more information please contact the City of Rochester Human Resources at 507-328-2555, or go to the Employment page of the City of Rochester website www.rochestermn.gov. To receive email notification when Firefighter applications will be accepted, complete an Online Job Interest Card. |
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