Firefighter - Recruit List 2023 - APPS CLOSED- Information Only Posting Updated 4/11/24



Firefighter - Recruit List 2023 - APPS CLOSED- Information Only Posting Updated 4/11/24

Salary

See Position Description

Location

Mesa, AZ

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

FFR2023INFO

Department

(H200)Mesa Fire & Medical

Opening Date

06/29/2023

Description/Duties

UPDATE 4/11/24:  Registration has now closed for candidates invited to the Spring Intern Orientation which will be held April 20-21, 2024 (reminder: candidates who already attended Fall Intern Orientation were not re-invited and do not need to attend again).  The most qualified candidates remaining on the list who attended the Fall 2023 or Spring 2024 Intern Orientation will be considered for the August 2024 Academy.  MFMD plans to extend job offers by mid-June 2024 for the August 2024 Academy, which will be the final Academy from this list.  The Firefighter Recruit list will then be exhausted and a new recruitment will be posted in July 2024 to establish a new list for future academies beginning in 2025.

**Reminders for EMT/Paramedic Certification & CPAT Deadlines**:  If you do not already have your Arizona EMT or Paramedic certification, and/or a passing Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) score, you are encouraged to complete those requirements as soon as possible.  Passing the CPAT will be required within one year of the first day of Intern Orientation for each Academy.  For the August 2024 Academy, the first day of Intern Orientation will be April 20, 2024, so CPATs dated between 4/20/23-4/20/24 will be accepted.  CPAT documentation will not be accepted until later in the testing process.  The CPAT licensee must verify the CPAT result.  For a list of CPAT licensees by state, go to https://www.iaff.org/cpat/#licensing.  State of Arizona EMT or Paramedic certification will be required before confirmation of conditional offers and must be kept current thereafter.   Arizona/National Registry EMT/Paramedic certification is required to accept a conditional offer (approximately mid-June 2024).  Out of State candidates possessing National Registry EMT/Paramedic certifications at that time will be required to coordinate with MFMD to acquire an Arizona EMT/Paramedic certification before confirmation of conditional offers.  For State of Arizona EMT or Paramedic certification information, see the Arizona Department of Health Services website at http://www.azdhs.gov/bems/certification/index.htm.

Applicants - Thank you for your interest in the Mesa Fire and Medical Department (MFMD)! This Firefighter - Recruit 2023 Information Posting will remain posted online throughout the selection process for the January 2024 Academy and throughout the duration of the 1-Year Eligible List.  The exact dates and numbers for the January 2024 Academy have not been finalized, but MFMD anticipates hiring at least 25 candidates from this list for that academy and at least another 25 candidates for the August 2024 Academy.  The testing process will be different than previous years, including offering remote virtual testing and multi-date, nationwide testing options for both the Written Exam AND Oral Board Interview assessments.  Please pay careful attention to all information and instructions listed below.

On June 8th, MFMD hosted a live social media recruitment event which offered information on the Firefighter Recruit position, the testing process, and how to submit a successful application.  If you missed it, we encourage you to view the recorded session here: https://my.mesaaz.gov/3CmbFSi.  On June 28th, MFMD hosted a second live social media event which covered more information about the upcoming testing process phases (the virtual Written Exam, the virtual Oral Board Interviews (new for 2023), and the Intern Orientation). If you missed it, you're encouraged to view the recording here: https://my.mesaaz.gov/3r5tD9w. Many helpful questions and answers were addressed during the session, and a representative from NTN also participated in the event to provide more insight on the virtual Written Exam testing process and answered questions specific to that component.

For the 2023 Firefighter Recruit testing process, the City of Mesa's Written Exam was offered through National Testing Network (NTN) during the testing window of Thursday, July 6, 2023 through Monday, July 17, 2023.  There were multiple testing options offered, including taking the test at one of NTN's nationwide testing centers as well as a virtual option to take the test at your own private location.  Candidates who tested previously with NTN and had current valid FireTEAM and/or Public Safety Self-Assessment (PSSA) Part 1 test scores (PSSA Part 2 was not required for Mesa's testing process) were eligible to submit their existing valid FireTEAM/PSSA Part 1 test scores for Mesa's Firefighter Recruit testing process without having to test again.  NTN test scores are valid for up to one year.  For all applicants invited to test during Mesa's recruitment process, Mesa will either paid for the exam if they scheduled a new exam, OR covered the score transfer fee if they had a valid score with NTN.
 
**Candidates were required to transfer valid scores for BOTH the FireTEAM and PSSA Part 1 exams respectively if eligible, or complete BOTH exams within the testing window.  Candidates who failed to complete BOTH exams or transfer BOTH scores during the testing window were NOT eligible to continue in the recruitment process.**

Please contact NTN Candidate Support by phone at 206-428-3265 or go online here to submit a request or use the "live chat" option for any questions about the NTN FireTEAM and PSSA Part 1 testing process for MFMD Firefighter Recruit.  NTN will NOT be able to provide information related to your score for the MFMD testing process.
 
Preference Points:  According to A.R.S. 38-492, Preference Points are awarded to veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, disabled persons, disabled veterans, a veteran's spouse or surviving spouse under certain circumstances, and veterans with service-connected disabilities.  More information regarding point values and eligibility can be found here.  For Preference Points, a copy of your official documentation verifying eligibility for Preference Points (example: DD214, Form FL-802, etc.) was required to be submitted to NTN by July 10, 2023.   For Veteran's Preference Points, the documentation must have indicated both the length of service and character of service.   Preference points were added only to passing scores on the Written Exam, and the final score emailed to you from City of Mesa Human Resources included any applicable preference points.
 
The Written Exam (FireTEAM and PSSA Part 1) was scored by NTN.  While performance feedback may have been provided by NTN at the completion of your tests, you will not receive your scores directly from NTN.   If you have questions regarding exam performance feedback provided by NTN, please contact NTN Candidate Support directly by phone at 206-428-3265, or by ticket or chat here.  Your overall weighted Written Exam score and your Eligible List status was emailed to you by City of Mesa Human Resources on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.  Candidates who received individual passing scores from each of the 5 NTN test components (FireTEAM Video Human Relations, Reading, Mechanical, Math, and Public Safety Self Assessment (PSSA) Part 1 AND received an overall weighted Written Exam passing score of 63 or better were placed on Mesa's 1-Year Eligible List.  Candidates will NOT receive their individual scores from the 5 components of the test; they only received their overall weighted Written Exam score.  The City of Mesa and NTN are NOT able to provide feedback or answer questions about your test scores.  Candidates who failed to completed BOTH of the NTN exams (FireTEAM and PSSA Part 1) or transfer BOTH of those exam scores during the testing window of 7/6-7/17 are NOT eligible to continue in the recruitment process.  

All candidates on the Eligible List were invited to the next step in the recruitment/selection process for the January 2024 Academy--the Oral Board interviews.  Invited candidates received an email on July 25th with further information and instructions to complete an online one-way video recorded interview through Spark Hire between July 25 - 31, 2023.  All candidates who passed the Oral Board Interview were invited by email to register for Fall Intern Orientation by August 31, 2023. 
 
**Reminders for EMT/Paramedic Certification & CPAT Deadlines**:  If you do not already have your Arizona EMT or Paramedic certification, and/or a passing Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) score, you are encouraged to complete those requirements as soon as possible.  Passing the CPAT will be required within one year of the first day of Intern Orientation for each Academy.  For the January 2024 Academy, the first day of Intern Orientation is anticipated to be September 16, 2023.  CPAT documentation will not be accepted until later in the testing process.  The CPAT licensee must verify the CPAT result.  For a list of CPAT licensees by state, go to https://www.iaff.org/cpat/#licensing.  State of Arizona EMT or Paramedic certification will be required before confirmation of conditional offers and must be kept current thereafter.   Arizona/National Registry EMT/Paramedic certification is required to accept a conditional offer (approximately November, 13, 2023).  Out of State candidates possessing National Registry EMT/Paramedic certifications at that time will be required to coordinate with MFMD to acquire an Arizona EMT/Paramedic certification before confirmation of conditional offers.  For State of Arizona EMT or Paramedic certification information, see the Arizona Department of Health Services website at http://www.azdhs.gov/bems/certification/index.htm.

We encourage you to also check back often to review this Informational Job Posting page since it will be regularly updated throughout the 2023 recruitment and testing process with status updates, important dates and deadlines, and additional information.

Reference Timeline of Previous Updates and Information:
 
UPDATE 12/12/23:  All job offers for the January 2024 Academy have been extended to selected candidates.  Candidates who did not receive a job offer will remain on the Eligible List to be considered for the August 2024 Academy.   Candidates who did not attend the Fall Intern Orientation should save the date for the Spring Intern Orientation which will be held April 20-21, 2024.  Intern Orientation invitations will be emailed in the Spring; as a reminder, attendance at Intern Orientation is REQUIRED to be considered for a job offer.  Candidates who already attended Fall Intern Orientation will not be re-invited and do not need to attend again.  Candidates remaining on the list who attended Fall Intern Orientation OR Spring Intern Orientation will be considered for the August 2024 Academy and job offers are anticipated to be made in early June.  

UPDATE 10/24/23:   MFMD will be conducting reference checks for the most qualified candidates over the next few weeks, with conditional job offers anticipated to be extended by mid-November.  If you or your references are contacted, time is of the essence, so we appreciate your commitment to a timely response during this time.  All candidates will be notified of their status (if they did not already receive a job offer) by late November. 

UPDATE 9/7/23:  All candidates who passed the Oral Board Interview were invited by email to register for Fall Intern Orientation by August 31, 2023.  Intern Orientation registration is now closed.  Mesa expects to complete reference checking and extend conditional job offers by approximately November 13, 2023 for the January 2024 Academy.  All invited candidates who did not register for Fall Intern Orientation by the deadline but indicated continued interest in remaining on Mesa's list for consideration for the August 2024 Academy will be re-invited in Spring 2024 with an opportunity to attend Spring Intern Orientation ahead of the selection process for the August 2024 Academy.

UPDATE 7/27/23:  All candidates who participated in the Written Exam testing process with National Testing Network (NTN) were notified of their scores and status via email on 7/25/23.  If you did not receive an email, please check your spam/junk folders.  Candidates who received individual passing scores from each of the 5 NTN test components (FireTEAM Video Human Relations, Reading, Mechanical, Math, and Public Safety Self Assessment (PSSA) Part 1) AND received an overall weighted Written Exam passing score of 63 or better have been placed on Mesa's 1-Year Eligible List. Candidates will NOT receive their individual scores from the 5 components of the test; they only received their overall weighted Written Exam score.  The City of Mesa and NTN are NOT able to provide feedback or answer questions about your test scores.  Candidates who failed to complete BOTH of the NTN exams (FireTEAM and PSSA Part 1) or transfer BOTH of those exam scores during the testing window of 7/6-7/17 are NOT eligible to continue in the recruitment process.

All candidates on the Eligible List were invited to the next step in the recruitment/selection process for the January 2024 Academy--the Oral Board interviews.  Invited candidates received an email on July 25th with further information and instructions to complete an online one-way video recorded interview through Spark Hire between July 25 - 31, 2023.

UPDATE 7/6/23:  All applicants who met the Minimum Qualifications for the position of Firefighter - Recruit with the City of Mesa were emailed by the City of Human Resources Department on July 6, 2023 with detailed instructions on how to register for the Written Exam phase of the testing process through National Testing Network (NTN). All qualified applicants should have also received a second email on July 6, 2023 directly from NTN (donotreply@nationaltestingnetwork.com) with the instructions and link to complete the required MFMD registration for testing or transfer of scores within the testing window. If you did not receive one or both of these emails, please check your spam/junk folders. Please be sure to read the detailed email from City of Mesa Human Resources FIRST in its entirety for key information and detailed instructions, deadlines, and requirements for the Written Exam testing components and subsequent phases of Mesa's recruitment/selection process.

UPDATE 6/29/23:  Applications are now CLOSED for Firefighter Recruit. The application window opened at 12:00 AM Arizona Time on Friday, June 9, 2023 and closed at 4:00 PM Arizona Time on June 26, 2023.  No additional applications are being accepted. This posting is for INFORMATION ONLY.  Please check back here often, as this page will be regularly updated throughout the 2023 recruitment and testing process with status updates, important dates and deadlines, and additional information.  Please also check the email address used on your application frequently to ensure that you receive any important notifications timely.  Please be sure to check your spam/junk folder in case the emails go there.

Firefighter - Recruit is the entry class, as Mesa Fire and Medical Department does not accept lateral transfers of Firefighters from other Departments.  
 
Application and Status Reminders:

  • Applications were only accepted online via governmentjobs.com while the recruitment was open.  Applications are not accepted after the recruitment closed.
  • All times are Arizona times, so please plan accordingly if you are in another time zone.
  • The governmentjobs.com account you used to apply must be your own account and must reflect the same name on your government-issued photo ID.
  • The email address you entered on your City of Mesa application will be used to send you communication during this recruitment and testing process, so please ensure it is accurate and up to date. You must use an email address that is unique to you and not shared with another applicant.  If you need to update your email address at any time during the recruitment process, please log into your governmentjobs.com account and update it in your profile.
  • To log in to your existing governmentjobs.com account (remember the name must match your photo ID), go to https://www.governmentjobs.com/ and click LOG IN. 
  • If you have forgotten your username or need to reset your password, click LOG IN and then Forgot Username or Reset Password.  
  • For step-by-step application information and the answers to common questions, go to https://www.governmentjobs.com/home/applicationguide https://www.governmentjobs.com/home/faq.
  • For other governmentjobs.com technical support, call 855-524-5627.
  • Local public libraries may provide computer access if needed.
  • Like booking an airplane ticket, the name you entered on your application must match the name on your official, government-issued photo ID which will be required to test.  Your photo must reasonably match as well. 
  • If you change your name during the testing and selection process, proof of your legal name change will be required.
  • Be sure you did not opt-out of email communications from governmentjobs.com since all testing information, invitations to test, scores, etc. will be sent via email.  Attempts will not be made to contact you if your email returns as undeliverable or if you have opted out of email communications.  If you accidentally opted out, please log into your governmentjobs.com account and update your communication preferences in your profile.
  • Applicants were encouraged to opt-in to text messages from governmentjobs.com so they will receive text message updates and reminders about critical information during the testing process.  If you accidentally opted out, please log into your governmentjobs.com account and update your communication preferences in your profile. 
  • We encourage you to check your email frequently and check your junk and spam email settings.  If you receive a text message asking you to check your email for important information, please check your email as soon as possible.
  • If you submitted multiple applications, only the last application you submitted will be considered. 
  • Once an application has been submitted, it cannot be modified.
  • Attachments were not accepted with Firefighter - Recruit applications.  Please do not email cover letters, resumes, or other documentation to add to your application as they are not being accepted at this time. Applicants will be notified later in the process when further documentation is requested and how to submit it at that time.
  • Documentation for Preference Points based on veteran or disability status must show that you meet the eligibility requirements (which for veterans includes both the length of service and character of service).  For information about preference points eligibility and documentation, please review the Arizona state statute information at https://www.mesaaz.gov/home/showdocument?id=16852. Documentation for Preference Points was not accepted with applications but will be collected later in the process.  Please do not email documentation for Preference Points.  More information about the submission of documentation for Preference Points will be provided via email by Thursday, July 6, 2023 by 6:00 p.m. Arizona time to applicants who meet the requirements to test. 
  • To be invited to test, your answers on the supplemental application questions must have truthfully indicated: Yes, you were 18 years of age or older as of Friday, June 9, 2023; Yes, you had a high school diploma or GED as of Friday, June 9, 2023; Yes, you already had or could obtain an Arizona Class D (standard) Driver's License by hire date; and No, you did not have an ignition interlock device (IID) at the time of application.  This information will be verified during the hiring process and falsification of information will result in disqualification.  For out-of-state applicants who would be relocating if hired, new Arizona residents can transfer their license from another state.
  • Integrity is highly valued, and it is essential that you be honest and truthful.  During the application process, you were asked questions related to criminal and traffic violation convictions.  The information disclosed in these sections will not necessarily bar you from further consideration.  Other factors will be considered such as the nature of the conviction(s), job relatedness, and business necessity. 
  • After you have submitted your application, you should have received a confirmation message on your screen, and you also should have received a confirmation email from governmentjobs.com that your application was submitted.  To verify your application submission online, you can also log into your account and click on the Applications & Status tab. 
  • You can print your application by clicking on Applications > Job Title > Print. 
  • After the recruitment closed and all applications have been screened, you will receive an email from City of Mesa Human Resources with your status and next steps. 
Firefighter-Recruit is a trainee class used to prepare incumbents for performing public safety work involving the protection of life and property and the delivery of Mesa Fire and Medical Department (MFMD) programs.  Preparation involves training in fire suppression, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and emergency and nonemergency incident response.  A Firefighter-Recruit must demonstrate the ability to use fire suppression and emergency medical services skills in accordance with MFMD standards, as well as engage in fire code enforcement, public education, and station and equipment maintenance activities prior to academy graduation.   This class is also responsible for performing related duties as required.
 
While enrolled in the Mesa Firefighter-Recruit Training Academy, employees are assigned to work 8-hour or 10-hour shifts and 40-hour work weeks, and receive close supervision from a Fire Captain assigned as the Fire Training Officer who reviews and evaluates work in progress and upon completion to ensure conformance to standard operating procedures.   Upon successful completion of the academy, Firefighter-Recruits are promoted to the Firefighter classification and begin serving their regular probation period as a City of Mesa Firefighter.   Incumbents are then required to work 12-hour or 24-hour shift schedules, although they may be assigned to work 8-hour or 10-hour shifts and 40-hour work weeks while assisting on special projects.   New Firefighters receive close supervision from a Fire Captain who reviews and evaluates their work in progress.   This class is FLSA nonexempt.
 
Firefighter - Recruits learn to perform emergency medical treatment and to ventilate burning buildings by opening windows and holes in roofs and floors, position and climb ladders to gain access to the upper levels of buildings, assist in advancing hose lines and making connections to hydrants, direct streams of water on fires, and perform search and rescue operations inside burning buildings, while wearing personal protective equipment weighing approximately 70 pounds that significantly impairs body cooling, in high humidity (up to 100 percent) situations, relying on self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for ventilation, and in environments with extreme temperature fluctuations (400+ degrees Fahrenheit).  For the job descriptions for Firefighter - Recruit and Firefighter, see the job description links.
 
PAY:
Firefighter - Recruit Pay $52,198 Annually
Mesa Firefighter Pay (After Promotion from FFR Academy) $54,928 Annually

Qualifications & Requirements

Employee Values:  All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.

Minimum Qualifications Required. 

  • Must be at least 18 years of age by Friday, June 9, 2023.
  • Graduation from high school or GED by Friday, June 9, 2023.  
  • Successful completion of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) with a licensed CPAT agency is not required test.  Passing the CPAT will be required within one year of the first day of Intern Orientation for each Academy.  For the January 2024 Academy, the first day of Intern Orientation is anticipated to be September 16, 2023.  CPAT documentation will not be accepted until later in the testing process.  The CPAT licensee must verify the CPAT result.  For a list of CPAT licensees by state, go to https://www.iaff.org/cpat/#licensing
  • State of Arizona EMT or Paramedic certification is not required to test but will be required before confirmation of conditional offers and must be kept current thereafter.  For State of Arizona EMT or Paramedic certification information, see the Arizona Department of Health Services website at http://www.azdhs.gov/bems/certification/index.htm

Special Requirements.  Must possess a valid Arizona Class D Driver's License by hire date, and must have an acceptable driving record.  Must pass a pre-employment physical.  Must meet and maintain National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Mesa Fire and Medical Department physical standards.  Must meet the qualifications to wear a tight-fitting respirator by passing a medical evaluation in accordance with CFR 1910.134 by hire date and must maintain certification.  Must not be on the Office of Inspector General (OIG) list of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).

Substance Abuse Testing.  Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures.

Preferred/Desirable Qualifications.  Successful completion of Fire Science coursework from a regionally accredited college or university and previous firefighting experience (full-time, part-time, or volunteer) is preferred.  Bilingual in Spanish is preferred.

Link to Job Description

Firefighter - Recruit Job Description: https://apps.mesaaz.gov/JobDescriptions/Documents/JobDescriptions/cs3919.pdf

Firefighter Job Description: https://apps.mesaaz.gov/JobDescriptions/Documents/JobDescriptions/cs4111.pdf

A Summary of City of Mesa Benefits is linked here.  

Agency
City of Mesa
Address
PO Box 1466

Mesa, Arizona, 85211-1466
Phone
480-644-2758
480-644-3240