The following document is the process we use once we receive a valid application.

SALISBURY FIRE DEPARTMENT

In the City of Salisbury, the Firefighter selection process is complex and relatively time consuming. This process, which cannot be fully described in a typical position advertisement because of its complexity, is necessary to reduce hiring error in key public safety positions.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Fire Fighter Eligibility Requirements

Firefighter Entrance Agility Test

FIREFIGHTER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

All Fire Department employees are required to have an operable telephone at their residence.

In order to be considered for selection, firefighter applicants must pass a physical agility test. This test consists of a series of physical tasks, such as running or lifting, which closely approximate physical tasks routinely performed by firefighters on the job. All tasks are scored against standard criterion. The agility test is described in detail later in this text.

NOTE: Applicants are advised to prepare for the agility test for the purpose of safety as well as to enhance their chance for successful completion. With adequate preparation, the average healthy, fit individual should be able to complete the test safely and satisfactorily.

CAUTION: Applicants are advised to consult their personal physician before starting a self-preparation-training program and before participating in the agility test. The City does not accept liability for physical or medical conditions experienced by applicants as a result of the agility test. Each applicant must sign a statement accepting personal liability for such conditions before being permitted to participate in the agility test.

All applicants are subject to a complete background investigation including, but not limited to, a review of available educational, court, driving, medical, and employment records.

As part of the physical screening procedures, applicants are subject to skin fold caliper assessment to determine the applicant’s percent of body fat ratio to lean muscle mass. Excess fat contributes to a variety of health disorders and impairs overall performance.

Employment as a firefighter is contingent upon successful results of a thorough medical examination including drug screening conducted by the City and is based on standards established by the National Fire Protection Association and the Department of Transportation.

Applicants must be willing and able to adapt to shift schedules. After initial training, Salisbury firefighters work on rotating shift schedule known as " 24 hours on 48 hours off". This schedule consist of a three day work cycle in which the firefighter is on duty for the first 24 hours, off duty for 48 hours, and then on again for 24 hours. When he or she returns to work, the cycle is repeated. Appropriate sleeping and meal preparation facilities are provided at each work location to accommodate firefighters while on duty. Shift changes, changes in working hours, or work location changes are made at the discretion of the Fire Chief or his designee. Additionally, employees are required at times to report to duty on a "on-call" basis. Notification is accomplished through a paging system, which the employee is required to have in his/her possession. Employees should be able to work various temporary work schedules required based on need.

Applicants can be disqualified for many reasons, including but not limited to:

• Failure to return all required information and forms within the specified time period or submission of incomplete forms or records.
• Drug screen results in a "positive".
• Failure to successfully complete the entire physical agility course, or any part thereof.
• Failure to meet body fat composition requirements.
• Driver’s license check revealing unacceptable driving record.
• Information reflecting unfavorably upon an applicant’s ability to perform as a firefighter.
• Medical examination reveals that an applicant fails to meet the physical standards established by the
• National Fire Protection Association 1001 Fire Fighter Profession Qualifications, North Carolina Department of Transportation, and /or the City of Salisbury.
• Background investigation reveals information which indicates applicant is not suitable for position of Firefighter.

Since firefighter selections, unlike many other employment decisions, have an ultimate impact on human life, the City has developed a carefully detailed selection process in order to minimize hiring error to the greatest possible extent.

An important goal in developing the selection process was to; as objectively and accurately as possible, predict how well the applicant will be able to learn the firefighter’s job and how well he or she will perform in the job after being trained.

The process is made up of a series of selection steps, each of which must successfully completed before being eligible for the next step. The process is a fairly lengthy one, so applicants should not become discouraged when they do not hear from the City shortly after making application. Applicants are requested to refrain from frequent calls to the fire department to check on application status.

PHASE I PRELIMINARY APPLICATION - City of Salisbury Employment application must be completed and submitted to the City’s Personnel Department. It is important to complete all forms as failure to provide the required information may result in immediate disqualification.

APPLICATION ACCEPTED - The City Personnel Department and Fire Department staff will conduct various background checks including work history, references, and NCDL check. Negative or insufficient information may result in disqualification.

AGILITY TEST - The applicant will be notified by phone or letter to schedule the Firefighter Entrance Agility Test. Applicants must present proper identification and have signed an acceptance of personal liability (form provided by the City) before being permitted to take the test. A body fat composition check may be administered before or during the agility test. Applicants who do not meet the minimum body fat composition requirement will be eliminated from further consideration during this recruitment period. However, he/she may re-apply after one year (365 days).

Applicants who do not report as scheduled are also eliminated for this recruitment period. Negative or non-sufficient performance will result in disqualification. Applicants successfully completing all Phase I steps will be placed in an eligibility pool.

PHASE II ORAL INTERVIEW- Applications who successfully complete the agility test and and whose background and driver’s license checks are acceptable, will be scheduled for interviews when deemed necessary by department management. An unacceptable oral interview will result in disqualification for the current recruitment period but applicants may re-apply after one year (365 days).

PHASE III DRUG SCREEN - As positions are available and hiring is imminent, applicants who have been selected to continue in the process will be scheduled for a drug screen test administered by the City Physician Only. Applicants testing "positive" will be disqualified, but can re-apply after one year (365 days).

PRE-EMPLOYMENT PHYSICAL - Those applicants who have successfully passed the drug test will be scheduled for a physical examination with the City doctor.

Soon after firefighter selections are made, new recruits begin an extensive training program. This program, conducted by the City’s Fire Training Staff, is an intensive, educational program, designed to provide the student with the fundamental skills required of a Salisbury Firefighter. The Firefighter Academy is conducted on a 5 day, 40 hours a week schedule. During that time recruits develop, through classroom instruction and practical experience, a wide range of technical knowledge and physical skills needed for performance as firefighters.

Students may expect training in such subjects as organization of the Fire Department, department Rules and Regulations, Forcible Entry, Protective Breathing Apparatus, Salvage, Fire Hose, Nozzles and Appliances, Ground Ladders, Fire Behavior, Hazardous Materials, Rescue Practices, Fire Alarm Systems,

Safety, Fire Streams and Ropes as well as many others. The Academy includes a physical fitness program and a number of actual firefighting simulations.

In order to complete the academy, each candidate must have an acceptable overall score in classroom instruction and practical skills. Those not attaining an acceptable score at the end of the academy may be terminated.

Training does not stop at the end of the academy. Throughout their careers, firefighters are expected to keep physically fit and abreast of current technology in their field. Training is conducted on a routine basis by supervisors at every work location. All firefighters are subject to scheduled written evaluations, which alert the recruit and his/her supervisors to strengths and weaknesses and indicate those areas where improvement is needed.

Upon successful completion of the Training Academy an employee is subject to duty assignment in any Division of the Fire Department. Such assignment may include five-day a week, 40-hour duty in the Loss Prevention Bureau or the Training Division. Acceptance of duty assignment within any Division is a condition of employment in the City of Salisbury Fire Department and extends throughout the employee’s career.

Starting salary for Fire Control Specialist I effective the first day of the Recruit Fire Academy will be $21,080 annually. Employees are subject to a percentage increase after six (6) months of satisfactory performance.
 

Shift work consisting of 24 hours on duty and 48 hours off duty. Fire Department employees work on a 28-day cycle and report overtime, leave taken, etc. at the end of this cycle. Paydays are set up on a bi-weekly basis.
 

A combination of Annual leave hours and Holiday leave hours are earned at the rate of 264 hours per year for less than 7 years of service.
 

12 hours of sick leave per month earned.

The City of Salisbury pays medical insurance for all employees. Coverage is effective the first day of the first full month of employment. The types of coverage available are individual (for the employee only), parent-child or family. Premiums are charged for family coverage and paid through payroll deduction on a pre-tax basis.
 

All employees receive a $5,000.00 life insurance and a $10,000.00 accidental death policy. Premiums are paid by the City of Salisbury. Employees may purchase coverage for dependents, paid through payroll deduction.
 

All employees are covered under the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System (NCLGERS). The employee contributes 6% of his/her annual salary on a tax-deferred basis. Eligibility for unreduced monthly benefits begins upon retiring after 30 years of service or at age 65, or age 62 with 25 years of service.
 

The City has developed and administers a deferred compensation program in addition to the Supplemental Retirement Plan which is also a voluntary program. This program allows employees to set aside income through payroll deduction that is tax deferred. Income tax is due when the deferred earnings are returned to the individual at retirement. the is also a 401-K and 457 plans available. The City of Salisbury contributes 2% of your salary to your 401-K account.
 

The Local Government Credit Union is available to all employees who wish to invest savings or to borrow money. In order to retain membership in the Credit Union, ,members must have a minimum of $25 on deposit. Savings and loans are insured in the event of the employee's death.
 

Employees are covered under the North Carolina Worker’s Compensation Act. This act covers those employees who suffer injuries as the result of an accident while performing their duties. Worker’s Compensation pays medical expenses at the time of injury at 66 2/3% of the individual’s salary, beginning on the eighth day that the individual is out of work as a result of the disability. The City voluntarily pays the employee, at the standard salary rate, for the first seven-(7) days of temporary disability caused by on-the-job injuries.
 

Tuition assistance is available to those employees who wish to further their formal job related education and training as determined and approved by the Fire Chief and Personnel department. Requests for reimbursement must be submitted to the Department Head prior to class enrollment.
 

Any firefighter/EMT at age 55 or over who has contributed up to $2,400 during a 20-year period will receive $145 per month upon retirement. This benefit is paid for by the Salisbury Firemen's Relief Fund.
 

The State of North Carolina pays $25,000 to the estate of any firefighter/EMT who is killed in the line of duty. An additional $100,000 is paid by the federal government for most such deaths. A cost-of-living supplement is added to this annually.
 

Scholarships are available on a competitive basis for high-achieving children of members of the North Carolina State Firemen’s Association. Educational loans are also available to members below prevailing interest rates. Membership fees are minimal and all firefighters are eligible. The Salisbury Firemen's Relief Fund has 4 $1000 scholarships awarded annually.
 

All firefighters are provided complete work uniforms as well as protective clothing for firefighting purposes. In addition, bed linens are provided. Laundry service is not provided. Items are replaced as needed by City.
 

The City rewards employees for Excellent, Very Good, and Good job performance through annual merit raises, as approved by City Council.
 

City Employees enjoy participation in a well-organized program designed to prevent injury and accidents relating to work. A full time Risk Management/Safety officer as well as the Fire Department Safety officer play a large role in the introduction of new employees and the maintenance of existing employees to safe work habits, proper hazard reporting, and work location safety inspections. Annual Safety awards are available to departments who demonstrate the lowest number of work related injuries and departmental vehicle accidents. Firefighters participate in organized daily fitness activities in order to obtain and maintain needed fitness levels.
 

Firefighters treat themselves to various recreational and wellness activities. This includes team sponsorship in softball, volleyball, basketball leagues and firefighter muster/field day activities. Several in-house activities are available for recreation and fitness. Firefighter pays an extremely small monthly due to enjoy such facilities. As a City employee, recreational facilities are available free of charge at the Salisbury Civic Center.

DEFINITION: To perform the necessary services required in fire control and first response medical emergency situations; and to provide the public with fire-related services of a non-emergency nature.

Fire Control Specialist I - This is the entry-level class within the Fire Control Specialist series. Positions at this level typically perform similar duties as the Fire Control Specialist II, but are not expected to perform with the same independence and judgment on matters related to established procedures and methods. This class is typically used as a training class in that positions may have only limited related work experience.

Fire Control Specialist II - This is the journey level class in the Fire Control Specialist series. Positions at this level are flex-staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level, or, when filled from the outside, require prior employee training and development experience. Appointment to the II level requires that the employee be performing the full range of duties as assigned independently, and meet the qualification distinguished from the Fire Control Specialist I in that incumbents of the II level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual policies of the work unit.

Fire Control Specialist I
Receives immediate supervision from the Fire Captain.
Exercises no supervision.
 

Fire Control Specialist II
Receives general supervision from the Fire Captain.
Exercises limited functional and technical supervision over assigned technical staff.

Fire Control Specialist I/II (continued)

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES - Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Respond to emergency calls to provide fire control.
Provide first responder emergency medical attention.
Assist other local emergency services as required.
Participate in routine training programs such as wellness, technical training (classroom, apparatus practice, etc.), equipment maintenance, and fireground tactics training.
Provide public services such as installing smoke detectors, providing blood pressure checks, and providing public with information through station tours and public education programs.
Participate in daily departmental records process including personal daily log and apparatus maintenance log.
Respond to job call back after working hours and/or weekends.
Perform related duties as assigned.

Principles, practices, and procedures of fire control techniques.
Operation of fire control and support equipment.
Fire behavior.
Hazardous materials handling.
First aid and basic life support.
Rescue techniques.
Location of city streets and buildings.

Knowledge of:

• Pertinent Federal State, State and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Radio communication procedures.

Ability to:

• Maintain physical condition as required.
• Operate and maintain fire control and related equipment.
• Administer basic life support and first aid.
• Operate power and hand tools safely and effectively.
• Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Work effectively under stress.
• Gather, document and compile information.
• Establish and maintain cooperative-working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Respond to job call back.

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: No experience is required.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

License and Certificate
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate and valid North Carolina driver’s license.

Possession of residential telephone service required.

In addition to the qualifications for Fire Control Specialist I:

Knowledge of:

• Emergency medical techniques.
• Hydraulics.

Electricity and its properties.

Ability to:

• Identify and preserve potential evidence.
• Secure and maintain Emergency Medical Technician Certificate.
• Respond to job call back.

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Eighteen months of responsible fire fighting experience is desirable.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Additional training as a fire control specialist and an emergency medical technician.

License or Certificate

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate and valid North Carolina driver’s license.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Emergency Medical Technician Certification.
• Possession of residential telephone service required.

The City of Salisbury Fire Department Firefighter Entrance Agility Test (F.E.A.T.) is designed to allow applicants to demonstrate that they have the physical abilities to successfully conduct firefighting tasks after they have been trained to do so. Firefighting experience and refined firefighting abilities are not necessary to pass the entrance agility test. It is not the intent of the F.E.A.T. to determine previously refined firefighting skills, nor to recognize various qualities as related to the particular task. The firefighter Entrance Agility Test is scored by a Pass-Fail means. Either the candidate completes the task to the criteria level or he/she doesn't.

Candidates are encouraged to complete all evaluations to the best of their ability. Failure of one evolution does not necessarily indicate total failure of the entire agility test. Three (3) evaluations carry more weight than the others and would result in total FEAT failure if individually failure. (Balance Beam, Obstructed Vision, and Ladder Climb). The other evaluations overlap in some evaluation areas; thus one could be failed without failing the entire test.

Evaluations are not necessarily conducted in the order listed below.

Description: Standing behind a secured 35’ extension ladder, the candidate will fully extend the ladder files using a hand-over-hand method. The files will then be lowered in a controlled fashion using the hand-over-hand method.

Criteria: The files will be completely extended and lowered in a controlled manner within l minute and 30 seconds. Upward movement shall be continual.

Simulates: Raising an extension ladder on a fire scene.

Target evaluation: Upper body, lower body, back strength, endurance, and dexterity.

Description: A 14’ roof ladder is mounted on the building simulating it bedded on a fire truck. The ladder is removed from it’s resting position, carried in a horizontal position using a shoulder or arm carry, around a cone positioned 75’ away and returned to it’s original position.

Criteria: This evolution must be completed in l minute an 15 seconds. The ladder cannot touch the ground.

Simulates: Typical ladder carry used on an emergency scene.

Target evaluation: Lower body, back strength, endurance, dexterity, and acrophobia.

Description: Climb a pre-positioned, secured 35’ extension ladder to the top and return.

Criteria: Climb to the top, touching the top rung, and return without stopping or demonstrating acrophobia.

Simulates: Climbing a ladder on an emergency scene.

Target evaluation: Upper and lower body strength, back strength, endurance.

Description: Drag a 160 pound simulated victim from a starting point around a pre-set cone and return to the starting point. Total distance is 60’.

Criteria: Complete the drag without stopping within l minute.

Simulates: Dragging a victim out of a hostile environment to a safe area.

Target evaluation: Upper body strength and endurance.

Description: Pick up an 8 to 10 pound sledge hammer and strike a target 35 times.

Criteria: The hammer must be raised to shoulder height each blow. The total evolution must be completed in 3 minutes.

Simulates: Chopping through roof materials, doors, and walls.

Target evaluation: Balance

Description: While carrying a roll of 1.5" hose, the candidate will walk a 4" wide beam without falling for a distance of 16 feet.

Criteria: Candidate shall not fall, touch ground, or drop the hose.

Simulates: Balancing on structural members or fire ladders to reach trapped victims; carrying victim to safety.

Target evaluation: Claustrophobia

Description: Walk and crawl 100’ following hose, while wearing a darkened mask to obstruct the vision of the wearer.

Criteria: Complete the distance without demonstrating panic symptoms, including extremely heavy breathing, yelling, removing mask before signal from evaluator, etc.

Simulates: The darkness encountered during fire rescue operations.

Target evaluation: Upper and lower body strength, back strength, endurance.

Description: There will be three (3) twenty-five (25) pound rolled salvage covers on the ground. Lift one cover at a time and move it 30 feet and throw it over a 6’ wall. Go back and get the next cover. Repeat for all three covers. After the three covers are over, the candidate will go around the wall, throw the covers back over the wall, and carry the covers back to the starting point.

Simulates: Carrying equipment and tools needed on an emergency scene.

Criteria : 1 minute, 20 second, complete entire evolution.

Target evaluation: Upper body, lower body, dexterity.

Description: Starting 30 feet away, the candidate approaches the 4 foot high wall, then climbs through the window opening. A rope is connected to the top which may be used.

Criteria: 30 seconds

Simulates: Gaining access to buildings and area enclosed by walls, fences, and obstacles.