More about the City of Appleton Fire Department hiring process

Requirements
Men and women who can meet the requirements are encouraged to apply for the position of City of Appleton Firefighter.

Age
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

Education
Minimum of 60 college credits at an accredited university, college, or technical school.  Candidates must fluently read, write and speak the English language.

Physical Fitness
Firefighting, medical and rescue work are physically demanding.  Candidates must be in excellent health,  and have no conditions which would restrict their ability to safely perform fire suppression, medical or rescue work.

Smoking
Firefighters are required to be non-tobacco users (on and off duty) throughout their employment with the City of Appleton.

Driver's License
Applicants must have a valid drivers license.

Beginning the Process
A job interest card may be filled out in advance to have an application sent to you when the hiring process has begun.  This card will remain on file for one year. Contact the City of Appleton, Human Resources, 100 N. Appleton Street, Appleton, WI, 54911 or call (920) 832-6458.

The applicant maintains the responsibility of informing the Human Resources department of any changes in their address.

Eligibility
The firefighter's examination is very competitive.  Depending on the hiring needs of the fire department, only candidates with sufficiently high written scores will be scheduled for the next phases in the hiring process.

Examination Information
The examination process consists of eight different phases, usually taken in the following order:

1.  The Written test measures reading comprehension, the ability to make common sense judgments in the areas related to firefighting or fire prevention, the ability to understand mechanical devices and problems, spatial ability, and the ability to solve arithmetic problems.

2.  The Assessment center is a testing process that evaluates the ability to perform specific job-related skills and behaviors which are essential of a firefighter. The Assessment Center includes an oral presentation, situational presentation, and short scenarios which serve to identify candidates who possess successful behavior and attitudes that are compatible with the Appleton Fire Department's philosophy.

3.  The Physical ability test consists of several events involving strength, endurance and agility.  The events are related to the job tasks of firefighting and are designed to test readiness to perform physical tasks during training and thereafter. Minimum qualifying scores must be achieved on the physical abilities test event.  Candidates must qualify in the events to be scheduled for the Police and Fire Commission interviews.  Candidates will be allowed to practice sessions for this test.  More information will be sent to you if you are asked to participate in this test. The City of Appleton Fire Department utilizes the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), a joint labor management fitness initiative designed to test the physical ability to perform essential job tasks at fire scenes.
  
4.  The Police and Fire Commission interview is designed to evaluate general qualifications for employment as a firefighter. Candidates are evaluated in the areas of work history (including military experience if applicable), educational background, interpersonal relationships, interview behavior, communication skills, reasoning abilities and problem solving skills.

5.  The Background investigation is conducted to evaluate candidate's honesty, respect for the law, respect for the rights of others, employment records, dependability, financial responsibility, driving record, as well as maturity in judgment, including the use of drugs and intoxicants.  Candidates must pass the background investigation and meet the background standards set by the City of Appleton relevant to the duties of firefighting.

6.  The Psychological evaluation includes a job related interview, problem solving testing, and the test of the kinds of personal and interpersonal functions that are important to the various roles of a firefighter. This is not a "mental health" evaluation, but instead a part of our efforts to ensure a good fit between the department and its firefighters.

7.  The Interview with the Chief is designed to find both the strengths and the weaknesses of the candidate, the attitude and desire of the candidate to be a firefighter, and the ability to work effectively within the organization.  

8.  The Medical evaluation is given by a physician. This determines if a candidate is in excellent health and has the ability to perform the full range of firefighter abilities, with no conditions that would restrict the ability to safely perform those duties. The class of firefighter has been designated a safety sensitive position and all candidates will be subject to a drug alcohol screening prior to the appointment. (The medical evaluation is done only after the conditional offer of employment has been made).

Training-Salary-Probation
Upon hire, candidates will enter the Appleton Fire Department's Recruit Training Class. For a period of 12 weeks, candidates will attend an intensive training program in which they will receive training in the fundamentals of firefighting. At the end of this period, candidates must pass the State of Wisconsin's written and practical test for State Certification Firefighter I & II. Candidates will also complete a 40 hour class in Emergency Medical Services and Automatic External Defibrillators.  

The 2006 starting salary for firefighters is $41,808, plus an excellent fringe benefit package.

Prior to completing a 18 month probationary period, candidates will be tested and must exhibit proficiency in the skills of a firefighter. If the candidate cannot successfully pass the department's training and testing program, the candidate's employment will be terminated.  Probationary employees' performance is reviewed on a regular basis. Participation in an annual physical fitness test in mandatory.