Introduction
The Tucson Fire Department is seeking qualified and motivated candidates for the position of Firefighter Recruit. This position involves specialized fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency lifesaving, and rescue work with the Tucson Fire Department. The duties require strenuous physical exertion under such emergency conditions as extreme heat, cramped surroundings, and a contaminated environment. Our hiring selection includes consideration of the following characteristics and attitudes:
Judgment
A Firefighter is expected to exercise exceptional judgment, sometimes in a split-second decision-making situation. Applicants who are indecisive or do not like making decisions might consider employment other than a Firefighter.
Attitude
A Firefighter is requested to take charge of many different situations. Individuals who are hesitant to do so may find it difficult to function effectively.
Preparation
A firefighting career can be very challenging. It is highly encouraged that one is physically fit in order to cope with the physical demands and the mental and emotional stressors that accompany this occupation.
General Description
This classification is for new fire fighters who are in training to learn the skills and functions of fire fighting under the guidance of training staff.
Essential Functions
Under the guidance and tutelage of a fire fighter while in the fire training academy, the Trainee performs fire suppression and emergency response functions by securing the scene, identifying and containing hazardous materials, setting up and carrying equipment, removing obstacles, utilizing tools and equipment to extinguish fires, and rescuing occupants.
Performs facility, apparatus, equipment, and personal maintenance by performing daily station cleaning and grounds maintenance, conducting routine maintenance and inspection of emergency service equipment, and participating in health, wellness and physical conditioning programs.
Educates the community by assisting with conducting station tours, making presentations at schools, and answering inquiries regarding fire safety issues.
Performs fire prevention duties by conducting fire inspections, targeting hazards, and inspecting and testing hydrants and fire protection systems.
Performs related duties by maintaining physical fitness and all required certifications, attending training classes, participating in drills, and complying with all procedures as outlined in department manuals.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Education Level & Type: High School Diploma or G.E.D.
Minimum Experience Qualifications: No experience required
Special Job Requirements
Must be at least 18 years of age by academy start date: 01/16/2024.
Valid and unrestricted Class D driver's license with at least two (2) years licensed driving experience.
Ability to obtain an Arizona EMT certification upon graduation; Tucson Fire will NOT entertain any waivers.
By end of the Fire Academy, Recruits will have received:
Arizona Fire Fighter I and II Certification
Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation Certification
Arizona Emergency Medical Technician Basic Certification
HazMat First Responder Certification
Current CPAT cards that are earned on or after July 1, 2023, will be accepted. Applicants must email a copy to TucsonFire-CPAT@tucsonaz.gov no later than August 10, 2023.
Selection Plan
You are highly encouraged to print this bulletin; it contains important information and dates that will NOT be available beyond the closing date of this recruitment.
Written Examination
Date: Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Location: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701, Exhibition Hall B & C
Those applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will receive an email invitation on or about May 4, 2023.
Parking at the Tucson Convention Center is free for those candidates taking the exam. Applicants must park in Lot B and advise the parking attendant that you are scheduled to test. Directions can be found by clicking here: http://tucsonconventioncenter.com/directions-parking/
All raw scores will be standardized within the candidate pool completing this evaluation and will account for 40% of the final score for those placed on the Employment List. Only the top 200 highest applicant scores including all ties at the 200th score will be invited to participate in the initial oral board interviews.
The Tucson Fire Department has contracted with CPS-HR Consulting to provide the 2023 Firefighter entry-level written test. Information on a Candidate Preparation Guide will be sent to those applicants invited to take the exam. The exam measures a combination of:
- Oral Communications
- Reading Comprehension
- Mathematical Ability
- Mechanical Reasoning
- Teamwork, Public Relations and Community Living
- Analytical Ability
- Written Communication
Pre-hire Interview
Date: Week of June 5, 2023-June 14, 2023
Location: Public Safety Academy, 10001 S. Wilmot Road, Tucson, AZ 85756
Those applicants who will be invited to the oral board interview will receive an email invitation on or about May 30, 2023.
All raw scores will be standardized within the candidate pool completing this evaluation and will account for 60% of the final score for those placed on the employment list.
Upon completion of all evaluation process, the highest scoring applicants will be placed on a ranked Civil Service employment list. Those highest-ranking applicants will be invited to participate in the candidate physical ability test (CPAT). Those highest-ranking candidates who are also successful in CPAT will be invited to a final interview. Candidates will be re-ranked based on their final interview score. Selection for the next Firefighter Recruit class will be based on this revised final ranking.
The anticipated start date for TFD Firefighter Recruit class 24-1 is tentatively January 16, 2024.
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
This is a pass/fail component for those candidates who are placed on the Civil Service employment list. There will be several sessions offered to complete CPAT. Each session offers one opportunity and there are no repeat attempts within that session. Candidates who are unsuccessful in achieving a passing score for CPAT will have their name permanently removed from the employment list and will not receive further consideration. CPAT will be conducted incrementally based on your ranking on the list. Exact bands and dates will be transmitted based on hiring needs as they become known.
CPAT Orientation
Those highest-ranking candidates on the Civil Service eligibility list will be given the opportunity to attend a voluntary CPAT orientation at the Public Safety Academy. Tentative dates for the orientation are June 10, 2023, and June 17, 2023. Attendance is not mandatory but highly recommended. These orientations provide an overview of the CPAT requirements and testing process. More information will be sent to those highest-ranking candidates.
You may click on the links below or copy and paste the information into your browser.
CPAT Orientation Guide
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/fire/training/cpat_orientatin_guide_2012.pdf
CPAT Orientation Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oS-YywTWZH0
CPAT Preparation Guide
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/fire/training/TFD_CPAT_Prep_Guide.pdf
CPAT timed practice sessions and final CPAT
Candidates, who are placed on the Civil Service employment list and are invited to participate in CPAT testing, will be provided instructions on how to select a time slot to perform a full timed run through the complete CPAT course. Participation in at least one timed practice session is considered mandatory. However, if a candidate elects to opt-out of both timed practices, a waiver acknowledging that the candidate was offered but declined to participate in a timed practice session must be signed prior to participating in the final CPAT test. Candidates may participate once in each timed practice session for a total of two (2) timed practices. If a candidate achieves a passing time in one of the timed practice sessions, this will count as an "official pass" and the candidate will not need to attend the final CPAT test. This format allows each candidate three (3) opportunities to pass the CPAT portion of the fire fighter testing process.
Current CPAT cards that were earned on or after July 1, 2023, will be accepted. Applicants must email a copy to TucsonFire-CPAT@tucsonaz.gov no later than August 10, 2023.
Conclusion
The Civil Service list will be utilized to fill vacancies occurring within the next 6 months after the list is final. Candidates placed on the employment list must successfully pass the following:
Background investigation, including local, state, and national criminal and fingerprint checks.
39-month motor vehicle driving history report
Pre-employment medical and psychological evaluations
Candidates must also continue to maintain all physical minimum standards through the duration of this recruitment process.
An applicant's ranking on the employment list will be based on their final score which will be calculated as 40% of the rating for the written examination and 60% of the rating for the oral board interview.
Veterans, Native American, or disability preference points will be added to the achieved score for those that are placed on the Civil Service employment list. If you qualify for Veteran or Native American preference points as outlined in your employment profile, you must submit your documentation at the time of the oral board interview. Copies of DD214's must reflect characterization of honorable service.
Applicants requiring an accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act for any of the applicant evaluations must contact Pamela.Lyons@tucsonaz.gov to make that request. Contact must be made at least 48 hours prior to the evaluation.
Communications throughout this process will be sent via email exclusively check your email account regularly. Failure to respond or follow instructions will result in disqualification.
All email inquiries should be directed to TFDHR_Payroll@tucsonaz.gov
Pre-employment Medical Testing Requirements
Basic Physical
Respirator Physical
Non-NIDA Drug Test
Bulletin Footer
To ensure accurate payroll information for tax purposes, the successful candidate will need to provide their original Social Security Card or original letter from the Social Security Administration with their social security number prior to beginning work with the City of Tucson.
The City of Tucson hires lawful workers only - US citizens or nationals and non-citizens with valid work authorization - without discrimination. Federal immigration laws require all employers to verify both the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. In its efforts to meet the law's requirements, the City of Tucson participates in the E-Verify program established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to aid employers in verifying the eligibility of workers.
Retired City of Tucson employees receiving benefits from the Tucson Supplemental Retirement System who are considering reemployment with the City should be aware that pursuant to Section 22-37(g) of the Tucson City Code, retirement benefits shall be suspended during the period of reemployment with the City of Tucson unless you have been separated at least twelve consecutive months before returning to work AND you return to a non-permanent employment classification. Creditable service does not accrue during any reemployment period.
