Firefighter

PHILADELPHIA CITY OF PFD Administration Building 240 Spring Garden St PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19123 215-686-2318

Updated: June 14, 2023

Firefighter

Candidates must complete the City of Philadelphia application (click here), the NTN Firefighter exam, and Public Safety Self Assessment (PSSA) Parts 1 & 2 by September 29, 2023.

Salary: $59,795 - $83,048 - Starting Salary - New employees will be appointed at the first step in the pay range for this class.

General Definition: The Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD) is seeking candidates with a passion to serve our community and join our team working around the clock to respond to emergencies and keep residents safe. Candidates must be 18 and must have a high school diploma or GED. We offer room for growth and the opportunity to make an impact on millions in the City of Philadelphia. The application period is open from May 29 through September 29, 2023. Apply today!

For more information on the Philadelphia Fire Department, visit https://www.phila.gov/departments/philadelphia-fire-department or call us at 215-686-3748 or 215-686-3479.

This is fire fighting and rescue work, controlling and extinguishing fires using a variety of specialized equipment and techniques, evacuating persons from areas of danger, and performing emergency treatment. Work includes inspecting multi-occupancy and commercial buildings for fire hazards and violations of the Fire Code and instructing the public on the principles of fire prevention. Work is performed under the general supervision of a fire officer. Assignments are stable and carried out according to standard departmental practices and general work instructions. Employees work together in fire companies or rescue squads performing general fire fighting and rescue duties in assigned geographic areas of the city. The dangers inherent in the work represent conditions that can be only partially controlled through preventive measures. Work requires moderate physical effort when using hose lines, ladders, tools, and rescues.

Union Code: (IAFF)

FLSA Code: Non-Exempt

Minimum Requirements:

++Minimum Training, Education & Experience++

The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards that will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Candidates must meet requirements by December 31, 2023.

1. EDUCATION -Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT FOR THE BILINGUAL SPECIALTY – Sufficient training and/or experience to be able to converse, understand, and speak fluently and clearly in English and the designated non-English language.

Both Bilingual and Non-Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply!

Physical & Medical Requirements:

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

Required Licenses & Certifications:

Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator’s license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Firefighter. Possession of State Certification as an emergency medical technician by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania upon completion of training and during tenure of employment as a Firefighter.

Other Requirements:

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS TO CLAIM ADDITIONAL CREDITS –

If you want to claim veteran’s preference, legacy preference, volunteer service preference, and/or want to qualify for points for an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science, you MUST submit documentation. This documentation may include a copy of your DD-214 Member-4, legacy documentation, a volunteer service letter, an official high school or college transcript, or a cadet explorers certificate.

It is an absolute requirement that you provide this documentation by September 29, 2023. Documentation to claim additional points will not be accepted after September 29, 2023.

If you have ever submitted documentation for any City of Philadelphia civil service examination, you have to submit another copy of your documentation for this examination.

It is optional whether you provide this documentation by attaching it to this application or submitting it via email, mail, or fax. Your options are further explained below:

Option 1 – Upload your documentation to your applicant account and attach it to your application.

You may upload documents into your account and attach the document to your application. Once the document is uploaded to your account, it may be attached to all future applications. Attaching your document will save you time and money if you apply for an examination in the future, and you will be assured that your documentation cannot be misplaced. Your documents should be uploaded and attached to your application BEFORE it is submitted. They cannot be uploaded or added to your application electronically after submitting it. Do not delay submitting your application if you do not have a digital copy of your documentation. You can use Option 2 (described below) to submit your documentation to claim additional points.

Option 2 – Submit your hardcopy or digital documentation AFTER submitting your application.

If you submit a hard copy of your documentation, the documentation will ONLY be used for this application. You will have to submit documents again whenever you apply for an examination in the future. Paper documents will not be retained and will not be returned to applicants.

You may submit hardcopy or digital documentation that you did not have when completing your application using this contact information:

Email: Hamid.Bertal@phila.gov Fax: 215-686-2347 with ATTN: Hamid Bertal

Mailing address: City of Philadelphia Office of Human Resources 1401 J.F. Kennedy Boulevard, Room 1530 Philadelphia, PA 19102 Attention: Hamid Bertal

Note: Candidates are encouraged to attach all documents to their application or submit documents via email to avoid any delays.

*Application Procedures *

Thank you for your interest in employment with the City of Philadelphia. Please refer to the important information below regarding this job opportunity.

1. You must complete the entire application process, provide accurate and up-to-date contact information, and submit all certifications, required licenses, and relevant documentation with each application or email the documents as an attachment to the Human Resources Professional listed below prior to the date of the exam.

2. The analyst responsible for reviewing applications and additional documentation for this job opportunity is:

Hamid Bertal City of Philadelphia – Office of Human Resources 1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530 Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675

Phone: 215-686-2382 Fax: 215-686-0861 Email: Hamid.Bertal@phila.gov

NOTE: This analyst may be intermittently working remotely. Please forward questions and documentation via email to avoid delays.

1. For all other inquiries, please contact Customer Service at 215-686-0880 or email hrhelpdesk@phila.gov

Notes to Applicants: As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What We Offer:

Impact – The work you do here matters to millions. Growth – Philadelphia is growing, so why not grow with it? Diversity & Inclusion – Find a career in a place where everyone belongs. Benefits – We care about your well-being.

The City of Philadelphia is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program-qualified employer.

Learn more here: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov. For more information, go to www.phila.gov/humanrelations.

The City of Philadelphia is committed to ensuring access to Civil Service examinations by providing appropriate accommodations for candidates with documented medical or religious reasons. Candidates may request an accommodation for a Civil Service examination by contacting the Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Unit of the Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations at 215-683-5085. The accommodation process is interactive and requires cooperation and communication between the applicant requesting a test accommodation and the EEO Unit. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis using the required documentation that is submitted. Requests are to be made promptly before the scheduled date of the Civil Service examination.

As a condition of employment with the City, any person offered employment shall be required to certify that such person is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the City; or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with the City. For so long as the person is employed by the City, the amount of the payment as set forth in the payment agreement (not to exceed, for any pay period, twenty percent (20%) of the person’s gross pay for such period, without the person’s consent) shall be withheld from each paycheck until such payment agreement is fully satisfied.

Such person shall also be required to certify as a condition of employment that he or she is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with PGW.

Failure to enter into a payment agreement shall result in the cancellation of the appointment and removal from the certification. The name of the eligible candidate will be returned to the eligible list.

New employees hired after September 1, 2021, must be vaccinated. New employees must either be fully vaccinated or have received one dose (if receiving a two-dose vaccine) by their start date with the City and will have a 30-day grace period to become fully vaccinated. During this grace period, these employees will be required to double-mask in City offices. To find a vaccination clinic near you, please visit phila.gov/vaccine.

Only an online application will be accepted for this exam. Paper applications will not be accepted. Computers are available in the 3-1-1 Walk-In Center located in Room 167 of City Hall (Weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM) and at your local Philadelphia Free Library branch.

For inquiries regarding City employment, contact the Office of Human Resources Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 4 PM by telephone at 215-686-0880 or by email at hrhelpdesk@phila.gov.

ALL Applications must be received by the end of business on September 29, 2023. Your application will be rejected, and you will be disqualified from competing in this examination if you:

1. Do not provide your complete and accurate social security number.

2. Attempt to practice fraud or deception in the preparation of this application

All correspondence and notifications will be sent to your e-mail address or postal address listed in your account profile's contact information (address, phone #, e-mail). Your contact information will be automatically updated each time you submit an application for employment. It is your responsibility to change your contact information and to ensure that it is correct.

If you provide an e-mail address, all correspondence regarding this examination will be sent to you by e-mail. You should add Phila.OHR@phila.gov to your address book or list of trusted contacts to prevent notices from being marked as spam by your e-mail provider.

Please call the Office of Human Resources at 215-686-0880 or email hrhelpdesk@phila.gov if you have any questions.

ELIGIBLE LIST OPEN-COMPETITIVE:

Only an open, competitive, eligible list will be established as a result of this examination. Permanent City employees will receive no promotional preference in this examination. Candidates who pass the exam and are placed on the civil service list will be retained for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years after establishing the Eligible List.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:

Philadelphia residency is not required to submit an application. However, applicants must have established bona fide residency in the City of Philadelphia for one year prior to appointment.

*PREFERENCE FOR PHILADELPHIA RESIDENTS: *

Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year before the civil service examination date shall have priority over all other persons receiving an identical test score. If you have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year immediately preceding September 29, 2023, you are eligible to claim residency preference. To receive such preference, candidates must respond to the question regarding residence later in this form.

The response on this application will be used to determine resident preference eligibility. Documentation of residence may be required if there is any question as to whether you meet the residency preference requirements. If an applicant does not respond to the appropriate residence question, it will be assumed that the applicant does not qualify for residence preference. Eligibility for residence preference must be determined by the test administration date. No requests for residence preference will be granted after the test administration.

U.S. VETERAN’S PREFERENCE:

Ten (10) points for veteran preference will be added to the scores of eligible veterans who apply for open competitive tests and pass the examination. To be eligible, the veteran must be honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces by the first date of the examination. Candidates must submit a DD214 Member-4 to the staff member listed on the announcement if they wish for their eligibility to be reviewed. Spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also be considered and will be required to submit additional documentation.

LEGACY PREFERENCE:

The children and grandchildren of Philadelphia Firefighters or Police Officers who were killed or died in the line of duty shall be accorded a preference in open, competitive civil service entrance examinations. Candidates must provide documented proof of relationship to the deceased parent or grandparent AND the death certificate of the deceased parent or grandparent. Candidates who qualify for this preference and pass open competitive civil service examinations shall have ten (10) points added to their final score

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE PREFERENCE:

Up to five (5) points will be added to the scores of eligible national volunteers who apply for open competitive tests and pass the examination. Candidates must submit a copy of their service letter to the staff member listed on the announcement if they wish for their eligibility to be reviewed. To be eligible, candidates must have.

A. Successfully completed a term of volunteer service with Peace Corps, AmeriCorps NCCC (including FEMA Corps), or AmeriCorps VISTA. Such candidates will be awarded five (5) points for completing a two-year term of service or three (3) points for completing a one-year term of service.

B. Successfully completed at least 450 hours of service with AmeriCorps State and National (including Teach for America).

Such candidates will have the following:

• 1 point added to their final score if they have completed 450 Hours of the above service.
• 2 points added to their final score if they have completed 675 Hours of the above service.
• 3 points added to their final score if they have completed 900 Hours of the above service.
• 5 points added to their final score if they have completed 1700 Hours of the above service.

Candidates must successfully pass all parts of the examination before veteran’s preference, legacy preference, or national volunteer service preference points are awarded.

ADDITIONAL CREDITS FOR THE FIREFIGHTER EXAMINATION:

1. Any employee permanently allocated to one of the classes in the Fire Service Paramedic series (6B22-6B26, 6B30) with five (5) or more years of service in the Fire Service Paramedic series of classes with the City of Philadelphia by September 29, 2023, who takes and passes the open competitive examination for the class of Firefighter shall have an additional ten (10) points added to his or her examination score.

2. Any employee currently allocated to the class of Emergency Medical Technician with five (5) or more years of service as an Emergency Medical Technician with the City of Philadelphia by September 29, 2023, who takes and passes the open competitive examination for the class of Firefighter shall have an additional ten (10) points added to his or her examination score.

3. Additional points will be added to the examination score of any candidate who passed the open competitive examination and who has successfully completed:

4. The Philadelphia Fire Department’s Fire Explorer Cadet Program;

5. A Philadelphia High School Fire & EMS Training curriculum;
6. An Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from an accredited college or university
7. Such candidates will be awarded:
8. Three (3) points for the successful completion of the Philadelphia Fire Department’s Fire Explorer Cadet program has included a minimum of 160 hours of training offered by the Philadelphia Fire Department, a minimum of 100 additional hours of community service, and passed 80% of quizzes and examinations throughout a single training period and/or
9. Three (3) points for successful completion of a Philadelphia High School Fire & Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Training curriculum and/or
10. Three (3) points for the successful completion of an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from an accredited college or university. No more than six (6) additional points may be awarded under this regulation.

Candidates must possess the above credentials by September 29, 2023, AND submit the required documentation no later than September 29, 2023, to claim additional credits for the Firefighter examination.

Requests for additional credits submitted after September 29, 2023, will not be approved.

CANDIDATES FOR BILINGUAL SPECIALTY:

When a single examination is announced to fill positions both in the bilingual specialty of a class and in another specialty of the same class, all candidates must take and pass all weighted parts of the same examination. All candidates who pass the weighted parts of the examination will be placed on the combined eligible list and will be eligible to fill positions in the specialty that does not require fluency in a non-English language or in American Sign Language.

Candidates who applied for the bilingual specialty and have passed all weighted parts of the examination will be required to pass a qualifying examination to verify their ability to communicate fluently in non-English or American Sign Language. Candidates who pass the qualifying examination will be identified on the eligible list as bilingual – fluency verified in a specified language or languages. Such candidates will be eligible to fill positions for the bilingual specialty.

Candidates who fail the bilingual qualifying examination will not be eligible to fill positions in the bilingual specialty but will remain on the eligible list and will be eligible to fill positions in the specialty that does not require fluency in a non-English language or in American Sign Language.

*_ADDITIONAL CREDITS ON EXAMINATIONS FOR BILINGUAL SPECIALTY: *_Candidates who have successfully passed all other parts of the open competitive examination for this class and who have verified ability to communicate fluently in any non-English language or in American Sign Language will have 3 points added to their final score Only those competitors who have a passing grade in an examination shall receive additional credits to which they may be entitled. A maximum of three points may be awarded for each examination. To receive the additional points, the candidate must respond affirmatively that he or she is fluent in a Non-English language or in American Sign Language while preparing the application for each examination or submit a written request for the additional points for each examination at any time prior to the administration of the first part of the examination. The Office of Human Resources will verify the candidates’ ability to communicate fluently in the non-English language or languages or in American Sign Language.

MILITARY LEAVE:

Any candidate who intends to make a request to take the test on a date other than the scheduled test date because of military duty on that date must file a written request and send proof of military duties (i.e., official orders) to

Email: Hamid.Bertal@phila.gov Fax: 215-686-0861 with ATTN: Hamid Bertal Mailing address: City of Philadelphia Office of Human Resources – Public Safety Team 1401 JFK Boulevard, 15th Floor, Room 1530 Philadelphia, PA 19102 Attn: Hamid Bertal

ABOUT THE FIREFIGHTER EXAMINATION:

The City of Philadelphia has contracted with National Testing Network, Inc. (NTN) to develop, validate, and administer the 2023 entry-level Firefighter written examination.

This test will consist of six sections: a multiple choice portion measuring human relations skills, a mechanical reasoning section, a reading test, a math test, a self-assessment 1, and a self-assessment 2. The test is approximately two hours long. To register with NTN and schedule a test, go to www.nationaltestingnetwork.com, select ‘Find Jobs,’ then select Firefighter Jobs, and sign up for the City of Philadelphia.

When you visit the www.nationaltestingnetwork.com website:

Complete the NTN registration process and schedule your test

• Review all information related to the City of Philadelphia Entry-level Firefighter
• Review detailed information about the testing process
• Review the Frequently Asked Questions and take an online practice test (if desired). The FAQ’s can be found here: https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/faqs.cfm
• If you plan to test virtually, visit the Virtual Testing FAQs page to ensure you meet the minimum system requirements to take the exam. The Virtual Testing FAQs can be found here: https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/index.cfm?mode=page/faq-virtual-testing

National Testing Network is a service provided to conduct entry-level testing in a standardized, professional environment. National Testing Network does not replace the City’s responsibility and decision-making in testing. All candidate results are provided to the City of Philadelphia, where the final decisions are made.

There is no required study guide. However, a practice exam is available. The extended practice test is available to approved candidates at no cost. NTN cannot guarantee that reviewing the practice exam will result in a passing written test score; however, candidates who complete the practice examination will better understand the type of test questions found on the Firefighter written test. A practice test will be issued to candidates after registering for the exam.

For any questions regarding the testing process or claiming additional credits on the examination, please contact Hamid Bertal by email at Hamid.Bertal@phila.gov or by phone at 215-686-2382.

For any questions regarding the virtual testing process, please contact NTN by phone at 206-428-3265 or on their website: https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/contact_candidate.cfm. Candidate support is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM through 8:00 PM EST.

Projected Exam Date:

WRITTEN EXAMINATION: The examination is administered through the National Testing Network and can be completed on any day between May 29, 2023, to September 29, 2023. To complete the examination, visit the www.nationaltestingnetwork.com website and register for the examination.

You MUST complete registration with NTN to complete the examination.

You can complete the examination virtually, or you can schedule to complete the examination at an NTN Testing Center. Please visit the www.nationaltestingnetwork.com website to:

• Complete the NTN registration process and schedule your test
• Review all information related to the City of Philadelphia Entry-level Firefighter
• Review detailed information about the testing process
• Review the Frequently Asked Questions and take an online practice test (if desired). The FAQ’s can be found here: https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/faqs.cfm
• If you plan to test virtually, visit the Virtual Testing FAQs page to ensure you meet the minimum system requirements to take the exam. The Virtual Testing FAQs can be found here: https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/index.cfm?mode=page/faq-virtual- Testing

BILINGUAL CANDIDATES ONLY:

Candidates who pass the written examination and have claimed bilingual fluency shall be notified to appear for the qualifying bilingual oral examination in such numbers and at such times as determined to be necessary.

Virtual Testing May Be Utilized for the Qualifying Bilingual Oral Examination: Candidates taking the bilingual oral examination may have their responses rated in person by a panel of Subject Matter Experts on the date of the examination or have their responses recorded on the date of the examination and rated by Subject Matter Experts at a later date. Please refer all questions regarding this examination to the analyst listed below in the announcement.

An Eligible List is expected to be established the week of November 6, 2023. Please note that this date may change.

Test Review:

WRITTEN EXAMINATION:

Per Civil Service Regulation 9.091D, candidates may review their answer sheets and other test papers to determine if they have been scored correctly or if there has been an irregularity in the examination administration. Candidates will have 30 days after the results have been mailed to review their test and to file a written appeal. Call 215 686-0880 if you wish to schedule a test review.

Review of validated tests purchased or leased from other organizations or individuals may be restricted by contractual requirements. Such restrictions will be included in the examination announcement or in a written notification sent to everyone who applied for the examination.

QUALIFYING ORAL EXAMINATION FOR BILINGUAL CANDIDATES ONLY:

Per Civil Service Regulation 9.091D, candidates may review their answer sheets and other test papers to determine if they have been scored correctly or if there has been an irregularity in the examination administration. Candidates will have 30 days after the results have been mailed to review their test and to file a written appeal. Call 215 686-0880 if you wish to schedule a test review.

• Age: 18+
• Education: High School Diploma or GED
• Experience: Sufficient training and/or experience to be able to converse, understand, and speak fluently and clearly in English and the designated non-English language.

WRITTEN EXAMINATION: The examination is administered through the National Testing Network and can be completed on any day between May 29, 2023, to September 29, 2023. To complete the examination, visit the www.nationaltestingnetwork.com website and register for the examination.You MUST complete registration with NTN to complete the examination.You can complete the examination virtually, or you can schedule to complete the examination at an NTN Testing Center. Please visit the www.nationaltestingnetwork.com website to:

• Complete the NTN registration process and schedule your test
• Review all information related to the City of Philadelphia Entry-level Firefighter
• Review detailed information about the testing process
• Review the Frequently Asked Questions and take an online practice test (if desired). The FAQ’s can be found here: https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/faqs.cfm
• If you plan to test virtually, visit the Virtual Testing FAQs page to ensure you meet the minimum system requirements to take the exam. The Virtual Testing FAQs can be found here: https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/index.cfm?mode=page/faq-virtual- Testing