$48,609 to $67,275 / Annually

1. PRELIMINARY BACKGROUND APPLICATION (PBA): Complete a PBA on-line as part of the application process. After completing the PBA, candidates will be advised if they have a realistic chance of success in the common areas of the background investigation. Go to www.lacity.org/per/safety.htm and click on the PBA.
2. CANDIDATE PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST (CPAT): Candidates must have a current passing score on the CPAT at the time of application processing and at the time of certification for hiring consideration. A CPAT score is valid for 1 year. (See attached CPAT Information Sheet for more information.)
3. AGE & EDUCATION: At least 18 years of age at the time of application. Graduation from a U.S. high school or equivalent, G.E.D. or equivalent from a U.S. institution, or a California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) certificate is required.
4. LICENSE: A valid California Driver's License is required at the time of appointment. Once hired, Firefighters are required to obtain and maintain a California Class "B" or Firefighter's driver's license, in accordance with Fire Department Procedures, as a condition of employment.

NOTES:

1. A valid Paramedic license is highly desired.
2. Some of the positions to be filled by this examination may require a valid Paramedic license. To fill such positions, only persons who have a valid Paramedic license may be certified, in order of their standing on the eligible list.
3. The ability to speak or write a language other than English is highly desired.

Examination Weight:
Interview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100%

The examination process consists of seven separate tests, usually taken in the following order:

1. The QUALIFYING WRITTEN TEST consists of multiple-choice questions, which measure A) reading comprehension and B) mathematics, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, ratios, squares, square roots, and the use and conversion of decimals, fractions and percentages. After one year from a candidate's written test date, an unsuccessful candidate may re-apply to re-take this test by submitting a new PBA and on-line application.
2. The INTERVIEW is a behavior-based review of a candidate's personal history. It is designed to evaluate initiative in learning, practical orientation, role adaptability, service orientation, oral communication skill, job motivation, teamwork, and respect for diversity. The minimum passing score is 70. This score will determine a candidate's rank on the eligible list, which is valid for two years from the date of the interview. However, after one year from the candidate's interview date, a candidate may apply to be scheduled to re-take the interview by submitting a new PBA and on-line application. This is an extremely competitive examination and only those candidates with the highest scores will continue in the selection process.
3. An initial BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION will be conducted based on a candidate's ranking on the eligible list and the hiring needs of the Fire Department. Candidates with the highest scores will be called first to provide additional information about their background and to complete additional personal history forms.
4. Those candidates who complete and return the forms in Step 3 will be considered for further processing during an INITIAL REVIEW OF QUALIFICATIONS by a panel consisting of a Fire Captain, a Personnel Department representative, and as needed, a Chief Officer. The Panel will review the candidate's Preliminary Background Application (PBA), oral interview rating sheets, personal history forms, and additional background information provided during Step 3 above. Depending on the hiring needs of the Fire Department, those candidates with the strongest qualifications will be drawn from this pool of candidates for further processing. This is an extremely competitive examination, and there are relatively few positions to be filled each year. Based on this, not all candidates in this pool will be selected for further processing.
5. A FIELD INVESTIGATION is conducted to evaluate interpersonal skills, sensitivity, and respect for others; decision-making and judgment; maturity and discipline; honesty, integrity, and personal ethics; setting and achieving goals; and a records check.
6. After the field investigation is conducted, a FINAL REVIEW OF QUALIFICATIONS will be completed by a panel consisting of a Fire Captain, a Personnel Department representative, and a Chief Officer. On the basis of this review, conditional job offers, in numbers proportionate to the number of anticipated vacancies, will be issued by the Fire Department.
7. The MEDICAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION, conducted by a City physician, determines whether the candidate is medically qualified to perform the full range of Firefighter duties, with no conditions, which would affect the candidate's ability to safely perform those duties. Additionally, a psychological evaluation, which consists of a written test and may include a clinical interview conducted by a City psychologist, will be required prior to appointment.

1. PHYSICAL: Firefighting and medical rescue work is physically demanding. Candidates must be in excellent health and have no conditions, which would restrict their ability to safely perform fire suppression and rescue work. Weight (body fat content) must be proportionate to height.
2. VISION: Uncorrected distance visual acuity of at least 20/100 in the poorer eye and 20/40 in the better eye, correctable to at least 20/40 in one eye and 20/20 in the other eye is required. Regarding refractive surgery, most persons who have had these procedures will be passed. However, some may be deferred for several months or disqualified based on an individualized assessment of the surgical outcome. Regarding color vision, candidates must be able to accurately and quickly name colors and be free of other visual impairments that would restrict their ability to perform firefighter duties.
3. TOBACCO: Firefighters are required to refrain from all use of tobacco throughout their employment with the Los Angeles Fire Department.
4. DRUG & ALCOHOL SCREENING: A drug and alcohol screening test may be required at any time prior to appointment because Firefighter has been designated as a safety sensitive class.

1. Candidates must obtain a valid EMT certificate prior to appointment.
2. As a covered entity under the Fair Employment and Housing Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities.
3. This examination is based on a validation study, and as provided by Civil Service Commission Rule 4.20, the examination will not be subject to candidate inspection.
4. Names will be removed from the eligible list after two years unless the eligibility of candidates on the list is extended.
5. Applications are accepted subject to review to ensure that minimum qualifications are met. Candidates may be disqualified at any time if it is determined that they do not possess the minimum qualifications stated on this bulletin.

Class Code 2112 CONT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . REVISED 09-07-2007

If you receive and accept an offer of employment to a regular position with the City of Los Angeles, your employer benefit coverage (including health and dental coverage as well as life insurance) will commence approximately six weeks after your original regular appointment. Not all positions in the City receive benefit coverage; you should inquire regarding the availability of employee benefits prior to accepting a position.

The City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, creed, color, ancestry, medical condition (cancer), or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Applicants or employees who believe that they have been discriminated against are encouraged to contact the Office of Discrimination Complaint Resolution at (213) 485-8250.