Northwest Fire District
WE’RE HIRING
FIREFIGHTERS
Northwest Fire is hiring Firefighters – no experience needed.
Firefighter Recruitment Highlights
This process is dedicated to hiring those who demonstrate the qualities our community expects of their first responders, the ability to learn the diverse skills required by Northwest Fire, and the right attitude to continue to learn and lead throughout an entire firefighting career. There are no fire or medical certifications required to apply for this particular recruitment. As such, we expect this to be a highly competitive process.
Northwest Fire District is recruiting for approximately 24 Firefighters. This is an online-only application process. The Northwest Fire District is accepting Employment Applications from September 1 through September 30, 2016, or until 1,000 online applications have been received. To reiterate, the application process will close with the District’s acceptance of 1,000 applications, even if that happens prior to the September 30 deadline. Please see the Employment Application box on this page to apply.
You’ll find more information about our organization, the recruitment timeline, and testing details below. These details provide information on the District sponsored six (6) week Emergency Medical Care Technician (EMCT) class beginning February 21, 2017, and the fourteen (14) week Fire Academy to follow on April 03, 2017. The schedule for both the EMCT class and Fire Academy consist of four (4) 10-hour days running Monday – Thursday.
Please reach out to members of our recruitment team for information on a firefighting career or about working with Northwest Fire. If you have questions about your eligibility or the recruitment process, please refer to our FAQ section.
Still have a question about the recruitment process? Submit your question here.
Firefighter
Annual pay is approximately $44,282, with an actual hourly pay of $14.81*
*Hourly pay based on a factor of 2990 hours worked annually, which includes scheduled overtime
Full Job Description
Have a question?
Check our FAQ section for answers.
(Updated 9/1/2016 – Added FAQs #13-15)
FAQs
Minimum Qualifications
For details on the qualifications required click here.
Recruitment Timeline
Details on the Recruitment Timeline can be found here. *Please note – all dates are subject to change.
Testing Process Details
Details on the testing process can be found here.
Benefits
NWFD offers an extensive benefits package. Details can be found here.
About NWFD
To learn more about Northwest Fire District, see our About Us page, or read about our Guiding Principles.
Recruitment Team
Want to know more about what it is like to be a Firefighter? Reach out to a member of our Recruitment Team for more information
We expect anyone seeking employment with us can demonstrate that they work hard, work smart, have good judgment and integrity. We’re looking for those who are as committed to this community as we are… that’s the ‘fit’ we are seeking.
Michael J Brandt
Fire Chief
This is an online only application process – no phone calls, ride-alongs or visits, please.Employment Application
Now Accepting Applications
Apply Online
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ:
From September 1 through September 30, 2016, the Northwest Fire District is accepting up to 1,000 online employment applications for this Firefighter recruitment. If 1,000 completed applications have been received prior to September 30, 2016, the application submission period will close.
Applicant Required Notices
NWFD is an
Equal Opportunity Employer.
Applicant Status and Test Scheduling
Already submitted your application?
Check our Applicant Status page for details regarding testing scheduling and your status in the recruitment process.
Check Status
Minimum Qualifications
Firefighter Minimum Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- High School Diploma, General Education Development (GED). We will accept a higher degree, such as: Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s in place of a High School Diploma/GED.
- Valid Arizona Driver’s License – Valid: means that an individual’s current driver’s license is not revoked, suspended, expired, refused, cancelled, or restricted by the Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (AZMVD).
- Ability to successfully pass the Emergency Medical Care Technician (EMCT) exam. – See TITLE 9. HEALTH SERVICES CHAPTER 25. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES go to pg. 19, and read R9-25-402. EMCT Certification and Recertification Requirements.
Have a question about your eligibility?
Check our FAQ section.
FAQs
Benefits
The benefits listed below are effective on the first day of employment:
Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Short-Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, and the employee may elect to participate in Deferred Compensation.
After 30 days of full-time employment, these benefits are available:
Medical, dental, vision, and voluntary beneftis.
Life Insurance ($50,000) Medical – Traditional Plan Life Insurance (up to $300k)
Accidental Death & Dismemberment ($50,000) Dental – Two Plans (to include orthodontia for Adults & Children) Accidental Death & Dismemberment (up to $300k)
Short-Term Disability (up to $1,000/per week) Vision – (to include discounts on Laser Vision Correction) Accident with or without Disability (includes a Wellness Rider)
Medical – Qualified High Deductible Health Plan Critical Illness with a Cancer Rider
Post Employment Health Plan (qualified health expenses) Deferred Compensation for Retirement
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Flexible Spending Accounts (health/dependent expenses)
Tuition Reimbursement after first year of employment (i.e., graduation from academy)
Educational Assistance
RETIREMENT PLAN
Current Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) members transfer and continue participation on date of hire (First day of the Fire Academy). For those who may not already be members of the PSPRS, eligibility begins on the first day after Academy graduation date.
More Information
Further details on our benefits can be found on our Benefit Information page.
Benefit Information
Firefighter Recruitment Timeline
Sep 01 – Sep 30: Accepting Online Employment Applications Jan 05 – Jan 07: CPAT Testing
Sep 09 – Oct 14: General Aptitude Test scheduling Jan 09 – Jan 13: Second Interviews conducted this week
Sep 19 – Oct 15: General Aptitude Test administered Jan 13: Successful candidates contacted, verbal contingent job offers are made, and scheduled to meet with Human Resources
Sep 30: Final date to submit an online Employment Application by noon (12:00 PM) – assuming the limit of 1,000 applications has not been reached Jan 16– Jan 20: Human Resources meeting for written acceptance of contingent job offer. Uniform sizing, schedule pre-employment physical, drug test, background, employment reference checks
Oct 17 – Oct 21: First Interviews scheduled Feb 21: Emergency Medical Care Technician (EMCT) class begins
Oct 24 – Oct 28: First Interviews conducted Apr 03: Firefighter Academy begins
Oct 31 – Nov 04: Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Orientation Jul 06: Firefighter Academy Graduation
Nov 14 – Dec 12: CPAT Practice Sessions Jul 10: Shift work begins
Recruitment Testing Details
The testing process will consist of four phases: General Aptitude Test, First Interview, CPAT, and Second Interview. Details on each are below.Testing Process Details
If you meet the Minimum Qualifications and can affirm the requirements listed on the application, you will be scheduled for the General Aptitude Test. Weekly, beginning September 09, 2016, and each Friday thereafter until October 14, 2016, Human Resources will review all employment applications received by noon of that Friday. Each Friday at 5:00PM during that time frame, a new schedule for those invited to participate in the General Aptitude Test will be posted to the Applicant Status and Test Scheduling page.
If you find yourself on the General Aptitude Test schedule, you have met the Minimum Qualifications and application requirements, and will be moving forward in the process. If you are not listed on that status page, you did not meet the Minimum Qualifications or application requirements and will be notified by mail.
IMPORTANT: You will not be contacted by phone or email regarding the General Aptitude Test and/or Interview scheduling. It is your responsibility to check our website to view your status throughout the process. You can check your status here.General Aptitude Test
The candidate must pass the General Aptitude Test with an overall 80%, as well as achieve one of the highest 250 scores, to proceed in the selection process. The General Aptitude Test is a 2 hour multiple choice test, comprised of 100 questions.
Reading and Understanding Written Information 20
English Language Skills 20
Numerical Skills 20
Mechanical Ability 20
Interpersonal Skills 20
Total Questions: 100
First Interview
The first interview is scheduled after the written exam. Candidates who are invited to participate in the first interview should anticipate it lasting approximately one hour.
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
If you pass the first interview, you will have the opportunity to participate in the CPAT process which includes: Orientation, Practice and Test.
The following documents can help you prepare for the CPAT:
CPAT Orientation Guide
CPAT Preparation Guide
Second Interview
The second interview is scheduled after the CPAT. Candidates who are invited to participate in the second interview should anticipate it lasting approximately one hour.
Frequently Asked Questions – Recruitment Process
Question 1: When can I submit an application for a firefighter position?
Answer: The application period begins at 8:00 AM on Thursday, September 1st, 2016. The deadline to submit all applications to Northwest Fire District is 12:00 PM on Friday, September 30th, 2016. The Northwest Fire District will stop accepting applications when 1,000 completed applications have been submitted. It is possible that 1,000 applications will be collected prior to the September 30, 2016 closing date and bring the application process to an early completion.Question 2: What is the minimum age requirement to apply for a firefighter position?
Question 3: If I live outside of Pima County, can I still apply for the position of firefighter?
Question 4: Do I need any certificates or degrees to apply for a firefighter position?
Question 5: Do Veterans receive any preference status?
Question 6: Do EMCTs or Paramedics receive preference status?
Question 7: I have a current Emergency Medical Care Technician (EMCT) license; do I need to complete the Northwest Fire District EMCT course, as well?
Question 8: I have a current Certified Physical Ability Test (CPAT) card. Do I need to complete the NWFD CPAT testing, as well?
Question 9: What are the start dates of the EMCT class and Fire Academy?
Question 10: How long will the EMCT program and Fire Academy be?
Question 11: How do I prepare for this recruitment process?
Question 12: I am unable to provide a copy of my diploma/degree. What can I provide in its place?
Question 13: I understand this recruitment process requires a valid Arizona driver’s license. When will I be required to present my license to the District?
Question 14: How do I know if my employment application and the files I’ve uploaded have been submitted correctly?
Question 15: I’ve just submitted my application and realized that I had an error in the information I provided? What do I do now?
Still have a question?
If, after reviewing the contents of this page, you still have a question, please fill out the form below and we will get back to you. To get started, please check the box below.
- I have…*
- …thoroughly read the contents of this page
Recruitment Team
The Northwest Fire District Recruitment Team is dedicated to those individuals who are seriously considering a firefighting career. This team was very instrumental in shaping the information on this page, specifically: “What is it like to be a Northwest Fire District Firefighter?” The information you’ll find in this section represents questions they often hear from those interested in a firefighting career. Our Recruitment Team does a great job in providing information about life as a firefighter and about the culture of our organization.
We ask that you please review the details of this page carefully, including the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section and the “What is it like to be a Northwest Fire District Firefighter?” section. Once you’ve had a chance to read through our recruitment page, feel free to email ANY of the members listed below for additional information about a firefighting career with Northwest Fire District. Given their shift schedule, please allow a few days for a response.
PLEASE NOTE: Members of the recruitment team will not be able to address detailed questions about the recruitment process beyond what you find on this page or your specific eligibility. If you have questions about the recruitment process not addressed by the site, please submit your question here.
What’s it like to be a Firefighter?
520-887-1010 [email protected]Contact a member of our Recruitment Team.
What is it like to be a Northwest Fire District Firefighter?
What is the typical day like for a Northwest Fire District firefighter?
Each shift starts at 0800, that’s 8 A.M., with a shift change report from the off-going firefighter. Once your personal protective equipment (commonly referred to as Turn-Out or Bunker gear) is placed on the truck, a thorough check of the truck and it’s equipment is completed to ensure response readiness. After a daily truck check, the crew will meet with the station Captain to go over the schedule/plan for the day and any new organizational memos.In addition to responses to emergency and non-emergency incidents, a typical 24-hour shift will consists of:
– Daily truck check and equipment maintenance
– Fire station maintenance, upkeep and cleaning
– A minimum of two hours of fire-related training via hands-on drills, multi-company drills, webcam/online training, individual online assignments, etc…
– 1 hour of individual or crew physical training
– Emergency medical training and drills
– Completion of electronic patient care and fire incident reports
– Public service truck demonstrations and public education
– Fire hydrant testing and basic maintenance
– Pre-incident planning of buildings in response area
– Fire station tours
– Crew dinner preparation
– Individual study
What is it like to be a Northwest Fire District firefighter?
What schedule does the Northwest Fire District work?
What type of promotional opportunities are available as a Northwest Fire District firefighter?
What type of incidents does Northwest Fire District respond to?
Does Northwest Fire District provide any type of retirement plan?
Are families allowed to come by the station?
How does the 24-hour shift work for families?
How does the job and schedule of a firefighter affect holidays?
Do firefighters sleep while on-duty?
Do firefighters really cook meals at the station?
What does it mean to be a Probationary Firefighter?
Northwest Fire District Recruitment Team Members
David Alvarez
Firefighter
Previous Job:
Wildland Firefighter
Years of Service NWFD:
9.5
Years of fire service experience:
10.5
From:
California
Dave Braswell
Captain/Paramedic
Previous Job:
Firefighter/Paramedic-Casa Grande Fire Department
Years of Service NWFD:
6
Years of fire service experience:
16
From:
Tucson, AZ
Kyle Canty
Acting Battalion Chief
Previous Job:
Physical Education teacher
Years of Service NWFD:
16
Years of fire service experience:
18
From:
Tucson, AZ
Erik Castiblanco
Paramedic
Previous Job:
Local ambulance company
Years of Service NWFD:
10
Years of fire service experience:
10
From:
Mexico
Ty Cobb
Engineer
Previous Job:
Land Development Foreman
Years of Service NWFD:
6.5
Years of fire service experience:
6.5
From:
Northern California
Richard Fult
Engineer
Previous Job:
Electrician
Years of Service NWFD:
6
Years of fire service experience:
6
From:
Tucson, AZ
Leigh Foss
Battalion Chief
Previous Job:
Program director for the YMCA
Years of Service NWFD:
21
Years of fire service experience:
21
From:
Illinois
Lee Hatfield
Firefighter
Previous Job:
EMT at Southwest Ambulance
Years of Service NWFD:
10
Years of fire service experience:
10
From:
Tucson, AZ
Gregory Owen
Firefighter/Paramedic
Previous Job:
Construction sales and marketing
Years of Service NWFD:
6.5
Years of fire service experience:
6.5
From:
Johannesburg, South Africa
Jordan Pollock
Engineer
Years of Service NWFD:
12
Years of fire service experience:
14
From:
Tucson, AZ
Ian Robinson
Lead Fire Inspector/Investigator
Previous Job:
Plumber
Years of Service NWFD:
3
Years of fire service experience:
19
From:
Southern California
Mark Schleicher
Firefighter
Previous Job:
Professional baseball player/ Rural Metro Southwest Ambulance
Years of Service NWFD:
2
Years of fire service experience:
2
From:
Charotte, North Carolina
Justin Simmons
Captain
Years of Service NWFD:
12
Years of fire service experience:
12
From:
Mesa, AZ
Matthew Storms
Firefighter/Paramedic
Previous Job:
Construction, Customer Service
Years of Service NWFD:
2
Years of fire service experience:
8
From:
Tucson, AZ
Brent Wintercorn
Firefighter
Previous Job:
Bank Associate – Credit Card Div
Years of Service NWFD:
9
Years of fire service experience:
9
From:
Phoenix, AZ
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