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^{Relief Firefighters   /  The Hiring Process  /  Salary and Benefits}

If  you want to help people and work with a great team, and you are physically fit, then you may be an ideal candidate for a career with the City of Fredericton Fire Department.

A career in the fire service is both challenging and rewarding.

The City is proud to offer "Relief Firefighter" positions to those interested in being part of our team.

Relief Firefighters

• Are employed as additional personnel to the permanent establishment of the Fredericton Fire Department suppression unit.
• Will be employed for a minimum of nine consecutive months in each twelve month period.
• Promotion to full-time permanent firefighter in the Fredericton Fire Department will be through
  the Relief Firefighter Program.
• Will replace permanent firefighters through attrition based on seniority by date of hire.
• Will work an average of forty-two (42) hours per week on a four (4) Platoon system with a ten (10) hour day shift and a fourteen (14) hour night shift.

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The Hiring Process

Stages involved in the recruitment process:

1. Application / Screening
2. Written Aptitude
3. Fitness Assessment
4. Job Related Performance Tests
5. Personal Interview
6. Medical Examination

Stage 1 - APPLICATION / SCREENING

Applications will be screened to ensure all the Basic Entrance Requirements have been met before the applicant advances to the next stage. The following documents must be included with the application:

• Original and valid New Brunswick driver's abstract current within 30 days, showing not more than 5 demerit points and no unpaid fines. This standard must be maintained throughout the hiring process.
• Proof of a secondary school diploma or equivalent ( a Grade 12 G.E.D. is acceptable) Documents considered as assets:
• Copy of the current Certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Basic Rescuer Level
  'C' (or approved equivalent).
• Copy of the current St. John Ambulance Standard First Aid (or approved equivalent).The Applicant must also:
  • be legally entitled to work in Canada
  • be able to communicate clearly under stressful, emergency conditions
  • possess a pardon if previously convicted of a criminal offense
• When offered a job as Relief Firefighter the Applicant must:
  • Hold a valid New Brunswick Class III license (minimum) with an 'E' air brake endorsement
  • provide satisfactory employment references
  • provide proof of vaccination for Tetanus and Poliomyelitis, and current and active immunity for Tuberculosis and Hepatitis B, such proof in the form of a certificate signed by a licensed physician, or be willing to receive such vaccinations during pre-employment medical.

The Applicant must successfully meet the required standards at each stage to maintain his/her eligibility.

Stage 2 - WRITTEN APTITUDE TEST

The written aptitude test is conducted by the City of Fredericton Human Resource Division. The test is designed for entry level Firefighters, and does not require any previous fire fighting education or experience. The test uses a multiple choice format. The written aptitude test will assess the applicants':

•  understanding of written and verbal communications
•  technical/mechanical aptitude
•  reading, reasoning and mathematical skills

Applicants who receive a test score of 75% or higher will proceed to the next stage of the competition.

Stage 3 - FITNESS ASSESSMENT

Applicants who successfully complete stage two of the competition will be notified of the time and place of the Fitness Assessment and Job Related Tests. Applicants must pass the Fitness Assessment in order to proceed to the Job related Tests; both tests will be conducted on the same day. The Fitness Assessment and Job Related Performance Tests are conducted at the applicant's expense , $150.00 total cost (HST included).
The fitness assessment test includes a pulmonary function test (to determine the health of your lungs and airways), a body composition assessment (height, weight, skinfolds, waist girth), timed situps (60sec), flexibility assessment, and an aerobic fitness assessment (VO2 max will be determined using a maximal, graded exercise test on a treadmill. The test will usually last between 12-20 minutes).

Stage 4 - JOB RELATED PERFORMANCE TESTS

There are seven job-related performance tests designed to simulate the physical demands of a Firefighter's job which requires both muscular strength and endurance. The following job-related tests are modeled on the standard firefighters' tests developed by York University.

To prepare for these tests, applicants may wish to participate in a supervised weight training, stretching and aerobic exercise program to increase strength, improve flexibility, and enhance aerobic fitness. Consult your physician and a qualified fitness instructor prior to starting any exercise program. Candidates must wear safety boots, bring work gloves, be on time and listen carefully to instruction.

1. Ladder Climb: Applicants will climb a 22.8m (75ft) aerial ladder, uncouples and recouples a hose fitting, then climb down the ladder. A safety line is attached to the applicant throughout the climb. This test assesses fear of heights (acrophobia) and manual dexterity. (Untimed)
2. Claustrophobia Test: Wearing a blacked-out face piece, applicants search a narrow confined, but unobstructed passage-way approximately 30 ft. in length and retrieve one or more small "victims". This test assesses fear of being in confined areas (claustrophobia). Applicants must be able to wear a face mask, and must be able to work in confined spaces, or at heights. (Untimed)
3. Ladder Lift: Applicants will remove and replace a 56-lb ladder from brackets mounted 193cm (76 in) above the floor. This test simulates the demands involved in numerous firefighting activities (i.e. pike poling, removing ladders from aerial beds, etc.) which require working at or above chest /shoulder height. It assesses upper body plus back muscular strength and endurance.
4. Hose Carry / Climb: Applicants will lift and carry over your shoulder a 39kg (85lb) bundle of folded and tied hose with a nozzle up a flight of stairs (approx. 50ft). This test simulates carrying equipment to the staging areas of a high-rise fire. It assesses dynamic balance, muscular strength of the upper body and back, plus muscular endurance and power of the legs.
5. Rope Pull: Raise and lower the weight of a 15m (50ft) section of hose plus nozzle 23kg (weight 50lbs). This will be performed at a height of 5m (16ft) and will be performed 4 consecutive times. This test simulates hoisting firefighting equipment to and from windows or roofs.  It assesses manual dexterity plus the muscular strength and endurance of the upper body and back.
6. Hose Advance Drag: Participants will pull a 70kg (154lb) load which simulates a charged hose line (a hose line that is ready to discharge water),  a distance of 15m (50ft).  This test assesses leg power and muscular strength of the upper body.
7. Victim Drag: Applicants will lift and drag a 77kg (170lb) "victim" a distance of 15m (50ft) while weaving in and out of traffic cones placed every 3m (10ft). This simulates rescuing downed Firefighters who are wearing full turn-out gear. It assesses upper body, back, plus lower body muscular strength, agility and dynamic balance.

Stage 5 - THE INTERVIEW

To further assess your qualifications, an interview will be conducted by members of the Human Resource Division and the Fredericton Fire Department. Only Applicants that successfully complete the Job Related Tests will be eligible to participate in the interview stage. Applicants will be notified of the interview time and location.

Stage 6 - THE MEDICAL EXAMINATION

The final step in the process is to pass the medical examination. Applicants will be required to undergo a medical examination and successfully meet the required standards of Relief Firefighter.

The medical examination consists of:

• a review of your health history
• a physical examination related to Firefighter duties
• a test of your eyesight and colour vision

You must possess prescribed visual requirements of 20/30 in each eye with corrective lenses, and colour vision which is safe for firefighting.

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Salary and Benefits

The rate of pay for Relief Firefighters will be as outlined in the current collective agreement. Relief Firefighters will receive a pensionable Benefit Spending Allowance (BSA) to purchase benefits as directed by the employee and in conformity with the Benefit Plan provisions.