Find Your Career 10 Main Street
Mark Rohlfing 10 Main Street An Equal Opportunity Employer Rapid City Department of Fire and Welcome Prospective Employee: Thank you for your interest in the Rapid City Department of Fire & Emergency Services. I am Fire Chief Mark Rohlfing and I am excited to offer you the opportunity to join our fire service team. We became a paid fire department in 1949 and have been expanding our mission ever since as our community continues to grow. We operate out of 7 stations with 130 personnel. We respond to over 11,000 calls each year including structural and wildland fire, emergency medical, hazardous materials, rescue, and airport fire/rescue. Our prevention division offers code enforcement, fire investigations, youth firesetter programs, and plans review for new and existing construction. The Training and Education division offers many types of public education and coordinates and offers training for our department as well as the public. We pride ourselves on the customer service we provide to the residents of our community as we try and exceed their expectations. If you are interested in a fire service career that is challenging and rewarding, please review the information contained in the pamphlet and we will look forward to meeting you as you continue through the testing process. Good luck, Mark Rohlfing
The entry-level position in the Rapid City Department of Fire and Emergency Services is that of Firefighter-Medic/Paramedic. Before June 1st of 1988 the entry-level position was titled "Firefighter." The change was made primarily because of the Department's expanding role in pre-hospital emergency medical care. As the Department continues to evolve, so does the scope of our services. Besides traditional firefighting activities and emergency medicine, the Department is active in fire prevention, public education, hazardous chemicals, rescue services, and non-emergency medical care. IT'S A RECOGNIZED TRADE The International Association of Firefighters Local IAFF 3959 has entered into an agreement to implement a U.S. Department of Labor approved Firefighter-Medic/Paramedic Apprenticeship Program. The program prescribes the on-the-job training and work experience to be provided to Department recruits during the first four years of their careers. IT'S A WIDE RANGE OF EXPERIENCES At the end of this four-year period, the Journeyman Firefighter-Medic/Paramedic has been educated and is experienced in fire suppression and prevention, hazardous materials, rescue, emergency medicine, public education, and other skills required for delivery of services to our customers.
FIREFIGHTER - MEDIC/PARAMEDIC Under close supervision of the Lieutenant and Captain, this position performs firefighting and emergency response activities, and participates in fire prevention and public education. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS FOR ALL LEVELS OF THIS POSITION: With knowledge of the theoretical basis for techniques used in firefighting, medical care, and other emergency response and non-emergency activities:
ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS FOR
ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS FOR
ADDITIONAL TASKS FOR ALL LEVELS OF THIS POSITION
ADDITIONAL TASKS FOR
ADDITIONAL TASKS FOR
ADDITIONAL TASKS FOR JOURNEYMAN FIREFIGHTER-MEDIC/PARAMEDIC
ASSIGNMENTS TO SPECIALIZED OPERATIONS MAY (Haz-Mat)
(Diver)
(Airport)
(EMT-Intermediate)
(Paramedic)
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS Performs extremely hazardous duties with regular and prolonged exposure to temperature extremes, adverse weather conditions, high noise, toxic fumes, and other hazardous materials. While working in a wide range of topographical conditions (e.g., high and low levels, steep/slippery embankments. etc.), may be exposed to human excrement, blood, urine, mucous and body tissue. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRANCE AS APPRENTICE FIREFIGHTER - MEDIC/PARAMEDIC RECRUIT : High school diploma or GED equivalency; attain the age of 18 before hire date; be a citizen of the United States or declare intentions to become naturalized as required by the provisions of South Dakota Codified Law 314. Must possess a valid driver's license. EMT Basic applicants must have National Registry EMT Basic certification or state of South Dakota EMT Basic certification as of test date. Paramedic applicants must also have National Registry Paramedic certification or State of South Dakota Paramedic licensure and certification. All Paramedic applicants will be required to obtain State of South Dakota Paramedic licensure and certification by the end of recruit training. FOR ADVANCEMENT TO FIREFIGHTER - MEDIC/PARAMEDIC I : Complete 16 months as a Rapid City Fire Department Firefighter-Medic/Paramedic Recruit or, demonstrate proficiency in departmental written, verbal, and/or manual skills exam. FOR ADVANCEMENT TO FIREFIGHTER - MEDIC/PARAMEDIC II : Complete 32 months as Rapid City Firefighter-Medic/Paramedic or demonstrate proficiency in departmental written, verbal, and/or manual skills exam. FOR ADVANCEMENT TO JOURNEYMAN FIREFIGHTER-MEDIC/PARAMEDIC : Complete 48 months as a Rapid City Firefighter-Medic/Paramedic or demonstrate proficiency in departmental written, verbal, and/or manual skills exam. Becoming an employee of the Rapid City Department of Fire and Emergency Services is a highly competitive process. All applicants are encouraged to enhance their qualifications through education, experience, and physical fitness. One way this can be achieved is through an affiliation with a volunteer emergency service. If you have any questions, please call 394-4180. IMPORTANT INFORMATION I. GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR FIREFIGHTER MEDIC/PARAMEDIC SELECTION Applications for Firefighter-Medic/Paramedic are available and will be accepted at the City Human Resources Office, 300 Sixth Street , on a continuing basis, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There shall be no discrimination against applicants for employment on account of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, or political affiliation. Wherever in this policy the terms "he", "him", or "his" is used, it shall be deemed to be equal to "she", "her", or "hers". The City of Rapid City fully subscribes to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you are in need of special accommodations, please notify the City of Rapid City Human Resources Department so that reasonable accommodations may be made available. The Department requires applicants to be 18 years of age or older. Applicants must be citizens of the United States or must have applied for naturalization. Applicants must be of good moral character, and must not have committed a felony. This will be determined by a background investigation. Applicants must pass a written test. Applicants must pass a physical fitness test. (See description later in this booklet.) Please be reminded that the elevation in Rapid City is 3198 feet above sea level. A panel of Department officers and firefighters will interview applicants. Applicants must pass the prescribed medical examination and drug screen, as administered by a licensed physician selected by the City. After successful results, applicant must undergo and pass with favorable results a psychological evaluation and background check. Applicants must sign a Tobacco Non-use Agreement, which states that he/she will not use tobacco products in any form, either on or off duty, for the duration of his/her career. II. APPLICATION PROCEDURE The applicant should complete all required paperwork to the City Human Resource Department on or before the advertised deadline date. Application Requirements: High School Diploma or GED Certificate Applicants are notified of the position requirements (which are subject to change) at the time of application. When a test date has been set, all applicants applying since the last previous testing are sent a notice indicating that the City will be testing on a certain date. Applicants are required to respond by the cut-off date for applications, if they intend to test. Any applicant failing to respond is removed from the test list. No make-up test will be given. After the closing date for applications, all applicants are sent verification of the date, time, and location of the written test, and the physician’s statement. Please note that a Physician’s approval for physical agility testing must be completed by the applicant AND a physician between the stated application deadline and the designated testing date. Therefore, appropriate action should be taken to set an appointment with a physician for this time period. Approval forms completed before the application deadline are not valid. You will not be allowed to test without this document, and, therefore, will not be considered in the current selection process for this position. A copy of the form will be sent to the applicant along with a reminder of notification shortly after the application deadline date. III. PROCEDURE FOR TESTING You will need to allow 2 (two) days to complete the testing procedures. Written Test Each candidate will be required to take a written test. The test consists of three parts that will evaluate the critical job-related aspects of human relations skills, mechanical aptitude, and reading. - Each candidate will be required to take a written test. The test consists of three parts that will evaluate the critical job-related aspects of human relations skills, mechanical aptitude, and reading. - - - Mechanical Aptitude Test (video based) - requires a score of 65% or higher to pass. - - - Reading Test - requires a score of 70% or higher to pass Candidates who successfully pass the written test may proceed onto the Physical test. Date and times for that test will be announced at the written test site. Those persons who have traveled more than 500 miles to take the written test will be scheduled for the physical fitness test and the oral interview when the test results are posted. Candidates who qualify for the 500 mile distance consideration must inform the Department representative of this fact when they check in at the written test site. Physical Fitness Test Candidates must participate in and pass a physical fitness test to be administered by representatives of the Department. Failure to satisfactorily complete the test will disqualify the candidate . The test will indicate whether or not the candidate is able to meet physical demands consistent with the essential functions of the job (see test description later in this booklet). Fire Department Interview Panel Those persons on the eligibility list who have traveled 500 or more miles to take the written test will be scheduled for interviews and the physical fitness test immediately after the written test. The Department's interview panel will review the applications of the remaining candidates on the eligibility list to establish an eligibility pool. Candidates will be selected and scheduled for interviews based on applicable education, experience, and other pertinent factors. The number of candidates interviewed will depend on candidate qualifications, and the Department's needs. The names of the top candidates from those interviewed will be given to the Fire Chief. Evaluation factors will include such things as a sincere desire to make the fire service his or her career, the applicant’s willingness to work as a member of a team, the related education, knowledge, and experience of the applicant, and the applicant’s understanding and ability to comply with job requirements such as, drivers license, telephone, and the non-traditional Fire Department schedule. Continuation of Testing Generally, the test process will continue only if a job opening exists or is imminent. Eligibility Pool Expiration Candidates remaining in the eligibility pool at its expiration (usually after one year) will be removed. Candidates may compete again in the testing procedure. Notification will be given to those on the eligibility pool of the next testing dates. IV. WHEN A POSITION OPENS Chief of Department Interview The Fire Chief may interview the top candidates from the eligibility pool. Offer of Employment A conditional offer of employment will be made by the Fire Chief. Employment is contingent on the results of
The Department fully subscribes to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA .) This act compels the Department to make a conditional offer of employment before any testing related to any medical condition that may occur. The conditional offer of employment will be withdrawn if subsequent testing reveals that the candidate, with reasonable accommodation by the Department, cannot perform the essential functions of the job of firefighter-medic. Pre-Employment Medical Examination & Drug Screen The applicant will be medically examined and screened for the presence of illegal drugs. These exams will be scheduled by the Department. The presence of illegal drugs, or evidence of a medical condition which indicates that the candidate cannot perform the essential functions of the job, will result in withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment. The Department will pay for the se exams. V. WORK SCHEDULE Newly hired Firefighter-Medics will attend a recruit orientation course for the first four to five weeks of employment. During orientation, work hours are normally 8:00 to 5:00, Monday through Friday. Upon completion of recruit orientation, the recruit will be assigned to one of three 24 hour shifts, with 48 hours off, then the cycle repeats. Shifts begin at 7:00 a.m. daily. Workweek averages fifty-six (56) hours. Each fire station is furnished with a fully-equipped kitchen available to employees. Employees participate in family-style meals with the other on-duty firefighter-medics/paramedics by contributing the required cost per meal. Two meals per shift (noon and evening) are eaten during duty hours. Dormitory facilities are provided. VI. PAY PROVISIONS Paychecks are issued on the last banking day of the month, for the entire current month. Direct deposit is available. As of January 1, 2006, the starting salary is $11.58 hour (first year salary is approximately $33,721.00). Effective July 1, 2006, the starting salary is $11.64/hour (first year salary will be approximately $33,896.00). Annual step increases follow and hourly rate will depend upon the negotiated agreement between the City and the employees bargaining unit. The average number of hours worked per year is 2,912. Paramedics will receive a pay differential. VII. ADVANCEMENT Firefighter-Medic/Paramedic advancements are based upon three (3) criteria:
Firefighter-Medics/Paramedics normally advance every 16 months during the first four years. Advancement beyond firefighter-medic/paramedic grade (to the rank of lieutenant) requires six years experience, and is based upon competitive standing with other candidates. VIII. BENEFITS Vacation If an employee terminates employment within the first three months, then no vacation benefit is granted. Vacation time is taken in the calendar year following the year in which it was earned. Therefore, an employee takes no vacation from the time of hire to the following January 1st. After January 1st the employee takes ten hours of vacation time for each complete month worked the previous year. Commencing with the second January 1st following date of hire, and continuing each year through the fourth January 1st, an employee may take five 24-hour shifts of vacation (two weeks). Commencing with the fifth January 1st and continuing through the thirteenth January 1st, an employee may take seven 24-hour shifts of vacation (three weeks). Commencing with the fourteenth January 1st, an employee may take nine 24-hour shifts of vacation (equivalent to four weeks). Kelley Days Because firefighter-medics are required to work holidays, they are granted alternate days off, chosen by seniority, known as Kelley Days. Nine 24-hour shifts per year may be taken. Sick Leave S ick leave is designated to provide some measure of protection to an employee truly unable to perform their duties. Hours are accumulated monthly after 90 days during the first year of employment, and annually after the first full calendar year of employment. Refer to the Union/City contract. Pension Plan Under the South Dakota Retirement System employees contribute 8% of their earnings monthly (automatically deducted from paycheck). The City contributes a matching amount. The pension provides for normal retirement at age 55. Early retirement may be taken at age 45 with a reduction of benefits. Your retirement is supplemented by social security benefits and can be further enhanced through participation in a tax-sheltered Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan administered by ICMA, and the South Dakota Retirement System Supplemental Retirement Plan. The pension has long-term disability and death (survivor) provisions. IX. INSURANCE Health Insurance Health insurance is provided without cost to the employee. The City pays a portion of the cost for optional family coverage; the employee pays a share of the cost through payroll deduction. There is a $300 single, $600 family, deductible per calendar year. In general, insurance pays 70% of covered charges. After the first $5,000 per individual ($10,000 per family) the plan pays 100% of covered charges. The plan pays 80% of $250 per year for a physical examination for each covered individual. There are many other features to the plan; see the Healthcare Benefit Plan booklet for more information. There is a pre-existing condition clause. Dental Insurance Dental insurance pays 50% of covered charges without a deductible, limited to a total payment of $750 per year. The premium is paid through payroll deduction. It is optional for family members but required for the employee unless he or she provides proof of coverage under another qualifying group plan. Life Insurance Life insurance is provided at a low cost through payroll deduction. A term benefit of $20,000 life, and $20,000 accidental death and dismemberment is available to employees, along with optional dependent coverage. Additional life insurance is optional and is available to employees and their families. Employee Assistance Program An employee assistance program is provided at no cost to employees and their families. It provides confidential, professional services to help resolve problems that affect personal life and job performance. These may include family problems, marital conflict, alcoholism, financial problems, stress, legal concerns, emotional illness, chemical dependency, domestic violence, eating disorders, grief issues, etc. All costs for assessment counseling, referral, and follow-up have been pre-paid. Other services may be paid in part, or in full by your health insurance plan. Cancer/ICU Health Insurance This optional coverage is available to employees and their families to provide supplemental benefits in the event of hospitalization for cancer treatment, or the treatment of a number of other "dread diseases" and confinement in an intensive care unit. Section 125 Section 125, also known as the "cafeteria plan", is available to employees. The plan is simply a way to pay an employee’s eligible expenses, such as group insurance, premiums, uninsured medical and dental expenses, and child or dependent care, with pre-tax dollars rather than with after-tax dollars. X. UNIFORMS AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING All protective clothing is furnished by the City at no cost to the employee. An initial issue of duty uniform items is made, and thereafter is replaced on an as-needed basis by the City. XI. HOME TELEPHONE REQUIREMENTS An employee must provide for his/her own telephone as a condition of employment. XII. TRAINING PROGRAM An on-the-job Department of Labor-approved Apprenticeship Training Program is in effect as a daily on-duty routine. Training in the Department is continuous throughout an employee's career, and satisfactory levels must be maintained. XIII. UNION Firefighter-medics are represented by the International Association of Firefighters - Local 3959. As provided by South Dakota law, membership is not required. XIV. GROOMING POLICY A personal grooming standard is in effect for all employees. This standard prohibits facial hair such as beards, goatees, etc., and imposes restrictions on hair styles, sideburns, and earrings. XV. SAVINGS CLAUSE Information regarding pay, benefits, and other terms of employment is based on the best information available at the time this booklet is printed. It is expressly understood that appropriate laws, regulations, policies, union agreements, or other official document or action may supersede all such information. PHYSICAL FITNESS STANDARD ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS In 1993 the Rapid City Department of Fire and Emergency Services began using a physical fitness-testing program called the "Combat Task Test", hereafter abbreviated CTT. The idea was to emulate, as closely as possible, work that would be required during actual on-the-job emergency operations. The test is structured to physically stress an individual and to provide qualitative and quantitative information about overall fitness and as a predictor of job performance. The CTT consists of five events that are performed in a continuous timed sequence. The test is conducted with the individual being tested dressed in full protective clothing and wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus (without face-piece). TEST PREPARATION The following suggestions should help you prepare yourself physically for the test:
Avoid alcohol several days prior to and especially on the day of the test. TEST CONDITIONS The test taker will wear full protective clothing consisting of:
This equipment weighs about 28 pounds. The test taker will also wear self-contained breathing apparatus, without the face piece. This consists of a backpack-mounted, high-pressure air cylinder with hose and regulator. It weighs about 24 pounds. Total weight of equipment worn is about 52 pounds. All required protective clothing items, and self-contained breathing apparatus will be supplied by the Department. The individual may bring their own structural gear for use in the physical fitness test, as long as its condition is pre-approved by the Department prior to testing. The applicant should wear light, loose-fitting clothing, such as athletic shorts and T-shirt. The events must be completed in a continuous sequence within seven minutes. The applicant should pace himself as he would during any prolonged heavy labor so that he will be capable of completing each task with sufficient reserve to accomplish the following task. An orientation and walk through will be given by a test administrator to all candidates prior the actual examination. Candidates must fully understand what is expected of them before being allowed to take the test. There will be at least one test monitor at each station. All events must be performed safely as designated. TEST EVENTS Task 1: High-Rise Stair Climb The applicant will carry a 45-pound fire hose pack to the fifth floor of the drill tower. You may use your free hand to assist you in the climb. The CTT and the event begins with the "GO" command; the event ends when the hose pack is dropped at a designated point on the fifth floor. Proceed immediately to the next event. Task 2: Hoist Evolution Using a ½-inch utility line (rope), pull a 50-foot section of 2½-inch hose (weight: 50 pounds) up from the ground and through a fifth floor window using a hand-over-hand motion. The event ends when all of the hose has been pulled through the window. Proceed immediately to the next event by descending the stairs to ground level. While descending the stairs, all stair treads must be used - no stairs may be skipped. Task 3: Forcible Entry Using the 8-pound sledgehammer and the force test sled provided, drive a steel beam a distance of five feet. This event is completed when the steel beam has moved five feet. Proceed immediately to the next event. Task 4: Hose Advance Take the nozzle end of a 100-foot charged (full of water under pressure) 1¾-inch diameter hose line, and advance the hose a distance of 75 feet. The event is completed when the nozzle passes the 75-foot mark. Proceed immediately to the last event. Task 5: Victim Rescue Carry or drag a 175-pound mannequin a distance of 100 feet. The mannequin must be moved in a way such that the head is off the ground. The mannequin must be lifted in a motion that uses the legs, rather than the back. The event and the CTT are complete when the mannequin passes the 100-foot mark. The Department's test administrator reserves the right to interrupt the test without stopping the timer or stop the test completely to correct unsafe techniques, or if the applicant appears to be in medical danger from stress or other cause. The maximum acceptable time for the CTT is seven minutes. An excellent time is five minutes. This test taxes the cardiovascular system and involves virtually all the muscle groups of the body. Applicants must realize that it is difficult for anyone to perform the CTT at less than 90% of their current aerobic capacity. WARNING: You should not attempt this test if you are not in good physical condition, or if you have a medical problem that might endanger your health while performing the test.
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