Eligibility Requirements: To apply for the position of firefighter, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Have a valid driver's license and a good driving record
- Have no felony convictions or misdemeanors involving moral turpitude
- Have no illegal drug use within the last 12 months
- Meet the medical requirements set forth in NFPA 1582
Hiring Procedures
- Fire Department Interest Form: When not accepting actual applications for employment, interested persons may complete a “Fire Department Interest Form”. These are available at Fire Administration as well as on the Internet site. These forms are held until active recruitment is conducted. Download Form
- City Applications: Persons who have completed interest forms are mailed a notification that they now need to complete a City of Concord employment application. These are available on-line for download, printed for completion, and submitted to City Human Resources; or applicants may go to the Employment Security Office and complete the city application which then is forwarded to City Human Resources. Note: Do not submit copies of certifications or other documentation with city application. Please be aware that interest forms and employment applications are not accepted simultaneously. Interest forms are only accepted when the employment application period is closed, and only employment applications are accepted (no interest forms) during the advertised application period.
- Entrance Exam: All applicants are scheduled to take the entrance examination. (The exam is a nationally validated examination.) This exam is based on general knowledge, measuring numerous abilities. A combined passing score is required to progress from the Entrance Exam to the Agility Test. The entrance examination will not be scored on the day of the test, notification will be sent to applicants advising their results as either passing or failure.
- Background Check and Pre-employment Screening: Candidates will be given a detailed background questionnaire packet at the Entrance Exam. This form is to be returned to Fire Administration as quickly as possible.
- Agility Test: A Job Related Physical Ability Test (JRPAT). See video. All applicants who successfully complete the entrance exam will progress to the JRPAT. Applicants will be notified of their status in this segment of the process (pass/fail) before they leave the drill yard.
Applicant Interview: Applicants who successfully complete the JRPAT are scheduled for a structured interview before a panel comprised of members of various ranks from the department.
- Candidates List: Candidates who obtain passing status are then placed on an eligibility list by scores. This score is based upon total points from the exam, agility test, and the candidate interview.
- Eligibility List: Candidates successfully moving beyond the background check will be placed on an eligibility list for consideration in hiring.
- Conditional Offer of Employment: As the department needs to fill vacancies, candidates are scheduled for a conditional offer of employment, which outlines what is expected of the candidate during the first year of employment. Also, the candidate is given a copy of the department’s Career Development SOG to introduce a road map for their future, and a list of usual daily tasks of a Concord Firefighter.
- Drug Test Screening: Within 24 hours of the conditional offer of employment, a drug-screening test must be conducted and provide negative results.
- Physical & Job Suitability Testing: A medical screening in accordance with NFPA 1001 must result in the department physician’s signature of compliance with applicable NFPA standards. Job Suitability testing consists of an online segment as well as a session with a professional to determine job fit.
DO NOT CALL TO CHECK ON YOUR STATUS.
Out of town applicants - PLEASE READ!!!
Please note that you will need to be in Concord several times in order to complete the process. Every effort will be made to accommodate your travel arrangements, but please keep in mind that we do not afford much flexibility due to time and scheduling constraints.
Recruit Training
Recruit class spans a period of 24 weeks during which recruits receive entry-level training and certifications. From the beginning to end, a Training Officer is assigned to each recruit class to be a Leader, Mentor, and to assist with anything the recruits may need. The Training Officer also administers physical fitness training for recruits, which is required during the duration of the Recruit training process. After a thorough application process, usually anywhere from 4-5 months, it is an accomplishment to be chosen for an appointment to the Concord Department of Fire & Life Safety Recruit Training.
During the 24 weeks in recruit training, recruits receive initial training in three disciplines which include: Firefighting, Rescue, and Hazardous Material. Additionally, Emergency Medical Technician is required and must be completed within eighteen months of employment. Recruits receive the following certifications: NC State Firefighter I & II, Hazardous-Materials Operations, Rescue Technician, Rope Specialty, and Emergency Medical Technician.
After successfully completing Recruit Training, each recruit is assigned to a fire company, either a Ladder Company or an Engine Company, as a Firefighter I, at this time they will work as a firefighter putting their training to the test under the direction of their Fire Captain and senior firefighters. This is where they will receive firefighting experience and gain valuable knowledge to move the Concord Department of Fire & Life Safety into the future.
Additional Recruitment Information
Recruit School: A twenty-four week school delivered by the department in cooperation with Rowan-Cabarrus Community College yielding graduating recruits certified as NC Firefighter II, NC Haz-Mat Operations, NC Rescue Technician, and the requirement that all graduates hold or obtain (and maintain) a NC Emergency Medical Technician or National Registry EMT Certification.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Concord Department of Fire & Life Safety Firefighter Hiring Process
Q: When is the next written exam?
A: The next written exam is tentatively set for the August 2013.
Concord Department of Fire & Life Safety
2013-2014 Firefighter Recruitment
Application Period (June 17-July 31)
Career Day Open House at Concord Fire Station 3 100 Warren C. Coleman Blvd. N (June 8 9am-1pm)
Letter for Test Date (June 27 - August 1)
Practice Sessions (JRPAT and Video for Oral Boards)
(July 9-10 9:00am- 4:00 pm) (July 11 3:00 pm-8:00 pm )
(July16-17 9:00am- 4:00pm) (July18 3:00 pm-8:00 pm)
Written Test Date (August 17)
Job Skills Test (out of state – August 17) & Background Packet Distribution if passing score is achieved on Job Skills Test
Status Letters issued via mail as progressing in process or no longer under consideration (by September 13)
Job Skills Test (in-state –September 21-22 or September 28-29) & Background Packet Distribution if passing score is achieved on Job Skills Test
Background Packets due back in Fire Administration on assigned date of the oral interview.
Oral Board: Oral Boards will be held October 14-18.
Background Investigations Conducted (October 21 through November 8)
Status Letters issued to via mail as progressing in process or no longer under consideration (by November 8)
Eligibility List Generated (December 2013)
