Regional Firefighter Testing

Location

Harrisonburg, VA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2024/10 - Reg FF Testing

Department

Fire

Opening Date

07/12/2024

Closing Date

9/25/2024 5:00 PM Eastern

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Description

Regional Firefighter Testing

Please note the following important information for individuals interested in the Regional Firefighter Testing for the Counties of Rockingham, Augusta, and Rockbridge and the Cities of Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Waynesboro. Testing will be offered on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds. Certificates will be valid for one year from the testing date.

Registration Process

Information and online registration is available on the City of Harrisonburg Employment Website - visit www.harrisonburgva.gov and click on Employment. Online registration must be completed no later than 5:00pm EST on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. A check or money order for $25.00 must be received at the City of Harrisonburg Human Resources Office no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on Friday, September 27, 2024. This is a non-refundable registration fee to cover the cost of providing the physical ability testing. Please note the following: (1) Checks/money orders must be made payable to the City of Harrisonburg; (2) starter checks will not be accepted; (3) check fields must be completed in full, to include the test-taker's name printed in the Memo line, if different from the account holder; (4) an additional fee of $35.00 will be assessed on any returned checks.

The City of Harrisonburg Human Resources Department is acting as the central registration point for all the participating localities. Registrations postmarked after the deadline or received late will not be accepted. EOE.

Testing Process

Testing is scheduled for Saturday, October 26, 2024:

• The test will be administered at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds located at 4808 South Valley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA. Look for the aerial ladder truck at the exhibit hall.

• It is imperative that you be at the Fairgrounds by 7:45 a.m.

• Please bring a picture ID for proper identification.

• The testing will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m.

• No one will be admitted to the test after the starting time of 8:00 a.m.

Comprehensive written firefighter test:

• The written test will take approximately 2 hours to complete.

• The test is validated by PSHRA and will test for reading comprehension, interpreting tables, situational judgment, logical and mathematical reasoning ability, reading gauges, mechanical aptitude, spatial sense, map reading, and vocabulary. No prior training or experience as a firefighter is assumed of candidates taking the test.

Physical ability testing:

• Candidates will be required to attend a practice session for the physical ability test to help acclimate them to the physical requirements and reduce the potential for injury/dehydration on the day of testing. Participants must attend the practice session on Friday, October 25, 2024 between 4:00pm and 7:00pm at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds located at 4808 South Valley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA. Look for the aerial ladder truck at the exhibit hall.

• Candidates are not expected to attend all three hours of the practice session. The practice session is structured so that you may come/leave any time from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Information on the physical ability test will be emailed to you after your application has been received and reviewed by the City of Harrisonburg Human Resources Department.

• Comfortable clothing should be worn, including long pants and footwear with no open heel or toe. A protective helmet and gloves will be provided. Recommended attire is fitness clothing (e.g., t-shirt, shorts, sweatpants, sweatshirt, sneakers).

To be eligible to apply for an open position with the listed localities you must complete and pass the written test and physical ability test. Upon completion of the two tests, you will receive a certificate via e-mail indicating a numerical score on your written test and a pass/fail on your physical ability test. The certificate will be valid for one year from the testing date. Each locality sets its minimum qualifications for its firefighter positions. As openings occur, the locality will advertise its position as deemed appropriate. To be considered, you must submit the locality's application and a copy of your certificate indicating your test scores. Each locality will then select candidates based on their identified hiring process.

Supplemental Information

NOTE: An Online Entry-Level Firefighter Candidate Study Guide is available for order from Public Safety Compass and details are provided below.

The study guide is designed to help you, as a firefighter candidate, prepare to take the PSHRA entry-level firefighter written test that will be used during this process. Questions regarding the study guide, including online access, should be directed to Public Safety Compass using the ordering link below.

The goal of the study guide is to:

• Help candidates prepare to take the written assessment.

• Understand what the test assesses and the content and types of questions found in the test.

• Provide test-taking tips, a 100-item practice test, and explain the answers to 25 of the practice items.

The online format is structured as a course, to walk you through each section describing the knowledge areas of the test. The full 100-question practice test is integrated and can be taken online at your convenience. You can order online and gain immediate access at: https://www.publicsafetycompass.com/product/entry-level-firefighter-online-study-guide/.

If you have questions after reviewing the information in this advertisement, please contact the City of Harrisonburg Human Resources Department at 540-432-8920 or by email at Employment@HarrisonburgVA.gov. If your plans change once you have registered and you are unable to participate in the testing, please notify the City of Harrisonburg Human Resources Department at the above phone number or email address. Please be reminded that the registration fee is non-refundable.

Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Health and Vision Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Paid Leave

• 15.5 paid holidays

• Short-Term Disability Insurance

• Long-Term Disability Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Flexible Spending Accounts - Medical and Dependent Care

• Health Savings Account

• Virginia Retirement System

• Deferred Compensation Plan through MissionSquare

• Employee Assistance Program

Additionally, the City is a qualified employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which may qualify you for student loan forgiveness if you meet the PSLF Program requirements.

01

Are you at least 18 years of age? (The City of Harrisonburg will follow up for parental permission for anyone under the age of 18.)

• Yes

• No

  02

  This question must be answered before you will be permitted to participate in the Regional Physical Ability Test. You will be asked to perform nine (9) physical tasks and will be given specific instructions (by proctors and scheduled practice) in the manner in which these physical tasks are to be performed. The nine (9) physical tasks are: 1. AERIAL CLIMB 2. STAIR CLIMB 3. HOSE DRAG 4. EQUIPMENT CARRY 5. LADDER CARRY 6. FORCIBLE ENTRY & VENTILATION 7. SEARCH 8. RESCUE 9. CEILING BREACH AND PULL I have read and understand the physical effort which this Regional Physical Ability Test involves. I am physically capable of participating in this test. I hereby waive any and all claims for or rising out of any injury or illness I might sustain or incur as a result of participating in the Regional Physical Ability Test. I voluntarily participate as part of my application for employment.

• Yes, I have read and understand.

• No, I have not read and/or do not understand.

  03

  I understand that I am required to attend a practice session on Friday, October 25, 2024 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm (drop-in style) to help acclimate me to the physical requirements and reduce the potential for injury/dehydration on the day of testing.

• Yes

• No

  04

  By selecting yes below, I understand that I must submit a non-refundable check or money order for $25.00 to the City of Harrisonburg Human Resources department no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on Friday, September 27, 2024 to cover the cost of the physical ability test. I understand that if my registration fee is not received by the deadline, I will not be permitted to test.

• Yes

• No

  05

  In case of emergency, please provide an emergency contact name and telephone number. *Please note that your registration will be incomplete and you will not be allowed entry to testing if the required information listed above is not provided by 5:00 p.m. EST on Friday, September 27, 2024.

  06

  How did you find out about this testing?

  Required Question

Agency

City of Harrisonburg

Address

409 South Main Street Third Floor Harrisonburg, Virginia, 22801

Phone

540.432.8920 540.432.7796

Website

https://www.harrisonburgva.gov/employment