Firefighter

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Nature of Work
This is general duty firefighting work in the protection of life and property by combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires. This work also involves responding to emergency medical calls providing care for those who are sick or injured.  Primary responsibility is for specialized firefighting duties under emergency conditions that may involve personal hazards. Specific orders and directions are given by superior officers, but work requires a thorough individual understanding of firefighting methods gained by training and experience. A large part of the time is spent in training and routine work in the maintenance of firefighting equipment, apparatus, and quarters, an inspection of premises for fire hazards, and the performance of varied details in and around the fire station. An employee may be assigned to operate and maintain a major piece of firefighting equipment or apparatus employing special skills learned on the job.

This posting is to build a list of eligible candidates in preparation for future hiring.

Minimum Training and Experience
Must be at least 18 years old

High School Diploma or GED

Must have a valid driver's license and be able to obtain a Michigan's Driver's license by date of hire.
At least 20/30 corrected vision or 20/100 for uncorrected

In addition to no felony convictions, certain misdemeanor convictions may also disqualify a person from obtaining a valid Michigan Emergency Medical Services (EMS) license.  An EMS license, EMT level or above, is required for all GRFD firefighters.  Please click HERE to review details on the criteria and/or to view if this may affect your candidacy for a Firefighter position. 

Questions?  Email us at jobs@grand-rapids.mi.us


Other Necessary Qualifications


Important dates and additional information is listed here. Please read through this entire posting. 
ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Candidates that pass all assessment steps will be placed on an eligible for hire list. The eligible list will be active for at least six (6) months.

The next Fire Academy start date is anticipated to be January 5, 2026


Written Exam / Civil Service Test.  Testing dates on June 12, 13, 17, 24, 26, 27, and 28; Testing Dates on July 8, 10, and 11 

For applicants that live 250 miles away from Grand Rapids a remote testing option will be provided. These dates are June 30th and July 11th.
Cognitive/Behavioral Assessment- Candidates meeting minimum qualifications will be emailed instructions on scheduling an assessment. Applicants living 250 miles or more from the City of Grand Rapids will be offered an online at-home proctored test option. 

This assessment is an entry-level Firefighter exam developed and published by Industrial/Organizational Solutions (IOS) Inc., National Firefighter Selection Inventory (NFSI). Study guides are sold by the test publisher and may be purchased from their websitehttps://iosolutions.com/shop/?swoof=1&product_cat=fire-exam-study-materials&pa_examination=nfsi  Additionally, study guides are available for reference in the following Grand Rapids Public Library branches: Main, Madison Square, Ottawa Hills, Seymour, Van Belkum, Weatside and Yankee Clipper.

Candidates who pass the cognitive/behavioral assessment will be invited to complete the Physical Agility - Performance Exam.

Physical Agility / Performance Exam. A valid CPAT card may be submitted to have the physical agility test waived. Click HERE to view the requirements of the Physical Agility test.  Physical Agility Testing Dates: July 16, 17, 18, 22, 24, 25, 26, 29, 31.  Second Attempt Dates: August 2, 14, 15, 19

Oral Exams. These will be in-person, panel-led oral exams. Oral Exams will take place September 16, 17, 18 ,19 24, 25, 26, 30.