Preparing for a Fire Service Career

This has been prepared to give prospective applicants a general overview of firefighter job requirements in the fire services. It also provides information concerning which efforts may be helpful to those seeking a Firefighter career.

Although some of the information contained here has been drawn from the Ontario Fire Department, it is also generic and applies to pursue a career in the fire services in any jurisdiction.

The hiring process for entry-level Firefighter is extremely competitive and requires much effort.  It is not uncommon for a department to have upwards of 4,000 applicants for as little as three or four job openings.  In a recent hiring process, the City of Ontario distributed approximately 4,000 applications for Firefighter.  Of the 800 successful candidates from the overall test process, approximately 14 candidates were hired over a two year period.

General Qualifications

In the past, the minimum requirements for the average Firefighter testing process have included: minimum age of 18, possession of a valid California Drivers License, a clean driving record, and an education equivalent to high school graduation.  Physical requirements have included visual acuity of 20/70 uncorrected in each eye and correctable to 20/25 in both eyes, with normal range depth perception and the ability to identify primary colors.  Hearing has been expected to be within normal range and weight in proportion to height.

A Firefighter must have good judgment, good communication skills, demonstrate mechanical aptitude, basic math skills, and ability to understand and learn firefighting material.  In addition, a Firefighter must be able to face hazardous, life-threatening situations, and have coping skills for managing unpleasant and difficult situations.  Firefighters must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work well under stressful situations.  At the same time, they must be team players, able to get along with a variety of people in close quarters.  The ability to follow orders and work in a paramilitary organization is also important.  Firefighting is physically demanding and personnel in the fire service must be in excellent physical condition.

Selection Process

Most jurisdictions will distribute an examination announcement, and many currently use a website, Government Jobs, to distribute announcements.  To get specific information about a particular agency, contact their personnel office.  The application and selection process will be described in the announcement, which will be published when a firefighter position opens.  Most selection processes for entry-level firefighter consist of an application screening, a written exam (such as the FCTC), a physical ability test (such as the CPAT), and one or more oral interviews.  A qualifying background investigation and a medical evaluation are usually required.

What You Can Do to Prepare Now

Becoming a Firefighter often takes a great deal of long term preparation, self-motivation, and commitment.  While there is no guarantee that any of the following activities will result in your selection as an entry-level Firefighter, experience has shown that participation in these types of activities has tended to distinguish outstanding candidates, and documents an applicant's interest in the position.

Education and Training

Some Community Colleges offer Fire Science degrees and/or certificates.  This listing is only a sample and does not serve as an endorsement for any one program.  Check the availability of classes at your local school.

1. First Aid Courses
   • Advanced First Aid Certificate and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate (contact the local American Red Cross or American Heart Association for a "Healthcare Provider Course")
2. Fire Service Related Courses (offered at Community Colleges)
   • Basic English, Grammar & Reading Comprehension
   • Basic Math
   • Emergency Medical Technician I Certification
   • EMT - Paramedic Certification
3. Fire Service Technology Courses (Fire Service A.A. Degree)
   • Mt. San Antonio College
   • Crafton Hills College
   • Santa Ana College
   • Rio Hondo College
   • Victor Valley College
4. Physical Ability Training
   • Mt. San Antonio College
   • Crafton Hills College
   • Santa Ana College
5. Firefighter Academy
   • Mt. San Antonio College
   • Crafton Hills College
   • Santa Ana College
   • Victor Valley College
   • Rio Hondo College

Physical Fitness

In order to prepare for firefighting work, it is important to have and maintain a physical fitness program.  While no one course of physical fitness will suit every individual, a physical regimen that stresses endurance and total body strength can assist in developing a level of physical preparedness that is needed to succeed in physical ability performance testing. It is recommended that you consult your private physician before starting any fitness program.

Several institutions may assist you in deciding on a physical fitness program: a community college, YWCA/YMCA, a private health club, or a Health Maintenance Organization (i.e., Kaiser Permanente).

Community Involvement

Applicants are not required to participate in extracurricular activities.  However, participation in various types of community programs will establish an applicant's record of interest and motivation.

1. Volunteer Fire Service Work 
   • Reserve Programs (check with your local fire department)
   • Auxiliary Programs (check with your local fire department)
   • Office of Emergency Services (OES)
   • California Conservation Corp. (CCC)
   • Fire Service Exploring Programs
2. Volunteer Community Services 
   • Church Programs
   • Scout Troops
   • Community Organizations
   • Hospitals
   • Schools

Miscellaneous

There are several other ways to prepare for a career in the fire service.  Occasionally, there are civilian jobs in dispatch, administration, or fire prevention.  Most jurisdictions have recorded job information hotline that lists vacancies.  The job hotline number for the City of Ontario is (909) 395-2035.  Current employment as a paramedic, nurse, medical assistant, or in any direct service capacity in an emergency environment is helpful.

It is important to:

1. Visit fire stations - this is an excellent opportunity for interested individuals to talk to personnel and discuss the pros & cons of the profession and determine whether or not the day-to-day routine(s) match their own skills and interests.
2. Develop a resume to include all fire service related information so it is easily available when the application period opens.
3. Become familiar with the hiring process
   1. Firefighter Candidate Testing Center is a great place to start.

START YOUR EDUCATIONAL AND PHYSICAL FITNESS TRAINING NOW!

Job Overview

A career in the fire service is both challenging and rewarding.  Fire suppression is only one of a wide variety of duties performed by Firefighters.  In fact, approximately 85% of all fire department responses are emergency medical calls.  Other typical assignments may include fire prevention, education, commercial and residential fire inspections, community outreach and services, post-fire salvage and cleanup, and equipment maintenance.

When fighting fires, work apparel, and equipment weighing approximately 45 pounds is worn.  A significant amount of time is spent inspecting, cleaning and maintaining this equipment and training in its use.  A Firefighter is usually a member of a four-member team that lives and works together in close quarters throughout a shift.  Living at the firehouse entails rigorous housekeeping, cooking, cleaning, and yard maintenance.  Teams may be diverse by gender and ethnicity, and each member is heavily dependent on fellow members to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Firefighting is twenty-four-hour work done in shifts that vary by jurisdiction.  Calls for assistance can and do come at any hour.  Many Firefighters contend that the best way to ensure that a call comes in is to prepare a meal or begin a good nights sleep!  A typical Firefighter works a 24-hour shift with 24-hours off-duty in between shifts.  On occasion, there may be mandatory overtime.

Revised by the City of Ontario Fire Department Training Division 2021

Knowing CPR and First Aid skills empower you to help someone in need. CPR is an important skill that everyone should learn. You never know when you may need this skill to help a stranger or to save someone you know and love.

The Ontario Fire Department now offers American Heart Association (AHA) Heartsaver® CPR AED (Part 1) online and AHA Heartsaver® First Aid CPR AED (Part 1) online to citizens at a nominal charge.

Si esta interesado en este programa en Español, favor de llamar al 909-395-2002.

Instructions

To register, download and fill out the 'CPR Registration Form', located below.

Your registration form can be emailed to AHAInstructors@ontarioca.gov, mailed or hand carried to the Ontario Fire Department Administration Office.

Payment for the class can be made in person, over the phone with your credit card or mailed with your registration form to:

Ontario Fire Department
Administration Office 
415 East B Street 
Ontario, CA 91764 
909-395-2526

EXPLORER POST #357 

Exploring is a unique career exploration program for young men and women. The work-based portion of Learning for Life builds on character lessons and brings the world of work alive by offering youth participants an opportunity to learn firsthand about career fields through the Exploring Program. This helps them determine if this is their correct career path. Exploring’s purpose is to provide experiences to help young people mature at this stage in their lives and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults.

Since January 1, 1995, the City of Ontario Fire Department has sponsored Fire Explorer Post #357. The program is a fire service career introduction program that is “youth lead/youth ran” and coordinated by volunteer fire service adult advisors. 

Post #357 is a non-funded City-sponsored program that benefits from the use of Ontario Fire Department facilities, equipment, personal protective clothing, donations from fundraising and community service organizations. The Post is a registered program with the Boy Scouts of America, Learning for Life, and a member organization of the Inland Empire Fire Explorer Association.

PROGRAM AREAS OF EMPHASIS 

Engage in a program of activities centered on the four emphasis areas to encourage the development of the whole person. 

• Career Opportunities 

• Leadership Experience 

• Life Skills 

• Citizenship 

EXPLORE THE FIRE SERVICE 

• Municipal Fire Departments 

• Military Opportunities 

• Wildland Fire Agencies 

• Private Fire Protection Industry 

• Fire Prevention 

• Fire Investigation 

• Dispatch 

• Fire Equipment & Repair 

CAREER PREPARATION 

You will learn how to prepare yourself to be competitive in a very aggressively sought after career by leaders in the fire service, and explorers who are now working on their fire service careers. 

MOST IMPORTANTLY: EVERYONE HAS FUN!!!

MEETINGS & ACTIVITIES 

The Post meets on Thursday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Ontario Fire Training Center, 1408 E. Francis Street. Activities, which mostly occur on weekends, ranging from assisting with public education events and public service assistance, to fire service tours and training programs. We also participate in fun competition events with other explorer posts. 

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS 

To be eligible for the Exploring Program you must be between 15-18 years of age, completed the 8th grade, maintain a minimum 2.0-grade point average, and be a person of good character. In order to join the Exploring Program, all candidates must pass the peer interview, physical fitness test, and attend the orientation meeting. 

RECRUITMENT

 For the most up to date recruitment information, please visit the Fire Explorers page at joinOFD.org

Firefighter Jake Medina - Post Advisor Email: jmedina@ontarioca.gov

The Ontario Fire Department is now offering free in-home fire safety visits for all Ontario residents. The fire safety visit will consist of testing the smoke alarms in your residence, assist with developing an escape plan should an emergency occur, and answer any fire safety questions you may have. Schedule your appointment utilizing our online request form.

During heavy rains and flooding, sandbags will be available to Ontario residents only, free of charge.  Unfilled sandbags (limit fifteen) are available at any Ontario Fire Station.

Sand for the bags can be obtained at the following parks:  De Anza, John Galvin and Anthony Munoz (bring your own shovel).

Disabled and elderly residents should contact the Community & Public Services Agency for assistance, (909) 395-2633.  Sandbags will be delivered and placed for these residents as a public service.

APPLY BY: When listed on the City of Ontario's Current Job/ Volunteer Opportunities Web Page 

Assists Fire Department personnel with various public education and support functions in its three Bureaus: Operations, Support Services/Emergency Management, and Fire Prevention. This is a volunteer position.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assists with the preparation and presentation of Fire Education Programs.
• Assists with disaster preparedness programs.
• Performs public relations duties.
• Performs clerical duties.
• Monitors and maintains safety equipment and supplies.
• Performs other related duties.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Valid CA Class "C" Driver's License.
• Must be willing to volunteer a minimum of 5 hours a week.

Knowledge of:

• Alphabetical, numerical, and chronological filing methods.
• Correct English usage including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment.
• Fire Service practices and methods, department rules, regulations and procedures.
• Public speaking preparation and presentation practices.

Ability to:

• Operate a computer using MS Office software.
• Operate standard, modern office equipment, and machines.
• Maintain routine records/reports.
• Follow safety rules and regulations.
• Establish, foster, and maintain positive, harmonious working relationships with other volunteers/interns, supervisors, officials, and the public.
• Learn, understand, and follow department rules, policies, and procedures.
• Deal tactfully with people.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Coordinate, prepare and present public education programs to large and small groups of students and members of the community.

Desirable:

• Ability to speak Spanish.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Volunteer applications are accepted online while the above reference position is listed on the City of Ontario's Current Job/ Volunteer Opportunities Web Page. Paper applications are not accepted for this position

SELECTION PROCESS

All applications will be screened and those candidates who present the most relevant qualifications for the position will be invited to continue on in the selection process.

All volunteer appointments are subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check (fingerprint review) and participation in the City's Subsequent Arrest Notification Program while serving as a volunteer.

West Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District's primary mission is to provide residents with mosquito control services. You can contact the West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District with any concerns about mosquitoes and have a technician come out for an inspection.

During Non-Peak Mosquito Season, a licensed vector control technician will come to the property to remove and treat a hive that is attached to any vegetation and non-structural areas only. Bee swarms cannot be removed as they are a travelling unit of bees that is migrating to a new location and are normally resting for a few days if they appear suddenly.

Contact Information:
(909) 635-0307
www.wvmvcd.org
1295 East Locust St. Ontario, CA 91761