City of Port Coquitlam 2018 Firefighter Recruitment

City of Port Coquitlam 2018 Firefighter Recruitment

About Us MISSION Port Coquitlam Fire & Emergency Services is committed to providing the best service to our community through the preservation of life, property and the environment by providing excellence in response, prevention, education and training. PORT COQUITLAM FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES CORE VALUES PRIDE To serve with pride and honour in all our actions INTEGRITY We will adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards, honesty and trust will serve as our foundation in dealing with each other and our community DEDICATION Our Department will strive for personal and professional excellence and dedication to duty RESPECT We will treat all people with compassion, tolerance and dignity by providing professional service that is accountable to our community An 86 member team serves the City population of approximately 60,000 residents. With residential density spread across ten square miles and various light commercial, light industry, and heavy industry businesses along with rural properties situated in both centralized and remote areas of the community, Fire & Emergency Services work to ensure the safety of all who work, live and visit the City of Port Coquitlam. As the needs of our community change, the Department s operations continue to evolve and expand. While moving forward, the Department has eagerly adopted advancements in equipment and technology. The concept of the fire service now includes much more than structural firefighting. The general categories of emergency response for the Department are Fire Suppression, Medical Aid and Special Operations (hazardous materials, rope rescue, confined space rescue and auto extrication). The Department is also responsible for the primary duties of managing Emergency Preparedness for the City. Firefighters are trained to the highest level of First Aid available in the province - First Responder Level III. Regardless of the size or complexity of the incident, Port Coquitlam Firefighters are trained and equipped to serve the community.

Notice of Recruitment The Port Coquitlam Fire & Emergency Services Department is accepting applications from highly motivated, energetic and dedicated men and women to assume the role of Firefighter. This is skilled firefighting entailing the combating, extinguishing and preventing of fires, and saving of life and property. A Firefighter is responsible for rapidly and efficiently performing various duties under emergency conditions frequently involving considerable hazards. The work includes routine servicing and maintenance of fire equipment, apparatus and participation in programs such as company fire inspections. Although specific orders, instructions and assignments are received from a superior, a Firefighter exercises independent judgment and action in emergency situations where referral to a superior for directions is not possible. Work performance is checked and evaluated by a superior in terms of effective firefighting and related services rendered to the Fire & Emergency Services Department. The City of Port Coquitlam is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage all qualified men and women to apply. Interested individuals should send a completed application that includes proof of qualifications to the Human Resources Department. Applications accepted online only starting August 21, 2018 at www.portcoquitlam.ca/cityjobs Applications will be accepted until September 17 th at 11:59pm Unless you are experiencing technical difficulties completing your application, we will not be responding to phone calls or emails regarding the firefighter recruitment process. Any information regarding the recruitment is provided in the job posting and in the Firefighter Recruitment Guide.

Required Qualifications Canadian Citizen; or Landed Immigrant with legal entitlement to work in Canada; Successful completion of an approved Firefighter Training program resulting in the completion of a NFPA 1001 Level I & II Certification; Hazardous Materials Response Awareness and Operational Levels (NFPA 472); First Responder Level III or EMR License; - Issued by the Emergency Medical Licensing Board of BC AED Endorsement; CPR C Certification; 20/30 visual acuity unaided. Colour and peripheral vision safe for the position of Firefighter; Normal unaided hearing; High School Graduation or equivalent; A valid B.C. Driver s Licence, Class 3 with Air Endorsement; A driving record that demonstrates responsible and safe driving behaviour: o A record with more than 6 points on their current driver s licence, or any suspensions, prohibitions or multiple non-point offences within the last 3 years may eliminate an applicant from further consideration. A current driver s abstract detailing the last 5 years of your driving record will be required during the initial application stage and in the last phase of our recruitment process. Driver s abstract must be within the last 30 days. No conviction for a criminal offence related to the occupation of Firefighter. Residency requirement - within 30 kilometres of the City boundaries, as detailed in the Collective Agreement Preferred Qualifications Minimum one year of accumulated work experience after high school, preferably in work related to the needs of the Fire Service. For example: building construction, mechanical, driving trucks and/or large emergency vehicles, fire service, first aid, nursing, paramedic, Lifeguard, Search and Rescue, instructor/educator, etc. Successful completion of a post-secondary education program (academic, technical or trades training) minimum 30 credits or an acceptable combination of approved related technical or trades training supported by documentation. Please note Fire Academy Training does not qualify as post-secondary credits. Additional fire service related courses. A strong background in community volunteer service A commitment to physical fitness and/ or a history of athletic achievements

Please read all of the instructions carefully, prior to submitting your application, resume and covering letter. If your application is not submitted as detailed, regrettably your application will not be considered. Recruitment Process Candidates with the minimum qualifications will not automatically proceed to the next phase of our recruitment process. If you do not or will not meet the basic qualifications prior to the application deadline, do not submit your application. Candidates must maintain their qualifications throughout the recruitment process and employment with the City. The Port Coquitlam Fire & Emergency Services Department reserves the right to limit the number of candidates that proceed to any stage of the recruitment. The Port Coquitlam Fire & Emergency Services Department reserves the right to alter the testing procedure and qualifications at any time without notice. Selection to the Candidate Eligibility Pool does not guarantee an individual will be offered employment with the City of Port Coquitlam. Prior to being offered employment, the candidate will be required to: o verify currency of the required qualifications and certifications; o pass a physical examination by a health professional designated by the City of Port Coquitlam. The terms and conditions of employment are in accordance with the IAFF Collective Agreement. No hall tours during the recruitment process. Please review the process timelines to ensure your availability for selection.

Tentative timelines (subject to change) 1. Written Exam October 13, 2018 2. Physical Testing October 27, 2018 3. Interviews November 13-19, 2018 4. Medical Exams November 26-28, 2018 5. Criminal Records and Reference Checks November 29-30, 2018 6. Offers of Employment December 10-14, 2018 7. Start Date January 14, 2019 PORT COQUITLAM FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES CANDIDATE PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST The Port Coquitlam Fire & Emergency Services Candidate Physical Ability Test consists of 10 separate tests that are designed to be performed in a continuous manner. They will test the ability of candidates to ensure they are able to perform the physical tasks required of a Firefighter. This is a timed test that requires completion within the stated criteria of each individual task. During the test candidates are required to wear a 50 pound weighted vest to simulate the weight of Firefighter protective clothing and equipment. Applicants are strongly encouraged to wear athletic shoes (sneakers) and appropriate clothing for physically demanding work (long pants, no shorts). You will be performing physical acts that demonstrate strength, agility, and endurance, and it is important to be outfitted in attire that does not hinder your performance. During the test, you may get wet or dirty from crawling or maneuvering through the exercises. This test has been designed to consistently and safely measure the ability of candidates to perform the tasks required of a Firefighter. The events are placed in a sequence that best simulates fire scene events while allowing 20-30 second walk or rest between events to recover and prevent exhaustion. To reinforce this, there is no running allowed during or between events. You will receive one warning for running and will be disqualified on the second infraction. One foot must remain in contact with the ground at all times.

You will need to bring: Picture Identification Appropriate clothing, long pants/sweat pants, runners (no open heel or toe) You will be provided with: Work gloves Safety hard hat 50 pound weighted vest You will need to: Sign a release waiver to allow participation (Will be provided the morning of the session) GENERAL TESTS DESCRIPTIONS & ORDER TEST PERFORMANCE 1 STAIR CLIMB You will be required to ascend and descend stairs four stories high wearing a 50 lb. vest and carrying a 2.5 hose pack. 2 HOSE HOIST You will be required to lift a 2.5 hose roll, 40 feet using a utility rope and using the hand over hand method. 3 LADDER FLY RAISE You will be required to raise the fly of a 24 foot extension ladder to the fully extended and locked position and then lower the fly under control. This will be completed twice. 4 HOSE DRAG You will be required to drag a 150 foot length of 2.5 hose, 75 feet making a 90 degree turn and go another 25 feet. You will then kneel and pull the remaining first 50 feet of hose across the finish line. 5 EQUIPMENT CARRY You will be required to carry two pieces of equipment weighing 45 pounds, 75 feet and go around a cone and return to the start position. 6 LADDER LIFT AND REPLACE You will be required to remove a 16 foot roof ladder from hooks situated 66 inches off the ground and place the ladder under control on the ground and then return to the hooks. This will be completed twice. 7 FORCIBLE ENTRY You will be required to move an object 22 inches using a 10 pound sledge hammer. 8 SEARCH You will be required to perform a search on hands and knees in black out conditions following a hose line 65 feet from start to finish. 9 RESCUE You will be required to drag a 165 pound mannequin using either rescue straps or chest wrap method 35 feet around a marker and back. 10 DEXTERITY You will be required to connect and disconnect a variety of hose couplings and appliances.

EVENT DESCRIPTIONS Event 1 - Stair Climb This event uses the 4 story tower and platform and 2.5 hose pack weighing 25 pounds. A handrail is available and required for you to grasp while climbing the stairs. This event is designed to simulate the critical tasks of climbing stairs in full protective clothing while carrying a high-rise pack (hose bundle) and climbing stairs in full protective clothing carrying Firefighter equipment. This event challenges your aerobic capacity, lower body muscular endurance and ability to balance. This event affects your aerobic energy system as well as the following muscle groups: quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves, and lower back stabilizers. Methodology For this event, you must wear a 50 pound weighted vest to simulate the weight of fire protective clothing and equipment. You will be required to ascend and descend a 4 story stairwell while shouldering a hose bundle weighing approximately 25 pounds. WARM UP -You will be required to ascend and descend the stairs slowly with no hose pack once to ensure you are warmed up and familiar with the stairwell. After completion and once down you will shoulder the high rise pack and the timer will start with your second time up the stairwell. During this test you must maintain contact with the handrail and must contact every step on the way down. Failure to do so will result in one warning and then disqualification on the second infraction. Upon arriving at the 4 th floor, the hose pack will be placed on the X on the floor and then you will move as directed to the hose hoist. Once the hose hoist is completed, shoulder the hose pack and descend the stairs, placing the hose on the start point once finished.

Event 2 - Hose Hoist 2.5 inch hose roll and 100 foot utility rope. Purpose This event is designed to simulate the task of raising or lowering required equipment on the scene of a fire or other emergency scene. It challenges your aerobic capacity, upper body strength and ability to balance. Methodology After ascending the 4 story stairwell you will lift a 2.5 hose roll using the 7/8 rope up and over the railing using a hand over hand method, placing the roll on the platform as directed. You must use a hand over hand technique and no hauling of the rope over the railing will be allowed. Not using the proper method of raising as described, dropping or allowing the hose roll to slip from your hands will result in disqualification. You will receive one warning and disqualification on the second. Event 3- Hose Drag This event uses 150 feet of uncharged 2.5 inch fire hose. This event is designed to simulate the critical tasks of dragging an uncharged hose line from the fire apparatus to the fire occupancy and pulling an uncharged hose line around obstacles while remaining stationary. This event challenges your aerobic capacity, lower body muscular strength, endurance, upper back muscular strength, grip strength and anaerobic endurance.

Methodology For this event, you must grasp a hose line nozzle attached to 150 feet of 2.5 inch hose. Place the hose line over your shoulder or across your chest and drag the hose to the column at the 75 foot mark. Make a 90 degree turn around the column and continue another additional 25 feet to the marked cone. You are permitted to run during the hose drag. Drop to at least one knee and pull the remaining hose across the line. During the hose pull, you must keep at least one knee in contact with the ground and knee(s) must remain within the marked boundary lines. During the hose drag, if you fail to go around the column or go outside of the marked path (cones), the test time is concluded and you fail the test. During the hose pull, you are warned if at least one knee is not kept in contact with the ground. The second infraction constitutes a failure. During the hose pull you are warned if your knees go outside the marked boundary line. The second infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and you fail the test. Event 4 - Carry This event uses two tools with a combined weight of 45 pounds and a cabinet replicating a storage cabinet on a fire truck. This event is designed to simulate the critical tasks of removing tools from a fire apparatus and carrying them to and from an emergency scene. This event challenges your aerobic capacity, upper body muscular strength and endurance, lower body muscular endurance, grip endurance, and balance. Methodology For this event, you must remove the two tools from the cabinet, one at a time, and place them on the ground. Then pick up both, one in each hand, and carry them while walking 75 feet around a marked cone and then back to the starting point. You are permitted to stop and place the tools on the ground and adjust your grip. Upon return to the tool cabinet, place them on the ground, pick up each, one at a time, and replace them in the designated space in the cabinet.

If you drop either piece of equipment on the ground during the carry, the test time is concluded and you fail the test. You receive one warning for running. The second infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and you fail the test. Event 5 - Ladder Lift and Replace This event uses a 16 foot roof ladder on two hooks 75 inches from the ground, with the rungs situated 66 off the ground This event is designed to simulate the critical tasks of lifting, working with, and moving ladders while on the scene of an emergency. Methodology While facing the ladder, grasp on the marked rungs and remove the ladder from the hooks. Lower the ladder touching the ground. Pause and without leaving your grip return the ladder to the hooks.this is to be completed twice. Dropping the ladder or losing control and touching either end of the ladder to the ground will result in a fault. One repeat will be allowed, after the second fault you will be disqualified. Event 6 Ladder Fly Extension 24 foot extension ladder This event is designed to test the ability of the candidate to lift the fly of an extension ladder, which is a critical skill in firefighting or rescue operations.

Methodology Standing with both feet within the marked box of 36 inches x 36 inches, extend the fly section hand over hand until it reaches the stop, locking the ladder. Pause and then, lower the fly section hand over hand in a controlled fashion to the starting position. This is to be completed twice. The ladder is to be raised in a continuous hand over hand method, with no stopping and no wrapping of the rope around the hands will be acceptable. Your feet must remain within the marked box during the event and you must not let the rope slip or lose control and drop the ladder fly. You will be warned for any of the above infractions. A second attempt will be allowed but if not completed successfully the test will be concluded. Event 7 - Forcible Entry 10 pound sledge hammer, a 34 inch high table and heavy gauge tire. This event is designed to simulate the cumulative force required open a locked door or to breach a wall. This event challenges your aerobic capacity, upper body muscular strength and endurance, lower body muscular strength and endurance, balance, grip strength and anaerobic endurance. Methodology For this event, you must use a 10 pound (4.54-kg) sledgehammer to strike the tire with enough force to move it 22 inches across the marked line. During this event, you must keep your feet inside the toe-box at all times. If you do not maintain control of the sledgehammer and release it from both hands while swinging, it constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and you fail the test. If you step outside the toe-box, one warning is given. The second infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and you fail the test.

Event 8 - Search This event uses a black out mask, an enclosed search maze (burn building) that has a 2.5 hose line stretched through it and around objects for a distance of 65 feet. This event is designed to simulate the critical task of searching for a fire victim with limited visibility in an unpredictable area. This event challenges your confidence, awareness, agility and any issue of claustrophobia. Event For this event, you must crawl on hands and knees 75 feet through the burn building navigating around obstacles while maintaining contact with a hose line. The test is concluded upon exit from the building. Your movement is monitored through the maze, if for any reason, you choose to end the event, call out and you will be assisted out of the building. A request for assistance or inability find the exit constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and you fail the test. You must remain on your hands and knees and in contact with the hose line, failure to do so will result in a warning. Two warnings will result in failure. Event 9 - Rescue This event uses a 165 pound weighted mannequin equipped with a harness with shoulder straps. This event is designed to simulate the critical task of removing a victim or injured partner from a fire scene. This event challenges your aerobic capacity, upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance, grip strength and endurance, and aerobic and anaerobic energy systems.

Methodology For this event, you must grasp a 165 pound (74.84 kg) mannequin by the handle(s) on the shoulder(s) of the harness (either one or both handles are permitted), or the chest wrap method and drag it 35 feet (10.67 m) to a pre-positioned marker, make a 180 turn around the marker, and continue an additional 35 feet back to the finish line. You can stop under control and adjust your grip but you are not permitted to drop and release the mannequin and adjust your grip. The entire mannequin must be dragged until it crosses the marked finish line. If you drop the mannequin, one warning will be given; the second drop will result in failure. A controlled stop and readjustment of your grip is allowed. Event 10 - Manual Dexterity Consists of a fire hydrant, a gate valve, 1 roll (50 feet) of 2.5 inch hose, a gated wye, 1 roll of 1.75 inch hose (50 feet) and a 1.75 nozzle. This task is critical in the expedient performance of working with small tools and equipment, as well as the ability to receive and understand directions given by superiors. Methodology The candidate will connect and breakdown a fire hose, nozzles, and appliances. The candidate will connect the gate valve to the hydrant (HAND TIGHT ONLY) and then the 2.5 hose line to the gate valve. They will then proceed to the next position and connect the length of 2.5 hose to gated wye and then connect the 1.75 hose line to the gated wye, again to just hand tight. Then proceed to the end of the 1.75 hose line and connect it to the nozzle. The candidate will then remove all connections in reverse order leaving the equipment AS FOUND. There are no specific failures in the event with the exception of running as noted, however any mistake will need to be corrected before proceeding, which will affect the candidates overall time.

Frequently Asked Questions Who should I contact if I have questions about the application? You may contact the Human Resources Department via email at: humanresources@portcoquitlam.ca Can I apply if I don t meet the required or preferred qualifications? We encourage all qualified candidates to submit a completed application. If you do not or will not meet the basic qualifications prior to the application deadline, do not submit an application. When should I expect to hear back about my application? There is no definitive timeline for candidates to know about the status of their applications. Preliminary screening may take some time due to the volume of applications that are received during the recruitment period. An email will be sent out inviting all candidates to each phase of the recruitment process. If you are not successful you will receive an email notifying you. Don t forget to check your junk mail, sometimes emails end up in there! Does the City accept Firefighter applications on an on-going basis? The City does not accept unsolicited Firefighter applications. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply during the advertised recruitment period. Applications submitted outside of this timeframe will not be accepted. Can the written exam be taken at another time? No, the written exam will only take place on the scheduled date that is given to the candidate. Candidates are given information about the exam well in advance. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure he or she is able to attend and write the examination. How are applications assessed? All applicants are assessed relative to the qualifications listed on the job posting. Only those applicants who meet the stated qualifications are eligible for further consideration. Meeting the minimum qualifications of the posting does not guarantee that you will be short listed for the position posted, as all applicants are assessed on a competitive basis. Does the City of Port Coquitlam require potential candidates to consent to a criminal record search? All positions require a satisfactory criminal record search prior to an offer of employment.

What if I have a criminal record and want to apply to the City of Port Coquitlam? Having a criminal record does not exclude you from employment with the City of Port Coquitlam. When the City receives your Criminal Record Search information, we review your record in confidence, considering the nature of the offense, when the offense took place, and the relevance of the offense to the position for which you are applying candidate honesty is paramount. Failure to inform the City fully may result in forfeiture of your rights to employment with the City. Does the City give Firehall tours to candidates? No, the City does not conduct Firehall tours.