FIREFIGHTER JOBS STAY OPEN THROUGH NOV. 3

Exam Jan. 20; Must Also Pass Physical Test; 15 College Credits Or Work Experience Is Needed To Apply

Filing has been extended until Nov. 3 for an exam leading to Firefighter jobs, the Department of Citywide Administrative Services said.

The written test is scheduled for Jan. 20, 2007. The starting salary is $25,100, and rises to $32,700 after appointees complete 13 weeks of training, for an overall first-year salary of $30,800. The top pay is $63,309 after 5-1/2 years on the job.

Job Requirements

By the time of appointment, candidates must have 15 college credits, six months of full-time work experience, or military service with an honorable discharge.

The exam is open to anyone who had not reached their 29th birthday at the start of filing Aug. 7. Applicants may be as young as 17-1/2 by the filing deadline, but must wait until they turn 21 to gain appointment.

To be hired, Firefighter candidates must be U.S. citizens and have a driver's license. Those appointed are required to have Certified First-Responder certification with defibrillation (CFR-D) by the end of their probationary period and maintain it over their careers. During instruction, the Fire Department provides a CFR-D training program that costs $775.

Appointees must also be city residents or live in one of the following counties: Nassau, Westchester, Suffolk, Orange, Rockland, or Putnam.

The written exam will be used to determine which candidates are called to take the pass/fail physical test. The exam will test candidates' abilities in written comprehension, memorization, problem sensitivity, inductive and deductive reasoning, and spatial orientation. The test will also gauge candidates' skills in visualization, perceptual speed, adaptability, tenacity, integrity, work standards, resiliency, coordination, and ability to work well with others.

CPAT Exam

The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) will be scored on a pass/fail basis. The test consists of eight events, which are designed to assess candidates' ability to perform the physical aspects of the job. The test events are: a stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise and extension, forcible entry, search, rescue, and ceiling breach and pull. Further information concerning the test will be mailed to candidates. There is a $25 fee for physical test.

Appointees must pass a background investigation and a drug and alcohol screening. There is a $75 fee for the fingerprint screening.

Bonus Points

A five-point residency credit will be given to applicants who live in the city. In addition, those who have a parent who died in the line of duty as a uniformed officer can apply for a legacy credit. Firefighters are required to assist in the control and extinguishing of fires, in providing pre-hospital emergency medical care, and in the enforcement of laws regarding fire prevention and safety.

Application forms and test details can be obtained by calling 311, online at www.nyc.gov/dcas, or by writing the DCAS Application Center, 18 Washington St., New York, N.Y., 10004.