City of Newton Fire Department · You are allowed, under your own free will, to sign off that you...

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- 1 - City of Newton Fire Department Application Packet for 2019 Testing for Full Time Positions

Transcript of City of Newton Fire Department · You are allowed, under your own free will, to sign off that you...

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City of Newton Fire Department

Application Packet for

2019 Testing for

Full Time Positions

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Page: Content: 2. Table of Contents 3. Message from the Chief 4. Department Information 8. How to Apply 9. Physical Ability Testing Description 13. Written Test and Oral Interview Information 15. IMPORTANT DATES 17. Briefing of Benefits 19. Background Standards 23. Job Description 25. Tobacco and Drug Use Policy

Important Note: Since July 1, 2016 all applications for employment with the City of Newton will be completed and submitted online. If interested in employment with the City of Newton you can apply online at:

www.newtongov.org

under “I WANT TO”….”Apply for”….”Employment Opportunities” Free internet is typically available through local libraries. There are two locations in Newton that offer FREE Public Computer and Internet Access:

Newton Public Library

100 N 3rd Ave W Newton, IA 50208

Phone: (641) 792-4108

Goodwill Career Connection Center at DMACC 600 N 2nd Ave W, Room 241

Newton, IA 50208 Phone: (641) 791-0424

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Note from the Fire Chief: Candidates, It is my pleasure to provide you with statistical information for the Newton Fire Department. In this packet, you will find a basic explanation of the services offered by the Newton Fire Department and statistical information regarding the types and number of calls. All of the services provided are delivered by the dedicated men and women of the Newton Fire Department and are delivered with honesty and integrity, compassion and empathy for our customers. We are accountable and dependable, collaborative and provide services through teamwork with pride and respect. These words represent more than our core values, they represent a commitment to be mission driven and customer focused as we deliver the highest level of service possible. Their commitment to customer service is apparent when watching them deliver services, when reviewing the many “thank you” notes, cards and emails, or listening to stories of care given to our customers. On behalf of the men and women of our department, I thank you for taking the time to review our information and consider seeking employment with our organization. We exist to serve our citizens (customers) and we are honored to be able to provide our services to the citizens and visitors in our community. Good luck, Jarrod Wellik Fire Chief City of Newton

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Emergency Services FY 2017/2018 Call Statistics

Total Calls= 3,170 EMS 2,841 Fire 329

1 year – Call Volume Total Calls = 3,170

• 8.6849 Calls / 24 Hr. Shift • 1 Call every 2 hours, 46 minutes

5 year – Call Volume

• Total Calls = 13,627 • Average/Year = 2,725 • 7.46575 Calls / 24 Hr. Shift • 1 Call every 3 hours, 12 minutes

Total Calls for Service

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Fire Suppression and Rescue Services: In addition to fire suppression the Newton Fire Department provides services in the following areas: -Vehicle Extrication -Confined Space Rescue -Building Collapse Rescue -Trench Rescue -Surface Ice Rescue -Rope Rescue In FY 2017/2018 the Newton Fire Department responded to 329 fire and rescue type incidents up 3.5% from FY16/17.

Fire and Rescue Responses

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Emergency Medical Services: The Newton Fire Department EMS Division provides the following services:

• Basic Life Support • Advanced Life Support • Critical Care Transport • Routine and Emergency Transfers between

facilities

In FY 2017/2018 the Newton Fire Department responded to 2,841 emergency medical incidents up 11.89% over FY16/17. Of the 2,841 ambulance calls, 570 calls were for transfers out of town. This figure is up 9.4% from the previous year’s total of 456 transfers.

1,935 1,724 1,753

2,075 2,143 2,102 2,173 2,374

2,539

2,841

380 275 285

477 517 431 397 456 490 570

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2,000

2,500

3,000

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EMS Calls

911

Transfers

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Hazardous Materials Services: The Newton Fire Department is contracted with Jasper County to provide Hazardous Materials response in Jasper County. The Newton Fire Department is trained to a technician level of hazardous materials response. The surrounding fire departments within Jasper County are trained to an operations level which allows them to assist the Hazardous Materials Response Team should their services be required.

In FY 2017/2018 the Newton Fire Department responded to 23 incidents that were classified as hazardous materials incidents.

Fire Marshal Division

The Newton Fire Department’s Fire Marshal directs and oversees all code enforcement and fire prevention programs. Directs and completes all fire investigations to include fire cause and arson prosecution efforts. Directs and conducts public education programs of the fire department.

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CODE ENFORCEMENT Both rental and commercial inspections are done not only to look for hazards, but also used to educate about fire safety.

Commercial Property Inspections There are over an estimated 350 commercial properties (Businesses) in Newton. The Newton Fire Department conducts approximately 120 commercial inspections each year.

Rental Property Inspections For the fiscal year of 2017-2018 the

Newton Fire Department conducted 700 rental property inspections. For the fiscal

year the rental program brought in $84,010 in permit fees.

INVESTIGATIONS Fire Investigation The Fire Marshal’s office is responsible for the investigation of fires to determine the cause and origin. In FY 17/18 the Fire Marshal has investigated 23 fires. There were no injuries or fatalities to civilians reported in FY 17/18.

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HOW TO APPLY If you meet the following requirements, submit the online application by 4:30 pm, on 05/01/2019. Return to: Newton Fire Department 410 S 2nd Ave W Newton, IA 50208

641-792-3347 Experience: Previous Firefighter experience and EMT-B required. Firefighter I and EMT-Paramedic preferred.

Age: Must be at least 18 years of age on the last day applications are accepted. Vision: Not less than 20/40 on one eye and 20/100 in the other eye and corrected to 20/20

in both eyes. Veteran’s Preference: Veterans preference points will be awarded to honorably discharged men and

women of the armed forces, who qualify under Iowa law. A copy of the military discharge form DD-214 must be presented at the time application is filed.

Education: High School diploma or GED required. Two (2) years post high school education

of sixty (60) semester/ninety (90) quarter hours from accredited institution, an Associate’s Degree or higher, completed at the time of testing will receive extra credit.

Others: Applicants must, by the date of the application, possess a valid driver’s license

and have a good driving record. THE EXAMINATION The examination consists of 3 stages as follows: Stage: Total Score 1. Physical Assessment 20% 2. Written Test 40%

3. Oral Interview 40% (1.) Candidates must successfully pass the physical assessment without exceeding the

maximum time of 10 minutes and 20 seconds. Candidates must pass to continue on to the written test. Candidates who possess a valid CPAT card dated within the previous 12 months will be allowed to submit their card for validation and will be awarded a “PASS” for the physical ability testing.

(2.) Candidates must successfully pass the written test with a minimum score of 70%.

Candidates must pass to continue on to the oral interview. (3.) The top 20 candidates will receive an oral interview.

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Stage 1 – Physical Ability Testing NEWTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST Firefighting involves extremely hard and skillful physical work as well as the understanding of how to cope with emergency situations. The physical demands of fire fighting are often underestimated. Because of this, many firefighter applicants are overwhelmed by the challenging screening procedures employed in the selection of new recruits. Demanding physical standards are necessary because fire fighting requires a high level of physical fitness. Regardless of the current state of fitness, conditioning before the test would be helpful.

IMPORTANT: BEFORE YOU START ANY EXERCISE OR PHYSICAL TRAINING PROGRAM, YOU SHOULD HAVE A COMPLETE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION.

In order to participate in the timed events candidates must be assessed by EMS staff and have vital signs that fall within the established parameters prescribed by our medical director. The following is a list of parameters: Newton Fire Department Guidelines: Blood Pressure: Systolic < 160 Diastolic < 100 Pulse Rate: Resting < 100 Respirations: Resting < 25 PSO2 > 90% Candidates found outside of the guidelines listed above have a higher risk of encountering a medical related problem while participating in strenuous physical activity that may result in significant injury up to and including death. If you are outside of the guidelines it is the recommendation of the Newton Fire Department that you not participate in the scheduled test.

You are allowed, under your own free will, to sign off that you understand the dangers of participating in the testing. The form below is printed on the back of the physical ability testing score sheet and can be filled out by the participant if they so choose. Waiver: (Complete if outside of NFD guideline.) I, __________________________, (printed name) have been advised of the dangers of strenuous activity with vital signs that fall outside of the guidelines set by the Newton Fire Department. I do hereby release and forever discharge for myself and my successors in interest, the City of Newton, Iowa, and the Newton Fire personnel administering the physical ability tests in which I am participating and any and all successors and assigns of the aforementioned, from all claims, demands, damages, actions and causes of action which may arise on account of injuries sustained by me in participating in this physical ability test from and after the date thereof. ________________________________________ Signature Date

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NOTE: Candidates will wear exercise clothing, helmet, gloves, and weighted vest simulating an air pack cylinder & harness for all events.

This is a pass/fail test based on a validated total time of 10 minutes and 20 seconds. Total time is not rated. Candidates who possess a valid CPAT card dated within the previous 12 months will be allowed to submit their card for validation and will be awarded a “PASS” for the physical ability testing.

NON-TIMED EVENTS:

At the beginning of the physical ability testing each candidate will be required to perform the following non-timed events:

1. Ambulance cot carry 2. Aerial ladder climb

The cot carry will be approximately 180 lbs and each candidate will have to carry one end of the cot 50 feet and then lift the cot into the ambulance. For the aerial ladder climb each candidate will have to climb up the aerial and down at a 70 degree angle for 65 feet.

TIMED EVENTS During all timed events candidates will be required to wear a weighted vest weighing 50 lbs. EVENT 1: TREAD MILL This event is designed to simulate the critical tasks of climbing stairs in full protective clothing while carrying a high-rise pack and climbing stairs in full protective clothing carrying firefighter equipment. This event challenges your aerobic capacity, lower body muscular endurance.

For this event, you will don a shoulder strapped vest with two (2) 12.5 lb. weights that simulate carrying a high rise hose pack, and walk on the treadmill at 2.5 MPH with the elevation set to the maximum height. Continue walking on the treadmill for a time of 3 minutes 15 seconds. At the conclusion of the event the shoulder strapped vest with the two (2) 12.5 lb. weights will be removed. You will wear the 50 lb. weighted vest for the entire test. You will then walk 85 feet to your next event.

FAILURES During the test, you are permitted to touch the wall or handrail for balance only momentarily. However, if the wall or handrail is grasped or touched for an extended period of time, or if the wall or handrail is used for weight bearing, you are warned. Only two warnings are given. The third infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and you fail the test.

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EVENT #2: HOSE DRAG This event uses an uncharged fire hose with a hose line nozzle. The hose line is marked at 8 feet past the coupling to indicate the maximum amount of hose you are permitted to drape across your shoulder or chest. The hose line is also marked at 50 feet past the coupling at the nozzle to indicate the amount of hose line that you must pull into a marked boundary box before completing the test.

For this event, you must grasp a hose line nozzle attached to 200 feet of 1 ¾” hose. Place the hose line over your shoulder or across your chest, not exceeding the 8 foot mark. You are permitted to run during the hose drag. Drag the hose 75 feet to a pre-positioned drum, make a 90 degree turn around the drum, and continue an additional 25 feet. Stop within the marked 5 foot by 7 foot box drop to at least one knee and pull the hose line until the hose line’s 50 mark crosses the finish line. During the hose pull, you must remain within the marked boundary lines. This concludes the event. Walk 85 feet within the established walkway to the next event.

FAILURES During the hose drag, if you fail to go around the drum 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, the test time is concluded and you fail the test. During 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 #3: EQUIPMENT CARRY For this event, you must remove the two saws from the simulated tool cabinet, one at a time, and place them on the ground. Pick up both saws, one in each hand, and carry them while walking 75 feet around the drum, then back to the starting point. You are permitted to place the saws on the ground and adjust your grip. Upon return to the simulated tool cabinet, place the saws on the ground, pick up each saw one at a time, and replace the saw in the designated space in the cabinet. This concludes the event. Walk 85 feet within the established walkway to the next event.

FAILURES If you drop either saw 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 4 LADDER RAISE AND EXTENSION For this event, you must walk to the top rung of the 24 foot aluminum extension ladder, lift the unhinged end from the ground, and walk it up until it is stationary against the wall. This must be done in a hand over hand fashion, using each rung until the ladder is stationary against the wall. You must not use the ladder rails to raise the ladder. Immediately proceed to the pre-positioned and secured 24 foot aluminum extension ladder, stand with both feet within the marked box of

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36 inches X 36 inches and extend the fly section hand over hand until it hits the stop. Then lower the ladder back into position by using the hand over hand method. This concludes the event. Walk 85 feet within the established walkway to the next event.

FAILURES If you miss any rung during the raise, one warning is given. The second infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and you fail the test. If you allow the ladder to fall to the ground or the safety person on the roof is activated because you released your grip on the ladder, the test time is concluded and you fail the test. If during the ladder extension, your feet do not remain within marked boundary lines, one warning is given. If you do not maintain control of the ladder in a hand over hand manner, or let the rope halyard slip in an uncontrolled manner, your test time is concluded and you fail the test.

EVENT 5 FORCIBLE ENTRY For this event, you must use a 9 pound sledge hammer to strike the measuring device in the target area until the sled passes the designated position. During this event, you must keep your feet on the designated platform at all times. After the target area is passed place the sledgehammer on the ground. This concludes the event. Walk 85 feet within the established walkway to the next event.

FAILURES 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. Stepping or falling off the equipment, for any reason, prior to driving the sled the designated distance constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and you fail the test.

EVENT 6 SEARCH For this event, you must crawl following a hose line wearing a darkened face piece, approximately 65 feet in length. Your movement is monitored throughout. If for any reason you choose to end the event, call out and you will be assisted out. Upon reaching the end of the hose, the event is concluded. Walk 85 feet within the established walkway to the next event.

FAILURES A request for assistance that requires removal of the face piece constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and you fail the test. EVENT 7 RESCUE For this event, you must grasp a 180 pound mannequin by the handles on the shoulders of the harness. (either one or both handles are permitted) Drag it 35 feet to a pre-positioned drum, make a 180 degree turn around the drum, and continue an additional 35 feet to the finish line. You are not permitted to grasp or rest on the drum. It is permissible for the mannequin to touch the drum. You are permitted to drop and release

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the mannequin and adjust your grip. The entire mannequin must be dragged until it crosses the marked finish line. This concludes the event. Walk 85 feet within the established walkway to the next event.

FAILURES If you grasp or rest on the drum at any time, one warning is given. The second infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and you fail the test.

EVENT 8 CEILING BREACH AND PULL

For this event, you must remove the pike pole from the bracket, stand within the boundary established by the equipment frame, and place the tip of the pole on the painted area of the hinged plank. Fully push up the 60-pound hinged plank with the pike pole three times. Then, hook the pike pole to the 80-pound ceiling device and pull the pole down five times. Each set consists of three pushes and five pulls. Repeat for a total of three sets. Releasing your grip or allowing the pike pole handle to slip, without the pike pole falling to the ground, does not result in a warning or constitute a failure. You are permitted to re-establish your grip and resume the event. If you do not successfully complete a repetition, the proctor calls out “MISS” and you must push or pull the apparatus again to complete the repetition. This event and the total test time ends when you complete the final pull stroke repetition as indicated by a proctor who calls out “TIME.”

FAILURES One warning is given if you drop the pike pole to the ground. If you drop the pike pole, you must pick it up without proctor assistance and resume the event. The second infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and you fail the test. If your feet do not remain within the marked boundary lines, one warning is given. The second infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and you fail the test. Candidates must complete the physical ability test in less than 10 minutes and 20 seconds to pass. Candidates must pass physical ability test to advance to the written test. The date for the physical ability testing will be May 11, 2019.

A practice test date will be schedule one week prior to the actual testing. Candidates are encouraged to attend the practice date if they have not participated in our entrance physical testing previously. Candidates will be allowed to practice the entire test and will be given time at the end of the practice session to work on any stations where they encountered problems. Staff will be available to offer suggestions for performance on the practice day and will not be able to offer any information on the day of actual testing. The date for the physical ability practice testing day will be May 4, 2019.

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Stage 2 – Written Testing The Newton Fire Department uses a written test that has been developed by the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR). Candidates will be taking an entry level firefighter exam. IPMA-HR has developed a study guide which will aid candidates in preparing for any the entry level firefighter exams from IPMA-HR. This study guide is available for purchase at their website: http://www.ipma-hr.org. If you have questions regarding a study guide you can contact the IPMA-HR directly by website or by phone at (703) 549-7100. This study guide covers all of the entry level firefighter exams developed by this company. The purchase of this study guide is not mandatory. Candidates must achieve a score of 70% or higher to pass. The top 20 candidates after completion of the physical ability and written test will advance to the Oral Interview. The date for the Written Testing will be May 11, 2019. Stage 3 – Oral Interview The top 20 candidates after physical ability testing and written testing will be scheduled for interview. All interviews will be completed on May 16, 2019 in the City of Newton. Candidates will receive notification of time and place of interview after rankings are completed following the written test.

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IMPORTANT DATES:

RETURN APPLICATION BY:

May 1, 2019 by 4:30 PM

PRACTICE (Optional) PHYSICAL ABILITY TESTING

May 4, 2019: 9:00 AM Newton Fire Station

PHYSICAL ABILITY TESTING

May 11, 2019: 8:30 AM Newton Fire Station

WRITTEN TEST

(Must have passed Physical Ability Testing) May 11, 2019: 1:30 PM

Newton Fire Station

ORAL INTERVIEWS (Must have passed Physical Ability Testing, Written Test

and Rank in Top 20) May 16, 2019: Starting at 8:00 AM

Newton Fire Station

NEWTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

410 S 2ND AVE W NEWTON, IOWA 50208

641-792-3347

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BRIEFING OF BENEFITS & REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYMENT WITH NEWTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

1. Must be at least 18 years of age, and must possess a High School diploma or equivalent.

2. Must qualify under the City of Newton Fire Department Background Standards (Attached).

3. Successfully pass required examinations. 4. Successfully pass required medical physical examinations. 5. Be approved by the MFPRSI Pension Board. 6. Must live within the State of Iowa. 7. Must have reliable transportation and insurance on vehicle. 8. Full and part time employees must have a phone for contact. 9. Duty Hours: 7:30 A.M. – 7:30 A.M. No standby, however, must report for duty as otherwise

directed by the Department. 10. Serve one (1) year of probation. 11. Training is conducted on the job by department officers and other certified instructors under

the direction of the Training Officer. 12. Must learn all equipment, fire and ambulance, and proper care for said equipment. 13. Previous Firefighting or EMS experience preferred. 14. New personnel are required to become certified as an Emergency Medical Technician

Paramedic (Paramedic) within 2 years of appointment. Transportation and course fees may be reimbursed by the Department. Course could require both “on duty” and “off duty” time.

15. New personnel are required to become Hazardous Material Technician level certified within

2 year of appointment.

16. Reading and study assignments are given by the Training or Shift Officer. To cover the wide scope of the Fire Department, the individual is expected to use time wisely to complete the assignments in a timely fashion.

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17. Must demonstrate initiative and ability during probation period without counseling. 18. Class D-2 Chauffeurs license is required within 1 year of appointment. 19. Must be able to drive and operate all vehicles, fire and ambulance. 20. Fire Fighting gear and uniforms will be provided by the City of Newton. 21. Work is rotated and assigned by qualifications. 22. A life insurance policy is provided by the City of Newton. 23. Benefits include, but are not limited to, medical and dental insurance for individuals and

family. 24. Time and one half is paid for recall, three and one half hour minimum, double time on

Holidays. Extra money is paid in lieu of time off for Holidays. 25. Current wage scale with paydays on the 15th and the last working day of the month. 26. Retirement policy as covered in Chapter 411 of the Code of Iowa. 27. Paid vacation earned from date of hire per the Agreement between the City of Newton and

Newton Association of Professional Firefighters.

28. Medicare contribution is required of all new employees of the Fire and Police Departments; Pension amounts are deducted from checks per Iowa law.

29. Agree to abstain from the use of any tobacco products during my employment with the City of Newton.

32. Full time firefighter starting salary (starting July 1, 2019), $50,091 - $59,278 (DOQ).

33. New employees with full time experience in other fire departments can advance one step in the pay matrix for every two years of experience with a maximum lateral move to Step 4 in the pay matrix.

34. Up to 20 candidates from testing will be placed on a list that will be certified by the City of Newton Civil Service Commission for the purpose of filling full time employment positions. This list will be valid for one (1) year from the date of certification. The expected certification date is 05/24/2019.

35. All candidates who successfully complete the testing requirements will be eligible for consideration in participating in the Newton Fire Department part time employment program. Additional information can be requested upon completion of the testing process.

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City of Newton Fire Department Background Standards

An applicant’s criminal record, including all arrests, prosecutions, deferred prosecutions, “Alford” pleas, and non-conviction information will be thoroughly assessed and may be grounds for disqualification. FELONY CONVICTIONS: An individual who has been convicted of and/or received a deferred judgment for a felony will be disqualified. MISDEMEANOR CONVICTIONS: An individual who has been convicted of and/or received deferred judgments for four (4) or more misdemeanors (non-traffic) within the 36 months prior to the date of application, and up to and including the day of appointment will be disqualified. Individuals who have been convicted of a misdemeanor (non-traffic) while employed in law enforcement, firefighter or other sworn public safety position will be disqualified. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Individuals who have been convicted of and/or received a deferred judgment for a misdemeanor involving domestic violence will be disqualified. SEXUAL ASSAULT: Individuals who have been convicted of and/or received a deferred judgment for a misdemeanor involving sexual assault will be disqualified. CHILD ABUSE: Individuals who have been convicted of and/or received a deferred judgment for a misdemeanor involving child abuse will be disqualified. HARASSMENT: Individuals who have been convicted of and/or received a deferred judgment for a misdemeanor involving intimidation or harassment of a person or group, because of that person’s or group’s race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability will be disqualified. CRIMES OF DISHONESTY: Individuals who have been convicted of a crime of dishonesty in the last ten years shall be disqualified. Crimes of dishonesty include cheating, theft, perjury, and fraud. ILLEGAL DRUG ACTIVITY: Individuals who have illegally sold, delivered, distributed, or manufactured drugs will be disqualified. Individuals who have improperly used prescription drugs will be disqualified. SOFT DRUG USE: Individuals who have illegally used soft drugs at least one time within the 24 months prior to the date of application, and up to and including the day of appointment may be grounds for disqualification.

Definition: Marijuana, the use of which would be classified as a petty offense or misdemeanor; and any Schedule III, IV or V controlled substance, the use of which would be classified as a misdemeanor under; except when the drug or substance is

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used pursuant to being dispensed by or under the direction of a person licensed or authorized by law to prescribe, administer, or dispense such drug or substance for bona fide medical needs. Examples: Illegal use of cough syrup with low dose codeine, Ganja, Marijuana, Amytal, Anabolic Steroids, Codeine (low dose), Darvon, Deca, Ketamine, Librium, Phenobarbitol, Rohypnol, Roofies, Seconal, Special K, Steroids, Talwin, Valium, Xanax. (See Iowa Code § 124.101-124.602)

HARD DRUG USE: Individuals who have illegally used drugs at least one time within 60 months prior to the date of application, and up to and including the day of appointment will be disqualified.

Definition: Any Schedule I or II controlled substance, the use of which would be classified as a felony, except for marijuana, and except when the controlled substance is used pursuant to being dispensed by or under the direction of a person licensed or authorized by law to prescribe, administer, or dispense such controlled substance for bona fide medical needs.

Examples: The illegal use of Adam, Angel Dust, Amphetamine, Black Tar, Blue Birds, Buttons, Cocaine, Codeine (high dose), Crack, Crystal, Demerol, Dilaudid, Ecstacy, GHB, Hallucinogens, Hash & Hash Oil, Heroin, Ice, LSD, Mescaline, Methadone, Meth-amphetamine, MDA, MDMA, Microdot, Morphine, Mushrooms, Opium, Percocet, Percodan, Peyote, PCP, PHP, Psilocybin, Quaalude, Red Birds, Ritalin, Smack, Speed, STP, TCP, Thai Sticks (soaked in hash oil), THC, XTC, Yellow Jackets. (See Iowa Code § 124.101-124.602)

Individuals who have illegally used soft or hard drugs while employed in a law enforcement, firefighter or other sworn public safety position will be disqualified from the testing process. THE ABILITY TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Applicants must be capable of performing the essential job functions of an entry-level firefighter with or without reasonable accommodation. All phases of the examination are designed to measure an applicant’s ability to perform the essential functions of the job. EMPLOYMENT HISTORY: An applicant’s employment history, including terminations, or leaving an employer in lieu of termination, will be thoroughly assessed and may be grounds for disqualification. SOLICITATION OF PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT: Solicitation or attempted solicitation (lobbying) in connection with any application or testing for original appointment, or for placement on an eligible register, or for certification for appointment to a position in the classified service, may be grounds for disqualification. This includes intervention on behalf of any applicant, outside of references and information provided in the background investigation process, by the respective department or any of its members, by a member of City Council, by an City official or City employee, and by a Commissioner or employee of the Commission.

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Personal references and letters of recommendation are considered during the background investigation only. An applicant may provide, as part of the background investigation process, letters of reference and the names, contact information, and nature of relationship for references he or she believes should be contacted during the background investigation. DRIVING RECORDS STANDARDS A. Qualifying Factors 1. Applicant has a valid driver’s license 2. Applicant has not had driver’s license suspended one or more times in last 2 years 3. Applicant has not had driver’s license revoked one or more times in the last 5 years B. Disqualifying Factors The violations (with convictions) listed below are disqualifying factors if they have occurred within the time frames listed in the chart. These violations disqualify the applicant from further consideration for any position that requires a driver’s license/CDL. Further, an employee who is not required to have a driver’s license as part of their job qualifications may be denied the use of a city vehicle for any of these disqualifying factors.

IN LAST IN LAST TYPE OF VIOLATION 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 1. Reckless driving, careless driving, or similar offense 1 offense 2 offenses 2. Operating While Intoxicated, driving under the influence 1 offense of any controlled substance, or driving while license is suspended or revoked. 3. All moving violations as defined by state code. 4 offenses 4. Speeding 25+ mph over speed limit, eluding or 1 offense attempting to elude a police officer. 5. Homicide, manslaughter or assault arising out of use 1 offense within 10 yrs of a vehicle 6. Hit & Run 1 offense within 10 yrs (Failure to Give Information) (Failure to Give Information and Aid)

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Job Description - City of Newton TITLE: FIREFIGHTER

JOB CODE:

DEPARTMENT: Fire CIVIL SERVICE: Yes

UNION: Yes FLSA: Non - Exempt

APPROVAL:

DATE:

DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR DATE: CITY ADMINISTRATOR LAST UPDATE: 10/7/02

DEFINITION: To protect life, property and the environment, under the general supervision of the Fire Captain, participates in general firefighting activities and emergency pre-hospital care of the sick and injured, in response to alarms and emergency calls; drives and operates firefighting apparatus and ambulance vehicles; and performs other duties as required. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Position is subject to 24-hour shift assignment, working weekends and holidays, but may be assigned to 8-hour shift, 40-hour week assignment; drives ambulances to medical emergencies, performs pre-hospital emergency medical care functions at emergency scenes and en route to medical facilities as certified; assesses patient symptoms and determines appropriate emergency medical procedures to be employed; communicates patient symptoms and action taken to hospital emergency room staff using mobile and portable two-way radio equipment; lifts and carries patients; restrains combative patients, assesses presence of physical or sexual abuse and reports evidence to medical and law enforcement officials; completes medical incident reports and prepares patient billing criteria. Drives firefighting apparatus or ambulance vehicles to fire alarms as certified; operates pumping and aerial ladder apparatus; utilizes hand tools and power tools in rescue, forcible entry, ventilation, and salvage work; directs hose streams into and within structures involved in fire; makes preliminary assessment of evidence at fire scenes for fire cause; reports evidence of possible arson to investigate officials; completes written reports describing observations at fire scenes and other emergency sites. Responds to and performs containment operations at hazardous materials incidents, following accepted decontamination practices; performs inspections of building and facilities for pre-incident planning and hazard assessment; records pertinent information on reports and building drawings for emergency reference. Conducts tours of fire station facilities; explains duties and operations; conducts public fire prevention presentations; demonstrates proper use of fire protection equipment and explains maintenance requirements. Performs service tasks on fire extinguishers for the public; performs minor repair and service tasks on vehicles and gasoline powered tools and equipment; receives and records information from dispatcher directing emergency response; participates in training activities; maintains buildings and grounds; performs other duties as required.

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NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Uses office equipment, microcomputers, copy machines and calculators; answers telephone calls from citizens and refers their inquiries or requests as required. WORKING CONDITIONS: Wears heavy insulated protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus to protect against thermal, chemical and radiation hazards; performs all fire related tasks at elevated heights on ladders and aerial firefighting apparatus as required; performs tasks within confined spaces with limited or no visibility as required; performs tasks in all weather conditions, on all surfaces, lifting and carrying ladders, hoses, tools, rescued people, salvaged furniture and belongings. QUALIFICATIONS: REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of city streets and addresses; knowledge of City Code relating to fire and life safety. Skill in use and operation of all tools, equipment and apparatus operated by and for the Fire Department. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow firefighters and supervisors in a close living/working environment; ability to serve as attendant in charge during emergency and non-emergency ambulance service responses; ability to function effectively to treat the illnesses and trauma suffered by patients; ability to function effectively at elevated heights or in confined conditions with little or no visibility; ability to pass Civil Service physical examination; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to adjust to changing situations, priorities and deadlines, while maintaining efficiency and effectiveness; ability to establish priorities in order to accomplish a variety of duties and responsibilities. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: For those tasks where a personal or City vehicle is used, individual must be physically capable of operating the vehicle safely, possess a valid Iowa operator’s license and have an acceptable driving record. Must obtain an Iowa Class D Chauffeurs license within one year of appointment. Must obtain Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic Specialist certification within one year of appointment. Must obtain certification as Hazardous Materials First Responder at the Operations Level within one year of appointment. ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Graduation from High School or equivalent.

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Page 25: City of Newton Fire Department · You are allowed, under your own free will, to sign off that you understand the dangers of participating in the testing. The form below is printed

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TOBACCO FREE EMPLOYMENT NOTICE

The medical guidelines for the city physician to use in determining whether a fire candidate is physically acceptable to be a Newton Firefighter include a no smoking or chewing tobacco requirement. The No Smoking or Chewing Requirement includes both on duty and off duty.

NOTICE OF DRUG TESTING

Prior to employment the City of Newton will require drug testing as part of a pre-employment physical for all employees.

The City of Newton has a vital interest in maintaining safe, healthful, and efficient working conditions for its employees. Being under the influence of a drug or alcohol poses serious safety and health risks, not only to the user, but to all those who work with or come into contact with the user. The possession, use, or sale of an illegal drug or alcohol in the workplace poses unacceptable risks for safe, healthful, and efficient operations.

For your records: Date Application Submitted: _____________________

NEWTON FIRE DEPARTMENT 410 S 2ND AVE W

NEWTON, IOWA 50208 641-792-3347