Are you looking for your career or destination department? If so, then the Novato Fire Protection District may be the department for you. The Novato Fire Protection District plans to hire over 30 employees in the next few years due to retirement and growth, and we would like you to be part of our team.

The Novato Fire Protection District salary and benefits package is very competitive with other agencies. I encourage you to review our Salary and Benefits when you are comparing us with other organizations. Novato is a wonderful community to live and raise a family but if you are looking for more affordability or your own piece of land, you can be assured that you will find affordable housing or property within a 2-hour drive and easy commute for a Firefighter/Paramedic working a 56-hour week.

We offer an excellent work environment and state of the art equipment, facilities and personal protective equipment. We value and support the training and education of our personnel and with the support of the Novato Professional Firefighters’ Association, have developed a Career Development Guide so that our personnel can increase their responsibility, authority, earn higher salaries and ultimately grow to their full potential.

Our call volume is moderate for a department our size, leaving ample time for training in the many facets that make emergency services an exciting career, including: EMS; Structure and Wildland Fire Suppression; Public Education; Fire Prevention; Disaster Preparedness; Hazardous Materials; Rescue Systems; Water Rescue; Confined Space; and more. Our response area is a combination of urban, sub-urban and rural. We have a very significant wildland interface area and often use CDF aircraft and other resources to assist in combating wildland fires. Members of our department participate on the Marin County Urban Search and Rescue Team, the Marin County Hazardous Materials Response Team, the Marin County Arson Task Force and are members of State and Federal Major Incident Management Teams.

The District has an excellent reputation in the community as well as the fire service in general. In 2002 our citizens approved an increase to our Fire/EMS special tax with a 72% vote of support. Our well-trained and professional personnel consistently receive letters of commendation from the community regarding the outstanding services that they provide.

As an organization created to serve the public, we have developed a strong focus on customer service by empowering our personnel with the tools to always do what’s best for our citizens. Our mission is “To Care For, Protect, and Serve the Community” and we take our mission very seriously.

If you are looking for more than a job, consider a career with the Novato Fire Protection District. The standards are high and the work is challenging and although this job may not be for everyone, it may be for you.

To request a recruitment packet and video or to take advantage of our Ride-Along Program please gives us a call at 415-878-2690.

Firefighters work shifts begin at 07:30 am to 07:30 am on a 2 X 4 schedule. The Fire District is organized into three shifts... A shift, B shift and C shift. This rotating shift schedule repeats itself indefinitely. The firefighters shift schedule is not affected by holidays. If a firefighter’s shift falls on a holiday, they are expected to work.

Firefighters may also either volunteer for, or be required to work additional "overtime" shifts so that the District may meet its full staffing.

Firefighters may be called back to work during unusual and/or catastrophic events such as major fires, earthquakes, floods or other disasters. Novato Fire District personnel often respond to fires and other incidents through out the State of California under one of the States Mutual Aid Plans. It is not unusual to send Novato Firefighters and equipment as far south as Los Angles or as far north as Oregon.

Firefighting continues to be a dangerous occupation. On an average the United States looses 100 firefighters to line of duty deaths each year. This does not include retired firefighters who develop cancer and other diseases as a result of their occupation.

Firefighters pay for their meals on-duty. They also assist in food shopping, meal preparation and clean-up. You may see them at the local grocery store or market near their station shopping for their evening meal.

The Novato Fire Stations are our firefighter’s home-away-from-home. Firefighters live and work together functioning as both a "family" and a TEAM! A typical day includes equipment maintenance, personal physical fitness, station maintenance, training, report writing, public education, fire prevention and emergency response. Sleep is allowed at night, however it can be frequently interrupted.

This all being said being a firefighter is a wonderful occupation often filled with excitement, sorrow and ultimately the reward of helping others in their time of need.

General Job Description

Under general supervision, provides on-site care and treatment to persons in life-threatening medical situations in accordance with the policies established by the Department of Emergency Medical Services of Marin County; responds to medical emergencies; evaluates and treats emergency medical problems and performs the full range of first aid functions.
Under general supervision, protects life and property, operates and maintains firefighting apparatus and equipment, and performs other duties as required.
Successful candidates will be appointed to the position of Firefighter/Paramedic and will be expected to work in that position for a minimum of two years from the date of hire before being eligible for promotional opportunities.

Qualifications

Education:

Candidates must possess a High School diploma or GED Certificate.

Age:

Applicant must be a minimum of age 18 at time of employment.

Certification and License:

Proof of a current National Registry or State of California Paramedic License is required and must be attached to the application.
Must acquire a State of California Paramedic License and Marin County Paramedic Accreditation within 30 days of employment.
Candidates must possess a current California Class C driver’s license (or equivalent) at the time of application. A copy of the license must be attached to the application. Candidates must acquire a Class B firefighter exempt (or equivalent) California driver’s license within 18 months of the official date of hire.

Paramedic State license, County accreditation and valid California Class B firefighter exempt (or equivalent) driver’s license must be maintained as a condition of employment.

Candidate must possess a current CPR and ACLS card.
Appointment shall be conditional on the applicant signing a statement as a condition of continued employment affirming that he/she will refrain from using all tobacco products at any time on or off duty.

Applications submitted without the required proofs of certification will not be accepted.

Applications can be hand delivered between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, but no later than 5:00 p.m. of the final filing date. Mailed applications will be considered if they are received no later than the final date specified. Faxed applications will not be considered. Applications and supplemental questionnaire may be obtained by contacting the Novato Fire Protection District either by telephone at (415) 878-2690, or in person at 95 Rowland Way, Novato, CA 94945.

Selection Process

Candidates who meet the District’s standards and who have successfully passed the Firehire Candidate Standards will be invited to submit an application. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to an oral interview and skills assessment exam.
Applicants successfully passing all parts of the testing process will be placed on an eligibility list. A background check will be conducted prior to the final candidate selection.
A 12-month probationary period must be satisfactorily completed before permanent status is granted.

Medical and Performance Standards

Prior to appointment, the applicant must pass job-related medical and psychological evaluations, pre-employment drug screen testing, and Department of Justice criminal history check. The applicant may be required, after employment, to pass periodic medical and physical performance tests and to participate in an ongoing physical fitness program in which the employee would strive to maintain the Fire District’s minimum standard of 20% body fat and 40% aerobic capacity.
Far visual acuity shall be at least 20/30 binocular, corrected with contact lenses or spectacles. Far visual acuity uncorrected shall be at least 20/100 binocular for wearers of hard contacts or spectacles.

Verification

All statements made on the application and resume are subject to investigation and verification by the Novato Fire Protection District, including contacting present and former employers.
The provisions of this document do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
Proof of immunization for or immunity to Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Mumps and Rubella must be presented prior to employment.
Certain documents such as a certified birth certificate and a valid Social Security Card are required for verification for employment. Fingerprints are taken at the time of employment and routinely cleared on new employees.
A signed waiver for the release of information from past or current employers and/or references, and criminal records will be required.
In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, individuals offered employment by the Novato Fire Protection District will be required to show specified documentation as proof of authorization to work in the United States before hiring can occur.

Benefits Package

Salary Range

Starting:

Monthly: $6,990.76 (increasing to $7,340.30 on 7/1/2008)
Annual: $83,889.12 (increasing to $88,083.60 on 7/1/2008)

After 12 Months:

Monthly: $7,828,66
Annual $93,943.92

After 24 Months:

Monthly: $8,314.92
Annual: $99,779.16

Top step is reached after 24 months with the successful completion of probation at 12 months.

Holiday pay, FLSA pay and uniform allowance are included in the base salary.

Retirement

3% at age 55 with no cap, Marin County Employees’ Retirement Plan, County Employees’ Retirement Law Act of 1937.

The District pays a portion of the employee’s contribution equal to 5% of their base salary.

Sick Leave

Employees earn 12 hours per month.
Sick leave is capped at 2,912 hours, after which employees are paid annually for all hours over 2,912 at 75% of their hourly salary.

Hiring Process

The Novato Fire Protection District uses a three phase hiring process leading up to an 11 to 12 week Firefighter/Paramedic academy.

Phase 1 – Pre-Application Phase

The Novato Fire Protection District is working closely with Firehire in order to hire firefighter/paramedic candidates for our next academy. Firehire has informed us that you have passed the written exam and physical agility test. The most qualified candidates who have passed both portions of the Firehire test will be invited to test with the Novato Fire District.

Phase 2 – Application Phase

Please read these instructions carefully. If you are interested in testing with the Novato Fire Protection District, after passing the Firehire written and physical agility tests, you will be required to complete and return the attached forms and required documents by 5 p.m. on March 14, 2008.

Phase 3 – Internal Testing Phase

The next step in the testing process will include:

· a 20-minute oral interview assessment

· a 20-minute ALS assessment according to National Registry standards

· a 20-minute non-EMS manipulative skills assessment.

All three assessments will occur in the order stated on the same day and in close succession. The dates currently established for these tests are March 25, 26, 27, 2008.

· Please call the Novato Fire District Administrative Offices at (415) 878-2690 to make an appointment for one the testing dates. The District reserves the right to designate test dates and times but will generally try to accommodate the candidate.

You will be notified during the week of March 31, 2008 by mail and or phone if you have or have not been selected to continue with the testing process.

If you agree to continue with the testing process, the District will begin background investigations, beginning March 31, 2008 and concluding May 9, 2008. At the conclusion of the background investigations, the District will make conditional job offers to the top candidates.

If you are given a conditional job offer and accept, you must successfully pass a Medical Exam, Psychological Exam, Department of Justice Criminal History check and Drug Screening. After successful completion of this phase you will be expected to participate in an 11 to 12 week Firefighter/Paramedic academy currently scheduled to begin June 1, 2008.

Academy

During the academy you will be instructed in many aspects of the position of Firefighter/Paramedic. You will participate in daily fitness training, skills assessments, classes and drills relating to your position with the Novato Fire District. The academy will primarily occur on a 40-hour per week schedule, however the District may require you to work some 24-hour shifts to prepare you for your transition to your shift assignment. You will be paid your full starting monthly salary beginning with your first day in the academy.

At the successful completion of the academy, a graduation ceremony will take place and you will be asked to invite anyone that you would like to attend the

event. This ceremony will be dedicated to your hard work and future career with the Novato Fire Protection District. At this point you are no longer a recruit Firefighter/Paramedic. With the completion of graduation you will become a Novato Fire District Probationary Firefighter/Paramedic.

As a Probationary Firefighter/Paramedic you will serve a 12-month probationary period. During your 12-month probationary period you will be expected to meet the District’s standards and expectations and to pass regular evaluations by your Supervisor as well as the Training and EMS Division. At this point you are well on your way to an exciting career with the Novato Fire Protection District.

Application Materials

The Novato Fire District is currently contracting with FireHire for its entry level testing. For current hiring information, visit http://www.firehire.com.

For other information call the District offices at (415) 878-2690.

Useful Employment Links

Santa Rosa Junior College Firefighter I and Paramedic Training program:
http://www.santarosa.edu/certificates/