Starting Salary: $54,880 (+$10-$20/hour in benefits)
Employment with the City of Canton comes with an array of benefits. We offer comprehensive health insurance, paid vacations, paid holidays, a retirement plan, sick time, and personal holidays.
Applicants must apply at governmentjobs.com/careers/cantonohio. Applicants MUSTsubmit a valid driver's license and proof of high school graduation along with their application.
To be eligible for the position under this examination, all applicants must be U.S. citizens or possess a valid permanent resident card.
This is an openexamination. Information on the written and physical agility exams will be provided at a later date.
No prior training or certifications are required to apply!
General Statement of Duties:This is an entry level position under close supervision of Fire Department Officers. An employee in this class serves as a member of the Fire Division for the protection of life and property by acting at fires and other emergencies. Firefighter/Paramedics shall be capable of performing a wide variety of skilled manual and mechanical techniques; also, basic and advanced life support techniques. He/she shall assist in maintenance of fire stations, apparatus and equipment, learn and obey the rules and regulations of the Division of Fire. He/she shall perform other related duties as required.Distinguishing Features of Class:This is a performance classification. He/she shall perform firefighting and rescue techniques under emergency conditions. Work involves close contact with toxic gases, explosive mixtures and industrial chemicals. He/she shall detect and identify fire hazards and fire code violations, perform various duties in the maintenance of the fire stations, and the preventative and corrective maintenance of apparatus and equipment. A position in this class requires excellent physical condition and aptitude for mechanical work. Orders of superiors must be executed promptly and efficiently. He/she must readily become familiar with modern firefighting and prevention methods and procedures. The work requires strict adherence to division rules and regulations. Superiors make assignments of specific tasks and indicate methods and procedures to be followed. Work is under close supervision most of the time, but there are times when courses of action must be determined by the Firefighter/Paramedic. He/she shall obtain, and maintain, a State of Ohio Certification as a Firefighter Level II. He/she shall obtain, and maintain, a State of Ohio Certification as a Paramedic to work under the direction of a licensed physician for the purpose of providing basic and advanced emergency medical services to persons who are critically ill or injured, and be emotionally able to deal with stressful situations. Written reports of work done may be required. He/she shall have, and maintain, a valid Ohio driver's license.Examples of Work:Responds to fire alarms and emergency calls for the preservation of life and property. Uses whatever equipment is necessary as directed by superiors to combat the fire or to control the emergency. This includes connecting hoses to hydrants, laying hose lines, raising ladders, going into buildings with hoses, and handling any additional firefighting or rescue equipment as the situation demands. does rescue work by entering contaminated areas which requires the use of breathing equipment. Properly caring for, donning, and wearing of self-contained breathing apparatus. Does salvage work; places tarpaulins over furnishings and property; does all overhauling and cleaning up of debris in order to save and protect property from unnecessary damage. Operates fire pumps, drives fire apparatus, and operates aerial ladders. Lays hose lines, operates nozzles (sometimes with large capacities), and uses foam. Raises, climbs, and operates off ladders for gaining access to upper levels of building. Uses bars, axes, ropes, various fire extinguishers, and specialized equipment such as chain saws, cutting torches jaws of life, etc. Ventilates buildings either by opening windows, cutting holes in roofs and floors, or removing skylights. Exercises daily to keep physically fit, and shall successfully compete all annual physical fitness requirements. Makes routine inspections of local businesses for fire safety and pre-fire planning. Performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a pulseless, non-breathing patient. Performs light rescue and patient extrication. Establishes patient airway by the use of oropharyngeal airways, suction liter oxygen equipment, and mechanical or manual resuscitation devices. Performs patient survey triage, and medical history review. Controls shock with patient positioning, spinal immobilization and uses various forms of patient handling, moving and positioning. Must be able to perform cardiac monitoring, defibrillation, airway or gastric intubation, relief of pneumothorax, and administration of appropriate drugs and intravenous fluids. Performs all house keeping duties, required training and equipment and facility maintenance as required by supervision.Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Ability to get along well with others; willingness to perform any task assigned; ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; ability to keep simple records and make reports, aptitude for mechanical work under adverse conditions; excellent physical condition; good knowledge of mathematics and city geographical locations; ability to pass required courses of study including periodic probationary tests and paramedic test; must have the ability to evaluate situations and to deal effectively with people. The above requirements shall be accomplished within the first year probationary period. The maintenance of all required certifications are at the discretion of the Chief.
The minimum physical abilities that are required of a Firefighter/Paramedic on the Canton Fire Department, and which must be maintained while a member of the Fire Department are listed in five tasks below. These tasks must be accomplished within the established time frame as determined by the Fire Department while wearing protective clothing, including a self-contained breathing apparatus (air tank) without face piece.Firefighter/Paramedic Physical Agility Exam:
Task 1:The individual shall carry a similar high rise pack (two-fifty foot lengths of one and one half inch hose weighing approximately fifty pounds) to the fifth floor (roof) of the Drill Tower at Stark Technical College, or equivalent. The hose will be placed in a spot marked on the fifth floor.Task 2:From the top of the Drill Tower (fifth floor) at Stark Technical College, using a hand over hand method, the individual shall pull a rope to hoist a fifty foot section of two and one half inch hose, in a doughnut roll, (weighing approximately fifty pounds) to the top of the tower, or equivalent.Task 3:After descending the tower steps, making sure to step on every step the individual must drive a steel I beam, weighing approximately one hundred sixty five pounds, five feet with a sledge hammer provided.Task 4:After walking a distance of one hundred forty feet the individual shall pick up the nozzle and advance a one and one half inch charged hoseline straight forward seventy five feet to a predetermined spot and place it there. Then the individual must walk thirty feet to the next task.Task 5:T
he individual shall drag victim weighing approximately one hundred seventy five pounds a distance of one hundred feet.Acceptable Experience and Training:A minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent is required. A college degree in Fire Science is highly recommended, but not required. Certification as a Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician, or Paramedic is highly recommended, but not required. Candidates must maintain physical agility standards as prescribed by the Civil Service Commission.City Information:
Canton is a city in, and the county seat of, Stark County, Ohio. It is located approximately 60 miles south of Cleveland and 20 miles south of Akron in Northeast Ohio. Canton is chiefly notable for being the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the birthplace of the National Football League. Canton is also home to the William McKinley National Memorial in honor of our country’s 25th president.Canton is currently experiencing an urban renaissance, anchored by its growing and thriving arts district centrally located in the downtown area. Several historic buildings have been rehabilitated and converted into upscale lofts and retail/food establishments. One of downtown Canton’s newest editions, Centennial Plaza, is a vibrant hub for community events and social activities. Canton has the opportunities of a large-scale city while instilling that unparalleled feeling of a small hometown.
Steps to apply:
Please click here if you have any questions about submitting the application.
- Fill out an application on governmentjobs.com.Upload a copy of your driver's license, high school diploma/transcripts, DD-214 (if applicable), college degree/transcripts (if applicable), FF2, Paramedic, and Stark State certification (if applicable), and any other supporting documentation BEFOREsubmitting your application. If you do not submit all required documentationWITHyour application, you may be disqualified from further consideration. You are not required to have any advanced training to apply.
- The Canton Civil Service staff will review your application. If you meet the minimum requirements and have all necessary documentation uploaded, you will be sent additional information about the Firefighter written and physical examination. Location details will be sent by email.
- After you apply, you will be emailed a copy of the PersonalData Report (PDR). You must complete the PDRand upload it to your governmentjobs.com account by the date of your examination. If you do not complete the PDRby the time the testing window closes, you may be disqualified from further consideration.
- The Civil Service Commission will also send you release forms that will need to be signed in order to conduct background investigations. These forms will need to be printed, signed, scanned, and uploaded to your governmentjobs.com account along with the PDR.
Job Requirements:
Age: 18 to 39.NO FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC SHALL BE APPOINTED AFTER THEIR 40TH BIRTHDAY. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS
Citizenship Required: You must be a citizen of the United States or have legally declared your intention of becoming a United States Citizen.
High School Grad/GED: You must be a high school graduate or possess a G.E.D.
Valid Driver's License: You must possess a valid driver’s license issued by your state of residence.
Ability to Read/Speak English: Yes.
Vision:Must be able to distinguish primary colors.
College: Not required but a bonus will be added to your entrance exam for Bachelor’s degrees in fire science/emergency services.
Academy Certification: Preferred but not required. Must be able to obtain the required FF2 and Paramedic certification afterhire.Felony Conviction:An applicant who has been convicted of a felony is ineligible for this position.TESTING PROCESS:
The testing process will consist of two components. The two components are a written examination and physical agility test, both administered by the Canton Civil Service Commission. Passing score on the written exam is 70%. The written examination will count as 100% of your total grade. The physical agility test is pass/fail. APPLICANTS MUST PASS BOTH COMPONENTS TO BE CONSIDERED. An applicant’s overall passing score plus bonus credits shall be the basis for the ranking of candidates on an eligibility list. Bonus credits shall be added only if the candidate passes both test components. Test details will be provided to qualified applicants at a later date.
Exceptions:- Those who show proof of firefighter physical agility exam administered by Stark State College within six months of the application closing date; they do not have to take the physical agility test.
Repeating an Exam: Per OAC Rule 123: 1-9-01, an applicant who has competed in a civil service examination cannot repeat that examination or take and examination for the same classification within FOUR MONTHS from the date of original examination, unless an alternative form of examination is given, or unless other standards are specified in the examination announcement.
RATING
Your name will be placed on a list of eligible candidates upon receiving a passing score. Once the list has been established, your name will remain on the list for a period of one (1) year.
*DISCLAIMER*
All applicants should receive an email from noreply@governmentjobs.comconfirming that their application was received. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact Civil Service at jobs@cantonohio.govto confirm that your application went through. Once Civil Service processes applications, you will be emailed again within 5 business days. Should you not receive an email, please call our office at 330-489-3360.BONUS CREDIT INFORMATION:
Below is a detailed explanation of available bonus credits.
MILITARY SERVICE:
As provided in ORC 124.23C, any person who has completed service in the uniformed services, who have been honorably discharged from the uniformed services or transferred to the reserve with evidence of satisfactory service, and who is an Ohio resident and any member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio National Guard, who has completed more than 180 days of active duty service pursuant to an executive order of the President of the United States or an act of Congress of the United States may file with the director a certificate of service or honorable discharge (DD-214 – Long version), and upon this filing, the person shall receive an additional credit of twenty percent (20%) of the person’s total grade given in the examination in which the person receives a passing grade.
A member in good standing of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio National Guard, who successfully completes the member’s initial entry-level training shall receive a credit of fifteen percent (15%) of the person’s total grade given in the examination in which the person receives a passing grade.
BACHELOR’S DEGREE:
Degree must be in fire science and/or emergency services. A ten percent (10%) bonus will be granted if the degree or transcript of college grades are submitted when the applicant applies (unofficial transcripts are acceptable).
CERTIFIED FIREFIGHTER (FF2):
A twenty percent (10%) credit will be granted to all persons who hold a certificate issued by the Ohio State Department of Education stating they satisfactorily completed the minimum “Full-Time Paid Firefighter Course”.
CERTIFIED PARAMEDIC:
A twenty percent (20%) bonus credit will be granted to all persons who hold a current certificate as an Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic issued by the State of Ohio or certification as a Nationally Registered Paramedic.
CANTON FIRE DEPARTMENT OBSERVERS PROGRAM:
A five percent (5%) bonus credit will be granted to all persons who provide a certificate of completion for successfully completing the Canton Fire Department Explorers Program.
TO RECEIVE BONUS CREDIT FOR ANY OF THE ABOVE, DOCUMENTATIONMUST BE SUBMITTED WHEN THE APPLICANT APPLIES. AN APPLICANT MUST PASS BOTH TEST COMPONENTS IN ORDER TO RECEIVE ANY BONUS CREDIT. The maximum bonus credit allowable isforty percent (40%).
CERTIFICATION OF RESULTS:
A candidate is declared eligible for employment upon successful completion of both facets of the testing process. Eligible candidates will be ranked in grade order from highest to lowest scores according to their scores plus any applicable bonus credit(s) provided the minimum passing score is attained and bonus credit documentation is provided. The eligibility list will be valid for a one-year period, or until the position is closed.
NOTICE OF MEDICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION REQUIREMENT
Applicants are hereby advised that the position of employment being examined for is subject to a physical evaluation, drug test, and psychological evaluation. Accordingly, eligibility for hire is not considered final until all evaluations have been successfully completed with passing results.
NOTICE OF BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
Be advised that candidates will be subjected to a confidential background investigation, including, but not limited to, a criminal record check and a driving record check. Accordingly, eligibility for hire is not considered final until the background investigation has been successfully completed with passing results.
ADA COMPLIANCE
Reasonable accommodation in accordance with ADA Compliance will be made available upon request to those qualified applicants in need of it, in order to achieve the essential job functions as described above.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for appointment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, political affiliation, age, type of disability, or any other non-merit factor.
BY ORDER OF CANTON CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
Rachel A. Forchione, Director
Anna M. Moeglin, Assistant Director
