Our Mission.is to help

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Our Mission.is to help
Our Mission.is to help
www.srfd.org
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Fire Department
Fire Department
Firefighter Candidate Seminar Speakers Chief
Christopher Gray Division Chief Keith
Schoenthal Captain Jim Hufford Engineer Jim
Kieffer Engineer Nick Giusti Fire Department JJ
Nunez Police Department Leslie Loomis Khelri
Jhovahn Human Resources
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Fire Department
Fire Department
Firefighter Candidate Seminar Speakers Chief
Christopher Gray Division Chief Keith
Schoenthal Captain Jim Hufford Engineer Jim
Kieffer Engineer Nick Giusti Fire Department JJ
Nunez Police Department Leslie Loomis Khelri
Jhovahn Human Resources
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Introduction

• Christopher Gray
• Fire Chief
• Leslie Loomis
• Director of Human Resources

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Entry-Level FirefighterCivil Service
andApplication Process

• City of San Rafael
• Firefighter Candidate Seminar by
• Leslie Loomis
• Human Resources

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THE TESTING PROCESS

• You will be required to take an examination to be
  considered for employment.
• The civil service system is based on the
  following principles
• Merit
• Fairness
• Equal Employment Opportunities

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THE APPLICATION PROCESS

• You must complete a City application for the
  Firefighter position
• Used to determine if an applicants
  qualifications meet criteria
• City applications are reviewed during the oral
  interviews
• Must attach supporting documentation
• California Paramedic License
• CPAT card dated on or after October 18, 2008
• Proof of completion of CA State Board of Fire
  Services Firefighter I curriculum
• - OR -
• 1 year Paid Experience as a Firefighter

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EXAM PROCESS

• Firefighter exams are job related
• Contract with outside testing service CPS
• Examine the job bulletin to understand the job
  requirements
• Different types of exams, including
• Written
• Performance
• Oral Board
• Eligibility List created
• Background Investigation
• Professional References
• Personal History Statement

• Psychological
• Fingerprinting
• DMV Print out
• Fire Chiefs Interview
• Pre-placement Medical
• - Including Drug Screen
• Approximately a 4 month process

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Entry-Level FirefighterWritten Test Process

• City of San Rafael
• Firefighter Candidate Seminar by
• Jim Kieffer
• Fire Engineer

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Introduction

• The Entry-Level Firefighter tests
• consist of the following four sections
• Understanding Written Information
• Mathematical Ability
• Maps, Diagrams, and Mechanical Drawings
• Teamwork, Public Relations, and Community Living

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Preparing for the Written Test

• Do some work every day in preparation for the
  examination.
• Budget your time set aside a definite study
  period for each day during the week.
• Study with a friend or a group occasionally the
  exchange of ideas will help all of you.

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Preparing for the Written Test

• Begin concentrating as soon as you sit down to
  study.
• Study while in a comfortable put not too relaxed
  position.
• Study harder the days before the test.
• Get a good nights rest the night before the test.

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Understanding Written Information Test Section

• Explanation
• During Training, novice firefighter will be
  required to
• Read and comprehend a large amount of technical
  material related to fire suppression and
  prevention.
• Throughout a fire career, need to read to be
  up-to-date on firefighting technology, methods,
  and equipment.

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Understanding Written Information Test Section

• Measures the candidates skill in reading and
  understanding firefighting material.
• Need to choose the best statement that
  expresses the thought of the preceding paragraph
  or answers the statement relevant to the
  paragraph.

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Sample Test Question

• Covering exposure is frequently more important
  than attempting to extinguish the fire. In many
  types of establishments, it may be a physical
  impossibility to extinguish the fire until the
  building is destroyed. However, it may be
  possible to keep the fire from expanding and to
  confine the destruction to the building in which
  the fire originated.
• According to the passage
• A) It is very difficult to confine a destructive
  fire.
• B) It is often impossible to limit a fire to one
  building.
• C) It is sometimes necessary to allow a building
  to burn to the
• ground.
• D) Covering exposure requires a large amount of
  water.
• The correct answer is c.

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Mathematical Ability Test Section

• Explanation
• Measures mathematical skill.
• While firefighters are taught specific formulas
  on the job, it is necessary to have a good
  understanding of basic mathematical functions in
  order to use them, including addition,
  subtraction, division, multiplication, fractions,
  decimals, and measurements.

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Sample Test Question

• 78 is 75 of what number?
• A) 104
• B) 105
• C) 110
• D) 500
• The Correct Answer is A.

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Maps, Diagrams, and Mechanical Drawings Test
Section

• Explanation
• Measures ability to understand and draw
  conclusions about the maps diagrams.

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Sample Test Question

• If gear 2 is moved in the direction indicated,
• which way will gear 1 go?
• A) Direction A at a slower speed
• B) Direction A at a faster speed
• C) Direction B at a slower speed
• D) Direction B at a faster speed
• The Correct Answer is B.

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Teamwork, Public Relations, and Community Living
Test Section

• Explanation
• Measures interpersonal skills and ability to get
  along with others in a community living situation.

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Sample Test Question

• As a newly appointed firefighter, you can best
  establish friendly relations with your fellow
  workers by
• A) Being interested and cooperative in the
  performance of the work.
• B) Taking every opportunity to prove how quickly
  you are learning your work.
• C) Asking to be allowed to do those tasks that
  you can do better than they can.
• D) Refusing to perform difficult tasks for which
  you feel that you are not qualified.
• The correct answer is A.

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Before The Test

• Make a dry run to the test site a few days
  prior to the test so as not to get lost or
  encounter unplanned detours.
• Allow ample time to travel to the testing site.
• Arrive early so you are on time and ready for the
  test.

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The Day Of The Test

• Instructions read to you by the proctor are very
  important, so be sure to listen carefully. There
  may be helpful clues during the proctor
  instructions.
• Ask questions if you do not understand. However,
  be aware that test proctors are instructed not to
  answer questions about or provide clarification
  of test content.

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The Day Of The Test

• Read all directions carefully twice.
• Underline key directions in your test booklet.
• (You may write and do calculations in test
  booklet.)
• Be certain that you understand how to use the
  computer scannable answer sheet correctly.
• Fill in the answer space completely.
• Mark only one correct answer per item.
• Make Clean Erasures.

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The Day Of The Test

• Answer ALL items on the test.
• You are NOT penalized for guessing.
• Test questions have either 4 or 5 possible
  answers. Even if you have to guess you still
  have a 20-25 chance of guessing correctly.
• All items on the test are unit-weighted.
• Easy questions count the same as Difficult
  questions.
• Do not spend too much time on any one question.
• If not sure of the correct answer, mark the one
  that you think is best.

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The Day Of The Test

• Watch your time during the test.
• Go back and check your answers if you have time.
  
• Pace yourself to ensure you complete test.
• There are NO TRICK questions.
• Work all math problems without the use of a
  calculator. (Calculators are not permitted in
  exam area)

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Summary

• Research shows that those who spend more time
  studying typically perform better on the test.
• Recent test administration for a major fire
  department
• Candidates studied more 16 hours 75 passed
• Candidates studied less 16 hours 35 passed
• Get a good nights rest the evening before.

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Entry-Level FirefighterOral Interview

• City of San Rafael
• Firefighter Candidate Seminar by
• Jim Hufford
• Fire Captain

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Oral Interview

• The Process
• The Interview Panel
• First Impressions
• The Questions
• The Closing
• Homework Assignment
• Resources

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The Process

• Candidates are notified of Interview . . .
• Date
• Time
• Location
• Expect the Interview to be recorded.
• Results are calculated and returned weeks later.
• The highest weighted portion of the entire exam
  process!

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First Impressions

• Arrive On Time
• Look Professional
• Be Prepared

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The Interview Panel

• Expect a diverse Panel
• Fire Department Employees
• Human Resources Representatives
• Medical Professionals
• Labor Representatives
• Community Stakeholders

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Possible Questions

• Self Introduction (be enthusiastic)
• Employment Application education, background,
  employment experience (know your resume)
• Life changing experiences, problems you have
  solved, difficulties you have faced (know
  yourself)

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Possible Questions

• Situational Questions operational, medical and
  interpersonal (know your job)
• San Rafael Fire Department Specific Questions
  (know The Department)
• Community specific questions (know The City)

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The Answers

• Be prepared. (We can tell.)
• How you answer is just as important as what you
  say.
• Be clear, concise, and to the point.
• Relax, We want you to succeed!

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The Closing

• Is there anything you would like to add?
• Summarize who you are in 15 seconds or less.
• Address glaring need for any corrections.
• Leave the panel with a positive, up-beat, lasting
  impression!

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Homework Assignment

• WHO are YOU ?
• WHY are you here ?
• WHAT do you know about San Rafael ?
• WHAT do you know about . . .

THE SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT ?
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Homework Assignment

• Do your homework!
• Practice your presentation
• Try it out - Record yourself
• Do your homework!
• Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.
• GOOD LUCK !

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Resources

• Captain Jim Hufford (Fire Station 4)
• jim.hufford_at_cityofsanrafael.org
• 415-485-3142
• SRFA President Andy Rogerson (Fire Station 4)
• andy.rogerson_at_cityofsanrafael.org
• 415-726-4394
• Khelri Jhovahn (Human Resources Dept., City
  Hall)
• khelri.jhovahn_at_cityofsanrafel.org
• 415-485-3433
• Department Website WWW.SRFD.ORG

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• LINK FOR INFORMATION UPDATES

Link for Application Information Updates
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Resources

• Captain Jim Hufford (Fire Station 4)
• jim.hufford_at_cityofsanrafael.org
• 415-485-3142
• SRFA President Andy Rogerson (Fire Station 4)
• andy.rogerson_at_cityofsanrafael.org
• 415-726-4394
• Khelri Jhovahn (Human Resources Dept., City
  Hall)
• khelri.jhovahn_at_cityofsanrafel.org
• 415-485-3433
• Department Website WWW.SRFD.ORG
• ------------
• Study Guides Online Sources search
  Firefighter Test Preparation
• Written Materials - bookstores

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Entry-Level FirefighterPre-Employment
Physical Fitness Exam Background
Investigations

• City of San Rafael
• Firefighter Candidate Seminar by
• JJ Nunez
• Police Department

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Physical Fitness Exams

• CPAT (October 18, 2008 or later)
• NO EXCEPTIONS

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Background Investigations
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Items Covered

• Rules and Regulations
• Background Packet
• Background Interview
• Field Investigation
• Summary Report
• Fire Chiefs Interview
• Medical Psychological Examination

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Goal
To evaluate applicants demonstrated suitability
to meet the responsibilities and moral character
expected of all members of the San Rafael Fire
Department.
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Rules and Guidelines
The following rules and guidelines are not
all-inclusive but are among the principal
factors to be considered for employment.

• Age
• Arrests and Convictions
• Criminal Activity
• Credit
• Education
• Falsifying The Application
• Family and Relatives
• Health Requirements
• Substance and Narcotics Usage

• Military Service
• Selective Service
• Omissions of Facts
• Organizations
• Previous Work Record
• References
• Residence
• Driving Record
• Insurance

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Background Packet

• Personal History Statement Form
• Documentation Needed
• Time Line

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Background Packet
Personal History Statement Form

• Personal and Residential Information
• Relatives and References
• Education
• Experience and Employment
• Military Information
• Financial Information
• Conduct Information
• Motor Vehicle Information
• Alcohol, Narcotics and Substance Use

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Background Packet
Documents Needed (original and copy)

• Proof of insurance or insurance bond or DMV
  deposit
• California Drivers License or out of state
  equivalent
• California DMV Printout (DMV-H6) or out of
  state equivalent
• College Transcripts (sealed, Official) No
  copy needed
• Credit Report
• Social Security Card
• Birth Certificate
• Divorce/Annulment Decree (all papers)
• Certification of Dissolution of Marriage
• Diplomas and Degrees
• Citizenship Application
• Naturalization Papers
• Name Change Decree
• Statement of Military Service DD214 Long

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Background Packet
Time Line

• Applicant is given approximately 1 week to fill
  out packet
• Follow instructions
• Must be neat and legible
• All information must be accurate
• Misrepresentation and/or omission of material
  facts are disqualifying

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Background Interview

• Candidate contacted for Date and Time
• Dress Appropriately
• Be on Time
• Candidate Photo
• Original Documents
• Review of all Background Packet information
• Investigator contact information
• Appointment for Live Scan
• Appointment for Polygraph Examination

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• Field Investigation
• Verification of information
• Summary Report
• Fire Chiefs Interview
• Medical and Psychological Examination

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Entry-Level Firefighter Recruit Academy
Probation Period

• City of San Rafael
• Firefighter Candidate Seminar by
• Nick Giusti
• Fire Engineer

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Firefighter Academy

• 4-6 weeks
• SRFD Instructors
• Station Two Training Grounds
• Firefighter Practical Skills Development
• Written Materials
• Team Building

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Probation Period

• 1 year
• Station Rotation
• Practice Examinations
• Criteria to Pass Probation
• Final Written Exam based on study material
  provided
• Skills Testing
• Company Officer Evaluations

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Academy Probation Period

• What Is Really Being Evaluate??
• FF Skills
• The Person

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Academy Probation Period

• Attitude
• Effort
• Be Aggressive appropriately directed
• On Time Prepared To Go
• Integrity Ethical Behavior

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Academy Probation Period

• Respect
• Rank
• Seniority
• Self
• Initiative
• Offers to Help
• Opportunities to Learn
• Strive for Excellence (Lifelong Process)

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Academy Probation Period

• Overcome Adversity
• Admit Mistakes
• No Excuses
• Seeing as a Learning Experience
• Asking Questions

Reputation is to be Earned, not given
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Why San Rafael Fire?
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Our Mission.is to help
Our Mission.is to help