Becoming a Syracuse Firefighter

Hiring is done according to NYS Civil Service Law following a Firefighter test given by Onondaga County.

NYS Civil Service Test Guides and Resource Booklets

NYS Department of Civil Service Written Test Guide

Check Onondaga County Personnel Department's page for Exam Announcements or Register for Exam Announcements to get notice when a Firefighter test is posted.

The Onondaga County Job Description

FIREFIGHTER 41100

(Competitive)

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

This is professional firefighting work of a hazardous nature. Under supervision, an employee in this class is responsible for the prevention, control and extinguishing of fires. Employees receive detailed instructions and training from a superior on the causes, prevention and controlling of fires. The individual is expected to perform routine maintenance and custodial work in the fire station and on equipment. Work is reviewed during firefighting operations and routine maintenance for acceptable procedures by a superior.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Operates and maintains fire apparatus.

Responds to fire alarms and emergency calls with fire company.

Lays and connects hoselines and nozzles; turns water on an off.

Holds fire hose and directs stream.

Operates a pressure pump.

Puts up and climbs ladders and enters burning buildings when necessary.

Removes persons from burning buildings.

Performs salvage operations at scene of fire, such as covering furniture with tarpaulins and cleaning up debris.

Learns and practices new methods.

Receives and transmits fire alarms.

Performs miscellaneous clerical work when assigned, such as keeping office records, typing, filing.

Assists in giving emergency first aid treatment to injured persons.

Makes periodic inspections of buildings for fire hazards.

Performs a variety of tasks in connection with the maintenance and repairs of buildings and grounds.

Performs janitorial duties at station; washes, cleans, polishes and maintains fire apparatus, tools and equipment.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Working knowledge of mechanical principles and devices.

Ability to reason clearly and to retain sound judgment during periods of crisis; mental alertness.

Ability to select the proper course of action in firefighting situations.

Ability to read dials and gauges and to use various hand tools.

Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationship with fellow workers and the general public.

Willingness to perform tasks assigned.

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

AGE: Candidates must be eighteen (18) years of age.

EDUCATION: At time of appointment, candidates must be high school graduates or holders of high school equivalency diplomas issued by an education department of any of the states of the United States, or holders of comparable diplomas issued by any commonwealth, territory or possession of the United States or by the Canal Zone, or holders of reports from the United States armed forces certifying successful completion of the tests related to general education development, high school level.

CITIZENSHIP: Candidates must be citizens of the United States at time of appointment.

LICENSE: When required to operate a motor vehicle, possession of a valid New York State NON-CDL or CDL, including any special endorsements, as required for the type of vehicle being operated.

8/99 Revised