What are the responsibilities and job description for the FIRE ENGINEER position at City of Cathedral City?
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Graduation from high school or GED equivalent, supplemented by courses in Fire Science or a related field; and two years of paid municipal, county, tribal or special district fire experience in fire suppression and prevention.
Possession of, or the ability to obtain a valid California Class B driver license, or a California Class C driver license with a firefighter endorsement at time of appointment; must maintain a satisfactory driving record.
Must possess successful completion of California State Fire Training Apparatus Driver/Operator 1A and 1B.
Must possess a current/valid CPR certification.
Possession of a valid State of California Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic certification/licensure with eligibility to work under the Riverside County.
Completion of a Cathedral City task book by the end of their probationary period.
Must be willing to work shifts as structured in the Fire Department.
Certification as a Firefighter I and II is required.
Experience as a Fire Engineer is desirable.
Other requirements: Must live within 150 miles of the city limits by the end of the probationary period. The calculation of the 150 miles shall be made using Google Maps driving directions.
To be considered for this opportunity, candidates must attach all required certifications listed in the Training and Experience section. Based upon the information presented on the applications, a limited number of candidates who possess qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.
Tentative Dates:
April 24 - Pre-trip Inspection/Open house
May 1, 2025 - Written Examination
May 13, 2023 - Practical Exam and Panel Interview
Candidates must successfully pass the Cathedral City Fire Department Apparatus Pre-Trip inspection. This exam is pass/fail and will be offered at the Fire Department Open House scheduled for April 24, 2025. Candidates who pass the inspection exam will be invited to the written examination.
Candidates passing the written examination will be invited to participate in a practical exam and oral interview. The written exam is pass/fail.
PUMPING EVOLUTION:
The Pumping Evolution has failure points that are critical that will preclude candidates from proceeding forward making this exam a pass/fail. This exam will have a weight of 50% of the candidate's overall score. All candidates who achieve a passing score will continue to the oral interview.
ORAL INTERVIEW:
The panel interview will have a weight of 50% of the candidate's overall score.
Placement on the eligibility list will be established based on a combination of the Pumping Evolution (50%) and the Panel Oral Interview scores (50%). The eligibility list will remain in effect for a period of (six) 6 months from the date of establishment.
The Fire Engineer written exam is divided into the following content areas:
| SECTION | CONTENT AREAS/QUESTIONS |
| 1 | FIREFIGHTING ESSENTIALS (25) |
| 2 | KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF EQUIPMENT AND APPARATUS (25) |
| 3 | WATER SUPPLIES (25) |
| 4 | HYDRAULIC PRINCIPLES AND CALCULATIONS (25) |
The sources for this test include:
IFSTA (2015) Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, 3rd Edition. Fire Protection Publications.
IFTSA (2018) Essentials of Fire Fighting, 7th edition. Fire Protection Publications*
*NOTE: Essentials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, 6th Edition can also be used as a source list for this test.
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