What are the responsibilities and job description for the Firefighter Recruit position at Kern County?
Examination Schedule:
Examination:
Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the exam process.
Background/Pre-employment Evaluation - Polygraph Examination (Qualifying only):
Physical Requirements:
Physical Examination: A rigid medical examination by the County Physician is required Includes Spine and Chest XRays; Blood Chemistry and Electrocardiograph tests and drug screening. Weight must be proportionate to height and age. Must meet county physical fitness requirements.
Vision: 20/40 uncorrected in each eye, corrected to 20/20 with gas permeable or hard contact lenses or spectacles. Must pass color vision test – Farnsworth D15. No permanent or progressive eye abnormalities. Any eye condition that results in the candidate not being able to safely perform one or more of the essential functions is disqualifying.
Hearing: On audiometric testing, 25 decibels @ 500, 1000, 2000 or 3000 AND an average of 25 decibels for all four (4) frequencies in both ears, age corrected, using audiometric equipment calibrated to ANSI Standards and without the use of hearing aids. Any ear condition or hearing impairment that results in the candidate not being able to safely perform one or more of the essential functions is disqualifying.
Minimum Age: Applicants must have reached their 18th birthday by the application filing deadline.
Character:
Applicants must have a reputation of honesty and trustworthiness. A felony conviction will be disqualifying and convictions for misdemeanors and traffic offenses will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Appointees will be fingerprinted and will be required to complete and pass an extensive background investigation or be disqualified.
As a condition of employment, the appointee shall adhere to the Kern County Fire Department's Administrative Policy 104.40, Grooming Standards and 108.70, Tobacco Use Policy during his or her tenure with the Kern County Fire Department.
Full Job Description: Firefighter Recruit
- Written Exam: will be conducted on Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date.
Examination:
Written Exam (Weight 100%): The written exam is designed to measure some of the critical knowledge, skills and abilities required for successful on-the-job training and performance. Questions cover a wide range of topics including mechanical aptitude, problem solving; interpersonal methods and techniques; ethics; memorization; reading comprehension; basic math; and English language and grammar.
Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the exam process.
Background/Pre-employment Evaluation - Polygraph Examination (Qualifying only):
An extensive background investigation will be conducted to assess each candidate's overall suitability for employment as a Firefighter Recruit/Firefighter. The background evaluation will include a pre-employment polygraph examination. This evaluation may not indicate present suitability for other Firefighter positions or future suitability as a Kern County Firefighter Recruit/Firefighter. A felony conviction is disqualifying and convictions for misdemeanors and traffic offenses will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Candidates must be found satisfactory in all aspects of the background evaluation or be disqualified. Additionally, those found unsatisfactory as a result of the background evaluation will be removed from eligibility in accordance with Civil Service Rule 608.00
This position works within the Kern County Fire Department for more information about the department, please view their website here.
Minimum Qualifications / Employment Standards:
- High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent.
- Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License at the time of appointment.
- Enrollment and participation in an approved basic firefighter training program upon appointment.
- Enrollment and participation in an approved National Registry EMT program upon appointment. Successful completion of National Registry EMT Certification upon completion of probationary period or be terminated.
Physical Requirements:
Physical Examination: A rigid medical examination by the County Physician is required Includes Spine and Chest XRays; Blood Chemistry and Electrocardiograph tests and drug screening. Weight must be proportionate to height and age. Must meet county physical fitness requirements.
Vision: 20/40 uncorrected in each eye, corrected to 20/20 with gas permeable or hard contact lenses or spectacles. Must pass color vision test – Farnsworth D15. No permanent or progressive eye abnormalities. Any eye condition that results in the candidate not being able to safely perform one or more of the essential functions is disqualifying.
Hearing: On audiometric testing, 25 decibels @ 500, 1000, 2000 or 3000 AND an average of 25 decibels for all four (4) frequencies in both ears, age corrected, using audiometric equipment calibrated to ANSI Standards and without the use of hearing aids. Any ear condition or hearing impairment that results in the candidate not being able to safely perform one or more of the essential functions is disqualifying.
Minimum Age: Applicants must have reached their 18th birthday by the application filing deadline.
Character:
Applicants must have a reputation of honesty and trustworthiness. A felony conviction will be disqualifying and convictions for misdemeanors and traffic offenses will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Appointees will be fingerprinted and will be required to complete and pass an extensive background investigation or be disqualified.
As a condition of employment, the appointee shall adhere to the Kern County Fire Department's Administrative Policy 104.40, Grooming Standards and 108.70, Tobacco Use Policy during his or her tenure with the Kern County Fire Department.
Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county.
To learn more about Kern County, click here or follow us:
Growth Mindset
We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work. We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities for career growth.
To learn more about Kern County, click here or follow us:
Growth Mindset
We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work. We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities for career growth.
Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date.
Following an offer of employment, you will be required to submit to post offer medical and drug screening tests at County expense.
A thorough background check investigation will be completed by the Fire Department.
This examination will establish an eligible list from which immediate appointments will be made at the Kern County Fire Department. Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed. Successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of twelve-months, unless specified otherwise by the Civil Service Commission.
For more information regarding Kern County's recruitment process, please see our FAQ page.
For any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact us at RamirezC@kerncounty.com
For more information regarding Kern County's recruitment process, please see our FAQ page.
For any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact us at RamirezC@kerncounty.com
Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Salary : $4,589
