Q. Who will be invited to test?

Education and Experience:

-Successful completion of high school or G.E.D required.

-60 semester credit hours of higher education in fire or EMS related discipline (or equivalent) are preferred, but not required.

Licenses and Certificates:

-Valid driver's license required.

-The ability to obtain an Iowa driver's license class C, within three months of appointment and maintained for the duration of employment.

-Must obtain Firefighter I certification within one year of employment.

-Must currently hold, or obtain a valid State of Iowa Emergency Medical Technician (or higher) certification within 18 months of employment, and maintain this certification throughout the duration of employment in this position.

-Emergency Medical Technician or higher, Firefighter I, and HAZMAT Awareness certifications are also preferred, but not required, prior to hire.

Q. What happens after the physical ability and written test?

Candidates that pass the physical ability and written test will be invited to participate in a phone interview. The phone interview will be Pass/Fail.  Candidates that pass the phone interview can expect to participate in a hiring assessment, an oral board interview, a ride-along, and a Chief's interview. A physical and criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check will also be completed.

Depending on the number of qualified candidates, the City may forego phone interviews.

Candidates must successfully pass each component to be invited to participate in subsequent components of the selection process. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.

The Civil Service Score will be determined by the oral board interview.

Interviews will consist of a series of questions designed to learn more about you, your background and your decision making abilities. It is recommended that you practice your interviewing skills with a friend or family member and be open and honest in your responses.

The Fire Department will choose candidates from this certified list, and may conduct an additional interview prior to making a hiring decision. If a conditional offer of employment is made, then an extensive background investigation and physical exam (including drug test) will also be conducted prior to appointment.

Q. Can I use a physical ability test score from another Fire Department?

The Ames Fire Department utilizes a testing process that is similar to other recognized physically ability tests, however, there are none that are identical in the State of Iowa. Only those successfully passing our physical ability test will be allowed to move on to the written test.

Q. When will a hiring decision be made?

Candidates will be hired from the Civil Service list as positions become vacant. The list will remain valid for up to one year, and will be used by the Fire Department to fill vacancies occurring during that period.

Q. Whom do I call with additional questions?

If you have a question that is not answered above and requires an immediate response, you may contact Human Resources at 515-239-5199. You can also e-mail hr@cityofames.org