The City of Sterling Heights is now recruiting for position of Firefighter to establish an eligibility list. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements and complete the application and selection process.
Starting salary is $55,605 (2023 first step rate), with six month step increases to $92,392 (2024 last step rate) after 5 years, plus excellent fringe benefit package. A candidate who has prior experience as a professional Firefighter may be placed at a higher rate of one (1) step for each year of prior experience, up to a maximum of four (4) steps. Firefighters work only 10 shifts per month and have opportunity for overtime.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 2023
Citizenship of the United States must be maintained as a condition of employment. Applicant must submit birth certificate, passport or naturalization papers.
Within six months after completion of probation, an officer must reside within the geographic boundaries of one of the following five Michigan counties that are within twenty (20) miles of the City’s municipal boundaries:
- Macomb
- St. Clair
- Lapeer
- Oakland
- Wayne
Not less than eighteen (18) years of age on the date of application.
Applicant must be the holder of a valid Michigan driver’s (or chauffeur’s) license (or an equivalent from another state) and have a good driving record in accordance with, but not limited to the following standards:
- No conviction of, or plea of guilty or no contest to, an alcohol-related driving offense during the 7 years preceding the application deadline, and not more than one conviction during the applicant’s lifetime
- No conviction of, or plea of guilty or no contest to, reckless driving during the 7 years preceding creation of the applicant’s examination profile
- No more than 3 points on the applicant’s driving record at any time during the 7 years preceding creation of the applicant’s examination profile
- No more than 2 moving violations issued to the applicant during the 2 years preceding creation of the applicant’s examination profile and no more than 5 during the 7 years preceding creation of the applicant’s examination profile
- No more than 2 motor vehicle accidents determined to have been the fault of the applicant during the 7 years preceding creation of the applicant’s examination profile
- No loss of driving privileges through suspension or revocation by the State of Michigan or any other state or country during the 5 years preceding creation of the applicant’s examination profile
Must not have been convicted of a violation of criminal law. (Criminal law generally includes traffic law, conservation law, and liquor law.) In general, conviction for a violation of criminal law is automatic disqualification, unless the violation is a driving-related offense outside of the disqualification parameters set forth in Section 4 above. However, in the discretion of the Fire Chief based on the individual facts and circumstances involved, applicants who have one prior conviction for a misdemeanor punishable by 90 days in jail or less may still be considered.
Capable of performing the essential job functions of firefighter as set forth in Fire Department Rules and Regulations.
Educational minimum of a high school diploma or GED Certificate.
Must possess or be eligible to obtain a State of Michigan Firefighter II Certificate at time of hire. Applicants must submit copy of current certificate or proof of IFSAC, Pro-board Certification or State certificate for reciprocity for Firefighter I and II at time of contingent offer of employment.
*Candidates will be considered for hire who do not currently have their State of Michigan Firefighter II Certificate or who are not currently enrolled in an accredited Fire Academy school as defined and agreed upon through a current Letter of Understanding with the IAFF Firefighters Union.
Must possess a State of Michigan Paramedic license or be currently enrolled in a State of Michigan Paramedic program or pending licensure as a State of Michigan Paramedic. Applicant must possess and submit proof of a State of Michigan Paramedic license at time of hire. Candidates must possess and submit proof of Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification at time of hire or time in which the Michigan Paramedic license is obtained. Out of state candidates are highly encouraged to start the reciprocity process in advance through the National Registry Certification and the State of Michigan.
*Candidates will be considered for hire who do not currently have their Michigan Paramedic license or candidates who are pending licensure as defined and agreed upon through a current Letter of Understanding with the IAFF Firefighters Union.
Must read, understand and comply with the Sterling Heights Fire Department “Professional Appearances/Grooming Standards” Administrative Order. Applicant will receive and must sign and return acknowledgement form at time of application.
Must possess current CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) certification and submit proof of certification at time hire. A CPAT is not required for new hires who have experience with an IAFF municipal fire department and who have obtained their CPAT within the last 5 (five) years. Candidates must provide proof of their CPAT certification.
Must possess good moral character determined by a favorable comprehensive background investigation covering school and employment records, home environment, and personal traits and integrity. This includes arrest and expunged convictions, all previous law violations and personal protection orders.
Must not have previously failed a City of Sterling Heights pre-employment background investigation.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
Applicants must first create a profile and then register and take the written exam to be administered by Empco, Inc. Go to Empco’s website at https://www.empco.net/testing to register for the written exam and pay the exam fee. Applicants must complete the online profile and have a current score as of Sunday, March 19, 2023. Test scores with Empco are active for one year.
Applicants with a current score of 70% or above on the written examination as of Sunday, March 19, 2023 and meeting the above minimum requirements according to their EMPCO profile will receive an email from Human Resources with instructions on completing the application (a deadline will be provided in the email). Candidates will be scheduled for an oral interview upon submission of the application and supporting documents. Applicants must score 70% or better to pass the oral examination. A two-year eligibility list will then be formulated based on the average of the applicants’ written and oral scores.
Applicants must successfully pass the character background check, psychological examination, drug test and physical examination administered by or directed by the City of Sterling Heights.
*Human Resources may reach out to candidates who have active scores with Empco or scores that are not otherwise expiring before Sunday, March 19, 2023 with instructions on completing the online application to expedite the application process and scheduling of oral board interviews. The City of Sterling Heights is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, age, disability, sex or marital status. Equal Opportunity Employer M\F\D