Recruitment and Hiring
Facilitating firefighter employment opportunities:
During the 2011 Recruitment cycle, the Arlington Fire Department initiated a hometown / diversity recruiting program in an effort to expand employment opportunities to all members of our community desiring to become an Arlington Firefighter. Our recruitment efforts have paid off as Arlington Fire is stronger than ever.
Recent hiring data indicates that the demographic of our workforce is changing as the Arlington Fire Department becomes more reflective of the community we serve. During the period 2011 – 2017, AFD hired 145 new recruit firefighters. The average diversity of recruit classes since 2011 is 39 %, a significant improvement for the department.
Hiring starts with a validated written test from a certified consultant group. From there the top 250 candidates with the highest scores proceed to a timed 1.5 mile run. If a candidate passes the run portion, they continue to a“ work sample” physical ability test. If the candidate successfully completes the physical ability test, they are then interviewed and rated by panels of Arlington Fire Department members. Based on ratings from these panels, top candidates are selected for the Fire Command Staff interview panel. From this group, the Fire Command Staff interviews and selects the most qualified individuals and then extends conditional job offers pending final employment checks.
Those“ conditional” candidates undergo additional evaluation, including reference and criminal background checks, health and physical assessments, a drug and alcohol test, and driving record review. If the candidates successfully pass all final employment checks, they begin probationary recruit training at the Arlington Fire Training Center.
DUTY / HONOR / COMPASSION / EXCELLENCE 31