Age: Must be 18 years of age at time of application 
 
Background Investigation: Shall sign a release authorizing a thorough background investigation check and full disclosure of records, which include motor vehicle records, employment, criminal and civil, medical, credit, personal, education, references and residence verification. Applicants must possess "good moral character" as determined under procedures established by the Division of the State Fire Marshal, Tennessee Department of Insurance. 
 
Certification: Applicants must either already possess their Tennessee Firefighter-1 certificate or successfully attend and graduate from a department approved Fire Academy within a prescribed period of time as a condition of any offer of employment. Tennessee recognizes International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), so if you have IFSAC firefighter certificates, you may inquire into state reciprocity by calling the Tennessee Firefighting Commission at (615) 741-6780. 
 
Citizenship: U.S. (birth or naturalized) Ability to read and write the English language 
 
Criminal: No felony convictions; No class A or B misdemeanors within twenty-four months; No criminal charges pending 
 
Driving: Valid driver's license, as required by State residency 
 
Drug/Alcohol: Must be free from the use of any controlled substance or the excessive use of alcohol. Must successfully pass a drug and alcohol screening. 
 
Education: Possess a High School Diploma or equivalent 
 
Employment: Must have a very good employment record 
 
Health: Must be physically and emotionally sound, and free from any condition, which might adversely affect the performance of firefighting duty. Must successfully pass an extensive medical and psychological examination 
 
Hearing: Have no hearing deficiency greater than 30db average over frequencies 500, 1000, 2000, 3000; or no hearing deficiency greater than 25dB in three of the frequencies 
 
License: Must either possess or obtain a valid Advanced Emergency Medical Technician license as outlined in the rules and regulations by the Tennessee Department of Health and Environment and maintain license throughout employment. Tennessee recognizes the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).  
 
If certified, you will need to seek reciprocity and obtain a Tennessee AEMT or Paramedic license. Visit the State of Tennessee Department of Health / Division of Emergency Medical Services website or contact them at (615) 741-2584. 
 
Military: Currently serving members of the reserve and national guard, and honorably discharged veterans who are fully qualified are encouraged to apply.  
 
Physical Ability: Must be able to pass a physical ability assessment. You will be tested in several aspects of physical ability such as agility, strength, coordination, balance and stamina. You will be required to perform essential job-related functions/tasks such as handling ground ladders and climbing an aerial ladder, climbing through and/or across rafters, advancing and dragging a charged hose line, lifting and operating rescue tools, etc. These tasks will be performed while wearing firefighter's protective gear, weighting ± 50 lbs. 
 
Residency: All public safety employees must reside within 2 hours of the Town of Collierville.  
 
Vision: Normal color and depth perception; Vision of 20/40, 20/100 correctable to 20/20, 20/40 

Typical Hiring Process

1. Position(s) are officially posted.

2. Employment applications are accepted until posted closing date.

   • Employment Applications are reviewed for: Completeness; making sure all applicable supporting documents are attached (copies of birth certificate, driver's license, Firefighting Commission certificate(s), Department of Health AEMT or Paramedic license, etc.) and candidate meets minimum entrance requirements.
     
     

3. Qualified candidates must successfully pass an Entry-Level Candidate Physical Ability Assessment (see details in the next section labeled "Physical Assessment Events"). Candidates will be evaluated on their physical fitness by performing a number of tasks that simulate those performed as a firefighter requiring physical agility, strength, and endurance.
   
   

4. Qualified candidates must successfully pass written firefighter assessment (Measures aptitudes including reading comprehension, mechanical and spatial aptitude, mathematics, and knowledge of firefighting principles and techniques).
   
   

5. Qualified candidates must successfully pass oral interview assessment (Candidates provide information about the amount of education and experience they have had in firefighting, emergency response, working as a team member, being involved in community activities and community service, working with tools, machinery and equipment, and other experiences that indicate acquired skills and interests that would promote a successful firefighting career).
   
   

6. Once a candidate is offered a conditional job offer; candidate must successfully pass the following:

   • Comprehensive Background Investigation

   • Psychological Assessment

   • Comprehensive Medical Examination, which includes drug and alcohol screening, pulmonary function assessment, chest x- rays, 12-lead ECG, full blood and urine workup, cardiac treadmill, job related immunization and disease evaluation, etc.

   • Comprehensive Eye Examination, which includes patient interview, visual acuity test, field test, slit lamp exam, refraction assessment, retinal exam and pressure check

   • Health and Fitness Assessment Screening
     
     

7. When the fire department receives written documentation the candidate successfully passed and is fit-for-duty, the candidate will be offered a position with a probation period of twelve months.

 

A career as a professional firefighter requires a certain amount of sacrifice and a willingness to endure some unusual and difficult circumstances. The benefits are a rewarding and challenging career and a sense of having made a difference in your community!

Performing the Candidate Physical Ability Test

This evaluation is intended to measure and evaluate a candidate's capacity to perform firefighter-related tasks in an adequate manner. Applicants must be physically able and strong enough to perform the essential duties of a firefighter.

Preparing for the Candidate Physical Ability Test

The most effective way to prepare for the exam is to be in the best possible physical condition. General physical conditioning exercises that enhance your endurance, stamina, and strength will be advantageous. The recommended exercises for general conditioning include walking, sprinting, swimming, stair climbing, sit-ups, push-ups, weightlifting, etc. Before taking the physical ability test, candidates should consult their physician to ensure they are in excellent physical condition and do not have any medical conditions that could prevent them from taking the test. On the day of the examination, consume water before taking the examination, refrain from consuming for at least three hours before the examination, and stretch before taking the examination.

How to Dress

Candidates should wear activewear that is comfortable. The prescribed attire includes sweatshirts, T-shirts, and rubber-soled shoes, such as tennis shoes or work boots. Pants that are comfortable, such as denim or sweatpants, should be worn. Avoid wearing tight clothing. During the evaluation of physical aptitude, gloves may be worn. All stations will require candidates to don a turnout coat with a liner, a helmet, and a SCBA harness with an air bottle. Before beginning the test, candidates will assume this gear, which weighs approximately 45 pounds. Food, drink, and tobacco products are not permitted during the examination. At the assessment, candidates will have access to water and are encouraged to stay hydrated.

Pre-Health Exam and Termination of Evaluation

Prior to participating in the Candidate Physical Ability Test, all applicants will be required to have their resting pulse rate and blood pressure measured upon arrival. If the candidate's resting heart rate exceeds 110 beats per minute and/or resting blood pressure exceeds 160/100 mmHg, he or she will be given a 10-minute rest period and reevaluated. If the candidate's resting pulse rate exceeds 110 beats per minute and/or their resting blood pressure exceeds 160 or 100 mmHg, they will be disqualified from the physical ability test.

For the premature termination of this assessment of physical ability, the following will be rigorously adhered to:

•  Onset of angina or angina-like symptoms.

•  Indicators of inadequate perfusion include lightheadedness, vertigo, confusion, pallor, cyanosis, nausea, and cold, clammy skin.

•  Physical or verbal signs of excessive fatigue.

•  The candidate requests that the evaluation end.

What to Bring to the Evaluation

On the day of the examination, candidates must present a valid government-issued photo ID, or they will not be allowed to take the examination.

Hold Harmless Agreement

Before being permitted to participate in the Candidate Physical Ability Test , candidates must execute a "Hold Harmless Agreement" releasing the Town of Collierville from any liability or injury (see agreement below).

Evaluation

Candidates will report to the orientation station for evaluation. There will be an overview and tour of the assessment site, and any queries will be answered. Candidates will wait at the starting line until instructed to commence by the assessor. Candidates will be provided with equipment and verbally instructed to don it prior to commencing the examination. During the evaluation, running is prohibited; only brisk walking is permitted. Running is defined as moving so rapidly that both feet leave the ground simultaneously. During this examination, candidates may not be assisted in any way, including by having items handed to them or being held (except in an emergency). Upon completion of the final event, the cumulative completion time will be recorded. Candidates must return to the orientation station after completing the assessment and remain there until released by the assessment evaluator.

The procedure may include up to nine (9) physical ability-assessing events. During all events, the candidate must wear a helmet, gloves, turnout suit, and SCBA harness with an attached bottle (but no mask). Events 1 through 9 will be timed as one continuous event. There will be no time between events for recuperation. The candidate's time will begin when they begin event #1 and conclude when they complete the final scheduled event. After the candidate has completed events 1 through 9, their vital signs will be evaluated again. The participant will be disqualified from the competition if he or she departs without having his or her vital signs taken and signing a vital sign card.

Events

The candidate must don a provided turnout jacket, SCBA, helmet, and gloves during all events. The candidate is not permitted to run at any moment but must understand that this is a series of events that must be completed continuously and timed. Whenever a candidate feels the need to stop due to injury or pain, he or she must promptly notify the evaluator, and the candidate's assessment will be terminated.

Event #1: Stair Climb

The candidate's time will begin when he or she contacts the hotel pack. The candidate will lift the pack and position it on their shoulder in preparation for a climb. The candidate will ascend and descend the stairs three times while carrying the hotel bag. When the candidate touches the platform for the third time, he or she will position the hotel pack on the landing. The individual will then ascend and descend the stairs three more times. On the sixth occasion that the candidate's feet contact the platform, he or she will retrieve the hotel bag from the landing and descend the stairs while carrying the bag. The knapsack will be placed on the ground.

Event #2: Hand over Hand

The candidate will ascend the stairs and reach the landing. The candidate will position themselves against the railing and, using the hand-over-hand method, will begin lifting the 2-and-a-half-foot tubing over the railing. Before being lowered, the roll must contact the landing near the candidates' feet. This will be repeated twice, after which the candidate will descend the stairs.

Event #3: Foam Carry

The candidate will transport two containers of foam for a total of 50 feet. One pail will be carried in each hand to a 25-foot-tall cone. The candidate must circumnavigate the perimeter of the cone and then return the containers to their original location.

Event #4: Victim Drag

The candidate is required to elevate a manikin from a supine position and initiate a 50-foot victim drag. The candidate must transport the victim to a cone located 25 feet away. The candidate must circumnavigate the circumference of the cone and then return the manikin to its original location.

Event #5: Hose Stretch

The candidate must grasp the hose close to the nozzle and prepare for a 100-foot charged hose draw.

Event #6: Ventilation Event

The candidate will use a sledgehammer to replicate removing shingles from a roof. The candidate must strike the supplied object 30 times using their entire range of motion. Chops cut in half do not qualify.

Event #7: Ladder Raise

The candidate will grab the provided ladder and raise it hand-over-hand against the wall until it is entirely upright. The candidate will then lower the staircase in a manner identical to its ascent.

Event #8: Crawl/Maze

The candidate will enter the search area at the designated point and crawl to the opposite exit.

Event # 9: Ceiling Breach and Pull

The candidate must seize the pole and prepare to simulate ceiling tugging. The candidate must perform a full draw with the hand passing the waist while standing in the designated area. The candidate will completely lower the pole while maintaining control and preventing rope slack. It will be repeated thirty times.

The Town of Collierville reserves the right to modify the Candidate Physical Ability Test procedure described in whole or in part due to weather, staffing, mechanical failure, etc. without notice or obligation.

Being a Firefighter involves vigorous and skilled physical work and continuous training, as well as managing service calls for fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials and technical rescue. A firehouse is a home-away-from-home. Firefighters live and work together and function as a family and as a team. A typical day includes physical training, equipment maintenance, station maintenance, training, report writing, public education, fire prevention, and emergency response. Firefighters pay for their meals on-duty and assist in food shopping, meal preparation, and clean-up. 

Firefighters work 24-hour shifts on a rotating basis, including nights, weekends and holidays. Our Department is organized into three shifts (A-shift, B-shift and C-shift). Firefighters report for duty at their assigned station at 0700 hours and are released from duty at 0700 hours the following morning. Shifts are organized by the following schedule: day on the job, day off, day on the job, day off, day on the job, four days off; then repeats. The schedule is not influenced by holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. Should your work shift fall on a holiday, you are expected to be at work.