Firefighter Recruit

Exciting things are happening at the City of Sparks! If you are looking for a meaningful career that has a positive impact on the community, join our team! 

Application Tips:

• COMPLETELY fill out and update your general online application before attaching it to any job posting. HR reviews information listed on the application submitted to the specific job posting. HR does NOT use personnel files in the screening process. 
• Contact information: use an email address you can easily access at any time.
• The Qualifications section below is your guide to understand what the City is looking for on your application, use this to your advantage. It is up to the candidate seeking employment/promotion to include all relevant information for qualification purposes, on the application the candidate submits to be considered for the job.

• ATTACHMENTS REQUIRED: remember to attach documented proof of qualifications, at time of application, to demonstrate you meet the qualifications at time of application, before submitting your application. Attaching your education and certification requirements (see qualifications section to determine what documents are required for attachment at time of application) will allow you to continue in the recruitment process. Failure to attach these requirements will constitute disqualification.
  • Candidates looking to meet the qualifications for Firefighter Recruit must attach valid documentation as follows: 
    •  NV EMT-A, National Registry EMT–A or higher certification; 
    • CPR certification, 
    • Proof of passing within the last twelve (12) months the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT).
  • If the required documentation is not received with the application, the candidate's application will be disqualified.

• DO NOT attach resumes or cover letters. The City of Sparks does not review these items with the application.

Candidates who meet minimum qualifications will have their completed and passed National Testing Network (NTN) Exam considered as their Civil Service Exam for the position, as long as their test is completed and results are received prior to the testing window (see below) close date. To take the exam, candidates must apply and complete their profile on the NTN website here: https://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/search.cfm?position=2#viewresults. 

There is a fee associated with taking the NTN exam. Please note that candidates experiencing a hardship can apply with the NTN directly to request the fee be waived. To do so, fill out the Fee Waiver Request Form and email it directly to:  [email protected]. The process may take several weeks. Candidates are required to have all testing completed by the posting close date, waiting for fee waiver approval is not an exception. 

Only complete applications and the most recent (within the last 12 months) passing test results received prior to the testing window closing date will be considered for potential eligibility. 

If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. The City of Sparks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below, on their completed application, to continue in the recruitment process. If there are certifications or degrees that require proof of completion, be sure to attach them to your application before submission:

• Knowledge of principles and practices of fire suppression and prevention including safety practices and precautions 
• Knowledge of principles and practices of providing hazardous materials response at the first responder operational level
• Knowledge of principles and practices of providing emergency medical care at the EMT-A level
• Knowledge of basic principles of fire apparatus hydraulics
• Knowledge of basic recordkeeping and business mathematics
• Knowledge of and ability to use computer applications and software related to the work including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, problem solve, make sound decisions, and respond appropriately in emergency situations
• Ability to make sound judgments within established guidelines and to deal with uncertainty 
• Ability to remain objective, handle pressure and maintain emotional control
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing and to effectively receive directions
• Ability to train others in work procedures
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted during work
• Ability to work dependably and effectively as part of a team environment
• Ability to maintain a clean environment in department facilities and vehicles

• This is a Civil Service position and is Non-Exempt under FLSA guidelines 
• This position reports to a Fire Captain and/or Chief Officer 
• Supervision exercised: When certified by the department, may act as a Fire Apparatus Operator on a relief basis
• Required to be called back, held over, work off-hours, nights, weekends, and holiday shifts 
• Required to work during emergency circumstances or inclement weather conditions
• May be required to pass a pre-placement drug screen and background investigation

Civil Service Positions

The City of Sparks requires that prior to the first examination for the position, necessary documentary evidence be submitted for fitness of any qualification. Any requirement not met for the advertised position prior to the first examination for that position, will be cause for the City of Sparks to decline to examine, certify or hire the applicant.

Recruitment Communication

Human Resources will contact you at various stages of the recruitment process via email only, even if you have chosen U.S. mail for prior application processes or for applications with other agencies. Please ensure your email address is up to date, accurate, and accessible by you. 

Reasonable Accommodation

Human Resources will make efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to disabled applicants in the selection process. If you have special needs, please notify the Human Resources office when you turn in your application or at least three (3) business days prior to the examination/interview by calling (775) 353-2345.

Disclaimer

The City of Sparks hires and promotes applicants based on a competitive merit selection process, which may include any or all of the following: screening for minimum qualifications, written examinations, supplemental training and experience questionnaires, assessment centers, interviews (oral or written), physical tests or any combination which the Sparks Civil Service Commission may order.
 
Scoring in the top five (5) for promotion or top ten (10) for entry level in any part of the selection process merely advances the applicant to a higher round of examination, which may consist of additional interviews and other evaluations. Scoring in the top five (5) or ten (10) gives no right to be selected for the position. The City of Sparks reserves the right to select applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications for the position.

Applicants moving forward in the selection process are subject to submitting for a background check that may include review of criminal records. Applicants with criminal records should note that a conviction will not necessarily bar the applicant from employment. When considering the applicant’s background and criminal record, the length of time that has passed since the offense, the age of the applicant at the time of the offense, the severity and nature of the offense in relation to the position for which the applicant has applied, and evidence of the rehabilitation of the applicant will be considered prior to an employment decision can be made.