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APPLICANT INFORMATION HANDBOOK2018 CERTIFIED FIREFIGHTER RECRUITMENTWELCOMEThe City of Miami Beach is an equal opportunity/drug free employer and doesnot discriminate on the basis of an individual's race, sex, condition related tosex (pregnancy), color, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), geneticinformation, disability, marital status, familial status, citizenship, impendingcitizenship status, gender identity and expression, and/or sexual orientation.Please note that under Florida law, employment applications are open forpublic inspection. You must be a U.S. Citizen or alien resident lawfullyauthorized to work in the U.S. to be considered for employment with the Cityof Miami Beach. The City of Miami Beach shall provide reasonableaccommodations, due to any disability, for all applicants and employees. Torequest this material in accessible format, sign language interpreters,information on access for persons with disabilities, and/or any accommodationto review any document or participate in any city-sponsored proceeding,please contact 305.604.2489 (voice) or 305.673.7218 (TTY) five days inadvance to initiate your request. TTY users may also call 711 (Florida RelayService). Please let us know if you require any special accommodationsbefore any test(s) and/or interview.
TABLE OF CONTENTSIntroduction .2Description of the Job of Firefighter 2Qualifications and Special Requirement .2Steps in the Selection Process .3 Withdrawing during Background Investigation .8Application Process .3Mandatory Orientation 7Written Examination 7Background Investigation Process 8Recruit Orientation and Training .111
INTRODUCTIONThis handbook was developed for Miami Beach Firefighter applicants. It explains whatthe job involves and how to prepare for the different steps in the selection process.Adequate preparation and familiarization with the various parts of the examinationprocess described in this handbook will greatly improve your chances of passing thetests and becoming a Firefighter with the City of Miami Beach.PLEASE NOTE THAT MAJORITY OF THE COMMUNICATION DURING THEAPPLICATION PROCESS WILL BE DONE VIA E-MAIL. PLEASE MAKE SURE TOPROVIDE AN ACCURATE AND WORKING E-MAIL ADDRESS ON YOURAPPLICATION, AND CHECK YOUR E-MAIL FREQUENTLY FOR IMPORTANTINFORMATION AND APPLICATION STATUS UPDATES.DESCRIPTION OF THE JOB OF FIREFIGHTERFirefighting involves extremely hard and skilled physical work, as well as handlingmedical emergencies and life or death situations. The physical and mental demands offirefighting are sometimes underestimated. Because of this, the challenging examinationprocess employed in the testing of new recruits overwhelms many applicants.Demanding physical standards are absolutely necessary because firefighting requires ahigh level of physical fitness and mental alertness.Firefighter recruits must also become good students because firefighters go throughalmost continuous in-service training that keeps them informed of new technology andthe latest fire prevention and suppression procedures. These areas of training involvemany subjects, such as fire code enforcement, public education in fire prevention, arsoninvestigation, emergency medical procedures and handling and disposal of hazardousmaterials.QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTSThe qualifications required to be a Firefighter are mandated by the State of Florida'sDepartment of Insurance Firefighters Standards and Training Council.Thesequalifications and special requirements will be reviewed during the application processand the background investigation.Certified Firefighter applicants must: Possess a current, valid certification as a Firefighter in the State of Florida(Florida State Certification Minimum Standards Part I AND Part II). Be a minimum age of 18 and be a high school graduate or its "equivalent". Be in good physical condition as determined by a medical examination. {Fla.,Stat. § 633.34(5)}. "Be a non-user of tobacco or tobacco products for at least 1 year immediatelypreceding application, as evidenced by a sworn affidavit of the applicant"2
{Fla., Stat. § 633.34(6)} and must remain tobacco free up until date of hire. Have a valid State of Florida driver's license with an acceptable driving recordprior to date of appointment.STEPS IN THE SELECTION PROCESSSteps in the Selection Process include, but not limited to: Application Process: Qualifications and Special Requirements Mandatory Orientation Written Examination Physical Ability Test (PAT) Oral Interview Background Investigation (including, but not limited to):o Medical EvaluationAs part of the application process, applicants will be required to provide a series ofdocuments to support their claim of being eligible to participate in this recruitment. Allsupporting documents must be submitted at the time of application.Those applicants who successfully complete the application process will be required toattend a Mandatory Orientation Session. Failure to attend the Mandatory OrientationSession will result in applicant’s removal from the process. No make-ups will be allowed.Bonus Points will be given to applicants with the following: Veteran’s Preference (up to a total of 10 bonus points) Florida EMT certification (3 bonus point) Florida Paramedic certification (5 bonus points; inclusive of EMT certification point) Current City of Miami Beach employee and in good standing (1 bonus point)SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION MUST BE PROVIDED ATAPPLICATION, OR BONUS POINTS WILL NOT BE AWARDED.THETIMEOFThe sum of the written exam score, bonus points, and Veteran’s Preference points (shouldthe applicant be eligible to receive Veteran’s Preference) will be used to determine thecandidate’s rank on the eligibility list.APPLICATION PROCESSApplications will only be accepted in its entirety. You will be required to provide aseries of documents to support your claim of being eligible to participate in this recruitment.All documents must be in English or must be accompanied by a certified Englishtranslation.There are no exceptions!3
The complete application packet should consist of the following: Miami Beach Online Employment Application (Paper submissions will not beaccepted). Detailed instructions on creating and submitting Online Application areavailable at http://web.miamibeachfl.gov/hr/jobs.aspx. City of Miami Beach Applicant Agreement to Urinalysis and Other Selection Processfor Firefighter – MUST be signed and attached to your online application, (todownload the Agreement, go to the official job announcement for Firefighter postedon the City of Miami Beach website, scroll to the Minimum Requirements section,and click on "Agreement to Urinalysis" hyperlink). You may sign this documentelectronically. City of Miami Beach Tobacco Non-Use Affidavit – MUST be signed and attachedto your online application (to download the Agreement, go to the official jobannouncement for Firefighter posted on the City of Miami Beach website, scroll tothe Minimum Requirements section, and click on "Tobacco Non-use Affidavit"hyperlink). All candidates who are selected for employment as a Firefighter via thisrecruitment process will be required to sign an additional Tobacco Non-Use Affidavitimmediately prior to commencement of employment with the City of Miami Beach.Such affidavit will affirm that the candidate has remained tobacco-free at least oneyear prior to application and up through date of hire. Proof of current Florida State Fire Fighter Certification (Florida State CertificationMinimum Standards Part I AND Part II). – MUST be attached to your onlineapplication. Must have valid proof of State certification at time of application. Proof of Age – MUST be attached to your online application. Proof of High School Diploma, its “equivalent,” or proof of post-secondary education– MUST be attached to your online application. Proof of Driver’s License – MUST be attached to your online application. Required supporting documentation for bonus points - MUST be attached toyour online application:o Proof of Military Service (DD214, Member 4; only if claiming Veteran’sPreference)o Proof of Florida EMT certificationo Proof of Florida Paramedic certificationo Proof of active employment and in good standing with the City of MiamiBeach (i.e. City ID)YOU ARE NOT TO PROVIDE ANY DOCUMENTS EXCEPT THOSE LISTED ABOVE.ANY DOCUMENTS, OTHER THAN LISTED ABOVE, WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.4
All required and supporting documentation MUST be submitted at the time of applicationby means of attaching it to Online Application at the time of its submission.NOTE: The following applies only if you need assistance with attaching your supportingdocumentation to your online application:If you choose this option, please adhere to the following steps:o Create your online profile: http://web.miamibeachfl.gov/hr/jobs.aspx - ApplicantLogin - Create Your Account Hereo Create your Online Application and complete all required sections.o Save work in progress; DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION YET.o Come to the Human Resources Department with originals of all of the documentsyou need to attach. The Miami Beach Human Resources Department operatesMonday through Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, excluding holidays, and is located at:City of Miami Beach City Hall, 3rd Floor1700 Convention Center DriveMiami Beach, FL 33139o A Human Resources representative will scan the documents for you;o At that time, you WILL BE DIRECTED to submit your earlier created applicationusing one of the courtesy computers located in the Human Resources DepartmentLobby, and the Human Resources representative will immediately attach thescanned documents to your application.If you decide to have Human Resources assist you with attaching your documents toyour application, DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION WITHOUT ATTACHMENTSPRIOR TO COMING TO HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE.APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED WITHOUT PROPER ATTACHMENTSCONSIDERED INCOMPLETE AND WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.WILLBEDocuments Accepted as a Proof of AgeApplicant must be a minimum of 18 years of age by the closing date of the jobannouncement (08/03/2016), and be legally authorized to work in the United States.Age verification must be accomplished by: Birth Certificate; ORCourt documentation attesting to birth in the absence of a record; ORCurrent valid passport; ORValid Driver’s LicenseBaptismal Certification is not an acceptable verification of age. The Department of VitalStatistics, at your state of birth, may be able to assist.5
Documents accepted as a Proof of High School Diploma or EquivalentApplicant must be at least a high school graduate or equivalent. Verification may beaccomplished by: Public high school diploma; orPrivate high school diploma accompanied by information concerning schoolaccreditation; orPrivate high school transcript documenting high school curriculum if school isnot accredited by a regional accrediting agency; orHigh school equivalency diploma (GED); orOfficial transcripts issued by a state accredited post-secondary instituteidentifying an associate degree or equivalency, or completion of two (2) yearsof college work; orHigh school equivalency diploma (USAFI) certificate issued by the UnitedStates Armed Forces Institute (USAFI) denoting successful completion of highschool equivalency examinationApplications submitted without proper supporting documentation:Incomplete applications (applications submitted without all of the required documents), willbe immediately rejected.Withdrawal during application process:If an applicant wishes to withdraw his/her application at any point of the recruitmentprocess, the applicant must submit a notice in writing to the Human ResourcesDepartment:Miami Beach City HallHuman Resources DepartmentAttn: Fire Recruitment1700 Convention Center DriveMiami Beach, FL 33139Failure to follow the outlined procedure for withdrawing the application from the process willresult in an applicant’s disqualification.Changes in candidate’s information:If the applicant has a change of address, telephone number(s), and or any other contactinformation, the applicant must update this information as timely as possible by logging into the online NeoGov account created at the time of application and going to the “MyAccount” section. Upon commencement of the background investigation, any changes inthe contact information must also be submitted in writing to:6
Miami Beach City HallHuman Resources DepartmentAttn: Fire Recruitment1700 Convention Center DriveMiami Beach, FL 33139This notification must be signed by the applicant and must include:- Applicant’s full name as was provided on the application- Last four digits of applicant’s Social Security Number- Applicant’s new address and/or new telephone number(s)NOTE: Any changes that affect a candidate’s eligibility for the position must beimmediately communicated, in writing, to the Human Resources Department.MANDATORY ORIENTATION SESSIONThe applicants will receive an e-mail notification via NeoGov with instructions on selfscheduling for one of the following mandatory orientation sessions.Mandatory Orientation Sessions will be held on the following dates and times:Refer to Job PostingLocation:TBDFailure to attend or late arrival to the Mandatory Orientation Session will result inapplicant’s removal from the process. No make-ups or rescheduling of MandatoryOrientation Session will be allowed.WRITTEN EXAMINATIONAll qualifying applicants will be required to take a written examination. The testing date andadditional details regarding this written examination will be provided at your scheduledmandatory orientation session.ORAL INTERVIEW7
All qualifying applicants will be required to undergo an oral interview in front of aninterview panel selected by the City of Miami Beach. The dates for the oral interviewsand additional information will be provided to you at a future date.BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONComprehensive background investigation, including medical examination must indicatean individual who is capable of, and suited for performing the duties and responsibilitiesof a Firefighter.The City will NOT administer a special process for any applicant who fails tofollow instructions, meet a deadline, or keep an appointment, nor will the Citydelay processing of any other candidate.Withdrawal during background process:If the applicant wishes to withdraw his/her application prior to the conclusion of thebackground process, the applicant must send a notice of such desire in writing to theHuman Resources Department. Requests to withdraw may be sent by e-mail or at theaddress listed below.Miami Beach City HallHuman Resources DepartmentAttn: Fire Recruitment1700 Convention Center DriveMiami Beach, FL 33139.Failure to do so will result in your disqualification for one (1) year from the date ofdisqualification of this recruitment process.DISQUALIFYING CONDUCT:Criminal Charges/Arrests:Arrests, and some convictions, by themselves are not an automatic disqualifying factor;however, the circumstances will be investigated and evaluated. Applicants mustdisclose all prior arrests or other involvement with the criminal justice system whetheras an arrested person or a witness for the prosecution or defense. Applicants mustdisclose all arrests notwithstanding the fact their records have been sealed, expungedor otherwise closed to public inspection.Applicants will be disqualified if they have been convicted of a felony or of amisdemeanor directly related to the position of employment sought, or if they haveplead Nolo Contendere to any charge of a felony. ”If an applicant has been convicted ofa felony, such applicant must be in compliance with.” Fla. Stat. §633.34(2). “If anapplicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor directly related to the position ofemployment sought, such applicant shall be excluded from employment for a period of 48
years after expiration of sentence. If the sentence is suspended or adjudication iswithheld in a felony charge or in a misdemeanor directly related to the position oremployment sought and a period of probation is imposed, the applicant must have beenreleased from probation.” Fla. Stat.§633.34(2)Medical EvaluationThe medical evaluation will be administered to applicants after the conditional offer ofemployment. The medical evaluation is conducted by a physician and includes anassessment of the following areas: Head and neckEyes and visionEars and hearingDentalNose and throatLungs and chest walls disordersHeartVascular systemAbdominal organs andgastrointestinal system Genitourinary system - reproductiveand urinary Spine and ribs Extremities Neurological disordersSkinBlood and blood-forming organsEndocrine and metabolic disordersSystemic diseases andmiscellaneous conditionsTumors and malignant diseasesPsychiatric conditionsChemicals, drugs, and medicationsBaseline testing for communicablediseasesHIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, PulmonaryTuberculosis, MeningococcalMeningitisAny omissions or falsifications in the medical history questionnaire will result in thedisqualification of the applicant.Substances Abuse:Those applicants who, through their past or present behavior, indicate a pattern orlifestyle of narcotics, alcohol or other substance abuse, shall be deemed unfit for theposition.Termination by Another Fire or Emergency Medical Service Agency:Any applicant who has been terminated for cause by another Agency may bedisqualified, unless they have been exonerated through a review process, or thecircumstances have been resolved to the satisfaction of the prospective employer. Itshall be the responsibility of the applicant to provide facts that support their suitability toperform the job.Traffic History:9
A review of the applicant's driving history will be conducted to determine any pattern ofpoor driving behavior with regard to recent experience and seriousness of respectiveviolations.Omission or Falsifications on PHQ:Any intentional falsification or omission of information on the Personal HistoryQuestionnaire (PHQ) will result in the disqualification of the applicant (PHQ to bedistributed later in the recruitment process).Military Discharge:Any Dishonorable discharge from military service may result in the disqualification of theapplicant.Scheduled Appointments:Failure to keep scheduled appointments without reasonable justification will result indisqualification of the applicant. Determination of what constitutes a reasonablejustification will be done at the City’s sole reasonable discretion.Moral Character:Fla. Stat. §633.34 empowers the Division of State Fire Marshal (DSFM) to establishprocedures and investigate guidelines for determining good moral character. TheDSFM’s guidelines shall be used as a reference in determining the moral character ofan applicant. Any certified applicant, who has committed a violation of the DSFM’sguidelines, after certification was issued, will be disqualified.Other Factors:Other factors (including but not limited to work history, credit history) will be evaluated.Applicants may be disqualified, based on the underlying facts and circumstances, andthe seriousness of the acts committed.In addition, applicants must:1. Have fingerprints processed. Fla. Stat.§633.34(3)2. Qualify on a pre-employment, post offer job-related physical examination asscheduled by the City. Fla. Stat. §633.34(5), including, but not limited to:a. Hearing testb. Eye testc. Urinalysis for controlled substances or evidence thereof.3. Must have a valid Florida driver's license with an acceptable driving record prior toappointment and maintain it throughout employment without any restrictions affectingjob performance. Driving Record will be evaluated.Disqualification:The Fire Chief and/or the Director of Human Resources reserve the right to reviewa
The City of Miami Beach is an equal opportunity/drug free employer and does . Be a minimum age of 18 and be a high school graduate or its "equivalent". . (5 bonus points; inclusive of EMT certification point) Current City of Miami Bea
