Firefighter
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Nature of Work
This is general duty firefighting work in the protection of life and property by combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires. This work also involves responding to emergency medical calls providing care for those who are sick or injured. Primary responsibility is for specialized firefighting duties under emergency conditions that may involve personal hazards. Specific orders and directions are given by superior officers, but work requires a thorough individual understanding of firefighting methods gained by training and experience. A large part of the time is spent in training and routine work in the maintenance of firefighting equipment, apparatus, and quarters, an inspection of premises for fire hazards, and the performance of varied details in and around the fire station. An employee may be assigned to operate and maintain a major piece of firefighting equipment or apparatus employing special skills learned on the job.
This posting is to build a list of eligibl4e candidates in preparation for future hiring.
Minimum Training and Experience
- Must be at least 18 years old
- High School Diploma or GED
- Must have a valid driver's license and be able to obtain a Michigan's Driver's license by date of hire.
- At least 20/30 corrected vision or 20/100 for uncorrected
- In addition to no felony convictions, certain misdemeanor convictions may also disqualify a person from obtaining a valid Michigan Emergency Medical Services (EMS) license. An EMS license, EMT level or above, is required for all GRFD firefighters. Please click HERE to review details on the criteria and/or to view if this may affect your candidacy for a Firefighter position.
Questions? Email us at jobs@grand-rapids.mi.us
Join us for informational Open Houses on the following dates:
Open House Dates:
Thursday, March 26th, 2026, 4pm - 7pm
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026, 4pm - 7pm
Saturday, May 16th, 2026, 9am - 12pm
Thursday, May 28th, 2026, 4pm–7pm
Other Necessary Qualifications
ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Candidates that pass all assessment steps will be placed on an eligible for hire list. The eligible list will be active for at least six (6) months.
The next Fire Academy start date is anticipated to be January 4, 2027
Step One: Civil Service Test - Written Exam
Step Two: Civil Service Test - Physical Agility / Performance Exam
Step Three: Civil Service Test - Oral Exam
TESTING DATES AND TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Written Exam / Civil Service Test
Testing dates on June 11, 13, 16, 23, 25, and 26; Testing Dates on July 7, 9, 10, 11, 14 and 16
For applicants that live 250 miles away from Grand Rapids a remote testing option will be provided.
The latest test and study guide information will be provided as soon it is received by the vendor within the next week. If you have submitted an application, you will receive an email with the detailed information. The information will also be included on this posting when received.
Candidates who pass the cognitive/behavioral assessment will be invited to complete the Physical Agility Performance Exam.
A valid CPAT card may be submitted to have the physical agility test waived. Click HERE to view the requirements of the Physical Agility test.
Physical Agility Testing Dates: July 14, 15, 16, 21, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30. Second Attempt Dates: August 12, 13, and 14
Oral Exams
These will be in-person, panel-led oral exams. Oral Exams will take place September 15, 16, 17 ,18, 23, 24 and 25.
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Additional details are available at joingrfire.com.
