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WESTLAKE, CITY OF 27700 HILLIARD BLVD. WESTLAKE, OHIO 44145 440-617-4310 https://www.cityofwestlake.org/
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Updated: June 23, 2025
Westlake Civil Service Commission Announces Examination for
Entry Level Firefighter / Paramedic
Job Classification: Entry Level Firefighter / Paramedic
Salary Information: $81,240.82 annually for Third Grade Entry Level
$87,028.41 after 12 months of service
$96,499.03 after 24 months of service
**Note: Salary information refers to 2024 rates. (Currently in contract negotiations)
The City of Westlake is seeking to establish an eligibility list for the position of Entry Level Firefighter / Paramedic, with immediate openings! The City will be continuously hiring during the 1-year period of the eligibility list, but testing must be completed between July 5, 2025 and August 5, 2025 through a National Testing Network (NTN) Test Center. See www.nationaltestingnetwork.com for testing center locations.
The Westlake Fire Department serves a 16-square-mile area, providing emergency services to the city's 34,000 residents. We have two fire stations currently staffed with five Firefighter/Paramedics who cross-staff a fire engine, ladder truck, and two medic units, ensuring a dynamic and efficient response protocol. Westlake Firefighters take great pride in delivering the highest level of service to residents and visitors on every call. In 2024, the department responded to 6,752 calls, with projections reaching 7,000 this year. Westlake is home to University Hospitals St. John Medical Center, allowing for rapid EMS transport times.
The department offers numerous opportunities for professional growth and development, including participation in the Westshore Technical Rescue and Hazardous Materials teams, SWAT Medic program, and Fire Investigation Unit. In addition to in-house fire and EMS training, members regularly attend prestigious external programs such as the National Fire Academy and FDIC. Westlake Fire Department provides a competitive compensation and benefits package as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.
Candidates with a current NTN test score are welcome to submit their existing profile to Westlake through NTN between the dates of July 5, 2025 and August 5, 2025. Candidates without a current score may apply prior to July 5, 2025 but will not be able to take the exam until the testing timeframe of July 5, 2025 and August 5, 2025.
Applicants must pass the NTN examination, which includes weighted sections in math, reading, mechanical skills, and a human relations video assessment. The Westlake Fire Department follows a comprehensive hiring process. After candidates achieve passing scores on the NTN examination and a list is established, those selected for further consideration may proceed to the next stages. These include a Fire Department Command Staff Panel Interview, an eight-hour Fire Shift ride-along, polygraph testing, a background check (including social media review and personal/professional references), an interview with the Mayor, a psychological assessment, and a pension physical.
Math: passing score 80%, weighted at 15%
Reading: passing score 80%, weighted at 15%
Mechanical: passing score 70%, weighted at 40%
Human Relations Video: passing score 70%, weighted at 30%
Military Service Additional Credit: Applicants with military service (must have been honorably discharged and served a minimum of 180 days) shall receive 5% additional credit of the final passing grade. Form DD214 must be uploaded via link you will receive from the City of Westlake once you have applied with NTN. Do not upload documents via NTN.
ADA Accommodations: Applicants requesting accommodations to take the written test due to a disability MUST directly notify NTN and the City of Westlake (Nicolette Sackman Clerk of Commissions).
Requirements:
Applicants must be U.S. citizens. After applying with NTN, applicant’s must upload a valid driver’s license (any state) and high school diploma or GED via a link to Guardian, provided by the City of Westlake. This email will come from Guardian Alliance Technologies. Applicants must also complete the personal history questionnaire (PHQ) in Guardian. Documents should not be uploaded through NTN. The PHQ and submission of documents must be finished no later than August 5, 2025. The Civil Service Commission and the City of Westlake are not responsible for verifying application completeness or receipt of required documents. While Ohio Level II Firefighter and EMT-Paramedic certifications are required at the time of appointment, they are not necessary for the exam. Additionally, applicants must pass a physical agility test from Cuyahoga Community College before appointment, but it is not a prerequisite for the exam.
Age Requirements: An applicant for original appointment as a fire fighter shall be at least 19 years of age at the time of appointment. No applicant shall be eligible for an original appointment as a fire fighter on or after his/her 45 birthday.
Ability to Read/Speak English: Yes
Additional Requirements: Must sign an agreement that you will not smoke on or off duty during employment with the City and sign a Code of Ethics.
NOTE: Primary correspondence with applicants is made with applicants via email. Provide a current and correct email address.
Questions: Contact Nicolette Sackman, MMC, Clerk of Commissions; (440) 617-4310 or nsackman@cityofwestlake.org
Westlake Civil Service rules are available via: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/westlake/latest/westlake_oh/0-0-0-5458
By order of the Westlake Civil Service Commission
D. Kucler, Chairman / City of Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer
