Job Information

DEFIANCE CITY OF
631 PERRY STREET
DEFIANCE, OHIO 43512

http://www.cityofdefiance.com

Bookmark: http://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/fullJobDetails.cfm?agencyjobid=875&jobid=2&agentid=573

Updated: February 05, 2025

Job Classification: Entry Level or Lateral Firefighter/Paramedic (Entry Level, will train)

Testing is currently open for City of Defiance Entry Level Firefighter/Paramedic and Lateral Transfer Firefighter/Paramedic with a current deadline of February 21, 2025. For more information about the City of Defiance Fire & Rescue Division visit https://www.cityofdefiance.com/191/Fire-Rescue.

Candidates applying as an Entry Level Firefighter/Paramedic must complete a Personal History Questionnaire (which will serve as your application), pass the FireTEAM test with a minimum score of 60 on each section and Public Safety Self Assessments (PSSAs) with a minimum score of 50 through NTN prior to the deadline above. Candidates must also successfully complete either the Firefighter Mile physical exam through NTN within one year prior to the deadline or successfully complete local agility testing administered by the Defiance Fire Department on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Candidates will be notified by email throughout the process of any outstanding required items.

Candidates applying as a Lateral Transfer Firefighter/Paramedic will need to complete an application available by email, an oral interview and physical exam (either Firefighter Mile scheduled through NTN or local agility test administered by the Defiance Fire Department on Saturday, March 1, 2025). Please email choman@cityofdefiance.com for further application instructions. Visit https://cityofdefiance.com/200/Civil-Service-Commission for details about the Requirements for Lateral Transfers.

Candidates may receive Veterans Preference Credit. This additional credit will only be added to a passing score.

After completing the testing process, candidates who meet all requirements will be presented to the City of Defiance Civil Service Commission who will certify a list of those eligible for hire. The ranking will be based on the testing scores and would include any Veterans Preference Credit for those eligible. Candidates on the list will receive a letter with their ranking.

Candidates who have current Paramedic and Fire Certifications will receive up to a $5,000 sign on bonus.

Salary Information: As of January 1, 2025 starting pay is $55,278.61 annually. After one year, pay increases to $62,056.31 annually. After two years, pay increases to $66,144.43 annually. 7% is added to any of the above wages for Paramedic Status.

A lateral transfer shall be credited with a maximum of five years of service time for uninterrupted and continuous service years that were in a full-time firefighter position. The service must have been from a position that was held immediately prior to accepting employment with the City of Defiance. Years of service from previous employment do not transfer for purposes of seniority ranking.

Benefits Information: Ohio Police & Fire Pension, Health Insurance, Vacation and Sick Time, Holiday Pay, Uniform Allowance, and Education Assistance.

Department Overview: The Defiance Fire and Rescue Division provides fire prevention, fire suppression and responds to medical emergencies within the City of Defiance and Defiance and Noble Townships. Career firefighters are separated into three platoons with each shift working 24 hours on with 48 hours off. The fire suppression, technical rescue, and emergency medical services continue to require up-to-date training by the staff. The Division trains daily to ensure when an emergency arises, they are prepared to answer the call.

Area Information: The City of Defiance is located in Defiance County in the northwest corner of Ohio - 55 miles southwest of Toledo, Ohio, and 45 miles east of Fort Wayne, Indiana. The City of Defiance has an estimated population of 17,000 and serves as the county seat for Defiance County. Defiance is a chartered city with a strong mayor/strong council government.

Felony, Criminal Activity Disqualifiers: Any felony arrest where the person is convicted. (Does not apply to misdemeanors).

Driving Disqualifiers: Must have a valid Ohio Driver's License with no driving restrictions.

Drug Use Disqualifiers: Case by case based on the situation.

Application Process :

Application: Entry Level Candidates must complete the Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ). This is considered your application and it can be accessed through your candidate account. Lateral Transfer Candidates must also complete an application which is available by email. Candidates who qualify for Veterans Preference Credit must submit the necessary documentation (DD-214) to the City before the application deadline.
FireTEAM Testing: Entry level candidates must receive a minimum of 60% on the reading, math, mechanical, and human relations sections of the National Testing Network exam. A 50 is required to pass the Public Safety Self Assessments (PSSA).
Physical Agility Testing: All Candidates must successfully complete either the Firefighter Mile through National Testing Network within one year prior to the application deadline or successfully complete local agility testing administered by the Defiance Fire Department.

Job Requirements

Age:
Between the ages of 18 and 40 at time of appointment for entry level candidates

Citizenship Required:
Yes

High School Grad / GED:
Yes

Driver's License:
Yes

Ability to Read/Speak English:
Yes

Vision:
Yes

Academy Certification:
Within one year of hire

Prior Experience:
Preferred

Necessary Certifications:

Must obtain and maintain State of Ohio Firefighter Level 1 & 2 Certification within one year of service.
Must obtain and maintain EMT basic within one year of service
All employees hired are required to obtain Paramedic Certification within three years of completion of his/her probationary period, as a condition of employment. The City pays for paramedic training for those who are not paramedics upon hire.

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