About this role
FIREFIGHTER CANDIDATE
STARTING SALARY (as of11/1/26) : $71,966 per year
QUALIFICATIONS: (For full job description, see online posting)
- Must be a licensed EMT-Basic in the State of Michigan or scheduled to take the exam and State of Michigan Firefighter I and II certification or must be a licensed Paramedic in the State of Michigan or scheduled to take the exam.
- Must have a current CPAT or OPAT certification (Please see information below.)
- Valid Michigan driver license, with a good driving record.
- Graduation from an accredited high school or GED equivalent
- U.S. Citizen
All entry-level criteria must be met, and copies of licenses and certifications must be attached to online application . Current City of Dearborn fire interns are eligible to apply if they are within one year of completion of all minimum qualifications noted above. However, all qualifications must be completed prior to being placed on an eligible list.
The position of Firefighter Candidate shall be an entry-level firefighter position for an individual who, at the time of hire does not possess all licenses and certifications required to meet the qualifications for the Firefighter I position. Firefighter Candidates are considered firefighters in training and shall not be assigned or permitted to perform emergency response duties, until successful transition into the Firefighter I classification
Qualifications
PARTS AND WEIGHTS OF THE EXAMINATION:
Oral Examination: 100% (Applicants must receive a minimum passing grade of 70% on the oral examination to be placed on the eligible list.)
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must pass a psychological evaluation, pre-employment physical, drug screen, criminal history check, and background investigation.
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Requirement
- The CPAT/OPAT Physical Ability Test is scored on a pass/fail basis. The test consists of a series of eight (8) events designed to assess the ability to perform the physical aspects of the job of a Firefighter. Candidates must provide proof of completion of a valid CPAT/OPAT test identifying Pass or a Certificate at the time of interview and hire.
- National Testing Network: https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/cpat_location.cfm
- State of Michigan (CPAT/OPAT) Locations:
- Schoolcraft College
- Grand Rapids Fire Department
- Oakland Community College
SPECIAL NOTE:
- Firefighter Candidates that are licensed as Paramedics must be fully certified as by the State of Michigan as a Firefighter I and II within 9 months of hire date. All training costs to be covered by the City of Dearborn.
- Firefighter Candidates certified as Firefighter I and II and licensed as EMT-B must become a licensed paramedic within 24 months of hire date. All training costs to be covered by the City of Dearborn.
- All persons selected for hire to the position of Firefighter Candidate are considered shall be considered probationary employees. This working test period is considered a part of the examination process.
- Upon successful completion of the Firefighter Candidate (fully licensed and certified as a Firefighter I, II, and Paramedic within the State of Michigan, candidates shall automatically transition into a Dearborn Fire Department Firefighter I position.