THIS RECRUITMENT IS TO FILL TEMPORARY VACANCIES ONLY

Attends training classes and receives instruction in the theories, techniques, methods, and procedures used in firefighting and rescue work; under immediate supervision, performs firefighting and rescue tasks; and performs other related duties as required.

There are twelve (12) temporary full-time vacancies not-to-exceed 03/22/2029 with the Hawai'i Fire Department.

Special Working Conditions: Irregular hours, shift and weekend work, and exposure to hazardous and obnoxious conditions as required.

The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program (hereafter referred to as the SAFER Program) is one of three grant programs that constitute the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) focus on enhancing the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards. The SAFER Program provides funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to assist in increasing the number of firefighters to help communities meet industry minimum standards and attain 24-hour staffing to provide adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards, and to fulfill traditional missions of fire departments. The Hawai‘i Fire Department has received funding from the SAFER Program for 12 additional temporary Fire Fighter positions through March 22, 2029.

Attends training classes and receives instruction and training in the various aspects of firefighting and rescue work and in first aid and emergency life support procedures and techniques.
Studies firefighting manuals, departmental policies, procedures, fire codes, and regulations.
Responds to fire alarms and other emergency calls and performs various firefighting and rescue tasks as directed.
Administers first aid and emergency life support measures when required.
Performs salvage and clean up work when fire is under control, such as removing debris, loose beams, flooring, excess water, furnishings, and other property by removing them from buildings or spreading over with protective covering.
Reloads hoses, ladders, and other firefighting and rescue tools and equipment for return to station.
Washes, polishes, and services firefighting and rescue apparatus and equipment.
Tests, washes, and hangs hose.
Attends company drills and training sessions in firefighting and rescue methods, first aid, use and maintenance of station equipment and tools, and on department policies, procedures, fire codes, regulations, and laws.
Participates in tours of the area being served to study and become familiar with the location of streets, buildings, hydrants, static water supplies, alarm boxes, standpipe connections, sprinkler connections, and fire escapes.
Assists in fire safety inspections of buildings and premises.
Performs routine duties in cleaning and maintaining station living and working facilities and grounds.
Participates in water and mountain rescue work when required.
May operate fire apparatus, utility trucks, and vehicles as assigned.
Performs Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Mobile Intensive Care Technician (MICT) duties as required.

Training and Experience:

High school graduate or equivalent (GED), and
Satisfactory completion at the time of hire (with a grade of C or better) of an English 100 (ENG 100) course and Health 125 (HLTH 125) course from an accredited community college or university; or equivalent courses as determined by Kapi'olani Community College (KCC), and
Possession of a valid State of Hawai'i Driver License (Class 3) or any other valid comparable driver license at time of filing. (You will be required to submit your valid driver's license to the Hawai'i Fire Department during their selection process.)

Notes: At the time of hire, the following may be substituted for the English 100 (ENG 100) and Health 125 (HLTH 125) courses:

Certificate of Competence or Certificate of Recognition from KCC's EMT Program, or
Certificate of Achievement from KCC's MICT (Paramedic) Program, or
An Associate in Science Degree from KCC's MICT (Paramedic) Program, or
A current State of Hawai`i EMT-Transport or EMT-P license in good standing.

Prior to completion of probation, the following licenses/certificates shall be required:

possession of a valid Hawai'i Fire Department (HFD) Driver's Certificate of Competence to operate HFD Type 1 motor vehicles,
current Hawai`i Fire Department Medical Certification,
current American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certificate (CPR),
current Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Certificate,
current State of Hawai'i Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License, and
current Hawai'i Fire Department Aquatics Competency Certificate - Awareness Level.

Notes:

A current State of Hawai'i EMT or MICT license which are equivalent or higher than an EMR certificate may be substituted for that certificate.
Hawai'i Fire Department Aquatics Competency Certificate - Awareness Instructor, Operations level, Operations Instructor, or Instructor Trainer that are higher than the Hawai'i Fire Department Aquatics Competency Certificate - Awareness level may be substituted for that certificate.

Examination:

Written test administered on the Island of Hawai`i only.
Hilo: Week of March 22, 2026 (Test dates/times will be determined based on the number of qualified applicants).

Assessment Exercise:

Performance Assessment Exercise (PAE) administered by the Hawai`i Fire Department on the Island of Hawai`i only:
Hilo: April 12, 2026

Ability to: Learn and apply firefighting, lifesaving, and fire prevention principles, practices, techniques, tools, and equipment to actual situations, learn and apply a variety of emergency aid and treatment to injured and ill persons, climb ladders and work at heights, withstand sustained physical exertion and perform arduous work under adverse conditions, swim and learn water rescue techniques, act quickly and effectively in emergencies, read and understand technical materials, apply basic math to practical firefighting and fire prevention situations, understand and follow oral and written instructions, and get along with others.

Physical and Health Requirements: Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Vision Requirement: Far visual acuity is at least 20/30 binocular, corrected with contact lenses or spectacles. Far visual acuity uncorrected is at least 20/40 binocular for wearers of hard contacts or spectacles. Successful long-term soft contact lens wearers (i.e., 6 months without a problem) are not subject to the uncorrected standard.

Physical Effort Grouping: Special

Benefits of County employment: The County of Hawai‘i offers a competitive compensation package. Your total compensation is comprised of your salary and a generous range of valuable benefits, subject to eligibility requirements.

Flexible Working Arrangements: Options may include alternate work schedules (4-10) and flexible working hours. (Not all Departments/Agencies participate and not all positions are eligible.)
Vacation: Start accruing paid vacation time immediately upon hire – up to 21 days per year.
Sick Leave: Start accruing paid sick leave time immediately upon hire – up to 21 days per year.
Holidays: The County provides 13 paid holidays per year (plus General Election Day when applicable).
Training and Development: The County has a variety of training and development opportunities for employees.
County Tuition Reimbursement Program: This scholarship program rewards employees who take the initiative to advance their education and learning.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program: You may be eligible for this federal program which forgives portions of federal student loans for individuals working in public service.
Retirement Plan: The Employees’ Retirement System is a qualified defined benefit public pension plan that provides retirement, disability, survivor and other benefits to all eligible full-time and part-time county employees in the State of Hawaii as well as their beneficiaries.
Deferred Compensation: Save additional money for retirement - this voluntary supplemental retirement savings plan allows for the investment of tax-deferred contributions.
Flexible Spending Plan: Use pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified dependent care and/or medical expenses, as well as insurance premiums.
Health Benefit Plans: The County of Hawai‘i offers a variety of health benefit plans for eligible employees.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): This voluntary assistance program provides employees and their family members with free professional and confidential assistance in overcoming personal and work-related problems.
Group Life Insurance: Free life insurance policy for active employees.
Credit Union Membership
Other Leaves: You may be eligible for other leaves, including Family Leave, Funeral Leave, Leave Sharing, Military Leave, Donor Leave, Victims Protection Leave, as well as leave for Parent-Teacher Conferences, Disaster Relief, Blood Bank Donations, and Jury Duty.

All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and change due to legislative actions and/or changes negotiated through collective bargaining. Please check out the benefits tab for additional information.

Veterans applying for veteran's preference points shall also scan and attach their DD-214 form and as needed, their VA claim letter to the on-line application.

INTERVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

The Hawai`i Fire Department will conduct a comprehensive applicant interview and selection process for the position of Fire Fighter Recruit (TEMPORARY). Each component of this process is designed to identify those applicants that are most suitable for the position of Fire Fighter Recruit (TEMPORARY).

The Hawai`i Fire Department is unique in comparison to many other fire departments across the state and nation in that all Fire Fighters are required to be trained and certified as Emergency Medical Technicians.

In anticipation of the large number of applicants to be tested for this recruitment, it is important for all applicants to recognize that this is a highly sought after profession and the process is very competitive. Preparation for each component is highly encouraged.

The Hawai`i Fire Department will conduct the performance assessment exercise (PAE) in Hilo, Hawai`i for those applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements and pass the written examination. Applicants will be notified through email of the date and time of the PAE.

The PAE consists of four (4) events related to the duties of a Fire Fighter. Each event is timed and all applicants must pass each of the four events within the specified time to continue on in the selection process:

Swimming Event: 100 yards in 2 minutes and 15.00 seconds, using any stroke except backstroke. Within 45.00 seconds after the swim, surface dive to retrieve a 5-pound object submerged in the 10-foot depth of the pool.
Weight Drag Event: Run 50 feet; drag a 140-pound weight for 50 feet in 16.00 seconds.
Hose Bundle Event: Carry hose bundle over specified course in 40.00 seconds wearing a Fire Department standard turnout jacket and helmet, to be issued at test site.
Endurance Run Event: 5 Laps around the track (1-1/4 miles) in 12 minutes.

Upon successful completion of the PAE, applicants will be scheduled for the following selection process phases:

Brief orientation and Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) - during this orientation, applicants are provided with a PHQ which is to be completed and returned to the Hawai`i Fire Department by a designated deadline. The PHQ includes questions regarding employment history, military history, personal references, and criminal record.
Applicants will be scheduled for and must pass a ACCUPLACER test (a general aptitude college placement test)administered by Hawai`i Community College.
Interview and assessment before an interview panel are then conducted with those applicants who submitted their PHQ by the deadline required by the Hawai`i Fire Department.
Conditional job offer to selected applicants to include the submission of official college transcripts and/or transcript evaluation.
Background check - selected applicant is evaluated for his/her suitability for the position of Fire Fighter Recruit (TEMPORARY) in accordance with the Hawai`i Fire Department Suitability Guidelines for Fire Fighter Recruit (TEMPORARY) (see suitability guidelines section).
A pre-employment medical exam and drug screening test.

VERIFICATION OF REQUIRED COURSEWORK

At time of hire, applicants selected to become Fire Fighter Recruits (TEMPORARY) with the Hawai'i Fire Department will have provided the Hawai'i Fire Department with copies of official college transcripts from EACH college/university where required coursework was completed. Required coursework must be completed at a regionally accredited college or university with a grade of C or better and taken for college credit. Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted.

Coursework completed outside of the University of Hawai'i system will be evaluated for equivalency by Kapi'olani Community College (KCC). KCC will determine if the courses completed are equivalent to English 100 (ENG 100 - Composition I) and Health 125 (HLTH 125 - Survey of Medical Terminology). Applicants who completed required coursework outside of the University of Hawai'i system will be required to complete and submit copies of official college transcripts from EACH college/university where required coursework was completed and the Request for Transcript Evaluation for Fire Fighter Recruit Form (DHR-RE-730) to the Hawai'i Fire Department.

Failure to meet the coursework requirements at time of hire will result in disqualification from the selection process.

FIRE FIGHTER RECRUIT (TEMPORARY) TRAINING

Applicants selected to become Fire Fighter Recruits (TEMPORARY) with the Hawai`i Fire Department will participate in a twenty two (22)-week Fire Fighter I/II training program followed by a sixteen (16)-week Emergency Medical Technician training program (both programs involve classroom and field training) in Hilo. Training is conducted island-wide.

During these training programs, all Fire Fighter Recruits (TEMPORARY) are required to meet physical, academic, and performance standards as specified by the Hawai`i Fire Department inclusive of the following:

Pass weekly examinations.
Complete formal reports and training documentation such as payroll time sheets, incident reports, letters and correspondence, etc.
Complete and pass a Driver Competency Certification program.
Complete and pass a Water Safety training and certification program.
Participate in and meet performance standards with a daily physical fitness training program.
Maintain department standards with physical appearance and grooming, uniform and dress codes, attendance and punctuality.

Fire Fighter Recruits (TEMPORARY) will serve a one-year probationary period.

For further information regarding the Fire Fighter Recruit (TEMPORARY) training program, please email the Hawai`i Fire Department Training Officer at hfdtraining@hawaiicounty.gov

SUITABILITY GUIDELINES FOR FIRE FIGHTER RECRUIT (TEMPORARY)

These employment guidelines are used by the Hawai`i Fire Department to determine whether an applicant is suitable for a Fire Fighter Recruit (TEMPORARY) position:

MANDATORY DISQUALIFICATION:

Applicants will be disqualified if any one of the following criteria exists.

CRIMINAL HISTORY: Time Period From Filing Of Application

(Conviction) Any Felony Offense indicating a propensity for violence, lack of trustworthiness, and/or deviant sexual behavior such as Murder/Rape/Arson/Burglary [First Degree Only]/Theft[First Degree Only]/Robbery/Forgery[First Degree Only]/Assault/Terroristic Threatening/Kidnapping/Sexual Assault/Incest/Child Abuse/Abuse of Family or Household Member Lifetime (Unsuitable)

DRUGS:

(Conviction) Sale/Trade/Distribution of any controlled substance delineated under Schedule I-IV of the Hawai`i Revised Statutes as amended. Lifetime (Unsuitable)
(Conviction) Use of any Controlled Substance delineated under Schedule I-IV of the Hawai`i Revised Statutes as amended, while a sworn law enforcement or prosecutorial position or in a position of high trust such as school teacher, emergency responder, nurse, counselor, athletic coach, social worker, prison guard, etc. Lifetime (Unsuitable)

TRAFFIC HISTORY:

(Conviction) Two (2) or More DUI Offenses Within last 10 years (Unsuitable)
(Conviction) Single DUI Offense Within last 5 years (Unsuitable)
(Conviction) Reckless Driving Offense Within last 5 years (Unsuitable)
(Conviction) Operation of Motor Vehicle while License revoked, surrendered or suspended Within last 5 years (Unsuitable)

UNDESIRABLE TRAITS:

The following criteria, based on the totality of circumstances, may be used in the evaluation and consideration of all candidates.

CRIMINAL HISTORY: Time Period From Filing Of Application

(Arrest) Murder Lifetime
(Conviction) Felony Burglary [Second Degree Only], Theft [Second Degree Only], and Forgery [Second Degree Only] Within last 5 years
(Conviction/Arrest/Charge) of any Misdemeanor or Petty Misdemeanor Crime of Violence that involves injury or threat of injury to the person of another, such as Assault/Abuse Family Household Member/Terroristic Threatening, etc. Within last 5 years
(Conviction/Arrest/Charge) of any other misdemeanor/petty misdemeanors offenses. Within last 3 years
(Conviction/Arrest/Charge) Contempt of Court Within last 3 years

DRUGS:

(Conviction/Arrest/Charge) Any Illegal Drug related offenses Lifetime
(Arrest/Charge) Sale/Trade/Distribution any Controlled Substance delineated under Schedule I-IV of the Hawai`i Revised Statutes as amended. Lifetime
(Conviction/Arrest/Charge) Excessive use/experimentation of any/or combination of any Controlled Substance delineated under Schedule I-IV of the Hawai`i Revised Statutes as amended. Lifetime

TRAFFIC HISTORY:

(Arrest/Charge) Reckless Driving Within last 3 years
(Conviction/Arrest/Charge) Other Traffic Offenses (i.e. driving without a license, driving with a suspended/revoked/surrendered license, consumption or possession of intoxicating liquor while operating vehicle, storage of open container of intoxicating liquor, inattention to driving and operating a vehicle without proper insurance.) Within last 3 years
(Arrest/Charge) DUI Offense Within last 3 years
(Citation) Three (3) or more moving violations (i.e. speeding, etc.) and/or parking violations Within last 3 years

Employment guidelines may be revised at the discretion of the Hawai`i Fire Department – [revised 10/28/08]

ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION TO APPLICANTS:
Please ensure that the email address and mobile phone number you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails and text messages or fail to check your email box or NEOGOV account INBOX in a timely manner. Checking your NEOGOV account INBOX daily is recommended and is the most secure method to check on notices sent to you. This is a new feature created by our vendor, NEOGOV.

Please add info@governmentjobs.com to your contact list. Open your NEOGOV account using your user name and password. In the upper right hand corner of the account is your name, and under your name, click on INBOX to view all notices sent you. The notices will appear here in the INBOX even in the event you don't receive it on your cell phone, computer, or other electronic device. This is the best way to check and view all notices sent to you.

You will receive a confirmation email upon successfully submitting your application. Failure to receive this confirmation email, indicates that your application was not submitted.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ONLINE AT:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/countyhawaii

E-mail: jobs@hawaiicounty.gov

County of Hawai`i

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