Fire Recruiting FAQ
Norman Fire Department
Recruiting FAQ’S - 2012
How do I apply for Firefighter Recruit?
During an open active recruitment, please visit www.normanok.gov/content/fire-recruiting to view the minimum qualifications for Firefighter and to download the application bundle along with all the associated forms.
Is there a maximum age limit in order to apply?
Yes. New Firefighter Recruits in the State of Oklahoma can be no older than 45 years of age, unless a prior member of the Oklahoma Fire Pension & Retirement System. This is a regulation set forth by the Oklahoma Fire Pension & Retirement System.
Does Norman require employees to live within the city limits?
No.
Do you have to have your EMT-Basic certification to apply?
No, but it is preferred that you have your EMT-Basic or higher certification.
What kinds of college credit hours are accepted to fulfill the minimum 30 hour requirement for the City of Norman Firefighter position?
It does not matter what college classes you have taken. As long as your college or university transcript shows that you have completed the required 30 hours of college credit from an accredited college or university, we will accept it.
What if my college credits or college hours are from an accredited technical or technology school. Are these accepted?
The City of Norman’s minimum requirements state that you must have a minimum of 30 semester college credit hours from an accredited college or university. We do not accept credit hours from technical institutes or technology centers. Ask your school if they are an accredited college or university.
Do I have to have my required college hours to apply for Firefighter recruit?
As long as you have the required 30 college credit hours by August 3, 2012, we will consider your application. As a supplement to your official transcript, you must include with your application a letter from your college/university stating how many hours of credit you are currently enrolled in and end of class date. You will be able to particpate in the recruitment process with the understanding that you must pass and possess 30 college credit hours by August 3, 2012.
What is an official transcript?
Your college or university must issue you an “official” transcript. These are normally stamped or have a seal on them, indicating they are issued as official transcripts from the school. If there is not stamp or seal, they are printed on watermarked or specially marked paper. We do not accept faxed, emailed or Xerox copies of transcripts.
When do I need to turn in my college transcript(s)?
An Official Transcript must be submitted no later than June 16, 2012.
Is there a study guide for the written examination?
Yes. Visit www.publicsafetyrecruitment.com. It is OPTIONAL - You do not need to purchase the study guide in order to pass the test. During an open active recruitment, there will be a discount code available at www.normanok.gov/content/fire-recruiting which can be applied toward the purchase of the National Firefighter Selection Inventory Study Guide. The Norman Public Library also has a few study guides available.
What are the requirements for the physical agility test?
During an open active recruitment, refer to the recruiting forms website, www.normanok.gov/content/fire-recruiting for all of the selection process information.
Candidates can learn the minimum requirements for repetitions and times at the optional physical agility information meeting scheduled on June 23, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Fire Training Center, 2207 Goddard Avenue in Norman, OK.
Where do you conduct the physical agility test?
The physical agility test is conducted at the Norman Optimist Gym, which is located at 1300 Lexington Avenue, Norman OK. The physical agility test will take place regardless of rain or high/ low temperatures.
If I recently tested at Eastern Oklahoma County Consortium (EOC), do I still need to take the Norman written exam and physical agility test?
Yes, each applicant will need to take our written exam and physical agility test.
Is there any consideration for alternate testing dates for applicants who live out-of-state or military members who are currently stationed out-of-country?
No. The schedule that we have included on our recruiting forms website details the available testing dates. Unfortunately, we are unable to schedule additional dates.
Are bonus points given out? (ie: Military service, volunteer firefighter service, etc.)
No
What is the anticipated starting date for the upcoming Norman Fire Academy?
Our anticipated starting date is September 12, 2012 (subject to change). During an open active recruitment, please refer to www.normanok.gov/content/fire-recruiting to view the Firefighter Recruitment & Hiring Schedule.
Where is the Norman Fire Academy held?
The Norman Fire Academy is held at the Norman Training Center, located at 2207 Goddard Avenue in Norman, Oklahoma.
How long does the Norman Fire Academy last?
The Norman Fire Academy lasts approximately 16 to 22 weeks.
How many Firefighter positions are available?
Fifteen (15) positions are available.
If I am currently a Firefighter with another agency, do I still have to attend the Norman Fire Academy if I am selected?
Yes. Currently, the Norman Fire Department does not have a lateral transfer program. All Firefighters hired must attend and pass our academy.
Does the City of Norman have a college incentive program?
Yes. Depending on your degree, you may be eligible to receive an additional monthly stipend. This monthly payment also applies to EMT and/or Fire Service certifications.
What are some of the benefits for Norman Firefighter Recruits?
- Sick leave is accrued at 16 shift hours per month.
- Vacation leave is accrued as follows:
- 0-60 months 14 hours per month
- 61-120 months 18 hours per month
- 121-180 months 20 hours per month
- 181 months and over 22 hours per month
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Group Health and Dental Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Tuition Assistance
- College Incentive Pay
- HAZMAT Pay
- Retirement
What is the base annual salary for a Firefighter Recruit?
- As of May 21, 2012 – $41,073
