The City of Upper Arlington is a premier, mostly residential community, centrally located within the Columbus, Ohio region. Reflective of the friendly, educated, family-oriented and engaged community that we serve, the City is committed to exceptional, innovative service delivery. Our goals extend beyond the basics, aspiring to make Upper Arlington one of the best communities in the U.S. – a place that is welcoming, inclusive and supportive for all who live here, work in or visit our community.
In community surveys, safety consistently ranks as a top priority and a primary reason residents choose to live here, and approximately half of the City’s annual operating budget is dedicated to our police and fire safety services. Considered one of the premier agencies in the region, our Fire Division prioritizes community engagement and education to provide the best care possible to residents through innovative programs and services. CARES, Community Assistance, Referrals and Education Services, is a paramedicine program that provides community-based healthcare, with our paramedics functioning outside their customary emergency response roles to educate and assist residents in health care issues, and developing useful collaborations with area providers. Career opportunities within the Fire Division are extensive.
Our organization adheres to the highest standards of professionalism and dedication to service. When combined with our commitment to creativity and engagement with the community, we need to attract the best employees from the widest set of backgrounds. We strive to be a diverse and supportive workplace where every employee can make a difference. As a result, we seek team members of the highest caliber, and we offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package for successful candidates.
Upper Arlington combines career with community and enables opportunities for growth through training and resources.
Whether you are a seasoned firefighter/paramedic at another agency or you are at the start of your career path, you won’t want to miss out on an opportunity to join Upper Arlington’s bravest!
Primary job responsibilities include fire, rescue, emergency medical ambulance transport (paramedic), hazardous materials response, USAR and a Community Paramedicine program. UAFD also responds to neighboring jurisdictions through automatic aid agreements.
Community relations activities are an integral part of how we provide service, building strong, respectful relationships with residents and businesses. Each year, Fire personnel undergo live fire and rescue training exercises, continuing education to maintain firefighting, EMT, paramedic and inspection certifications, and field exercises as part of the regional hazardous materials team.
- Paid Leave: Vacation, Sick, Personal, Holidays, Bereavement
- Health Insurance: Choice between Traditional PPO Plan and High Deductible Plan with a Health Savings Account
- Vision & Dental Insurance
- Excellent Pension Program
- Group Term Life Insurance: With option to purchase supplemental coverage
- Education Incentives
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Service Credit Compensation
- Deferred Compensation Savings Plans
- Wellness Program
- Employee Assistance Program
Applicants are required to submit scores from the National Testing Network (NTN).
Candidates MUST have a State of Ohio PARAMEDIC certification or National Registry EMT-P certification at time of employment. Paramedic students are encouraged to apply. Candidates must obtain and maintain State of Ohio PARAMEDIC certification as a condition of employment.
Salary Range: $66,694.70 – $105,173.86
The City of Upper Arlington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Questions? Email: [email protected] | Phone: 614-583-5100
Interested in a career with the Upper Arlington Fire Division? Apply for a Firefighter/Paramedic position today.
Testing is conducted nationally through the National Testing Network.
Candidates are responsible for the cost of the examination (currently $65.00) The written examination is worth 100% of the final grade on the eligible list.
Additional Points
- Military points: Applicants who have been honorably discharged, are on active duty, or in current reserve status are eligible for one (1) point. A copy of the applicant’s DD-214 or other official document verifying this information will be required.
- Educational points: Candidates will be awarded one (1) point for an Associate degree, two (2) points for a Bachelor’s degree, or three (3) points for a Master’s degree. A copy of a degree or transcript will be required.
- Lateral transfer from another agency points: Applicants who currently hold the position being applied for in good standing at another agency are eligible for five (5) points if they have served in that capacity for at least a year and hold the required certifications for the position. A letter of verification from the current employer will be required.
Candidates who pass the written examination will receive an invitation to participate in the physical ability test. The physical ability test is conducted by Fire Division staff who have received the proper training to conduct such an examination. The test is based on an externally validated, timed, physical ability test used for the selection of applicants. The process is based upon the essential functions employees must be able to perform as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
When all the successive steps are completed, the assistant fire chief will provide HR with a comprehensive list of the candidates and their status. HR compiles the scores from the written examination (the video portion). Additional points will be added per the Civil Service Rules.
Candidates who are on the certified Civil Service list will undergo a thorough background investigation to ensure they are qualified to become a Firefighter- Paramedic for the City of Upper Arlington.
Personal History Questionnaire
Candidates complete the personal history questionnaire online.
Background Investigation Process
The investigator(s) conducts a complete and thorough investigation of each applicant’s background to determine suitability for employment as a Firefighter/EMT-P. Applicants are required to sign a release form authorizing the background investigation. Investigators may contact family, friends, neighbors, current and former employers, fellow employees, school officials, physicians, firms with which they have done business, courts, credit agencies, local agencies, etc. as a part of this investigation. All candidates’ social media presence shall also be investigated during this process.
An in-depth interview should be held with the applicant and should take place at his/her current residence. As an intricate part of the background investigation, each applicant is asked to submit to a Computerized Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) or polygraph examination.
Information obtained through the background investigation is not confidential and is subject to public records requests. The completed background information is furnished to a Review Board who reviews the total application and makes a recommendation as to the candidate’s acceptability.
The top ranked candidates who have successfully completed all previous phases will participate in a Pre-Employment Panel. The results of the Oral Review Board will be forwarded to the Fire Chief, along with the complete background investigation packet.
The Fire Chief conducts an interview with the top candidates (the number to be interviewed shall remain within the Chief’s discretion based upon the number of vacancies available to fill). The City Manager makes the appointment after having reviewed the recommendation(s) of the Fire Chief.
Candidates selected by the Chief may be given a conditional offer contingent on passing physical and psychological examinations required by the Division.
Swearing in ceremony with City Manager and FIRE CHIEF.
