The City of Upper Arlington, centrally located in the Columbus, Ohio region, is a premier, family-oriented community committed to exceptional service. Reflective of the friendly, educated, family-oriented and engaged community that we serve, the City is committed to providing exceptional and innovative 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 where paramedics go beyond emergency response to provide healthcare education, assist residents, and collaborate with local providers. Programs like this create extensive and rewarding career opportunities within the Fire Division.
We are dedicated to professionalism, creativity, and fostering a diverse, supportive workplace where employees can thrive. Join our team to make a difference, enjoy competitive salaries, and benefit from a comprehensive package.
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.
2025 Salary Range
$66,694.70 – $105,173.86 (based on 53/hour work weeks)
- 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
Make a bold next step into a rewarding career with Upper Arlington Fire Division!
- The Upper Arlington Fire Division hosts multiple hiring cycles throughout the calendar year. If you’re seeking information on when the next hiring cycle will take place, please contact hr@uaoh.net.
- Applicants are required to submit scores from the National Testing Network.
- Lateral candidates will have specific instructions
- If you’ve already submitted your scores through NTN or are a lateral who has decided not to take the test, an application through the ‘Apply Today’ link will need to be submitted.
- 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.
- Questions? Email: fire@uaoh.net | Phone: (614) 583-5100
The City of Upper Arlington is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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.
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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.
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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.
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The top-ranked candidates who have successfully completed all previous phases will participate in an interview with the Fire Division Oral Review Board. The Oral Review Board consists of sworn members of the Fire Division who ask the same structured questions to each candidate. The results of the Oral Review Board will be forwarded to the Fire Chief, along with the complete background investigation packet.
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The Chief’s Interview is held between the Fire Chief and the eligibility lists’ top candidates (the number of those interviewed shall remain within the Chief’s discretion based upon the number of vacancies available to fill).
Using the information collected during the Oral Board Interview and the Chief’s Interview, the Chief will send appointment recommendations to the City Manager, the appointing authority.
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Candidates selected by the Chief and City Manager will be given a conditional job offer to ensure they complete physical and psychological examinations required by the Division. The offer letter will be contingent upon successful completion of necessary pre-employment screening.
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After the successful completion of preliminary examinations, candidates will be sworn in by the City Manager and Fire Chief.
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