Firefighter Candidate

City of Dearborn Career•Dearborn, MI

About The Position

The Firefighter Candidate is an entry-level firefighter position for an individual who, at the time of hire, does not have all licenses and certifications required for the Firefighter I position. Candidates are considered firefighters in training and may not be assigned or permitted to perform emergency response duties until they successfully transition to the Firefighter I classification. Candidates are probationary employees, and the working test period is part of the examination process. Upon successful completion of the required Michigan Firefighter I and II certifications and Paramedic license, candidates automatically transition into a Dearborn Fire Department Firefighter I position. The starting salary, as of 11/1/26, is $71,966 per year. Candidates licensed as Michigan Paramedics must obtain Michigan Firefighter I and II certification within nine months of hire. Candidates certified as Firefighter I and II and licensed as EMT-B must become licensed Paramedics within 24 months of hire. The City of Dearborn covers the costs of this training. Applicants must pass an oral examination, psychological evaluation, pre-employment physical, drug screen, criminal history check, and background investigation. They must also provide proof of a passing CPAT or OPAT certification at interview and hire. The physical ability test is pass/fail and consists of eight events assessing the physical aspects of firefighter work.

Requirements

Be a licensed EMT-Basic in Michigan or scheduled to take the exam, and hold Michigan Firefighter I and II certification; or be a licensed Michigan Paramedic or scheduled to take the exam.
Hold current CPAT or OPAT certification and provide proof of a passing test at interview and hire.
Have a valid Michigan driver license and a good driving record.
Graduate from an accredited high school or have a GED equivalent.
Be a U.S. citizen.
Attach copies of licenses and certifications to the online application.
Pass the oral examination with a minimum score of 70% to be placed on the eligible list.
Pass a psychological evaluation, pre-employment physical, drug screen, criminal history check, and background investigation.
If licensed as a Paramedic, obtain Michigan Firefighter I and II certification within nine months of hire.
If certified as Firefighter I and II and licensed as EMT-B, obtain a Michigan Paramedic license within 24 months of hire.