Fire Cadet Informational Session

The Fire Cadet program provides each Cadet with an opportunity to experience the challenges and rewards of becoming a Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician. Throughout the course of the two-year program each Cadet will have an opportunity to receive multiple certifications including Firefighter I & II, EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch) certifications.

Open application begins on September 12-18, 2022. You can find the application on www.governmentjobs.com.

Successful candidates will be required to complete a background check, drug test and interview. Candidates will also be required to pass a medical clearance due to the physical activities throughout the program.

Fire Cadets are not part of the IAFF union. This position is a non-competitive position which means there is not a civil service exam to complete like there is for the Career Firefighter position. After the completion of the 2-year program Fire Cadets are not guaranteed a position as a Columbus Firefighter, however the program is designed to help prepare you for the Firefighter Civil Service Exam.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. You must be 18 years of age or older

2. Have a H.S. Diploma or GED

3. Valid Driver license

The Fire Cadet program is a 2 year internship program where each Fire Cadet will work part-time, 35 hours a week. Fire Cadets will be paid at $14.45/hour – bi-weekly payroll under the Management Compensation Program. Fire Cadets will typically work Monday through Friday from 7:30am-3:30pm with a one hour unpaid lunch. Schedules may vary and consist of shift work and/or weekends during subsequent parts of the program. Fire Cadet Program is broken into 4 sections: EMS, Firefighter I & II, EMD/EFD, and Physical Training. After successful completion of these sections, a Fire Cadet will be certified nationally in each discipline.

Fire Cadets will not be eligible for vacation, holiday and/or sick leave benefits, however, Fire Cadets will receive three, four (4) -hour Personal Days which must be taken in four-hour increments. Paid Time off is to be used in lieu of sick leave or vacation time. Part-time employees are not paid for unworked holidays.

Text “FireCadet” to 888777 to be signed up for future communications!

Questions, contact the Recruitment Office @ 614-645-6387

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is the name of the Civil Service Classification for the Cadet Program?

Student Intern II.

2. When is the application filing period for this position?

September 12 – September 18, 2022 (11:59P.M.)

3. Will I have to pass a background check and take a drug test?

Yes, eligible candidates will have to pass a drug screen and criminal

background check.

4. What are the minimum qualifications to be eligible for the Cadet Program?

You must be eighteen years of age, have a GED or High School

diploma, and possess a valid driver’s license.

5. Is the position full-time or part-time?

Part-time

6. How many hours per week?

Cadets will work a 35 hour work week.

7. What are the work days/hours?

Initial training will be Monday through Friday from 7:30 am – 3:30 pm

with a one hour unpaid lunch. Schedules may vary and consist of

shift work and/or weekends during subsequent parts of the program.

8. Is this position in the IAFF union or other bargaining unit?

No. It is in the Management Compensation Plan.

9. What is the Hourly Pay Rate?

$14.45 per hour

10. How long is the program?

This is a two year program.

11. Can I stay in the program longer than two years?

No. The program is limited to two years only.

12. Will I be eligible for Vacation, Holiday and/or Sick leave benefits?

No. Cadets will receive three, four-hour, Personal Days which must

be taken in four-hour increments. Part-time employees are not paid

for unworked Holidays.

13. Will I be eligible for insurance benefits?

Not during the first year. However, you will be eligible for medical

and prescription insurance coverage at such time as you have

completed at least one of year of service and worked at least 1040

hours.

14. Will I be eligible for FMLA?

Not during the first year. However, you may be eligible for FMLA

after you have completed twelve months and worked 1250 hours.

15. Will I be eligible for Tuition Reimbursement?

No. Employees must be full-time to be eligible for the City’s tuition

reimbursement program.

16. What if I get injured? Will I be eligible for injury leave?

Yes. You will be eligible for a maximum of 40 workdays per calendar

year for on-the-job injuries, not to exceed a total of eighty (80)

workdays per injury.

17. What certifications or qualifications will I have at the conclusion of the program?

The Cadet Program is broken into 4 sections: EMS, Firefighter I and

II, EMD/EFD, and Physical Training. After successful completion of

these sections, a cadet can be certified as a National: EMT-Basic,

Firefighter I & II, and EMD/EFD.

18. Will I automatically become a Firefighter at the end of the program?

No. The Cadet program is designed to help prepare you for the Civil

Service examination as well as pass the medical and background

screening process and be reachable on the Firefighter eligible list.

19. Will I be issued a uniform?

Yes. Cadets will be issued uniforms consisting of boots, belt, blue

pants and gray polo style shirts.

20. How will I know what’s expected of me during training?

The Instructors will issue standards of conduct and grooming to

each of the Cadets. Cadets will be expected to follow the same

Division of Fire standards as Recruit Firefighters.

Please contact Ashley Kell with any questions at [email protected]

We appreciate your interested in our Fire Cadet program!

Applications will be accepted September 12th through September 18th, 2022 via www.governmentjobs.com. Search Student Intern II to enroll!

Please don’t forget to register your contact information on Everbridge to receive updates.

Text “FireCadet” to 888777 to be signed up for future communications!

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