Entry Level Firefighter

The City of Altoona, PA Fire Department is currently seeking applications for the position of Entry Level Firefighter. As an Entry Level Firefighter, you will play a vital role in protecting and serving the community.

Job Responsibilities:

Respond to emergency calls including fires, accidents, medical emergencies, and hazardous materials incidents

Operate firefighting and rescue equipment to extinguish fires, perform search and rescue operations, and provide emergency medical services

Participate in ongoing training and education to maintain and improve skills

Perform routine inspections and maintenance of firefighting equipment and facilities

Work as part of a team to ensure the safety of the community and fellow firefighters

If you have a passion for serving the community, we encourage you to apply for the position of Entry Level Firefighter with the City of Altoona.

Requirements

Must be a US citizen and at least 18 years old at the time of application

Must have graduated from an accredited high school or have a Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED)

Must have a valid state driver's license

Must be able to pass a background investigation and drug screening

Must be physically and mentally fit to perform the essential duties of a firefighter as determined by successfully completing the physical agility test and physical examination.

Applications must be completed and submitted with a copy of your valid state driver's license and applicable military documentation by Noon on Friday, September 19, 2025; at which time the application becomes property of the City of Altoona. All previous applicants will be required to reapply and repeat the application process in order to be considered for employment.

The Physical Agility test will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2025; or Sunday, September 28, 2025, if an additional date is needed.

Individuals who pass the Physical Agility Test will participate in the Written Exam on Saturday, October 11, 2025. A minimum score of 70% must be achieved on the Written Exam in order to advance to an Oral Interview.

Applicants extended a preconditional offer of employment with the City of Altoona must provide copies of background clearances for the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History, Pennsylvania Criminal Record Check, and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal Background Check at his/her own expense.

FIREFIGHTER PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST DETAILS:

Part I: Five task circuit course that must be completed in seven and a half (7 ) minutes or less. All Part I tasks will be completed while wearing a fifty (50) pound weight vest, helmet, gloves and safety glasses.

TASK ONE - STAIR CLIMB - Start in Basement

The candidate carries a high-rise pack consisting of two (2) fifty (50) foot sections of 1 " hose with nozzle and adapter to the top of the stair/hose tower - approximately fifty (50) feet, or seventy-three (73) steps. The candidate may skip steps while climbing. The clock will start as soon as the candidate touches the pack.

TASK TWO - HOSE HOIST - Second Floor Landing

At the top of the hose tower stair, the candidate places the high-rise pack in the area indicated, then descends approximately forty (40) steps to the second-floor landing. The candidate must contact every step while descending. Utilizing a rope, the candidate pulls a fifty (50) foot section of rolled 2 " hose up from the base of the tower.

TASK THREE - FORCIBLE ENTRY - Apparatus Bay

The candidate descends steps making sure that he/she comes in contact with each step. The candidate walks to the next station and utilizes a Keiser Force Machine, wielding a nine (9) pound dead blow sledge hammer to drive a beam five (5) feet horizontally while straddling the beam.

TASK FOUR - HOSE ADVANCE - ATFCC Lot

The candidate walks approximately one-hundred forty (140) feet from the previous task and moves a fully charged 1 " x 100 hose-line seventy-five (75) feet until the nozzle crosses a designated line and briefly opens the nozzle to flow water before placing it in the area marked on the ground.

TASK FIVE - VICTIM RESCUE - ATFCC Lot

The candidate then moves a one-hundred seventy-five (175) pound rescue mannequin thirty-five (35) feet and thirty-five (35) feet back and completely across the finish line. This is the finish line for the circuit course and the clock will be stopped for the final time score.

PART II: Aerial ladder climb that must be completed in seven (7) minutes or less.

TASK - AERIAL LADDER CLIMB

A one-hundred (100) foot aerial ladder will be extended to eighty-five (85) feet for climbing.

Angle of climb will be sixty (60) degrees.

Time will start when the candidate places his/her first foot on the first rung to begin his/her climb.

The candidate will ascend the ladder until he/she touches the top rung.

Time will continue until the candidate descends the ladder and steps on the flat surface (turntable) at the base of the ladder. At this time, the clock will be stopped for the timed score.

Benefits

The City of Altoona offers a comprehensive benefit package outlined in the IAFF Local 299 Collective Bargaining Agreement; available on the City's website at

The City of Altoona, PA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.