1. Is there a written exam as part of the hiring process? 
No. MFD does not hold a written exam as part of our hiring process.

2. Is there a physical test as part of the hiring process? 
No. Only once a conditional job offer is received, would a new hire need to take and pass a physical exam which is administered by the department physician. This includes a blood draw and stress test. 

3. Is there an age limit to apply?
Applicants must be at least 18 years older to apply. 

4. Does MFD hire women?
Yes!

5. Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
U.S. Citizenship is not required to apply. However, candidates must have the proper status (green card, work visa, etc.) to work legally in the United States.

6. How do I receive Veterans Credit in the testing process?
On your application, make sure you select Veterans Preference. It is also recommended to attach a copy of you DD214 to your application. 

7. What happens if I am successful in the review and interview processes and my name is placed on an eligibility list? 
When the needs of the Department dictate, the top candidates on the eligibility list will move to the next step in the selection process. Candidates will remain on the eligible list for 12 months. 

Recruit Firefighter

• At least 18 years old;
• High School Diploma or GED;
• Valid state-issued license;
• Possession and maintenance of Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic certification, OR, current National Registry (NR) EMT, NR Advanced EMT, or NR Paramedic Certification with the ability to become an Idaho State certified EMS provider before a conditional job offer of employment is extended;
• CPR certification;
• Paramedics must have valid American Heart Association (AHA) ACLS and PALS certifications;
• Be able to meet physical fitness standards;

Lateral Firefighter

• At least 18 years old;
• High School Diploma or GED;
• Valid state-issued license;
• Possession and maintenance of Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic certification, OR, current National Registry (NR) EMT, NR Advanced EMT, or NR Paramedic Certification with the ability to become an Idaho State certified EMS provider before a conditional job offer of employment is extended;
• CPR certification;
• Paramedics must have valid American Heart Association (AHA) ACLS and PALS certifications;
• Two (2) years’ experience as a career full time paid Firefighter EMT/Paramedic with a Municipal Fire Department or District;
• Prior Fire Academy completion or experience that meets a Firefighter I level of training or possess an IFSAC/Pro-Board accredited Firefighter I certification; 
• Be able to meet physical fitness standards

1. Do I need an EMT license to apply?
Applicants must have an EMT license prior to interviews.

2. What if I have an EMT license from another state?
Any current, state-issued EMT license is acceptable. If hired you will have the ability to gain reciprocity once the academy starts.

3. Do I have to have a National Registry?
Current NR must be held by the time a conditional offer of employment is made. 

4. Do I need a state EMT license and National Registry? 
Applicants must posses either a state EMT license OR National Registry, with the ability to become a State of Idaho certified EMS provider before a conditional job offer of employment is extended. 

1. Do I need a valid Idaho State license to apply?
No. Any valid, state-issued license is acceptable to apply. 

1. How long is the academy?
Entry Level Academy is 16-18 weeks and our Lateral Academy is 5-6 weeks.

2. What is the work schedule during the academy?
40 hour work week, M-F.

3. How many Recruit/Lateral positions is MFD hiring for?
Number of positions being hired for depends on our departments needs at the time of recruitment. Past openings have been anywhere between 1 to 16.

4. Where is the academy held?
Our academy takes place at our Public Safety Training Center and Station 1.

5. Is the Recruit Academy paid?
Yes. Once a person is extended an official job offer they are a City of Meridian employee, they are paid as such. 

1. What is the work schedule for MFD?
48/96 shift schedule. 48 hours on, 96 hours off. Recruits who successful pass the academy are assigned to A, B, or C shifts.

2. Does MFD have incentive pay programs?
Yes! We offer incentive pay in addition to base wages for educational degrees, EMT-Advanced and Paramedic certifications. Additional incentive pay is available once new hires pass probationary status. 

3. What is your current staffing model?
We currently staff 3 personnel on the engines and 4 personnel on the trucks. 

1. Do I have to be in good shape to be a Firefighter? 
Yes. Firefighters are members of one of the most physically demanding occupations in the world. You must be in top physicals condition to perform the tasks required of a Firefighter. 

2. What are the physical fitness requirements for firefighters? 
Firefighting is a physically intensive career. Firefighters, just like law enforcement officers and military personnel, are considered "occupational athletes." Firefighters are regularly expected to lift 50-100lbs; push, pull, drag, and carry heavy and uneven weights, lift heavy objects overhead, climb stairs and complete physically difficult tasks in 50lbs of gear, and move through small spaces. There are many different ways to train to be a firefighter, and there is no one "right way" as every individual is different.

3. What does MFDs physical fitness test consist of?
The first week of the academy MFD Recruits complete a PT Evaluation. This includes: 1.5 mile urn, max push-ups in 2 minutes, max sit-ups in 2:00 minutes, and max pull-ups in 2:00 minutes. 

4. What kind of nutrition plan should I follow?
We recommend taking a look at the nutrition guide from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). 

1. Does MFD offer ride-alongs?
Yes. You can apply for a ride along here. To be eligible for a ride-along participants must not have applied for the most current round of applications.  

2. Who do I address my cover letter to?
“To Meridian Fire Department.”

3. Will a felony or misdemeanor conviction disqualify me from the application process?
Per City of Meridian Policy Handbook; "Should a criminal background check provide information relating to previous convictions of one or more felonies and/or misdemeanors, the Human Resource Director or designee shall review all pertinent information and recommend to the hiring department director whether or not to proceed with the hiring decision. Prior convictions do not automatically disqualify an individual from employment. However, special review and consideration will be made to ensure the safe and secure working environment of the City, its employees and facilities, and the public. The Human Resources Director may consult with Legal as part of the review process, if appropriate.

The Policy Handbook also states; "If the background check uncovers any misrepresentation on the application, transfer form, or information indicating the individual is not suited for employment, an offer will be withdrawn." 

4. Will tattoos affect my chances of getting hired?
Tattoos are allowed. However, per department policy, the display of any unprofessional or offensive tattoos is prohibited.

5. Will colorblindness disqualify me? Is there a vision requirement/limitation? 
Colorblindness will not disqualify a candidate from the application process. An eye exam will be administered by our department physician during a candidate's physicals exam. 

Meridian Firefighters Local 4627

Professional Firefighters of Idaho

West Ada School District