The Upper Arlington Fire Division provides fire-fighting, emergency medical, rescue, and hazardous materials response for the community. There are also a variety of non-emergency programs available to assist the public, including fire prevention, smoke detector service, blood pressure screening, carbon monoxide testing, fire inspections, station and truck tours, and public speaking requests.
National Testing Network: The City of Upper Arlington's Firefighter/Paramedic Exam is currently
OPEN until Sunday, September 20th, 2026. Testing will be continuous through this period and names will be pulled from the list as vacancies occur in the Fire Division. Candidates with the highest scores will be invited to participate in the next phase of the process. All applicants must register and take the exam through National Testing Network. Please visit National Testing Network to sign up for the written exam and review more information regarding the hiring process.
NTN Scores must be valid at the time of hire, anticipated late 2026.
Each applicant must receive the minimum score in each section of the test:
Human Relations: 70%
Reading: 80%
Math: 70%
Mechanical:60%
Upper Arlington Fire Division applicants are NOT required to take Part 2 of the Public Safety Self-Assessment Score. Part 2 of the Public Safety Self-Assessment Score is not considered regarding your final score for the position of firefighter-paramedic with the Upper Arlington Fire Division.
**Lateral Candidates can choose to participate in the written examination. If you choose not to take the exam, you will proceed to the next step with the lowest examination score. You will still be eligible to earn additional points under City of Upper Arlington’s Civil Service Commission Rules, and can be found below in the Additional Points section.
Physical Ability Testing Information: The physical ability practice and test sessions will be invitation-only based on candidates successfully passing the NTN entry examination. Physical Ability Testing is
tentatively scheduled for the week of October 18th, 2026. Candidates will have several dates to choose from and will also have the chance to visit Station 72 for practice sessions. Candidates will receive instructions via e-mail regarding the location and how to sign up for open time slots for the practice and test sessions once we have received their passing scores.
Salary Information: City of Upper Arlington offers competitive wages and benefits which start on your first day of employment.
2026 Annual Rates (based on 53/hour work weeks)
Step A: $70,362.94 (first 6 months)
Step B: $91,559.68
Step C: $98,713.60
Step D: $110,958.55
Step A is the entry step for an original appointment. Advancement to succeeding steps occurs after twelve months of continuous service at each step.
Candidates with full-time Fire and EMS experience will be considered for Step B or C appointments on a case-by-case basis.
Benefits Information: Full benefits; vacation, medical, dental, life insurance, participation in Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund (OP&F), deferred compensation / 457 plan options
Department Overview: The Upper Arlington Fire Division is a full-time fire department that provides all-hazard emergency response within the City of Upper Arlington and portions of Perry Township. Services 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. The UAFD provides a variety of non-emergency services to the public, including fire prevention inspections and fire code enforcement, fire safety education, and smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm checks and installations.
City Information: Upper Arlington is premier residential suburb within the Columbus metro area with close proximity to The Ohio State University and downtown Columbus.
Size: 10 square miles - Population: 34,675
Job Requirements & Hiring Process: Those interested in the position of City of Upper Arlington Firefighter/Paramedic must meet a number of basic requirements. These include, but are not limited to the following.
The applicant must:
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Be eighteen (18) years of age at the time of appointment
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Have a high school diploma or equivalent
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Possess a valid Ohio driver's license at time of appointment
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Possess a valid State of Ohio EMT-Paramedic certification at time of appointment. Candidates may be apply if enrolled in Paramedic school and anticipate having their EMT-Paramedic certification by the time they are appointed.
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Have an acceptable driving record. Charges of Driving Under Suspension (DUS), Driving Under the Influence (DUI), and/or Hit-Skip may disqualify the candidate from consideration.
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Not have been convicted of or admitted to the commission of a felony
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Not have been convicted of or admitted to a domestic related crime of violence
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Successfully pass the written Civil Service Examination at National Testing Network
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Meet stringent physical requirements that include, but are not limited to: vision correctable to 20/20, the ability to pass a thorough physical examination which includes but is not limited to a stress test, hearing test, and a drug screening test, and possess the physical ability and agility to perform the duties of a Firefighter/Paramedic, including passing a physical agility test for admittance to the Ohio Fire Academy.
As vacancies occur, a list of current eligible names will be pulled from the NTN website. Those with the highest scores will be invited to the next phase of the process, the physical agility test. The physical agility test is administered by the Upper Arlington Fire Division. This is a pass/fail test and candidates are required to successfully pass it in order to proceed to the background investigation phase.
Additional Points: Additional points can be added to your scoring for the eligibility list based on the City’s Civil Service Rules and Regulations. Candidates are responsible for providing documentation in order to receive these points. These documents may be submitted electronically prior to attendance at the physical ability test or submitted in person on the day of the physical ability test. No late submissions can be accepted.
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Military Points: Applicants who have been honorably discharged, are on active duty, or are 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
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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.
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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 5 years and hold the required certifications for the position. A letter of verification from the current employer will be required.
Candidates who pass both the entry exam and the physical ability test are then placed on the Civil Service list and will proceed to the background investigation phase as vacancies occur.
Background Investigation: Candidates 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.
This process includes, but is not limited to, the steps listed below:
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The candidate will complete a comprehensive personal history questionnaire
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Each candidate will complete and sign a personal inquiry waiver granting permission for the investigator to request personal and professional information deemed important to the selection process.
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The investigator will conduct a review of the candidate’s prior employment history, military service, financial records, educational records, and other information contained within the questionnaire to ensure that all information is complete and accurate and that there are no misunderstandings between the applicant and the investigator.
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The candidate’s criminal history will be researched
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Once all required forms and preliminary information have been obtained, the investigator will conduct an in-depth background investigation. This will include contacting friends, family, business associates, past and present employers, and any other resources necessary to establish the credibility of the applicant
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When the initial phase of the background investigation is completed, the candidate must submit to a computer voice stress analysis (CVSA) examination or polygraph examination. This examination will verify the truthfulness of the information the candidate provided to the background investigator
Please be advised, under Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 149, ALL material contained within a background investigation is public information and, therefore, must be released to any person making a public records request.
Oral Review Board:The top-ranked candidates who have successfully completed all previous phases will participate in an Oral Board Interview. The Fire Chief will determine the number of candidates invited to participate in the Oral Board Interviews. This is typically ten, in accordance with Civil Service Rule 8.B.1. (AKA the Rule of 10).
Each candidate will be notified when and where he/she is scheduled to appear in front of the Oral Board. An invitation to appear in front of the Oral Board will be based on the candidate’s ranking on the Eligibility List. After receiving an invitation, the candidate MUST successfully complete the Oral Board in order to be considered for a position as an Upper Arlington Firefighter-Paramedic.
The Fire Chief selects the members of the Oral Board. Those serving on the Oral Board are not limited to sworn members of the Fire Division. The results of the Oral Board will be forwarded to the Fire Chief, along with the complete background investigation packet.
Conditional Offer of Employment: Once a candidate is selected and offered a conditional offer of employment, the selected individual will:
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Participate in an interview with the Fire Chief to be eligible for employment.
The Fire Chief will use Civil Service Rule 8.B.1. (known as the Rule of 10) to select a candidate(s) to be given a Conditional Offer of Employment. -
Undergo a rigorous medical/physical examination, which includes, but is not limited to, a stress test, hearing test, and drug screen results. This examination will also confirm that the selected individual has eyesight, or corrected eyesight, that meets the standards set by the Fire Division. The physical will establish that the candidate is medically able to perform the fundamental duties of a Firefighter-Paramedic safely.
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Candidates being considered for a conditional offer of employment must undergo a series of psychological examinations to determine if the applicant is psychologically and emotionally suitable to perform the duties and accept the responsibilities as a Firefighter-Paramedic.
Upon passing all steps in the hiring process and in accordance with Civil Service Rule 8.B.1. (Rule of 10) candidates selected for employment will be given a date to begin his/her first day of employment as a Firefighter-Paramedic with the City of Upper Arlington.
Basic Training: The candidate MUST successfully complete, or have completed, a basic firefighter training course approved by the Fire Chief. This process is as follows:
All applicants not currently certified as a firefighter II will be required to attend and successfully complete the Ohio Firefighter Level II course, as designated by the Fire Chief. Should the candidate fail to graduate from the academy with all required certifications for any reason, including but not limited to academic standards, physical fitness standards, or any violation of honor, his/her employment with the Fire Division will be terminated.
All applicants not currently certified as a firefighter II in Ohio will be required to obtain the Ohio FFII certification through reciprocity or attend and successfully complete the Ohio Firefighter Level II course as described above.
Disqualification: Reasons for disqualification of the applicant during any phase of the hiring process or background investigation are listed within the Civil Service Rules (Rule 6D). Any candidate not selected for appointment may reapply for future positions six months from the date last examined.
Additional Information: Once a candidate is certified on the Civil Service list for Firefighter-Paramedic, the candidate will remain active for one (1) year. The candidate certification may be extended any length of time up to a maximum of one (1) additional year if requested by the Fire Chief and approved by the Civil Service Commission.
The application process and testing procedures fall under the explicit control of the Upper Arlington Civil Service Commission. All questions concerning the testing process should be directed to April Gregory, Human Resources Administrator for the City of Upper Arlington [email protected]
All questions concerning the Fire Division, policies, and/or procedures of operations, benefits, salaries, job positions, and any other related topics should be directed to the Upper Arlington Fire Division. Applications containing minor omissions will be routinely processed if such deficiencies can be corrected before the oral board interview process.
Please direct all questions regarding testing or testing dates to Customer Support at National Testing Network at 1-866-563-3882. If you have any other questions regarding the hiring process, please [email protected]
Under general supervision of the Lieutenant, performs fire suppression, prevention, fire investigation, emergency medical, recordkeeping, facility, equipment, supplies, and continuing education functions; performs other related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: For purposes of 42 USC 12101:
1. Performs fire suppression and prevention functions; makes openings in burning buildings for ventilation and entry; responds to fire alarms; lays and connects hose lines; operates nozzles directing water streams; operates portable chemical fire extinguisher, axes, claw tools, and other equipment; performs salvage operations at fire scenes (e.g., covering furniture, mopping floors, cleaning debris, etc.); drives and operates all vehicles (e.g., pump and ladder trucks, aerial bucket truck, automobiles, etc.); operates fire suppression equipment; raises and climbs ladders; prevents the spread of fire and protects property from water damage; tests fire hose for condition and strength; tests fire hydrants for flow, pressure, condition, accessibility, and location; assumes command of fire or emergency scene in absence of an officer (e.g., evaluates situation, determines appropriate methods and procedures to be used, directs and coordinates activities of firefighters and other agencies on scene, etc.); administers pre fire planning program (e.g., pre attack plans, target hazards, etc.); communicates with dispatcher and safety personnel in person and via two way radio.
2. Performs emergency medical functions; responds to rescue calls; performs fire and emergency rescue activities; removes persons from emergency situations; administers emergency first aid treatment to injured persons; stabilizes injured or ill persons; administers cardiopulmonary resuscitation; operates emergency medical equipment.
3. Performs fire investigation functions; investigates fires of suspicious or undetermined origin; communicates with owners, tenants, known adversaries of owners or tenants, neighbors, etc.; searches fire scenes for clues and evidence; reconstructs fire origin and traces fire patterns; secures fire scenes.
4. Performs recordkeeping functions; prepares periodic reports for external agencies (e.g., news media); maintains record of work completed; maintains inventory records.
5. Performs facility, equipment, and supplies functions; performs periodic inspections of facility and equipment; maintains inventory of equipment and supplies; performs preventative maintenance, minor repairs, and routine cleaning and maintenance of facility, grounds, and equipment.
6. May assist the state Arson Investigator in performing fire investigations functions; requests data and information checks by police department; prepares and maintains documentation of investigations; testifies in court; collects, records, and preserves evidence for laboratory analysis; utilizes a variety of investigative equipment to perform duties.
7. Maintains licenses and certifications as required, if any.
8. Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.
9. Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable OSHA safety standards that pertain to essential functions.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
10. Performs other duties as required. (5%)
NOTE: All applicants MUST register for and take the written civil service examination with National Testing Network (www.nationaltestingnetwork.com). A detailed description of the hiring process is on our page on the National Testing Network website.
Questions regarding registration/testing dates with National Testing Network should be directed to 1-866-563-3882.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: (* indicates developed after employment)
Knowledge of: *firefighting principles, practices and safety; tools, equipment and instruments *utilized in firefighting operations; *geographical layout of municipality; *emergency medical practices and procedures; *operation or utilization of emergency medical equipment and materials; routine custodial and building and grounds maintenance methods, procedures and equipment; city fire safety codes; inspection techniques; *public relations; department policies and procedures.
Skill in: motor vehicle operation; use and operation of a wide variety of fire apparatus and equipment; computer operation; communication and paging equipment.
Ability to: exercise sound judgment under stressful circumstances; perform heavy manual tasks for varied periods of time under possibly dangerous conditions; follow oral and written instructions; develop and maintain working relationships with associates and the general public; detect minor equipment malfunctions and determine proper method of repair; collect, analyze, interpret, and record data; identify existing or potential problem areas and recommend corrective measures; communicate effectively in verbal form; demonstrate physical endurance; perform heavy manual labor for extended periods of time in often adverse conditions; travel to and gain access to work site.
EQUIPMENT USED: The following are examples only and are not intended to be all inclusive.
Fire trucks, aerial and ground ladders, pumps, generators, axes, ropes, bolt cutters, power tools, miscellaneous hand tools, breathing packs, foam generating equipment, and emergency medical equipment.
INHERENTLY HAZARDOUS OR PHYSICALLY DEMANDING WORKING CONDITIONS:
The employee: has exposure to chemical compounds found in an office environment (e.g., toner, correction fluid, etc.); works in the vicinity of floor or wall openings, elevated platforms, and/or runways; ascends and/or descends ladders, stairs, or scaffolds; works in an area in which means of egress is or can be obstructed; works on and around powered platforms and/or vehicle mounted platforms; is exposed to environmental conditions which may result in injury from fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and/or poorly ventilated work areas; exposed to possible injury from extremely noisy conditions above 85dB (use of fire apparatus, cleaning/inspecting power equipment); is exposed to possible injury from radiation, hazardous gases, chemicals, flammables, air contaminants, hazardous waste, unclean or unsanitary conditions, electrical shock; is exposed to possible injury from explosions and/or falling from high places; works in or around crowds; has contact with potentially violent or emotionally distraught persons or vicious animals or life threatening situations; has exposure to fire, hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy weather conditions; exerts 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than 20 pounds of force constantly while lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects.
Note: In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this is considered very heavy work.
CITY VALUES: Incumbent must model the following established city values: teamwork/collaboration, integrity, service, leadership, communication, growth, professionalism and ethics.
