Chief of Fire - Examination

Description

• Experience Evaluation: Applicant's grade will be determined based on Education, Training and Experience found in Application & Resume. Candidates will be scored based on their experience and education as well as any certificates or licenses they possess. Please note that routine internal training provided by the Division to maintain certification will not be included in the scoring. Only training beyond that required to maintain certification will be given credit. Candidates should list that additional training in their resume or other document. The Civil Service Commission reserves the right to review and evaluate any and all information contained in the application or resume. Lack of honesty will result in immediate removal from the eligible list.
• Leadership Assessment: Each applicant will complete a battery of Internet-based evaluation tools that assess how the person would behave and perform in this position. The battery will be administered by PRADCO, and will include:

• Quick View TM Leadership II Assessment. This assessment contains behavioral statements and responses in a format designed to test crucial leadership and other behaviors;
• Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal, an online assessment that measures logical reasoning; and
• PRADCO Survey, comprised of open-ended questions and exercises to give candidates a chance to demonstrate their motivation, work approach, interpersonal style, and decision making and judgment.

Examples of Duties

Under administrative direction, is responsible for the activities of the Division of Fire. Supervises and administers the enforcing of ordinances, rules, and regulations concerning the extinguishing and prevention of fires. Supervises and directs the work of employees of the Division of Fire. Performs related duties as required. Follows all operations and safety policies and safe work practices. Attends and participates in operations and safety training classes and demonstrates competence (demonstration of competence may be determined by exam). Wears and properly utilizes safety equipment in accordance with Divisional policy at all times.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENTRANCE TO THIS EXAMINATION AS ESTABLISHED BY THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CLEVELAND ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Must hold regular appointment in the rank of Battalion Chief or Assistant Chief for one (1) year at the time of filing to participate in this promotional examination.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY TIME SERVED DURING A TEMPORARY PROMOTION STATUS WILL NOT QUALIFY AN APPLICANT FOR THIS POSITION.

NOTE: All copies of diplomas, licenses, certificates, and resumes must be attached to the online application or delivered to Civil Service electronically to CS@clevelandohio.gov no later than the close of the filling period listed above.

NOTE: Any applicant who resigns or is separated from employment with the City of Cleveland will have his/her name removed from continuing in the process and from the eligible list.

Supplemental Information

WAIVER OF RULES

4.40-B PASSING GRADE

The waiver of this Rule will allow the Civil Service Commission to set the minimum passing score based on acceptable testing criteria.

APPLICABLE RULES

The following Rules will be applicable to this examination:

4.40-A WEIGHTS

Experience Evaluation – 10% of final grade

Leadership Assessment – 60% of final grade

Structured Interview – 30% of final grade

4.40-C SENIORITY CREDIT

Applicants obtaining passing grades in promotional examinations shall have added to their passing grades, credit for seniority. Such credit shall be for all service rendered, pursuant to Regular appointment in all classifications which are lower in rank and which are considered in the direct line of promotion. The amount of such credit shall be obtained by allowing an amount for each month of an applicant’s prior regular service. When such prior service has been interrupted by service in the Armed Forces of the United States, seniority credit shall be granted for the time so served. No additional credit for military service shall be allowed in promotional examinations; time lost for leaves of absence, other than military, as a result of disciplinary action, or any other time during which an employee is off the City payroll (e.g. AWOL, layoff, suspension) shall not be credited toward seniority.

NOTE: Seniority will be computed as of MARCH 5, 2026.

5.11 BREAKING OF EXAMINATION TIE SCORES

In a promotional examination, should two (2) or more applicants receive the same grade, seniority in the classification from which the promotion is sought shall determine the order in which their names shall be placed on the eligible list.

A. If the applicants are still tied after the aforementioned seniority has been considered, then the grades received by the applicants in the examination from which appointments to the rank from which promotion is sought shall be used to determine the order of placement on the eligible list.

B. If the applicants are still tied after all lower ranks have been considered, then rank will be determined by random selection.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

• Candidates will not be quizzed or tested on specific policies, rules or General Orders of the Division of Fire or of the City of Cleveland; however, references to any such items may be appropriate in responses to the interview questions or other steps in the process.

• Candidates will NOT be permitted to use any reference sources or other documents of any kind during any part of the examination steps described above.

• NO electronic equipment will be allowed at any of the examination steps, including pagers, tablets, cellphones, laptops, etc.

• Candidates will NOT be responsible for revisions that occur to any Divisional policies or Orders after the date of this examination announcement.

• More information about the examination procedures may be provided in future announcements or communications.

The City of Cleveland makes available a variety of benefit options depending upon your employment status and any applicable union membership. In general, benefit options include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription medical and life insurance. Specific information regarding benefit eligibility will be discussed and reviewed at the time of hire.