The Human Resources Division Announces
DEPARTMENTAL PROMOTIONAL EXAMINATION TO FIRE LIEUTENANT
Belmont FIRE Department ANNOUNCEMENT #7034

Last date for filing applications:  OCTOBER 12, 2010			Examination Date:  NOVEMBER 20, 2010

$250.00 Examination application fee required.	 Please file early.
	Apply on-line with Visa or Mastercard at http://www.csexam.hrd.state.ma.us/hrd/

Money orders and certified bank checks accepted when applying by mail.	                  No cash or personal checks.

ELIGIBILITY:  To be eligible for this examination you must be an employee in the Belmont Fire Department with permanent civil service status in the below listed title(s) (“qualifying title”).  You are also required to have been employed in the qualifying (eligible) title after certification from a civil service list, on a permanent or temporary civil service basis for twelve months preceding the examination date.  A combination of temporary and permanent service can be applied towards meeting this twelve month requirement.  Time you spent on the certification leading to your permanent or temporary appointment to your qualifying title may be counted toward the twelve month requirement.  (Time spent on an eligible list does not count toward promotional eligibility.)  However, you must have permanent civil service status in a qualifying title as of the date of the examination in order to be eligible.  Time spent pursuant to a temporary or provisional appointment in a higher title will not interrupt the service period in your permanent position. 

ELIGIBLE TITLE
FIREFIGHTER

SALARY:  Questions regarding salary should be directed to the Appointing Authority. 

DUTIES: Under the general supervision of a fire officer of a higher grade, carries out the following tasks:  Size-up:  Evaluates the incident scene to determine initial, as well as subsequent actions to be taken, as a fire or other emergency incident progresses; inspects scene noting such factors as type of structure, wind conditions, temperature, and water availability; determines conditions at scene by observing, smelling, or listening for smoke, flames, leaks, spills, building condition, and other factors; physically evaluates scene; based on size-up, determines tactical priorities and strategy , chooses equipment needed to accomplish strategic objectives and directs that tactical operations be carried out to accomplish such objectives.  On-Scene Communication:  Communicates, both while en route and at an emergency scene, to ensure proper coordination of apparatus and personnel; while en route to incidents, communicates and coordinates actions with other fire companies; upon arrival at the scene, receives information regarding the assignment of personnel and apparatus from the officer in command; contacts fire alarm office to report conditions, request additional resources, and update personal assignment/status; communicates with other fire personnel at the scene about progress, conditions, resource needs, and size-up and relays orders from superiors to subordinate members.  On-Scene Resource Allocation and Coordination:  Evaluates resource needs and assigns personnel, resources, and equipment to various functions and positions at the emergency scene; assumes command of emergency scenes as appropriate; calls in specialized units (e.g., HAZMAT), as appropriate; directs the movement and location of equipment and apparatus at the scene; assigns fire personnel to perform specific tasks at the emergency scene (for example, laying supply lines, raising ladders, evacuating civilians, treating injured victims, etc.); and directs that necessary safety precautions be taken.  Performance Evaluation:  Observes subordinate performance to identify strengths and weaknesses and assess training needs and conducts informal or formal counseling sessions with subordinates to discuss performance; conducts post-incident critiques and questions subordinates on operations.  Training Delivery:  Ensures that all subordinate personnel are properly trained to carry out their assigned duties by planning, developing, conducting, and evaluating training sessions and drills; informally trains fire service personnel in apparatus operations, equipment use, EMS procedures, and other routine duties.  Internal Inspections:  Inspects/observes the inspection of personal gear, equipment, apparatus, and station facilities to ensure proper and safe operation and takes steps to ensure that observed deficiencies are corrected and necessary maintenance is performed; observes or is advised of deficiencies; and performs related duties as required.

EXAMINATION SUBJECTS:  The written examination will be designed to test, where practicable, the following knowledges, abilities and skills that have been established as qualifications for the position: 1. Knowledge of principles and practices of fireground operations (both strategy and tactics) and the chemistry and physics of fire as related to fireground operations including, for example:  rescue, ventilation, hydraulics, ladder and pump operations, overhaul and salvage, common and special fire hazards, major emergency planning, and safety as related to capabilities, limitations, care and maintenance of tools, equipment and apparatus, and health and safety programs.  2. Knowledge of building design, construction and materials, as related to the fire service, including, for example:  life safety, fire safety, structural failure, fire prevention, fire protection, and fire suppression (spread of fire, spread of heat and smoke, and extension of fire). 3. Knowledge of supervision and training, including, for example:  motivation, performance evaluation, discipline, and training.  4. Knowledge of law as it applies to the fire service.  5. Knowledge of fire prevention, including building inspection as it relates to the fire service, including, for example:  occupancies of assembly, education, health care, business, storage, etc.  6. Knowledge of fire protection, including portable extinguishers, fixed extinguishing systems (including sprinklers), and public and private alarm systems.  7. Knowledge of principles and practices of fire cause determination.  8. Knowledge of hazardous materials, including principles and practices of response to non-fire emergencies.

PROMOTION TO FIRE LIEUTENANT					Belmont FIRE DEPARTMENT
ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER:  7034					EXAMINATION DATE: NOVEMBER 20, 2010

EXAMINATION WEIGHTS:  Your results on the written exam represent 80% of your final mark, with your rating in education and experience making up the remaining 20%.  Applicants must get a passing mark on each of the weighted components.

EXAMINATION SCORING:  Examination results will be issued in whole numbers. 

CREDIT FOR EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Pursuant to the provisions of Section 22 of Chapter 31, individuals may be granted credit for education and experience in the eligible title(s) identified in this announcement. At the examination, you will be asked to complete a Rating Sheet to claim education and experience credit and to provide full documentation supporting your claims.  If you cannot submit all the documents at the examination, you must do so within seven calendar days after the exam date. (No new type of education and experience claims can be introduced once you submit your Rating Sheet.)  Information on how to complete the Rating Sheet is posted approximately two weeks prior to the examination on the HRD website at www.mass.gov/hrd/examforms. 

Examination Forms for this examination will be available after November 1, 2010. You must download a copy of the education and experience rating worksheet, the instructions for preparing the worksheet, and a copy of the employment verification form for the examination from the website, available by clicking on the Exam Forms link. If you cannot download or print these documents, please contact the Civil Service Unit via e-mail at: CivilService@hrd.state.ma.us or at the Examination Hotline phone number: 617-878-9895. Please include your name, address, and day-time phone number in the message. Copies will be mailed to you.

Once you receive your examination mark, you will have seventeen calendar days from the mailing of your mark to appeal in writing your Education and Experience score.  

IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:

Notice to Appear

Notices to appear to your assigned examination site will be mailed to applicants for this examination. You will be able to get a copy of your notice after November 1, 2010, by logging on to the Human Resources Division Standings and On-line Applicant Record Information system. You will need to register as a first-time user if you have not already created an account in this system.  This is a separate system from the on-line application filing system. Please follow the instructions on how to Get a Copy of Your Notice to Appear for an Exam.

PRIVATE SCHOOL OR SERVICE: The Human Resources Division does not recommend or endorse any private school or service offering preparation for examinations and is not responsible for their advertising claims.

IDENTIFICATION AT THE EXAMINATION SITE: At the examination site, applicants must present current and valid photo identification with signature (e.g., motor vehicle operator’s license, passport, ID from an institution of higher education).

HOW TO APPLY

You may apply for this examination, using a credit card, on-line at the Human Resources Division website: http://www.csexam.hrd.state.ma.us/hrd/ until midnight on October 12, 2010. A confirmation number for each transaction will be issued. 

You may also obtain a paper application form, and file it along with the examination-processing fee (or fee waiver form) in person or by mail with HRD. Applications and fee waiver forms may also be available at city and town clerks’ offices across the state. If you mail your application, send all correspondence by certified mail with “return receipt requested,” if possible. Your application MUST be received in HRD by 5:00 p.m. on October 12, 2010, or postmarked no later than October 12, 2010. 

CURRENT MILITARY PERSONNEL: ALL military personnel who, in connection with current service, CANNOT be in Massachusetts on November 20, 2010, should contact the Human Resources Division to request a make up examination. To request a make up, you must:
•	file an application and processing fee by the last filing date (October 12, 2010);
•	Request such accommodation in writing, with a copy of your military orders attached; include in your letter either your daytime base phone number or name and phone number of a Massachusetts resident with whom you are in regular contact.

TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: If you need special testing accommodations due to a documented impairment such as a hearing, learning, physical, mental or visual disability, fill in the circle in item #15 of your application or click the corresponding circle in the on-line application, and include a letter detailing what type of accommodation you require at the exam site. You must also include a letter of support from a qualified professional. Without such a letter, HRD cannot guarantee that we will be able to grant your accommodation. This information is sought only to provide reasonable accommodation on the day of the examination and will not be used for any other purposes. 

PROMOTION TO FIRE LIEUTENANT					Belmont FIRE DEPARTMENT
ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER:  7034					EXAMINATION DATE: NOVEMBER 20, 2010

EXAMINATION FEE: All paper applications must be accompanied by a money order, certified bank check, or by a completed fee waiver form. The examination-processing fee is $250. Payment by money order or certified bank check should be made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Please print your name, address, social security number, and the examination announcement number 7034 on the front of the money order or certified bank check. Payments by Master Card and VISA are also accepted when applying via the web site. NO CASH OR PERSONAL CHECKS. There will be NO REFUNDS of the examination-processing fee unless the examination is cancelled by HRD.

FEE WAIVER: The examination-processing fee may be waived for applicants receiving certain forms of state or federal public assistance, unemployment insurance, or workers’ compensation. If you are claiming a fee waiver, fill in item #16 on the paper application. Fee waiver forms are available from, and must be filed with, the Massachusetts Human Resources Division (see address below). Waiver forms must be accompanied by proof of eligibility, for the subject time period, in the form of signed and dated receipts check stubs and/or other documentation from the agency providing the assistance. 

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE

Definition of a Massachusetts Veteran M.G.L. c. 4, sec. 7, cl. 43 as amended by the Acts of 2004 Effective August 30, 2004:  To be a “veteran” under Massachusetts law, a person is required to have either 180 days of regular active duty service and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions OR 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day of which is during “wartime” and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. A chart defining “wartime” service is available on-line.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE:  If you are claiming veterans' preference and if your eligibility for veterans’ preference has not been approved before by HRD, you must submit a copy of your DD Form 214 (Release From Active Duty) or if you are still in military service, you must submit a verification letter for HRD review from your commanding officer, on official letterhead with appropriate signature, with details of your military service to date including, the dates of full-time active duty, current assignment, and estimated time of separation in order to receive proper credit. Your notice to appear for the examination will indicate whether or not you are already classified as a veteran. Qualifying service must have been in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Air Force of the United States. Please note that active duty exclusively for training in the National Guard or Reserves does NOT qualify you for veterans' preference. National Guard Members or Reservists must have 180 days and have been activated under Title 10 of the U.S. Code - OR- if activated under Title 10 or Title 32 of the U.S. Code or Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 33, sections 38, 40, and 41, must have 90 days, at least one of which was during wartime, per the chart on the website. The Members’ last discharge or release must be under honorable conditions.
Disabled Veteran Status:  Claims for status as a disabled veteran require written confirmation from the US Veterans Administration of a continuing service-connected disability rated 10% or higher. (See MGL. Chapter 31, Section 1).  Please see the above Veteran’s Preference section for instructions on submitting documentation.
Documentation for veteran’s preference and/or disabled vet status may be submitted at the exam site on the testing date or after the exam and during the life of the eligible list along with a completed Add Preferences & Skills Form to HRD by fax: 617-727-0399, email CivilService@hrd.state.ma.us or postal mail: Human Resources Division, One Ashburton Place, Room 301, Boston, MA  02108.  During the HRD review process or during the life of the applicable eligible list(s), applicants must make original supporting documentation available should the issue of authenticity arise with the submitted copies.

Veterans and disabled veterans will be awarded two points to their passing, overall (general average) examination score.

PROMOTIONAL PREFERENCE FOR 25 YEARS OF SERVICE:  A member of a regular police force or fire force who has served as such for twenty-five years and who passes an examination for promotional appointment in such force may qualify for two additional preference points. Eligible applicant must claim this preference at the examination and verify eligibility on the Employment Verification Form which s/he submits for this examination.  Applicants qualified for the Promotional Preference will be granted two additional points to their passing, overall (general average) examination score.

If you are qualified for both the Veteran’s Preference and the Promotional Preference for 25 years of service, please be advised that two points are the maximum allowable number of points to be added to your passing, overall (general average) examination score.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Information about this examination can be obtained on the Internet at www.mass.gov/civilservice or by contacting the Human Resources Division Monday through Friday, 1 Ashburton Place, Room 301, Boston, MA, 02108, 8:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., except holidays, during these hours at the following numbers:
In the Boston area: (617) 727-3777			  Outside the Boston area: (toll free) 1-800-392-6178
TTY Number: (617) 878-9762			  FAX Number: (617) 727-0399

PROMOTION TO FIRE LIEUTENANT		Belmont FIRE DEPARTMENT
ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: 7034					EXAMINATION DATE: NOVEMBER 20, 2010

READING LIST FOR DEPARTMENTAL PROMOTIONAL EXAMINATIONS TO FIRE LIEUTENANT AND CAPTAIN

Candidates are responsible for reading the texts and other materials listed below and all pages of this announcement. Please note carefully which edition and date of publication is listed for each item. Questions will cover the reference in its entirety unless otherwise indicated. All examination questions will be based on these materials.

LIEUTENANT AND CAPTAIN

Fire and Emergency Services Company Officer, Fourth Edition, 2007.  (IFSTA)
Lieutenants: Part A, Chapters 1-21 and Part B, Chapters 22, 23, 24, 26, 31, and 32.
Exclude appendices and glossary.
Captains: Entire book except appendices and glossary.
NOTE FOR ALL APPLICANTS: Chapter 23 (only pp. 537-558, start at beginning of p. 537 and stop at p. 548 before “Provincial and Territorial Governments”; start at p. 549 “Agencies of State and Provincial Governments” and stop at p. 558 before “Canadian Federal Government”).

Fire Inspection and Code Enforcement, Seventh Edition, 2009.  (IFSTA)
Chapters 3-13 and 17, and all glossary terms related to these chapters. Exclude appendices.

First Responder, Bergeron, J. D. and Le Baudour, C., Eighth Edition, 2009.  (Brady Prentice Hall)
Chapters 1-7:  Entire chapters.
Chapter 8:  Only pp. 206-234 (start at p. 206 “Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)” and stop at end of p. 209; start at p. 230 “CPR--Responsibilities of the Emergency Medical Responder” and stop at the end of p. 231; start at p. 232 “Automated External Defibrillation” and stop at the end of p. 234).
Chapters 9-16:  Entire chapters.

Hazardous Materials for First Responders, Third Edition, 2004.  (IFSTA)
Entire book except appendices, metric equivalents, glossary, tables, and figures.

National Incident Management System, FEMA P-501, December 2008. (Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security)                                                                                                                                  
Entire book, including Appendix B, Glossary of Key Terms, and Acronyms.  
Exclude Appendix A.

Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 148 (as amended through May 20, 2010).

Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, Second Edition, 2006.  (IFSTA)
Chapter 4: Entire chapter.
Chapter 6: Entire chapter.
Chapter 7: Only pp. 165-168 (start at p. 165 “Solid Stream Nozzles” and stop at p. 166 before “Determining the Flow From a Solid Stream Nozzle”; start at p. 167 “Fog Stream Nozzles” and stop at p. 168 before “Constant Flow Nozzles”).
Chapter 8: Only pp. 184-212 (start at p. 184 “Total Pressure Loss: Friction Loss and Elevation Pressure Loss” and stop at p. 187 before “Determining Your Own Friction Loss Coefficients” ; start at p. 190 “Determining Elevation Pressure” and stop at p. 212 before “Determining Net Pump Discharge Pressure”).  Exclude metric pages.
Chapter 9: Only pp. 258-259 (start at p. 258 “Hand Method” and stop at p. 259 before “Equation H (5-inch hose)”).
Chapter 11: Only pp. 323-351 (start at p. 323 “Operating from a Pressurized Water Supply Source” and stop at the end of p. 351).
Chapter 15: Entire chapter.

Of the lettered formulas, you are required to know ONLY Formulas A, B, C, D, F, G, and I.  You must also be able to apply Formula A.  To do this, you need to know the coefficients in Table 8.3 (p. 186) for 1 ¾” hose with 1 ½” couplings and for 2 ½” hose; and the coefficients in Table 8.4 (p. 198) for two 2 ½” lines and for two 3” lines with 2 ½” couplings.  NOTE: You will NOT be required to know or apply any formulas other than those listed above.

(Continued)

PROMOTION TO FIRE LIEUTENANT					Belmont FIRE DEPARTMENT
ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER:  7034					EXAMINATION DATE: NOVEMBER 20, 2010

LIEUTENANT ONLY
Building Construction Related to the Fire Service, Third Edition, 2010.  (IFSTA)
	Entire book except Appendix A.
Engine Company Fireground Operations, Richman, H., Third Edition, 2007. (Jones and Bartlett)
Ladder Company Fireground Operations, Richman, H., Third Edition, 2007. (Jones and Bartlett)

CAPTAIN ONLY
Collapse of Burning Buildings, Dunn, V., 1988.  (Fire Engineering)
	Entire book except appendix.
Strategic and Tactical Considerations on the Fireground, Smith, J. P., Second Edition, 2008.  (Prentice-Hall, Inc.)
	Entire book except Chapter 2.
Supervision Today, Robbins, S. P., and DeCenzo, D. A., Sixth Edition, 2010. (Prentice-Hall, Inc.)
Chapter 1:  Entire chapter, except section “Where Do Supervisors Come From?” (p. 11).
Chapter 3:  Only p. 62 (entire page) and pp. 65-70 (start at p. 65 “Key Planning Guides” and stop at the end of Step 5 on p. 70).
Chapter 7:  Entire chapter.
Chapter 8:  Only pp. 191-205 (start at p. 191 “What is Motivation?” and stop at  p. 205 before “Should Employees be Paid for Performance or Time on the Job?”).
Chapters 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, and 16:  Entire chapters.
Exclude sections on enhancing understanding and developing your supervisory skills at the end of each chapter, and sections on news flashes.

PUBLISHERS OF READING LIST TEXTS

•	Brady Prentice Hall, 200 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan, NJ  07675; (800) 947-7700; www.bradybooks.com.
•	Federal Emergency Management Agency, P.O. Box 2012, Jessup, MD  20794; (800) 480-2520, Option #4.	
•	Fire Engineering, P.O. Box 21288, Tulsa, OK  74121-9971; (800) 752-9768; www.pennwellbooks.com. 
•	IFSTA (International Fire Service Training Association), Fire Protection Publications, Oklahoma State University, 930 North Willis, Stillwater, OK  74078-0118; (800) 654-4055; www.ifsta.org.
•	Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 40 Tall Pine Drive, Sudbury, MA  01776-9848; (800) 832-0034; www.jbpub.com.
•	Prentice-Hall, Inc., P.O. Box 11071, Des Moines, IA  50336; (800) 811-0912; www.bradybooks.com or http://vig.pearsoned.com/store/home/1,1205,store-20180_id-2,00.html.

*Please note that to purchase Supervision Today the publisher recommends that you contact a college, university, or local bookstore or you can place an order with a bookstore on the internet.

Please note that the Human Resources Division does not recommend specific bookstores for the purchase of reading list texts. For local vendors, contact the publishers at the telephone number or website listed, or check with the Chief of your department or local union representative for assistance. Many local bookstores will be able to special-order any text not carried in stock.