The Process
If you are interested in becoming a firefighter, the first step is to visit the City of Modesto's Personnel Department. The office is located on the 2nd floor of Tenth Street Place, 1010 Tenth Street. Obtain an application packet. The packet of forms must be completed by the final filing date. Failure to complete the forms accurately will result in disqualification.
A written test will be administered to accepted applicants. The scope of the written test may include any of the qualification requirements listed. The written test may include, but is not limited to:
A physical agility test will be conducted to determine if the candidate is physically able to perform various tasks related to the job of firefighting within certain time constraints. This will be rated on a pass/fail basis. Successful candidates will be scheduled for a qualifications appraisal panel.
The qualifications appraisal panel will assess the candidate's education and experience as they relate to the position in any of the qualification areas listed. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list.
Prior to appointment a medical examination will be required. At the time of hire, preference will be given to non-smoking candidates.
Prior to appointment, a background investigation will be conducted to insure a candidate's personal characteristics are suitable and the information supplied is accurate. The background investigation may include fingerprinting, review of employment history, driving and conviction record.
At the completion of the exam process, names of qualifying candidates will be placed on an eligible list from which vacancies will be filled. Placement on the list does not guarantee employment. Candidates are informed whether or not they achieved list placement but are not informed of their rank or scores. Eligible candidates selected as firefighter trainee are placed in an apprenticeship program.
The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of:
Written Test
A written test will be administered to accepted applicants. The scope of the written test may include any of the qualification requirements listed. The written test may include, but is not limited to:
- Analyzing data
- Reading comprehension
- True/false and multiple choice questions
- Understanding oral information
Physical Agility Test
A physical agility test will be conducted to determine if the candidate is physically able to perform various tasks related to the job of firefighting within certain time constraints. This will be rated on a pass/fail basis. Successful candidates will be scheduled for a qualifications appraisal panel.
Qualifications Appraisal Panel
The qualifications appraisal panel will assess the candidate's education and experience as they relate to the position in any of the qualification areas listed. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list.
Medical Examination
Prior to appointment a medical examination will be required. At the time of hire, preference will be given to non-smoking candidates.
Background Investigation
Prior to appointment, a background investigation will be conducted to insure a candidate's personal characteristics are suitable and the information supplied is accurate. The background investigation may include fingerprinting, review of employment history, driving and conviction record.
Selection Process
At the completion of the exam process, names of qualifying candidates will be placed on an eligible list from which vacancies will be filled. Placement on the list does not guarantee employment. Candidates are informed whether or not they achieved list placement but are not informed of their rank or scores. Eligible candidates selected as firefighter trainee are placed in an apprenticeship program.
Women & Minorities Encouraged
The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of:
- Age
- Ancestry
- Color
- Creed
- Disability
- Marital status
- National origin
- Race
- Religious or political affiliation
- Sex
- Sexual orientation