Apparatus Operator JobID:

558

Position Type:

FIRE-Promo Date Posted:

9/11/2026

Location:

Fire Department Date Available:

TBD Closing Date:

09/21/2026 The Town of West Hartford Announces a Promotional Examination for the Position of Apparatus Operator

APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED ELECTRONICALLY

Application Deadline :

Salary :

Monday, September 21, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

Paramedic:

$111,800 - $119,886 annually

EMT:

$104,702 - $112,788 annually All candidates must meet the eligibility requirements for this position as of February 15, 2027 . Job Purpose Responsible for the safe response to and return from fire alarms of firefighters and fire apparatus. Performs skilled firefighting work in combating, extinguishing and preventing fires, and performing rescue work. Work Environment Employees in this class are required to perform their duties under all conditions of weather and participate in the manual labor of firefighting. Hazards to personal safety arise from personal, mechanical, and natural conditions and include possible loss of life. Essential Job Functions Drives fire apparatus to fire or emergency scenes for the preservation of life and property making certain proper route is followed. Operates pumper and/or ladder on assigned apparatus through proper application of hydraulic principles, maintaining suitable water pressure in hose lines and stand pipes in the case of pump operator, and making certain that the aerial ladder on the truck has been properly raised and placed for hose connections as well as combating emergency at hand in the case of the ladder truck. Uses whatever equipment is necessary as directed to combat the fire or control the emergency. Keeps posted on road conditions, routes to fires, and hydrant locations. Makes inspection of all firefighting and rescue equipment and cleans such equipment. Ensures that apparatus is ready to respond at all times. Reports all repairs or replacements needed in connection with firefighting and rescue equipment to their company officer. Remains on standby for all fires and emergencies (except on days off and vacations). Performs rescue, salvage, and related firefighting work as required. Attends company training drills as required. Takes desk watch daily and relays calls and alarms that come from the central emergency reporting center. Assists in fire prevention inspections and makes necessary reports. Performs pre-fire survey planning. Removes snow near hydrants. Directs others in the proper operation of various types of departmental fire apparatus as needed. Performs general housework at fire station, which includes cleaning rooms, lavatories, and the physical plant and taking care of the grounds surrounding the station. Non-Essential Job Functions Other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Comprehensive knowledge of the street system and physical layout of West Hartford, including hydrant location. Skill in the operation of motor vehicles and familiarity with all requisites of safety demanded by the fire apparatus under their control. Ability to operate pumps and aerial ladder on any type of apparatus and direct others in these operations. Knowledge and comprehension of the elementary principles of mechanics. Knowledge of building construction, and related state and local building codes including heating and electrical installation to be used in connection with work done of fire prevention inspections. Extensive knowledge of common causes of fire and adequate knowledge of salvage procedures. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to develop skill in firefighting and emergency work and in the use of firefighting equipment and other lifesaving equipment within a reasonable period of time. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Knowledge of hydraulics and the latest fire prevention procedures. Ability to perform the essential job functions in the work environment as previously described. Required Experience and Training As of as of February 15, 2027 , an applicant must have had at least two (2) years' experience as a Firefighter in the West Hartford Fire Department in order to be eligible to apply for this promotional examination. Possession of a CDL B (or greater) State of Connecticut Operator's License is required to operate fire apparatus in this position. Method of Selection The examination will consist of: Examination Weight Passing Score Written Test 60% 70 Practical Test

• 40% 70 Vision Test - Pass or Fail

TOTAL 100

% Time in Service (additional points) 6 (from

NFPA 1002

) All applicants must obtain a passing score of 70 on the Written Test in order to qualify for the Practical Test. All applicants who achieve a passing score on the Written Test and prior to taking the Practical Test must be examined for visual acuity, color perception, peripheral vision, and depth perception. If the applicant does not meet the average standards for the vision test with or without accommodation, their application will be withdrawn, and the applicant will not be able to take the Practical Test. No grade will be given for the Vision Test, and the results of this test will not be included in the candidate's final grade. Applicants who take the Practical Test must obtain a passing grade of 70; otherwise, their application will be withdrawn from any further consideration. Applicants will be notified by email if they have met the minimum qualifications for the position and eligible to participate in the Written Test. The Written Test will be held on October 2, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. with a backup date of October 5, 2026. Human Resources will notify candidates by email if they have passed the Written Test and therefore proceeding to take the Practical Test to be held October 19, 2026, through October 22, 2026, depending on the number of eligible candidates.

Eligibility List:

Applicants who successfully pass the entire examination with a total score of at least 70 will be placed on an eligibility list in order of their final score. Certification for appointment from the eligible list shall be made according to the Personnel Rules. No applicant will be promoted to this position, however, if they fail to satisfy all physical requirements which would prevent them from performing the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation. The physical requirements for the position are determined by the Fire Chief and a physician selected by the Human Resources Department. Any employee promoted as a result of this examination must satisfactorily complete a six (6) month probationary period. Applications Promotional applications must be electronically completed and submitted. Please go to the job openings page of www.westhartfordct.gov. Promotional applications must be date stamped electronically on or before 4:30 p.m . on September 21, 2026 . Reading List The reading list for the AO Written Test is as follows:

Pride and Ownership:

A Firefighters Love of the Job by Rick Lasky Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, 3rd edition

West Hartford Fire SOPs:

Ladder Owner's Manual -

TBD Policy Directives:

PD 1.20 Driver Responsibility and Safe Vehicle Operations 02-11-2020 PD 1.24 Safety 02-16-2021 PD 1.32 Vehicle accident procedures 04-12-2017 PD 1.33 Driver Responsibility - Vehicle Inspections 02-02-2020

Standard Operating Guidelines:

4.1 Structure Alarm Response 2-3-2021 4.2 Box Alarm Response 07-27-2020 5.4 Highway Roadway Safety 3-21-2023 5.5 Emergency Evacuation of Hazardous Environment 7-27-2020 6.1 Craning Operations with the 107' Pierce Ascendant Aerial 01-09-2023 6.2 Backing Fire Apparatus 4-29-2020 6.3 Tire Chain Installation 4-7-2020 11.9 Initial MVA Response - Extrication 4-20-2020 13.1 High Service Area Water Supply 4-22-2020 13.2 Renbrook School Dry Hydrant System 4-23-2020 13.3 Prospect Hill High Service Water Supply 4-27-2020 13.4 Water Supply Operations 4-29-2020 13.5 Sprinkler Supply Operations 4-29-2020 13.6 Private Industrial Water Supply Operations 5-11-2020

Training Bulletin:

TB 21-02

Inclement Weather Driving 1/30/2021 TB 21-03 Roadway MVA Response 2/12/2021 TB 21-04 Driving with Due Regard 3/1/2021 TB 22-03-Pump Operators Guide v2-04.27.2022 TB 24-03 Forestry Hose Deployment 4/18/2024 TB 24-10 Brush Skid Unit Operations 10/29/2024 TB 25-02 Pressure Governor Preset 4/18/2025 TB 25-03 Bloomfield Ave. Water Supply 6/10/2025 TB 26-09 WHFD Standpipe Kit 8/20/2026 At the Practical Test, knowledge of the Town of West Hartford streets, Fire Department SOG's, Policy Directives, and West Hartford Apparatus Operator Manual will be conducted. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer It is the policy of the Town of West Hartford that discrimination in any way on the basis race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity/expression, marital status, citizenship, veteran status, military/veteran status, political belief, criminal record, disability or any other protected status in accordance with the requirements and any exceptions under applicable state or federal law toward employees is strictly prohibited and will be not be tolerated. The above description is intended as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed and are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. It is intended as a guide for personnel actions and must not be taken as a complete itemization of all facets of any job. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The Town of West Hartford provides reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need an accommodation on the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 860-561-7488 or email Alan Horner. Individuals who do not have access to a computer or need assistance completing an online application may visit the Noah Webster Library or its branches for access and assistance. AH September 11, 2026