Employment

The Hartsdale Fire District is committed to protecting life and property while serving our community with professionalism, integrity, and pride.  We welcome individuals who are interested in a challenging and rewarding career in the fire service.

Hiring Process

Firefighter positions within the Hartsdale Fire District are filled in accordance with New York State Civil Service Law and through the Westchester County Department of Human Resources.

The District does not accept direct applications for firefighter positions outside of this process.

  1. Civil Service Examination
    • All candidates must take and pass the Westchester County Civil Service Firefighter examination.
      • Examinations are offered periodically by Westchester County
      • Candidates are ranked on an eligible list based on exam score
      • The eligible list is used to fill vacancies as they occur
  2. Minimum Qualifications
    • Candidates must meet all minimum qualifications established by Westchester County at the time of appointment, which typically include:
      • Minimum age of 18 years
      • High School Diploma or equivalent (GED)
      • Valid New York State Driver's License
      • Westchester County Legal Residency
      • New York State Legal Residency
    • Additional requirements may apply as determined by civil service rules and the official exam announcement.
  3. Canvass & Interview Process
    • When a vacancy occurs:
      • The Hartsdale Fire District requests a certified list of eligible candidates from Westchester County
      • Candidates are canvassed based on their ranking
      • Selection is made in accordance with Civil Service Law, including the Rule of Three
    • Qualified candidates may be invited to participate in interviews and further evaluation
  4. Background Investigation
    • Candidates who are considered for appointment may be required to complete a comprehensive background investigation, which typically includes:
      • Employment history review
      • Reference checks
      • Criminal background check
  5. Medical, Physical & Psychological Evaluation
    • Candidates must successfully complete all required pre-employment evaluations, which tyoically include:
    • Failure to meet established standards may result in disqualification
  6. Appointment & Probation
    • Candidates selected for appointment will be hired as probationary firefighters
    • During the probationary period, members are required to:
      • Meet all performance standards established by the District
      • Successfully graduate from the Fire Academy - a 17-week classroom and physical fitness program that includes fire service training through the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services
  7. Lateral Transfers
    • The Hartsdale Fire District may consider the lateral transfer of experienced firefighters from other civil service jurisdictions in accordance with New York State Civil Service Law.
    • Transfers are subject to:
    • Transfers are not a standard method of hiring and are considered on a case-by-case basis, at the discretion of the District. Most firefighter positions are filled through the civil service examination and eligible list process.

Important Information

  • The Hartsdale Fire District does not control the civil servie examination process or candidate rankings
  • Placement on an eligible list does not guarantee employment
  • Not all candidates will be contacted or selected for appointment
  • Residency and additional requirements may apply as outlined by Westchester County and civil service regulations

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