Employment Information

The Bay Village Fire Department strives to hire the most qualified and professional candidates available.  Toward that end, our Department uses a multi-faceted approach that includes a written test, physical agility test, comprehensive background check, interview, and psychological testing. 

Our eligibility list for candidates is established by the competitive written civil service exam referenced above. The list is normally valid for two years once established. 

Steps to Becoming a Firefighter - a General Guideline

  • STEP 1:  Be at least 18 years old, with a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED). Obtain and maintain a valid Ohio Driver’s License. Keep your record clean!

  • STEP 2:  Find out what real firefighters do. This isn’t Backdraft or Ladder 49; it’s alternately dirty, dangerous, and dull.

  • STEP 3:  Get and keep yourself in top physical condition. The fire-fighting physical exam can be very demanding, as is the work itself.

  • STEP 4:  Complete the requisite EMT training (Basic, Intermediate, & Paramedic) and pass the state/national test. 12-18 months.

  • STEP 5:  Complete the State Firefighter Certification training and pass the state test. 6 weeks-8 months.

  • STEP 6:  Apply to take civil service exams. You can get all the necessary information from civil service commission secretaries (usually by calling City Hall), or you can try the local fire department. Civil service exams are commonly administered by each municipality every two years.

  • STEP 7:  If you place in the top ten percent, you have a shot at the next steps in getting hired. Varying with each municipality, these steps may include interviews, background Investigations, polygraph tests, psychological evaluations, medical examinations, etc.

  • STEP 8:  Successfully complete your department’s probationary period of employment, which may last a year or two.