Civil Service Commission discusses process for hiring new chief and firefighter

The Oskaloosa Civil Service Commission outlined how the search for a new fire chief, the hiring of a new firefighter and the promotion of a firefighter to a captain would proceed at it’s July 14 meeting.
The commission decided in favor of City Manager Brian James’ recommendation to buy a fire chief test from Fire and Police Selection Inc. The fee will be $500 plus $10 for each copy of the test that is used. The commission also set 70 percent for the score applicants will need to pass the written test.
If the applicants for fire chief pass a physical agility test, then they will take the written exam. If the applicant scores 70 percent or better, than he or she will be scored by an interview panel. The city manager will then look at the scores of the test and the interview and make his appointment, subject to the City Council’s approval.
James said there are six qualified applicants. He planned to send letters outlining city’s drug and alcohol policy along with the agreement for applicants to relocate to within three miles of the fire station by 90 days after being hired. The letter will also include the recommended study material for the tests. There is not a time line for when testing will occur.

west coast 911 news source - The Oskaloosa Herald