69 Questions
What are the minimum requirements for a Captain promotional exam?
Serving in a role one rank below the position being tested for.
Who makes up the Promotional Committees according to the text?
Department Administration (2), Human Resources Department (1), and Union Representative (1).
How many years of continuous service in the position of Lieutenant-Fire Rescue are required for a Captain promotional exam?
Three years.
Which certification is NOT a requirement for a Captain promotional exam?
Florida State certified Firefighter II.
What is the purpose of Promotional Committees as per the text?
To establish promotional lists and develop testing standards.
Who chooses the Union Representative in the Promotional Committees?
The Union itself.
What is the maximum vacation accumulation for 24-hour shift employees?
360 hours
How many years of continuous service are required for 24-hour shift employees to receive 300 hours of vacation per year? Prior to 1997
15 years
What is the maximum vacation accumulation for 40-hour shift employees?
240 hours
How many hours of vacation do 24-hour shift employees with 10 years to less than 15 years of continuous service receive per year? Post 1997 hire date
240 hours
When are vacation hours credited to an employee's account?
On the last day of the pay period
How many hours of vacation do 8-hour shift employees with 15 years to less than 20 years of continuous service receive per year? Prior 1997
200 hours
When can employees start using their accrued vacation?
After 6 months of employment
How are unused vacation hours paid out upon separation from service?
At the employee's current hourly rate
What is the maximum vacation payout upon separation for 24-hour shift employees?
360 hours
What must be submitted electronically through the OAS fourteen business days prior to the test date?
Letter of intent and all application materials
When will promotions be made from the rankings on the promotional list?
Beginning with the top ranking and proceeding in numeric order
What happens if a person declines a promotion based on their top ranking on the promotional list?
They will be moved to the bottom of the list for the remaining duration
What is an exception that may allow the number one candidate on the promotional list to be passed over for promotion?
Not meeting the qualification for promotion
How long is the duration of the promotional eligibility list from the date it is announced?
Two years
What happens if a candidate who is number one on the promotional list is no longer qualified for promotion? Passed over.
They are retained in the same position on the list
'The Oral Interview will not consist of questions from which sections?'
'SOP's, SOG's, CBA's'
What is the passing score for both Captain and Battalion Chief promotional examinations before applying bonus points and deductions?
70%
How many points will be deducted from the total score for each written reprimand documented in an employee's file within 365 days before the test date?
5 points
How many points will be awarded for having a Master's degree in a related field or Executive Fire Officer for the Captain promotional test?
5 points
What percentage of the Captain promotional test score is based on the oral interview?
50%
Which of the following is NOT a required qualification for the Battalion Chief position?
Florida State certified Paramedic
How many years of progressive, responsible experience in an emergency services agency is required for the Battalion Chief position, including a minimum number of years as Captain-Fire Rescue with St. Johns County Fire Rescue?
6 years, including 3 years as Captain
Which of the following courses will be accepted in place of the S-330 course for the Battalion Chief position until January 1, 2025?
S-215
How many points will be awarded for having a Florida Fire Service Instructor certification for the Battalion Chief promotional test?
3 points
Which of the following courses is NOT listed as one of the L-900 series position specific classes required for the Battalion Chief position?
L-963 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Logistics Section Chief (LSC)
How many days in advance will announcements for Captain and Battalion Chief promotional tests be made?
45 days
What is the minimum time allotted for a candidate to review their multiple-choice test?
1 hour
What is the composition of the panel for the Battalion Chief oral interview?
The Fire Chief and a minimum of three Deputy Chiefs or higher
How long does the Fire Chief have to fill a vacant position, excluding approved temporary leave?
30 days
What is the procedure for filling a vacant position?
The position will be filled using the appropriate promotional list, in accordance with section 9.8
What is the composition of the committee responsible for Special Assignment designations?
Two Department Representatives, two Union Representatives, and one Human Resources representative
What is the preferred educational requirement for the Marine Rescue Captain/Battalion Chief position?
Associate's degree in a related field
What is the process for challenging test questions in the multiple-choice test?
Candidates can challenge questions during the test review only
What is a consequence of altering the score sheet during the test review process?
The candidate will be disqualified
What happens if the Fire Chief determines not to fill a vacant position due to budgetary constraints?
The Fire Chief must inform the Union of the budgetary constraints
What is a requirement for the Administration Captain/Battalion Chief position regarding instructor certifications?
Instructor I, II, or III certification is required within one year of position acceptance
According to Section 9.10, an employee who has been demoted or voluntarily stepped down while under investigation or disciplinary action will not be eligible for promotional testing for how long?
2 years
If there is a tie in the promotional process, which factor is used first to break the tie?
The candidate with higher time in position seniority
Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding the Multiple Choice Test Development for Captain?
The Fire Chief is allowed to modify questions within the listed test material
During the Multiple Choice Testing Review for Captain, what is the minimum time allotted for a candidate to review their scored test?
1 hour
For the Captain's oral interview, how many members from outside the Department are required to be on the panel?
1
If multiple questions on the Multiple Choice test for Captain are found to be invalid, what action does the Promotional Committee take?
All candidates receive credit for the invalid questions
According to the procedures, if the Promotional Committee determines there is more than one correct answer for a Multiple Choice question, how should it be handled?
The question remains valid and credit is given for all correct answers
Which statement best describes the use of an outside testing agency for the Captain and Battalion Chief promotional processes?
An outside agency may be used for either or both ranks
If a candidate attempts to alter their score sheet during the Multiple Choice Testing Review for Captain, what is the consequence?
Automatic disqualification from the promotional process
For the Multiple Choice Test Development for Battalion Chief, who is responsible for reviewing the test for accuracy within the listed test material parameters?
The Fire Chief
After how many months of service does an employee qualify for vacation buyback?
6 months
For employees covered by the collective bargaining agreement, what is the maximum number of hours they can receive for vacation buyback?
56 hours
When must an employee submit a request for vacation buyback to be eligible?
Before the fiscal year ends on September 30th
What is the purpose of Birthday Leave as per the text?
To have a floating leave day at the start of each fiscal year
How is seniority in the Fire Rescue Department measured in terms of 'Department seniority'?
By continuous time spent in the Fire Rescue Department
Under what circumstances will an employee's continuous service be considered severed?
Resigning or retiring
When recalling laid-off employees, which type of seniority takes precedence as per Section 14.2?
'Time in Position seniority'
'Failure to notify the County within seven (7) business days after receiving a notice of recall will result in what?'
'Loss of all seniority'
'All Captains who work on a holiday will be paid at what rate for each hour worked?'
'One and one-half (1 ½) times their regular rate of pay'
'What is required for employees to trade shifts on a holiday?'
'Prior identification and agreement from both parties'
Who are the members of the Health and Safety Committee?
Three (3) members chosen by the County, three (3) bargaining unit employees, and County's Risk Manager.
How often must the Health and Safety Committee meet?
Monthly
What is NOT one of the responsibilities of the Health and Safety Committee according to the text?
Manage all operational activities of the Fire Rescue Chief.
What is the purpose of the ad hoc committee mentioned in Section 11.2?
To investigate, research, and recommend a Post Employment Health Benefits Program.
'Repeat offenses or incidents' is listed under which responsibility of the Health and Safety Committee?
Monthly review of injuries, accidents, and vehicle damage reports.
Who appoints the members of the ad hoc committee for investigating post-employment health benefits?
County Administrator and President of the Union.
'Disregard for safety procedures' is relevant when performing which responsibility as per Section 10.3?
Monthly review of injuries, accidents, and vehicle damage reports.
Study Notes
Promotional Committees and Testing
- Promotional Committees will be established to create promotional lists and develop testing standards
- Committee members:
- Department Administration (2)
- Human Resources Department (1)
- Union Representative chosen by the Union (1)
- Separate promotional tests will be administered for Captain and Battalion Chief
- Promotional lists will be created in accordance with Section 9.8
Requirements for Promotional Testing
- To be eligible to take a promotional exam:
- Must currently occupy the position one rank below the rank being tested for
- Must have served in the role of an operational officer within the operations section on a suppression or rescue apparatus
- Requirements for Captain:
- 5 years progressive experience in an emergency services agency
- 3 continuous years of service in the position of Lieutenant-Fire Rescue with St. Johns County
- Various certifications (Florida Firefighting Certificate of Compliance, Florida State certified Paramedic, etc.)
- Requirements for Battalion Chief:
- 6 years progressive experience in an emergency services agency
- 3 continuous years of service in the position of Captain-Fire Rescue with St. Johns County
- Various certifications (Florida Firefighting Certificate of Compliance, Florida State certified Paramedic, etc.)
Promotional Testing
- Captain Promotional Test:
- 50% Multiple Choice Test
- 50% Oral Interview
- Bonus points awarded for education and experience
- Battalion Chief Promotional Test:
- 50% Multiple Choice Test
- 50% Oral Interview
- Bonus points awarded for education and experience
- Passing score: 70% before application of bonus points and deductions
Filling of Vacancies
- Vacancies will be filled within 30 days using the appropriate promotional list
- The Fire Chief will inform the Union of budgetary constraints
Health and Safety
- The parties agree to cooperate in eliminating safety and health hazards
- A Health and Safety Committee will be established
- Committee responsibilities:
- Review of injuries, accidents, and vehicle damage reports
- Provide findings and recommendations to Fire Administration
- Review of current industry trends for health and safety
- Promote and disseminate health and safety information to career staff
Insurance
- The County will continue to pay for insurance coverage to all bargaining unit employees
- An ad hoc committee will be formed to investigate and recommend a Post Employment Health Benefits Program
Vacation
- Vacation shall be granted to eligible full-time employees
- Vacation accrual rates vary depending on years of service and type of shift
- Maximum vacation accumulation: 360 hours for 24-hour shift employees and 240 hours for 40-hour shift employees
- Vacation eligibility requirements:
- Employees must have completed 6 months of employment with the County
- Vacation credit begins accumulating on the date of employment
- Use of vacation is authorized only after it has been earned and credited to the employee### Employee Benefits
- Employees with a minimum of 6 months of service qualify for vacation buyback
- Vacation buyback limits: 56 hours for 24/48 hour employees and 40 hours for 40 hour employees
- Requirements for vacation buyback:
- Combined vacation and sick time available after the sale
- 120 hours for 24/48 hour employees and 80 hours for 40 hour employees
- Birthday leave:
- Awarded at the beginning of each fiscal year
- 24-hour leave day for 24/48 hour employees and 8-hour leave day for 40 hour employees
- Can be taken after the birthday has been recognized, but must be used before September 30th
Seniority
- Two types of seniority: Time in Position and Department seniority
- Time in Position seniority: amount of continuous time spent in a particular position
- Department seniority: amount of continuous time spent in the Fire Rescue Department of the County
- Continuous service can be considered severed in certain circumstances (e.g. resignation, discharge, unauthorized LOA, layoff, misrepresentation on application, etc.)
Lay-Off and Recall
- Layoff decisions based on Time in Position and Department seniority
- Employee with the least Department seniority will be laid off, and employee with the least Time in Position will be returned to their previous position and pay grade
- Recalling employees: Time in Position seniority prevails, provided employees possess necessary skills and experience
- Laid-off employees maintain seniority for 1 year, after which it is canceled
- Laid-off employees must promptly notify the County of any change of address or telephone number
Holidays
- Holidays for 24-hour shift personnel:
- New Year's Day
- Labor Day
- President's Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Memorial Day
- Christmas Eve Day
- Independence Day
- Christmas Day
- Captains who work on a holiday: 1.5 times regular rate of pay for each hour worked, plus 24 hours of holiday pay at regular rate
- Battalion Chiefs who work on a holiday: regular rate of pay for each hour worked, plus 24 hours of holiday pay at regular rate
- Employees can trade shifts on a holiday, as long as they are trading for another holiday
Promotional Testing
- Ineligibility for promotional testing: employees who have been demoted or voluntarily stepped down while under investigation or disciplinary action
- Breaking ties in promotional testing:
- Higher time in position seniority
- Higher department seniority
- Highest combined test score
- Outside testing agency may be used for Captain and/or Battalion Chief process
- Testing procedure for Captain and Battalion Chief:
- Multiple-choice test development
- Review of test for accuracy
- Oral interview procedure
- Review of scores and ranking on promotional list
Learn about the establishment of Promotional Committees, their purpose, composition, and requirements for promotional testing as outlined in Section 9.1 and Section 9.2 of ARTICLE 9 Promotion.
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