MCCCD Program Description

Intro to Fire Service Selection

Course: FSC101

First Term: 2018 Fall

Lec + Lab 3.0 Credit(s) 4.0 Period(s) 4.0 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: T

Description: Overview of the application and selection processes used by various fire departments and fire service organizations. Elements of fire service culture and their effects on personal growth and interpersonal relationships. Major components of written application processes, requirements, preparation of resumes and their effect on employment prospects. Preparation for the interview to include communications skills, mental preparation techniques, behaviors, and the importance of the interview in the pre- employment process. Preparation for on-site experiences at a fire station. General components of the selection process, the importance of general education, and components of lifelong learning in career choices

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. List the steps in the application process. (I) 2. List the elements of fire service culture and tell how they affect personal growth and interpersonal relationships. (II) 3. Identify the job qualifications and requirements used by various fire departments and fire service organizations. (I, III) 4. Describe the purpose of job applications and tell how they affect the selection process. (III) 5. Describe the purpose of and various types of resumes. (IV) 6. Compose a resume. (IV) 7. Describe the types of interviews and the behaviors and responses that enhance or detract from a positive interaction during the interview process. (V) 8. Demonstrate the applicant and interviewer roles during mock interviews. (V) 9. List the physical and mental preparations that enhance or detract from positive on-site experiences at a fire station. (VI) 10. Perform and evaluate on-site observations. (VI) 11. Describe the components of the selection process used by the fire services. (VII) 12. Describe the need for general education and the importance of lifelong learning in career planning and fire service selection. (VIII, IX) 13. Describe the need to maintain awareness of the changing demographics of the community and the effect on fire service personnel. (X)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Application Process A. Where to start, questions to ask, and what to look for B. Personnel department policies C. Job qualifications and requirements II. Fire Service Culture A. Elements 1. Sharing and caring 2. Supportive behaviors 3. Destructive behaviors 4. Rumor control 5. Mutual growth 6. Fairness and judgment B. Effect on personal growth C. Effect on interpersonal relationships III. Various Job and Fire Department Applications A. Purpose of job applications B. Examples of job applications C. Fire service applications D. Completion of the job application IV. Resume A. Importance B. Types C. Reading D. Composing E. Critiquing V. Interview Skills A. Components and purpose of an interview B. Types of interviews 1. Simple 2. Formal 3. Oral board C. Preparation of mind and body D. Positive and negative behaviors E. Conducting an interview 1. Simple 2. Formal 3. Oral board F. Mock interviews 1. As an applicant 2. As an interviewer 3. Appraising and analyzing VI. On-Site Observation A. Selection of the site B. Physical preparation 1. Dress 2. Behavior; mannerisms 3. What to look for C. Mental preparation 1. Attitude 2. Demeanor 3. Self-control D. Evaluation VII. Selection Processes for the Fire Services A. Researching the fire services and organizations B. Testing processes 1. Written 2. Oral 3. Skills 4. Physical agility 5. Drug screening C. Departmental handouts and study guides D. Variations among local fire agencies VIII. Basic Education Skills for Fire Departments A. Importance of general education B. Selecting general education classes that enrich personnel development IX. Career Planning A. Lifelong learning B. Promotional ladder X. Changing Demographics A. Effects on work force and community profile B. Effects on personal traits of fire service employees C. Maintaining positive personal attributes

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 4/26/2005

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.