Firefighter


Department: Fire Department
Status: Hourly, Full-Time, Benefits
Hours: 24 hour shifts

GENERAL PURPOSE

Protects life and property by performing duties in firefighting, emergency aid, hazardous materials, and fire prevention. Maintains fire equipment, apparatus, and facilities.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the supervision of Battalion Chief, Fire Lieutenant, and/or other Fire Officers.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May assist to coordinate, instruct, or supervise the work of volunteer firefighters, new recruits, or other part-time department personnel, as assigned.

Starting Full-Time Pay Rates:
Entry-Level Firefighter = $13.12/hour ($35,476 for 2,704 hours per year);
Experienced and Current Certified = $13.12 to $17.12/hour ($35,476 to $46,292 for 2,704 hours per year) depending on experience and training

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Performs firefighting activities including driving fire apparatus, operating pumps and related equipment, laying hose, and performing fire combat, containment and extinguishment tasks.
  • Performs emergency aid activities including administering first aid and providing other assistance as required.
  • Participates in fire drills, attends classes in firefighting, emergency, medical, hazardous materials, and related subjects.
  • Receives and relays fire calls and alarms. Operates radio and other communication equipment.
  • Participates in the inspection of buildings, hydrants, and other structures testing hydrants in fire prevention programs.
  • Maintains fire equipment, apparatus, and facilities. Performs minor repairs to departmental equipment.
  • Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire facilities and equipment; cleans and washes walls and floors; cares for grounds around station; makes minor repairs; washes, hangs, and dries hose; washes, cleans, polishes, maintains and test apparatus and equipment.
  • Assists in developing plans for special assignments such as emergency preparedness, hazardous communications, training programs, firefighting, hazardous materials, and emergency aid activities.
  • Presents programs to the community on safety, medical, and fire prevention topics.
  • Performs salvage operations such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

Assists in department activities as assigned.

Assists in supervising volunteer firefighters as required.

Assists in training new employees as assigned.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Entry Level:

Education and Experience

(A) High school diploma or GED equivalent;

(B) No specific work experience level required.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

(A) Working knowledge of driver safety; working knowledge of first aid;

(B) Ability to learn the operation of fire suppression and other emergency equipment; Ability to learn to apply standard firefighting, emergency aid, hazardous materials, and fire prevention techniques; Ability to perform strenuous or peak physical effort during emergency, training, or station maintenance activities for prolonged periods of time under conditions of extreme heights, intense heat, cold, or smoke; Ability to act effectively in emergency and stressful situations; Ability to follow verbal and written instructions; Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the general public; Ability to meet the special requirements listed below.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Entry Level: (A) Must be 19 years or older at the time of employment; (B) Must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid State driver’s license without record of suspension or revocation in any State; (C) No felony convictions or disqualifying criminal histories; (D) U.S. citizen; (E) Must be able to read and write the English language; (F) Must be of good moral character and of temperate and industrious habits; (G) Must meet all Civil Service requirements as applicable.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Entry Level: Formal applications; written examination; physical agility test; oral interview; medical examination; drug test; background verification and check; final selection.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Emergency medical aid unit, fire apparatus, fire pumps, hoses and other standard firefighting equipment, ladders, first aid equipment, radio, pager, personal computer, phone.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently asked to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The noise level at emergency operation may be loud.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application; review of education and experience; physical agility test; written examination by Civil Service Commission; interview by appointing authority.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar; related or logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

City of Ocean Springs Employment Application

  • Read carefully and follow all instructions. Failure to follow instructions may result in disqualification.
  • Completion of the Employment Application is required, even if you include your resume.
  • If a deadline is posted, it applies to when the Application is received by the Human Resources Department, not the date mailed, completed, or submitted to any department other than Human Resources. Applications received by Human Resources after the deadline, regardless of postmark, will be kept on file for one year for eligibility for future openings of that position/test, but will not be eligible for the current position/test.
Download the printable version here

Position applying for:

Additional Information

NOTE: A conviction does not necessarily disqualify one for employment.

Employment History

Start with current or most recent job and list all employment (including FT, PT, temporary, and any periods of unemployment) for the last 10 years, at a minimum. Complete all sections of this form; you may attach your résumé to provide more detail. Do not leave any blanks.

Current/Latest Employment
Second Latest Employment
Third Latest Employment

Education and Training

List your high school, GED, and formal education beyond high school.

References

Do NOT list anyone related to you. Do NOT list any elected official of the City of Ocean Springs. List three persons you have known for at least one year. Provide current contact information.

How Did You Learn of this Position?

Equal Opportunity

The City of Ocean Springs encourages Employment Applications from qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, age, disability status, marital status, national origin, ancestry, political affiliation or beliefs, religious affiliation or beliefs, or any other legally protected status.

Applicant’s Statement and Certification

Read carefully before signing.

  • I understand that this Application is valid for 12 months for the position selected on Page One. I also understand that this Application, any attachments, and test papers become the property of the City of Ocean Springs (the City) upon submission and will not be returned to me, the applicant.
  • I understand that possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure that I will be invited to the next phase of the process. Likewise, I understand that completing and passing City testing (if applicable) does not guarantee that I will receive an interview or an offer of employment.
  • I understand that I must bring and show valid government-issued photo ID for positive identification for employment testing.
  • I understand that hiring and compensation decisions are contingent upon approval of the City of Ocean Springs Board of Aldermen.
  • I understand that, per Civil Service Rule 20, any person employed by the City of Ocean Springs shall reside within a 50-mile radius of the City of Ocean Springs within the first six months of employment.
  • I understand that, per Miss. Code Ann. 21-31-15 (2011), all applicants for a position of any kind under civil service must be a citizen of the United States and an elector of the county in which he/she resides.
  • I understand that the City of Ocean Springs is a Drug-Free Workplace, and that the City requires post-offer drug/alcohol testing prior to employment, and conducts post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and random drug/alcohol testing during employment.
  • I understand that the City of Ocean Springs participates in the Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program and that, upon hire, all new employees must verify identity and entitlement to work in the United States by providing required original documentation. I understand that my identity and employment eligibility will be verified if I am offered and accept employment.
  • I understand that all employees are hired as probationary ‘at-will’ employees, meaning that employment may be terminated at any time with or without cause; that employees on new-hire probation are not covered by civil service; and that successful completion of the new-hire probationary period by a full-time employee results in civil service status, but does not guarantee continuation of employment. I also understand that part-time and temporary positions are always ‘at-will’ and do not obtain civil service status.
  • I understand that if I am offered and accept employment with the City, then I am required to abide by the rules and regulations of the City of Ocean Springs.
  • I certify that the answers given by me in this Application and any attachments are true and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that any misstatement or omission of fact in this Application or in any document used to obtain employment may result in rejection of this Application, removal from any employment list, disqualification from future consideration for employment, and/or immediate termination of employment, regardless of the time elapsed before discovery of the misstatement or omission.
  • I understand that all answers and information are subject to investigation and verification.
  • I acknowledge that I have read and understand this statement and the instructions throughout this Application.

Authorization for Inquiry and Release of Information

Having made application for employment with the City of Ocean Springs, I hereby authorize the City to research and make inquiry of my history and records including financial, academic, military, employment, judicial, criminal, driving record, personal references, and/or online social networking pages. I further authorize the release of all such information to the City, and I agree that such organizations, persons, and others shall not be held liable for such information or damages that may result from furnishing the information requested. I understand my rights under the Privacy Act of 1974, with regard to access and disclosure of records, and I waive these rights with the understanding that information furnished will be used by the City of Ocean Springs for the application and employment process. 
This Authorization will be valid whether as an original, a photocopy, or a fax copy, and remains valid for one year after I sign. Upon request, a copy of this signed Authorization may be furnished to the school, present or former employer, present or former landlord, criminal justice agency, or other persons and organizations asked to provide information.

Please contact us if you have any questions or need assistance with the Application.

Upload Your Resume Here - You may upload more than one document at a time.

We encourage you to check our Employment Opportunities webpage regularly. Applications are accepted even if no vacancies exist.

Thank you for your interest in employment with the City of Ocean Springs.

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