How To Become A Firefighter

Minimum Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent

Must be 18 years old at time of hire

Must possess IFSAC Firefighter I, Firefighter II and NR-EMT certification or be willing to obtain with one year.

Valid driver's license

Benefits:

Starting pay $40,524.92 includes holidays

11 paid holidays

Off-duty call back paid at overtime rate

Paid Health/Dental/and Life Insurance (employee)

Paid sick and vacation time

Emergency Medical Technician pay $1500 per year

Physical Fitness Bonus up to $1000 per year

Paid training

24/48 shift schedule

LOPFI pension

Free employee assistance program (EAP)

Free access to in-house fitness center

Discounted rate for use of the city indoor aquatics center

Uniforms provided

2 sets of structural gear provided

Step by Step Process:

Step 1- complete an employment application online located at the bottom of this page or visit Paragould City Hall Human Resources Department located at 301 W. Court St. to obtain a paper application. Please upload or submit all certifications relevant to the position you are applying for such as certifications, seminars, training courses, and licenses held.

Printable employment application click here. If you choose this method it must be turned into the Human Resources Department located at 301 W. Court St.

Step 2- after the Human Resources Department reviews applications for minimum requirements they will release a list of candidates to the Paragould Fire Department. Candidates will be notified of the physical assessment test date, time and location. In a typical year one testing is conducted. However, this is subject to change based on number of qualified candidates available for employment, and available positions to be filled. The candidate must provide at time of physical assessment a Medical Release Form signed by a physician when they arrive at the testing center. Under no circumstances will a candidate be allowed to participate in the physical assessment without providing this form. The form can be obtained from Paragould City Hall Human Resources department located at 301 W. Court St. or online click here. The physical assessment is a timed course with a 5 minute cap for completion. For a description of the course you will be required to participate in please click here. The candidate must pass the physical assessment to move to Step 3. Upon successful completion of the physical assessment a date, time and location will be provided to the candidate for the written test.

Step 3- candidates will be required to take a written test, The National Firefighter Selection Test (NFST). A study guide for the written test is available for purchase at Paragould City Hall Human Resources Department located 301 W. Court St. Remember to move to step 4 you must successfully complete the written test. Upon successful completion of the written test an oral interview will be scheduled based on overall testing rank.

Step 4- candidate must participate in a formal interview with the Paragould Fire Department Captains from each each platoon and the Administrative Captain.

Step 5- What to expect moving forward: the successful completion of Steps 1-4 will result in the candidate being available for employment. A list will be compiled of all candidates and their ranking. As positions become available successful candidates will be notified via phone to extend offers. This is not an official hiring. At this point the candidate will be required to pass a background check, reference check and submit to a medical assessment and drug screening. All processes will be completed before officially being hired.

Application

APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Our policy is to comply with all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination in employment based on race, color, age, religion, creed, national origin, sex, disability, veteran, or marital status, or any other legally protected status. If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation in the application process, please notify the Human Resources Director.
NOTE: The City will not employ a qualifying patient in a safety or security sensitive position.
First Name*
Middle Initial*
Last Name*
Other names used while employed, if any
Email Address
Address*
City*
State*
Zip*
Phone Number Home*
Phone Number Cell
Position Applying For (do not list Any)*
Are you 18 years old or older? (yes or no)*
If you are applying for Police you must be 21 years old to apply. Are you 21 years old or older? (yes or no)
If you are applying for Part-time Seasonal are you 16 years old or older? (yes or no)
Are you presently employed? (yes or no)*
May we contact your present employer? (yes or no)*
Have you previously been employed by the City of Paragould? (yes or no)
Date from
Date from
Date to
Date to
Position Held
**Please list friends or relatives employed by the City of Paragould.
First / Last Name
Position
Relationship
First / Last Name
Position
Relationship
If you are hired, can you produce evidence of U.S. citizenship or legal work status within three (3) days? ( yes or no)*
**References (Do Not List Relatives)
Name*
Phone Number*
Occupation
Years Acquainted*
Name*
Phone Number*
Occupation
Years Acquainted*
Name*
Phone Number*
Occupation
Years Acquainted*
EDUCATION
Type of School
School Name/ Location
Course of Study
Diploma / Degree
Type of School
School Name / Location
Course of Study
Diploma / Degree
Type of School
School Name / Location
Course of Study
Diploma / Degree
Describe any specialized training, apprenticeship, and skills.
Describe any job-related training received in the United States military.
Please indicate any additional experience and training you have had which in your opinion would qualify you for the position you seek.
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT
List all employment (including military service for at least the past ten (10) years).
Begin with your most recent and work back.
1. Firm Name
Address
City
State
Zip Code
Phone Number
Job Title
Date from
Date from
Date to
Date to
Primary Responsibilities
Hourly Rate / Salary
Name of Direct Supervisor
Phone Number
Reason for Leaving
Were you fired?
Name of Co-worker
Phone Number
2. Firm Name
Address
City
State
Zip Code
Phone Number
Job Title
Date from
Date from
Date to
Date to
Primary Responsibilities
Hourly Rate / Salary
Name of Direct Supervisor
Phone Number
Reason for Leaving
Were you fired?
Name of Co-worker
Phone Number
3. Firm Name
Address
City
State
Zip Code
Phone Number
Job Title
Date from
Date from
Date to
Date to
Primary Responsibilities
Hourly Rate / Salary
Name of Direct Supervisor
Phone Number
Reason for Leaving
Were you fired?
Name of Co-worker
Phone Number
Resume / Certificate Upload - Please do not upload documents with SS#, Birthdates, or DL#.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND INITIAL EACH PARAGRAPH BEFORE SIGNING
I have disclosed all information that is relevant and should be considered applicable to my candidacy for employment. *
Initials
I understand where permissible under applicable state and local law, I may be subject to a pre-employment drug test after receiving a conditional offer of employment, and must receive a negative result for illegal drugs before being permitted to commence work with the City of Paragould.*
Initials
I understand, where permissible under applicable state and local law, I may be subject to a pre-employment medical examination after receiving a conditional offer of employment, and must meet the qualifications for the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, before being permitted to commence work with the City of Paragould.*
Initials
I hereby certify that the information given by me is true in all respects. I authorize the City of Paragould and its representatives to contact my prior employers and all others for the purpose of verification of the information I have supplied and release same from any liability resulting from the information released. I authorize employers, schools and other persons named on this application to provide any information or transcripts requested. *
Initials
I understand employment with the City of Paragould is also contingent on my providing sufficient documentation necessary to establish my identity and eligibility to work in the United States.*
Initials
I expressly understand and agree that, if employed, my employment, having no specific term, is based upon mutual consent and may be terminated at will, with or without cause, by either party (the City of Paragould or me) without prior notice to the other, unless otherwise prohibited by law.*
Initials
I understand that no representation, whether oral or written, by any representative or agent of the City of Paragould, at any time, can constitute an implied or expressed contract of employment. I further understand no representative or agent of the City of Paragould has the authority to enter into an agreement for employment for any specified period of time or to make any change in any policy, procedure, benefit or other terms or condition of employment other than in a document signed by the Director of Human Resources or an authorized representative.*
Initials
I certify, under penalty of perjury, that all of the above information is true and complete, and I understand that any falsification or omission of information may result in denial of employment or, if hired, may result in termination regardless of the time lapse before discovery.
This application for employment shall be considered active for a period of time not to exceed 180 days. Any applicant wishing to be considered for employment beyond this time period should reapply.
NOTE; An offer of employment is conditioned upon complying with the City of Paragould’s requirements including, but not limited to signing a consent to conduct a background investigation
MY SIGNATURE IS EVIDENCE THAT I HAVE READ AND AGREE WITH THE ABOVE STATEMENTS.
Applicant's Signature*
Date*

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