APPLY FOR THE
HATTIESBURG FIRE
DEPARTMENT
The City of Hattiesburg is currently taking applications for the next Fire Academy class.
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Applicants must meet the minimum requirements posted.
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Qualifications include:
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Be 18 years of age or older
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Be a United States citizen
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Have a high school diploma or GED
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Have no felony arrests or other serious criminal activity
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Possess a valid driver’s license
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Be a registered voter in his/her current county/city of residence
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Be of good moral character
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After successful completion of the selection process and the Hattiesburg Fire Training Academy, the responsibilities of a Hattiesburg Firefighter include answering a variety of calls. This job goes above and beyond responding to fire emergencies, and it can be a challenging and rewarding career.
As a first responder, your responsibilities cover a wide range from working with your crew to extinguishing fully involved building fires and saving lives, to assisting other emergency responders such as paramedics or police during other types of emergencies.
Daily activities may require you to provide support for emergency situations and attend public events, where you will interact with the public as a representative of HFD. Each day can present a new challenge or obstacle. Public events vary greatly, from community appearances to fire safety education and awareness events, and involve all ages, from toddlers to senior citizens.
You will be required to maintain a level of professional knowledge and skills and constantly strive to improve yourself with additional training, education, and experience.
The starting salary for a Hattiesburg Firefighter is between $40,000 and $43,000, depending on education. The salary for a recruit during a Recruit Class is $35,000, with a change in salary effective upon graduation.
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Additional benefits include:
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Attending The University of Southern Mississippi or William Carey University at no cost to sworn personnel.
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Enrollment in the Public Employees' Retirement System of Mississippi.
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Diversity of upward trajectory depending on career interests and professional development.
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Access to physical fitness equipment at fire stations and the Academy.
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Investments in professional development and training opportunities, including rope rescue, swift water rescue, smoke diver, and EMT.
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Skills and abilities needed include overall physical health: good reflexes, vision, and hearing; ability to maneuver through obstacles, while carrying loads of equipment and rescuing people; manual dexterity to operate communications devices and other equipment while wearing safety gear and navigating in low visibility; climbing and/or repelling.
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Some initial physical attributes are necessary to pass the entry test, others will be taught and tested during the Academy. (Your study packet will explain those in detail.)
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If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Training Academy Staff at (601) 545-4650.
The City of Hattiesburg is an equal opportunity employer.
I APPLIED. WHAT IS NEXT?
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The selection process includes several important milestones that you will have to pass before day one at the Police & Fire Academy.
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Recruits must successfully complete the Physical Agility Test before participating in the Civil Service Exam.
I'M ALREADY A CERTIFIED FIREFIGHTER. CAN I APPLY TO TRANSFER?​
Absolutely. Hattiesburg Fire Department's lateral transfer application is available year-round.
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Qualifications:
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Certifications in Firefighter 1001-I-II and HAZMAT Operations & Awareness
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18 years of age or older and a United States citizen;
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Have a high school diploma or a GED;
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Have NO felony convictions or serious misdemeanor convictions;
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Possess a valid driver’s license and be a registered voter in your current county or city of residence.
Before hiring, candidates must pass a background check, medical exam and physical fitness test; then, the candidate must be approved by Civil Service.