Gulfport Firefighter Recruit

The City of Gulfport; Gulfport (MS); On-site; USD 39,590 - 49,657; Full time

Job summary

The City of Gulfport is hiring a Firefighter Recruit for the Gulfport Fire Department. This entry-level, probationary role involves responding to emergencies, maintaining fire department equipment, and performing firefighting duties. Candidates must complete a multi-step selection process, including tests and interviews. Required qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, with a valid Mississippi Driver’s License. The role is critical during emergencies, and physical strength is essential for the job.

Qualifications

• Must possess a valid Mississippi Driver’s License.
• Previous firefighting experience is preferred but not required.
• Ability to engage in moderate to strenuous physical activity.

Responsibilities

• Combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires.
• Responding to fire alarms and other emergency calls.
• Maintaining fire department equipment and apparatus.

Skills

Knowledge of firefighting methods

Skill in operating fire apparatus

Ability to perform physical activities

Effective communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Fire apparatus and equipment

Job description

Firefighter Recruit

Location: City of Gulfport, Mississippi

Department: 290 – Fire

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $39,590.20 - $49,657.32

Per Mississippi State Statute 21-31-63: Any applicant 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 resides and must meet only such bona fide occupational residency requirements as may be determined by the civil service commission or the governing authority of the municipality.

Position Overview

The Firefighter Recruit position is an entry-level, probationary role with the Gulfport Fire Department. Individuals selected for this position must meet all requirements and be accepted for employment in accordance with the City of Gulfport Civil Service Rules and Regulations. Applicants for the Firefighter Recruit position are required to successfully complete a multi-step selection process, which includes passing a Civil Service Test, a Physical Agility Test, and in-person interviews. Applicants will be notified of testing dates after submitting an application. Candidates are selected for hire based on departmental vacancies. This position is classified as a Critical personnel classification for Emergency Response. This means that during an emergency response, this position is part of a subset of essential personnel who must be physically present due to the nature of their role. Critical status is defined as employees whose duties are vital to maintain basic municipal functions during an emergency.

Responsibilities

• Performs skilled firefighting duties in combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires
• Responds on assigned apparatus to fire alarms and other emergency call
• Performs forced entries and rescues individuals, or assists with rescue operations during fires or other emergencies, as directed
• Maintains fire department apparatus, quarters, buildings, equipment, grounds, and hydrants
• Operates departmental vehicles under non-emergency conditions, as assigned
• Uses manual, gas-powered, and mechanical cutting tools
• Ventilates buildings or aircraft, as directed, to remove heat, smoke, and hazardous gases
• Responds to multi-story fires or rescue incidents, utilizing ground ladders and aerial apparatus
• Performs other related duties as assigned that are consistent with the nature and scope of the position
• All other duties as assigned by your direct supervisor, director or mayor.

Essential Job Functions

• Responds to emergencies as a member of a fire company or rescue unit
• Makes forced entries and rescues individuals, or assists with rescue operations during fires or other emergencies, as directed
• Maintains fire department apparatus, equipment, quarters, buildings, grounds, and hydrants in a clean and operable condition
• Administers emergency first aid, as required, and operates departmental vehicles under non-emergency conditions
• Uses manual, gas-powered, and mechanical cutting tools
• Responds to multi-story fires or rescue incidents, utilizing ground ladders and aerial apparatus
• Ventilates buildings or aircraft, as directed, to release heat, smoke, and hazardous gases
• Participates in fire prevention, public education, and inspection activities, as assigned
• All other duties as assigned by your direct supervisor, director or mayor.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Possesses basic knowledge of firefighting methods and modern fire prevention practices
• Demonstrates skill in the operation and care of fire apparatus and equipment
• Exhibits the ability to learn the operation of heavy motorized equipment and a variety of firefighting, fire prevention, and related tasks
• Requires the ability to engage in moderate to strenuous physical activity and to work extended hours during emergency situations
• Demonstrates the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public
• Exhibits the ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Possesses the ability to read and interpret a variety of maps, plans, and diagrams
• Demonstrates the ability to perform detailed report writing and record-keeping duties

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent is required. Previous firefighting experience is preferred but not required.

Licenses and Certifications

Must possess a valid Mississippi Driver’s License.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

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. This position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, twisting, and kneeling while performing essential job functions, as well as the use of arms and back for climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and occasional crawling. The employee must be able to routinely lift and/or move a minimum of 50 pounds. The role requires sufficient visual acuity to see close objects, distinguish colors, adjust focus, and perceive depth, along with hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to safely operate equipment. Good hearing ability is critical to adequately perform job-related functions. Physical agility, strength, and endurance are required to perform duties involving significant exertion, such as moving victims and climbing ladders, and to handle objects over prolonged periods of time in hazardous weather, atmospheric, and environmental conditions.