Summary of the Application Process
The following is an outline of the hiring process. Each stage must be successfully completed before proceeding to the next step.
- APPLICATION - To be considered for employment with the Big Spring Fire Department, a candidate must complete the City of Big Spring Application for Employment packet. The applications must be typed or printed and all information must be legible.
- WRITTEN EXAMINATION - Each applicant for entry level positions in the Civil Service shall be required to take a written competitive examination and achieve an overall score of 70%, which determines whether or not the applicant's name shall be placed on the eligibility list. If applicable, you must submit a Form DD-214 Form 4 or NGB Form 22 (if you have been a member of the National Guard) to verify an honorable or general discharge under honorable conditions from the military and receive a passing grade of 70% to receive an additional five 95) points added to the examination grade. An entry-level firefighter eligibility list will be created from those who pass the written examination with an overall score of at least 70%. Eligible applicants will be listed in order of their score on the examination.
- PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST - Applicants who pass the written examination with a score of at least an overall 70% are required to complete the Physical Ability Test. Depending on the number of applicants who pass the test, the test may be given on the same day as the written test or at a date to be announced. We will notify applicants by letter or phone call. You must have completed the Declaration of Medical Condition Form and returned it with your application in order to take the Physical Ability Test. See attachment for the requirements for this test.
- BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION - A thorough background investigation is conducted to verify information received in your application packet. If applicable, a follow-up interview may be conducted to clarify information received during the background investigation.
- POLYGRAPH - Polygraph examinations are performed on all candidates to ensure truthfulness of all information provided from the application process.
- ORAL INTERVIEW - Applicants who successfully complete the physical ability test will be required to appear before a panel of Fire department and other City of Big Spring Management staff for interview. The interview will cover information obtained about the applicant during the previous stages. The applicant will be asked questions designed to demonstrate certain knowledge, skills and abilities considered basic for effective performance as a firefighter/EMS Technician with the Big Spring Fire Department.
- MEDICAL ASSESSMENT - Applicants who successfully complete all stages will receive a conditional job offer. After a conditional offer is made, the applicant must complete a drug screen, Work Steps/job specific agility test, a psychological examination and a physical examination conducted by a designated physician/certified medical provider. The physician/certified medical provider will assess each candidate's physical/mental condition(s) to ensure he/she can function safely as a firefighter.
- TERMS/Conditional Job Offer - A conditonal job offer will be extended to eligible applicants by the Human Resources department prior to the required drug screen, Work Steps, psychological, medical and physical examinations. The conditional offer will be withdrawn if:
- The applicant tests positive for controlled substances,
- The medical practitioner(s) reveal any areas of concern,
- There are any other indicators which would be contraindication of good moral character for employment with the City of Big Spring Fire Department.
- Any applicant on the eligibility list, whose DSHS or TCFP status changes must notify, in writing, the Human Resources Director for the City of Big Spring located at City Hall, 310 Nolan Street, Big Spring, Texas 79720, and attach a copy of the new DSHS or TCFP certificate(s).
- A final offer of employment and start date will be made by the City after satisfactory completion of all portions of the selection process. Failure of any portion of the conditional offer testing will constitute the automatic withdrawal of any conditional offer of employment made by the City of Big Spring.
