Minimum Requirements

The minimum requirements for application for the Big Spring Fire Department are listed below. Please read the information carefully before determining whether or not to submit your application for the Big Spring Fire Department. You must meet the minimum qualifications and not relate to any of the listed disqualifications.

Minimum Requirements

  • You must be a high school graduate or possess a GED Equivalency Certificate.
  • You must have reached eighteen (18) years of age as of the date of the written test and not have reached thirty-six (36) years of age as of the date of appointment .
  • You must be able to read, write and speak English.
  • You must possess a valid state issued driver's license and, on date of hire or within three (3) months of date of hire, must have obtained a Commercial Texas Driver's License, either a Class A or Class B, for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
  • If applicable, you must submit a Form DD-214-4 (long form) to verify an honorable or general discharge under honorable conditions from the military.
  • Non-certified applicants must receive a minimum passing grade of 70% on the Civil Service written examination for an entry level firefighter.
  • Applicants must satisfactorily complete the physical agility course set out by the department 1 attempt.
  • You must pass a comprehensive background investigation and not have any of the disqualifiers established by the department.
  • You must have the ability to meet current requirements set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) to obtain certification as a Firefighter.
  • You must have the ability to obtain appropriate state Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification twelve (12) months from the date of hire (DOH) and maintain certification(s) through continuing education throughout employment with the City.
  • The Commission on Fire Protection Personnel Standards and Education may not certify an applicant as eligible for a beginning position with the fire department unless the applicant meets all legal requirements necessary to become eligible for future certification.

Disqualifications

Any of the following will disqualify an applicant from further consideration at any stage of the process:
  • Failure to meet minimum preliminary requirements.
  • Failure of the pre-employment drug test. Disqualification for two (2) years.
  • Failure to receive the required recommendation for employment by the examining psychologist, psychiatrist or medical doctor. Temporary or permanent rejection based on nature of the rejection.
  • Failure to meet and/or provide documentation of the minimal educational requirements in accordance with TCFP rules. Temporary disqualification until next examination.
  • Conviction of conduct that constitutes a felony under State or Federal Law.
  • Admission to conduct involving a crime or act of moral turpitude. Candidates will be considered on a case by case basis with factors considered including the nature of the event and the potential for the conduct impacting the applicant's ability to perform Public Safety duties and uphold the expected conduct and image required of a firefighter. Individuals registered as "sex offenders" will be permanently disqualified.
  • Any false statement in any material fact; withheld information, practiced or attempted to practice deception or fraud in his or her application, examination, background investigation, polygraph examination or medical examination. (Permanent disqualification).
  • Dishonorable or less than honorable discharge from any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States.
  • Addiction to narcotics or excessive use of intoxicants.
  • Conviction for DUI/DWI within the ten (10) years or has a driving record incompatible with the safe operation of emergency vehicles based on the determination that the applicant is a habitual traffic violator per the guidelines established in the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual of the City of Big Spring.
  • Membership in any organization that promotes or encourages the overthrow of the United States Government.
  • Failure to complete or satisfactorily meet the employment process requirement of the Fire Department including, but not limited to, missed appointments, failure to return necessary paperwork, failure to promptly notify the Fire Department of changes in address or telephone numbers or who otherwise fail to complete the application process.
  • Failure or refusal to provide any information required.