Fire Department · Career
Southaven Fire Department
Southaven, MS · DeSoto County
Pay scale
| Fire Dept - Certified Firefighter | $65,178/yr |
| Fire Dept. - EMS Driver | $1,091/yr |
The Southaven Fire Department seeks Fire Inspectors earning an annual base salary of $71,947 to $80,100, requiring three years of fire service experience and Fire Inspector I certification to be obtained within one year.
The Southaven Fire Department seeks certified firefighters with an annual salary of $65,178, including health and life insurance benefits. Applicants must obtain an EMT-B license within 1 year of employment and complete a 12-month probation period.
The Southaven Fire Department is a full-time career agency serving the city of Southaven, Mississippi. It is organized into Administration, Fire Prevention, Operations, EMS, and Training divisions and operates out of five stations staffed around the clock.
The department is a combined fire and EMS operation: alongside fire suppression it delivers Advanced Life Support (ALS) care and emergency ambulance transport. Its frontline fleet includes five pumpers, two trucks, a squad, and five ambulances, backed by a reserve fleet.
With about 140 employees and roughly 40 personnel on duty each day, Southaven Fire describes its members as "a proactive and community-oriented group of professionals."
Southaven Fire recruits certified firefighters, paramedics, EMS drivers, and fire inspectors, with openings typically posted as "Open Until Filled." Applications are submitted through the City of Southaven employment portal online, or in person at the City Hall reception desk on the first floor. A CPAT candidate preparation guide is provided to help applicants get ready for the physical ability test.
The department asks that candidates not contact the fire department directly to check on application status, and notes that previous applicants must reapply to be considered for new openings.
Pay
Salary is described as competitive and based on qualifications. Related posted EMS roles list annual compensation of $79,545 for Paramedic I and $55,952.44 for EMS Driver.
Hiring process
- Apply online through the City of Southaven employment portal, or in person at the City Hall reception desk (first floor)
- Complete the CPAT physical ability test (a candidate preparation guide is provided)
- Positions remain open until filled; previous applicants must reapply to be considered
Benefits
The department advertises a "competitive salary based on qualifications," with a package that includes personal leave, medical leave, holiday pay, stipends, uniforms, and retirement benefits.
How do I apply to become a Southaven firefighter?
Apply online through the City of Southaven employment portal, or submit an application in person at the City Hall reception desk on the first floor. Certificates should not be submitted at the time of application.
Is the department currently hiring?
Yes. Fire and EMS positions, including Certified Firefighter, are posted as "Open Until Filled," so applications are generally accepted on a continuous basis.
Do I need to pass a physical ability test?
The department provides a CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) candidate preparation guide, indicating candidates should prepare for a physical ability assessment.
What benefits does the department offer?
The recruitment page lists personal leave, medical leave, holiday pay, stipends, uniforms, and retirement benefits, along with a competitive salary based on qualifications.
If I applied before, do I need to reapply?
Yes. Previous applicants must reapply to be considered for new openings, and you are asked not to contact the fire department directly to check application status.
Does Southaven Fire provide EMS and ambulance transport?
Yes. The department operates its own EMS Division providing Advanced Life Support (ALS) services and emergency ambulance transport, so paramedic and EMS driver roles are part of the department.