Fire Department · Career
Big Spring Fire Department
Big Spring, TX · Howard County
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Department careers page ↗Big Spring Fire Department traces its roots to 1907, when it began as a volunteer organization; the city moved to a full-time paid department in the 1930s as Big Spring grew. The department has a notable first in Texas fire history: Big Spring was the first city in the state to put a motorized fire truck into service, in 1909.
Today the department operates from five stations and provides fire suppression, prevention, and code enforcement alongside advanced life support EMS for both the city and surrounding Howard County. Engine companies carry AEDs, and an ambulance responds alongside engines to structure fires for added medical support and manpower. Beyond structural firefighting, the department trains for auto extrication, hazardous materials response, high-angle rescue, and confined space rescue.
With about 75 employees serving a population of more than 30,000, the department answers roughly 7,700 combined fire and EMS calls a year across the city and the surrounding county.
Big Spring hires firefighter/EMTs through a formal civil service process, starting with an online application and written exam and proceeding through physical ability testing, an eligibility list, background investigation, and a conditional job offer pending medical clearance.
Requirements
- Pass the civil service written examination with a minimum score of 70%
- Complete the Physical Ability Test in one attempt (requires a physician's release form to participate)
- Pass a background investigation and polygraph examination
- Pass a post-offer medical assessment including drug screening, agility test, and physical exam
Hiring process
- Submit application by the posted deadline
- Civil Service written examination (70% minimum passing score)
- Physical Ability Test (physician release required)
- Placement on eligibility list
- Polygraph examination
- Oral interview with the Fire Chief
- Background investigation
- Conditional job offer from HR
- Medical assessment (drug screening, agility test, physical exam)
Benefits
Firefighters contribute 13% of gross salary to the pension fund while the city contributes 18%. The city also matches into a deferred compensation retirement plan and a life/disability insurance package (7.70% combined), provides life insurance at four times annual salary, long-term disability up to 60% of monthly salary, employer-paid employee health premiums with subsidized dependent coverage, 15-20 vacation days based on tenure, 15 sick days per year, longevity pay, workers' compensation, and tuition reimbursement after a six-month probationary period.
What is the minimum passing score on the entry-level written exam?
Candidates must score at least 70 percent on the civil service written examination to proceed in the hiring process.
How many fire stations does Big Spring Fire Department operate?
The department operates 5 stations across the city and surrounding area.
How many calls does the department respond to each year?
The department responds to approximately 7,666 combined fire and EMS calls annually, including calls both inside and outside city limits.
Does military service help my application?
Yes, applicants with honorable-discharge armed forces service receive a 5-point bonus on the eligibility list (with DD-214/Form 4).