Charleston, SC 2012 Hiring

[jcarlin3814]

http://local61.com/?zone=/unionactiv...20Opportuities

[dwilly48]

how does the Charleston process usually work? do they do the physical and written on the same day? and do they rank you by your scores?

[FireMuscleMan21]

And is te pay really 8.50 an hour?

[KingTut99]

If you click this link http://www.charleston-sc.gov/dept/content.aspx?nid=2495 and click Firefighter Recruitment, it shows starting pay, pay grades and it looks like the minimum is $30K and some change.

[CFD11]

Pay is 8.50 during recruit school, once you graduate I think that it is bumped to 29,800 a year may have jumped since I was hired. The City gives seven step raises of 5% for the first eight years. And, they pay for degrees, Associates is 5% on yearly salary, Bachelors is 10% and Masters is 17% of yearly salary.

[Rwilliam84]

What's the process like?

[CFD11]

Unless it has changed it is simple(which I haven't heard about), written test and standardized interviews. Those that are selected take the HOBIT test (not sure on test name) it is a standardized test that scores relate some how to EMT B course. Then 6 months of probie school. Competition hasn't been to tough compared to other departments our size and call volume. I think 500 or 600 people showed up for the written last time.

[TNFFP]

When are they looking at starting a class?

Also, does CFD have ALS companies/does CFD hire Firemedics?

[CFD11]

We have a couple of medics but we still have our rigs set up as first responder rigs. In the future they are pushing for BLS rigs. Hiring is going to happen in October from what I have heard from rumors.

[TNFFP]

So really no need for a paramedic to even apply? lol

[CFD11]

You wont be paid as a medic and you won't use your medic card. We have multiple medics on the job, they just use their medic card part time or are looking to go else where. So sure apply if you want to not operate as medic up to you on that one

[BigBruno]

CFD11, do you guys have an active dive resuce/swiftwater team? If so, would you say the team and equipment are comparable to Savannah Fire's dive team? I was doing some digging on the department's web site, but I couldn't find that info.

Glad to have you on here and thank you in advance!

[iwantafirecareer]

@ CFD11

How many people did they hire off the last list?

Is the HOBET test the entrance exam?


Thanks

[CFD11]

Bruno,
Currently the only dive rescue resources in in Charleston that I know of are City PD has a unit and a Vollie rescue company I think dives. We are standing up a rescue swimmer/dive program that will run in unison with our new fire boat.

Iwantafirecareer, they really don't have a true list like most large fd's. They hire well into the mid 80's on the written though. Last test I think lasted for two or three probie classes of 20-30. The hobet or what ever it is called is a separate test to test the likelihood of passing EMT B. I don't know I never had to take it so I guess google may be your best friend on the test info.

[DJ_Reverse]

Any Rescue in the city or no? Also what Engine/Ladder would I be posted on if I want to go into HazMat?

[iwantafirecareer]

Thank you CFD11.

[CFD11]

DJ, no rescue as yet, it is in the apparatus replacement plan but nothing yet. As of now, the ladder companies provide the rescue resource and are typically staffed with guys from the tech rescue team. If you want to get into Haz Mat, most guys are assigned to Engine 9. The Haz Mat team just got a 750k grant for a new haz mat rig so that is cool, also DJ you do need to understand that we are slam packed with firefighters so you may not be at Engine 9. We have some really really busy rigs and some rigs that literally move like 3 times a month....... The opportunity to transfer is there but you may to stay on a slower truck for a while or you may get lucky and go straight to a busy rig never now. My buddy just got a new guy on the busiest rig in the city and they already had 2 firefighters assigned.

[BigBruno]

Bruno,
Currently the only dive rescue resources in in Charleston that I know of are City PD has a unit and a Vollie rescue company I think dives. We are standing up a rescue swimmer/dive program that will run in unison with our new fire boat.

Iwantafirecareer, they really don't have a true list like most large fd's. They hire well into the mid 80's on the written though. Last test I think lasted for two or three probie classes of 20-30. The hobet or what ever it is called is a separate test to test the likelihood of passing EMT B. I don't know I never had to take it so I guess google may be your best friend on the test info.

Thank you for the info, sir. That sounds fantastic!

[Fireguy12345]

I was curious if anyone recieved any kind of Confirmation fromHR after submitting their application via Email

[berg2904]

What is the process like after the written test? I see an oral interview but no mention of a physical test. Also, maybe it's a bit early to ask but what is the cost of living and such for the area? Thank you in advance!