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Become a Parkersburg Firefighter

Be One of Parkersburg’s Bravest 

Applications are not open at this time. 
How The Application Process Works

Step 1: Application
Anyone seeking employment with the Parkersburg Fire Department must first complete the application and submit the $15 application fee. Please note the following minimum requirements:

  • Minimum age 18; maximum age 35 or
  • Honorably discharged veterans up to 40 years of age
  • Good physical condition
  • Weight in proportion to build
  • Able to pass a physical agility test
  • Vision corrected to 20/20 from no more than 20/50
  • Hearing in normal range


Step 2: Written Exam
The Parkersburg Fire Department Civil Service Commission conducts a written examination for applicants. The exam evaluates such factors as general aptitude and no experience is required. Applicants must score a 70% or higher to move to the next step - the physical agility test. 

Step 3: Physical Agility Test
A physical agility test will be administered after the written exam. The agility test consists of:

  • 1.5 mile run – 14 minutes 36 seconds
  • push ups – 18 in 60 seconds
  • sit ups – 28 in 60 seconds
  • mannequin drag – 165 lbs. – 100 feet
  • balance beam – 24 feet Z pattern
  • flexibility test
  • stair climb/high-rise carry
  • hose hoist – 50 feet with nozzle
  • 65′ ladder climb
  • hose pull – dry – 100 feet
  • hose pull – wet – 100 feet
  • hose maze (blacked out facepiece) – 200 feet

Only those applicants successfully completing this physical agility test will be considered for employment. Applicants are placed on a civil service list ranked in the order of their test score and credit for military service.

Step 4: Final Checks
After an applicant has been placed on the Civil Service list and successfully completed the physical agility test, they are subject to the following:

  • background investigation
  • driver record check
  • criminal history check
  • employment history
  • neighborhood check
  • medical exams, which include a hearing and vision screening
A review of the applicant’s file by the Civil Service Commissioners determines the applicant’s certification for employment. Upon hire, all applicants must complete:

  • Firefighter Section 1 & 2
  • EMT-Basic, Hazardous Materials training
  • City map testing.
  • In addition, the candidate must also complete a Joint Apprenticeship Training Program (3 years) to become a Journeyman Firefighter.

Benefits of working as a Parkersburg Firefighter

There are many benefits to working as a Parkersburg firefighter. A few include:

  • Health insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Supplemental Insurance
  • Deferred Compensation Plans
  • Paid Vacation
  • EMT pay - paid training and a pay rate increase upon passing the exam
  • Compensatory Time
  • Holiday Pay (State schedule)
  • 20 Year Retirement
  • Uniform Allowance
  • Civil Service Protection
  • Promotions are based on availability of rank openings and are determined by testing

 

For more information regarding applications or testing, please contact:

Fire Chief’s Office: (304) 424-8470

Office hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm