(Photograph by Aaron Morris)

Becoming a Camden Firefighter

The Camden Civil Service Commission has scheduled an open competition for the position of firefighter with the Camden Fire Department. The first portion of this competition — a written examination — will take place at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Ouachita Valley Business & Technology Development Center, 625 Adams Avenue SE. Applicants who pass the written exam will conduct oral interviews and a physical agility test. Upon successful completion of all requirements, applicants will be placed on a hiring list that is valid for one year.

Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024, and may be obtained at the Camden Fire Department-Central Station, 140 Van Buren Street NW; by calling Central Station at (870) 836-2413; or filled out online and returned to Central Station in person, by mail, or email. An application must be completed and turned in to the department by the deadline to be eligible for testing.

A test-preparation class and fire department orientation session will be conducted on a date to be determined. This session will provide an overview and tips for the written exam, discuss the hiring process for the Camden Fire Department, and give applicants an opportunity to ask any questions related to the testing competition or career in the fire service. Attendance is not required, but is strongly encouraged. A study guide for the written portion of the exam is also available for a $20.00 refundable deposit, and can be obtained by visiting Central Station.

Requirements:

  • Citizen of the United States.
  • High School graduate or GED equivalent.
  • Be between the ages of 18 and 35.
  • Felony convictions are disqualifying.
  • Must pass the firefighter entrance examination and be interviewed by the Civil Service Commission.
  • Must pass a physical agility exam.
  • Must pass a thorough physical examination and drug screen.
  • Pass a thorough background investigation.
  • Must successfully complete Firefighter Standards Course at the Arkansas Fire Training Academy within 12 months of employment.

Benefits:

  • Starting base salary is $38,600 — with an increase to $41,600 after one year — plus additional holiday pay.
  • Educational incentive pay of up to 10 percent of base salary (based on college credit hours and degree).
  • Certificate pay of up to 10 percent of base salary (based on certified fire service training).
  • Uniform allowance of $1,000 annually.
  • Annual vacation (accrue 192 hours annually).
  • Sick leave benefits (accrue 360 hours annually).
  • Health and life insurance premiums for the employee, and majority of family coverage, are paid by the city of Camden.
  • Excellent retirement benefits, including:
    • Enrollment in the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System (LOPFI), a statewide defined-benefit retirement system.
    • Optional enrollment in the State of Arkansas Deferred Compensation Plan, a tax-advantaged 457(b) retirement plan available to government employees.

The city of Camden is an equal opportunity employer.