Job Description
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Entry-Level Testing Thursday, May 14, 2026 @ 9:30 a.m. 400 W. King Avenue (City Hall) Kingsville Texas 78363
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Monday May 11 at 5:00 p.m.

Thank you for your interest in the City of Kingsville Fire Department. The Fire Department is a civil service and collective bargaining department consisting of 34 firefighters. Information concerning the hiring process for the position of Firefighter is outlined below. Please read the information carefully. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as set forth by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection the Texas Local Government Code Chapter 143 Kingsville Civil Service Commission and not fall under the listed “Reasons for Disqualification”.
HOW TO APPLY: City of Kingsville website www.cityofkingsville.com You are required to completely fill out an application for employment and enclose copies of certain documents to the Human Resources (HR) Office. Also, you must keep the HR Office informed of any changes in contact information (address phone # etc.) and employment status. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.

Essential Job Functions
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSIBILITIES: A member of the Fire Department is under direct supervision and responds to fire alarms and requests for emergency assistance; connects; lays and enters building with hose lines; assists in directing streams of water on fires; raises and lowers ladders; makes forcible entry into buildings; participates in fire prevention inspections; inspects structures and informs the public on fire hazards; maintains station; apparatus and other equipment; performs other work as assigned.

Entry Level Minimum Requirements

FIRE DEPARTMENT: ENTRY-LEVEL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

1. Age - 18 years of age but not 45 years of age or older
2. Education - High School diploma or GED certificate
3. Valid Driver’s License
4. Certifications (if applicable)
Meet the enrollment requirements for the education facility where applicants will be sent for certification as a Firefighter and EMT.

ALTERNATE HIRE PROCESS
Applicants must have all of the following to be eligible under this process and will not be required to take an entry level exam:
A. Basic Structural Firefighter certification through Texas Commission of Fire Protection (TCFP) or equivalent issued through another entity which qualifies for TCFP reciprocity.
B. Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic certification through Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) or National Registry.
C. Two (2) years of experience as a certified/licensed paramedic.
D. Applicant must be over 21.
E. Valid driver’s license.

Agility Course

Includes:

While wearing an SCBA backpack -- total course length 100 yards:

Rolled Hose Overhead Hoist

Ladder Carry

Connect Nozzle to Fire Hose

Connect Fire Hose

Hose Roll Carry

Dummy Drag

Additional Information
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS The application process for a Firefighter with the City of Kingsville is in six (6) phases. Listed below is a brief overview of each phase. Each phase must be successfully completed to progress to the next phase of the hiring process. An applicant may be disqualified from consideration during any phase.

PHASE 1 WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS The written examination administered is published by Standard & Associates Inc. The following areas will be tested: listening comprehension reading comprehension and mathematics. In order to pass the written examination, the applicant must score at least 70% of the total number of questions correct. Note: Civil Service regulations require qualified Veterans who take the written examination receive five (5) points in addition to his/her passing grade of 70% or better.
PHASE 2 PHYSICAL AGILITY TESTS Applicants successfully completing Phase 1 are required to perform a physical agility test at a time and date specified. See Civil Service Rules and Regulations Appendix C.
PHASE 3 BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS Applicants successfully completing Phase 2 are required to complete a detailed Personal History Statement. The completed statement must be submitted to the HR Office by the specified date. A thorough background investigation is conducted.
PHASE 4 INTERVIEWS Applicants successfully completing Phase 3 may go before an Interview Board consisting of a four (4) member panel.
PHASE 5 PRE-EMPLOYMENT PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS Applicants successfully completing Phase 4 are scheduled for a psychological written and oral examination when vacancies arise in the department.
PHASE 6 PRE-EMPLOYMENT PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS Applicants successfully completing all previous phases are scheduled for a physical examination with a City authorized medical physician.
Applicants successfully completing Phases 1 and 2 are placed on an Eligibility List. This list is valid for one year from the date of the written examination. Candidates not hired within one-year of the exam are required to retest and go through each of the phases again when the opportunity arises. Hiring preference may be given to those candidates on the eligibility list certified as Paramedics through the Texas Department of Health or through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Disclaimer
The information listed above reflects minimum standards and illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific job functions requirements or tasks does not exclude them from the job if the work is similar related or a logical extension of the work assigned.

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BENEFITS
Health Insurance - In-Network - 80% co-insurance after deductible, variable plans.
Compensation: Average Annual Base $51,000.
Education Pay: $50 - $200 per month depending on degree
Certification Pay: Various certifications ranging from $10 - $100 for Entry-Level and $25 to $425 monthly for Paramedics
Life Insurance City provided life insurance Retirement:
Vacation Leave: Accrue 144 - 216 hrs. per year (depending on years of service)
Sick Leave: Accrue 144 – 180 hrs. per year (depending on years of service) Sick Leave Buyback Program
Holiday Leave: 192 hrs. (annually)
Longevity: $ 5.50 per month per year of service
Uniforms: Employer provided uniforms and laundry service

VETERAN’S CREDIT: Candidates with an Honorable discharge from the military after 24 months of service are eligible for veteran’s credit provided proof of military service (DD-214) is submitted prior to the examination. Veteran’s credit equals to five (5) points added to a passing score of 70 or better on the written exam.
Retirement - TMRS City Matching 2;1 and TMRS Prior Service Credit
Life Insurance = 1 year salary to maximum of 50K
Deferred Compensation - Nationwide and Mission Square (pre- and post-tax options available)
Voluntary Insurance with AFLAC, Ameritas and Dearborn National

Application Special Instructions
REASONS FOR DISQUALIFICATION Any of the following will disqualify an applicant from further consideration at any stage of the hiring process.
1. A conviction for being under indictment for or currently charged with any felony offense.
2. A conviction for a Class “A” misdemeanor offense within 60 months preceding the date of application or a Class “B” misdemeanor offense within 60 months preceding the date of application.
3. A conviction for driving under the influence (DWI and/or DUI) within 3 years preceding the date of application.
4. Currently on probation for any offense. For the purpose of these requirements a person is convicted of an offense when adjudication of guilt on the offense is entered against the person by a court of a competent jurisdiction or a plea of guilt is entered including situations where:
A. The sentence is subsequently probated, and the person is discharged from probation.
B. Deferred adjudication is granted.
5. Illegal use of any controlled substance or dangerous drug other than marijuana within 2 years preceding the date of application.
6. Illegally furnished any controlled substance or dangerous drug to another.
7. Excessive record of traffic convictions or negligent traffic collisions.
This is defined as:
A. During the three-year period preceding the date of application convictions for more than two moving violations.
B. During the three-year period preceding the date of application a driver’s license suspension for driving while intoxicated failure to carry liability insurance for any reason that would indicate poor driving behavior.
C. A series of negligent collisions during the three-year period preceding the date of application that would indicate poor driving behavior or habits whether or not citations were issued.
8. History of failing to maintain financial responsibility without extenuating circumstances.
9. Discharged from the Armed Forces with a dishonorable discharge or a general discharge indicating:
A. Under other than honorable conditions
B. Bad conduct
C. Dishonorable or
D. Any other characterization indicating bad character.
10. Member of any organization which advocates the overthrow of a governmental agency by force or violence.
11. Resigned or been terminated from the Kingsville Fire Department within the 24 months preceding the date of application for disciplinary reasons resigning to avoid suspension or discharge or having resigned during a disciplinary investigation without a final judgment being rendered.
12. Failing to cooperate fully with and keep all scheduled appointments with the Kingsville Fire Department personnel involved in the hiring process; failing to provide additional personal information as needed or failing to submit information updates/changes within ten (10) days of notification.

Kingsville, City of (TX) jobs

Entry-Level Firefighter - Fire