Fire Department · Career
Orangeburg Department Of Public Safety
Orangeburg, SC · Orangeburg County
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Department careers page ↗The Orangeburg Department of Public Safety (ODPS) is a consolidated agency that provides both police and fire protection to the City of Orangeburg. Its fire division takes an all-hazards approach, handling fire suppression, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, fire inspections and investigations, and a broad public-education program.
The fire district covers approximately 87 square miles and serves about 40,000 residents, businesses, and visitors. The department runs two fire stations with a fleet that includes engines, a tower ladder, and additional ladder apparatus.
Orangeburg's fire service traces back to 1920, when four volunteer organizations joined to form a single city-owned department. In 2017 the department improved its ISO Public Protection Classification to Class 2/2X, up from Class 3.
Because ODPS is a consolidated department, personnel are cross-trained public safety officers, and hiring, testing, and benefits are managed department-wide rather than by a standalone fire bureau.
Hiring runs through the consolidated Public Safety careers program. Candidates apply electronically through the City of Orangeburg career portal (cityoforangeburg.applicantstack.com) and are then contacted by the department's recruiter about available testing dates. Fire engineer applicants must be at least 18, hold a high school diploma or GED, be U.S. citizens of good moral character, and pass a background investigation with drug screening, a physician's physical exam, and a departmental physical performance test.
The Recruitment Office is located at 1320 Middleton Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115 and can be reached at (803) 533-5910. A Ride Along Program is available for prospective candidates who want to learn more before applying.
Requirements
- Minimum age 18 for fire engineers (21 for law enforcement officers)
- U.S. citizenship
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- No felony convictions or misdemeanors involving perjury or false statements
- No dishonorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces
- Good moral character
- Pass a comprehensive background investigation including drug testing and financial history review
- Pass a physical examination by a licensed physician
- Pass a departmental physical performance test
Hiring process
- Complete an electronic application through the City of Orangeburg career portal
- Receive notification of available testing dates
- Complete candidate testing (selection inventory and physical agility/performance test)
- Background investigation
- Oral review board interview
- Chief's interview
- Medical examination including drug/alcohol screening
- Six-month probationary period upon hire
Benefits
ODPS offers a comprehensive benefits package: employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (HDHP and PPO options), health savings and flexible spending accounts, and an on-site health clinic with free services. Retirement is through the SC Police Officer Retirement System and the SC State Firefighters' Association Retirement Fund, with state deferred compensation plan eligibility. Additional benefits include employer-provided life and long-term disability coverage, 12 paid holidays plus annual leave, military leave support, tuition assistance, subsidized gym memberships, and discounted golf access.
How do I apply to become a public safety officer in Orangeburg?
Complete an electronic application through the City of Orangeburg career portal at cityoforangeburg.applicantstack.com. The department's recruiter will then contact you about available testing dates.
What are the basic requirements to be hired?
Fire engineer applicants must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen, and hold a high school diploma or GED. You must have good moral character, no disqualifying criminal history or dishonorable discharge, and pass a background investigation, drug testing, a physician's physical exam, and a departmental physical performance test.
What does the selection process involve?
After applying and completing candidate testing, the process includes a background investigation, an oral review board interview, a chief's interview, and a medical examination with drug/alcohol screening. New hires complete a six-month probationary period.
What benefits does the department offer?
Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement through state firefighter and police officer systems, life and long-term disability coverage, 12 paid holidays plus annual leave, tuition assistance, an on-site health clinic, and subsidized gym access.
What is the pay like?
The department advertises competitive starting pay grades for both certified and non-certified officers, following Fair Labor Standards Act guidelines for regular and overtime compensation. Specific salary figures are not published on the site.
Can I learn about the job before applying?
Yes. ODPS offers a Ride Along Program so prospective candidates can experience the work firsthand before committing to the application process.