Selection Process


Application Process:

If you're interested in joining our team, please follow the application process below:

  1. Visit the City of Orangeburg Career Portal to complete your electronic application for employment.
  2. After submitting your application, you will receive an email notification regarding your application status, along with further instructions.

Selection Process:

For law enforcement positions, the selection process typically includes the following steps:

  1. Notification of Available Testing Dates: Our Orangeburg Public Safety Recruiter will inform you of the dates for the National Criminal Justice Officer Selection Inventory (NCJOSI) and the Physical Agility Test (PAT).
  2. Background Investigation
  3. Polygraph Examination
  4. Psychological Evaluation
  5. Oral Review Board Interview
  6. Chief's Interview
  7. Medical Examination (including Drug/Alcohol Screening)

For firefighter positions, the selection process typically includes the following steps: 

  1. Application. 
  2. Notification of Available Testing Dates: Our Orangeburg Public Safety Recruiter will inform you of the dates for the Physical Agility Test (PAT).
  3. Participation in the Fire Department Ride Along program. (6 hours) 
  4. Background Investigation
  5. Oral Review Board Interview
  6. Chief's Interview
  7. Medical Examination (including Drug/Alcohol Screening)

Please note that all selected applicants will undergo a six-month probationary period upon hire.

Training Programs:

Once selected, new recruits are required to participate in and successfully meet the standards of our training programs. These programs may include:

For Law Enforcement Positions:

  • Orientation (2 weeks)
  • Orangeburg Public Safety law enforcement pre-academy (4 weeks)
  • South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy's Basic Law Enforcement School (8 weeks)
  • Law Enforcement Field Training (6 weeks)

For Firefighter Positions:

  • Orientation
  • SC Fire Academy NFPA Recruit Firefighter (8 weeks)
  • Firefighter Field Training (6 months)
  • NFPA Firefighter II is required prior to release of probationary status and field training. 
  • Probationary and field training begins once an individual has at minimum NFPA Firefighter I. 

Applicants who do not possess NFPA Firefighter I certification will be required to attend the 320 hour (8 week) Recruit Firefighter course at the SC Fire Academy in Columbia, SC. 

SC Fire Academy 1151: Recruit Fire Fighter
An eight-week program delivered onsite at the SCFA which takes the student from recruit level through NFPA 1001 - Firefighter II level. This program covers all aspects of firefighting including: fire behavior, protective equipment, hose, ventilation, salvage and overhaul and fire attack. It includes CPR and first aid, incident command, hazardous materials operations, auto extrication, Flammable Liquids and Gas and Rescue the Rescuer/Firefighter Survival.
Physical fitness training is part of the program. Students will be housed at the Fire Academy fire station and perform standard station duties.
Upon successful completion, the candidate will receive an accredited certificate from IFSAC and an application for a ProBoard accredited certificate for NFPA 1001 Firefighter I and Firefighter II. Successful candidates are also qualified to the NFPA Hazardous Materials Operations level with an option to take the Challenge certification exam.

These comprehensive training programs are designed to ensure that our recruits are well-prepared and equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles. We look forward to welcoming dedicated individuals to our team. 

Recruitment Office

1320 Middleton Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 533-5910

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