Employment

Currently there are no positions available with the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety.   We do not accept applications for full-time Public Safety Officers unless there is an opening. We do, however, have open application process for our part-time Paid-On-Call (POC) Firefighter positions. Applications (and/or resumes) for the POC position are kept on file for one year. Applicants are notified of any examinations that may be held during that time.

Qualified applicants for the POC position would preferably have Firefighter I and Firefighter II certification as well as Medical First Responder.

Any opening for a full time PSO (Public Safety Officer) position will be posted on our website as well as in the local newspapers. It is preferred that anyone applying for a full time Public Safety Officer position possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, and at minimum, an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice or a related field. Candidates must be at least 21 years of age and M.C.O.L.E.S. certifiable upon hiring. They must possess a valid Michigan operator’s license with no restrictions, and be able to pass an extensive background, written, physical, and psychological examination as well as an oral assessment and drug screening.
For an application click here.

Hiring Process

The Grand Haven Department of Public Safety participates in a three-stage hiring process. After submitting an employment application, qualifying candidates are invited to participate in Stage One: a standardized written test. After successful completion of the written test, the candidate will be invited to participate in Stage Two: the physical agility testing.

 

The physical agility test is comprised of five stations. They are as follows; push-ups, sit-ups, an equipment carry, a simulated rescue (carrying a 115 lb dummy) and a hose pull. Each of the tests are timed events and are scored by either MCOLES exit standards or the Michigan Firefighters Fitness test guidelines. Upon successful completion of Stage Two, candidates are invited to the third and final stage of the process, Stage Three: the assessment center.

 

In the assessment center, candidates will be given scenarios in which they must apply their knowledge and ability to problem solve and take necessary and appropriate action. A portion of the assessment center includes an oral interview. Candidates are then scored based on their performance and the results are forwarded to the Director of Public Safety for final selection.

 

Internships

Grand Haven Public Safety offers an unpaid internship for college students enrolled in a criminal justice/fire sciences program.

 

Ideal candidates are students pursuing either an associate's degree or bachelor's degree who would like to experience public safety work in a hands-on environment.  Internships range in number of hours based on each of the candidates needs and availablility.  GHDPS accepts four interns each year and assigns them to work each of the four (4), twelve hour patrol shifts.

 

Because we are a fully cross-trained department, interns also have the option to spend time assigned to the on-duty fire officer.  This gives students the opportunity to learn more about the fire services provided by our agency.

 

Internships are customized to meet the student's needs, and make the most of his/her experience with GHDPS.

 

For more information or to apply for an intern position please contact Lieutenant Joe Boyle at jboyle@grandhaven.org