Fire Alarm Operator

2027 Fire Alarm Operator in Statewide, MA |  page has loaded.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Location

Statewide, MA

Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

270205

FAO

MUNICIPAL DEPT

Opening Date

08/26/2026

Closing Date

1/5/2027 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

If you currently have a Civil Service Online Account DO NOT create a new account to apply for this exam.

Test takers with two accounts may cause delays with properly recording your application and notifications from civil service such as notices to appear, or job opportunities. If you have questions, please email civil service .

This examination is being held to create an eligible list from which to fill vacancies in the job title of Fire Alarm Operator for participating Massachusetts Fire Departments. Candidates must take and pass this examination in order to be placed on the eligible list.

Participating Fire Departments:Brockton, Boston, Holyoke, Lynn, and Somerville

Written Examination Date:February 5, 2027

Application Period Begins:November 17, 2026

Final date to receive applications:January 5, 2027

Examination Processing Fee:$75

Written examination locations:Various sites across the Commonwealth.

What is a Fire Alarm Operator

Fire Alarm Operators (FAOs) play a critical role in coordinating emergency response operations across the fire department. They assess requests for service by considering available resources, agency jurisdictions, response boundaries, and other operational factors. Using maps, charts, and resource databases, they determine the appropriate allocation of emergency resources.

FAOs communicate instructions, information, and directions to callers and relay critical incident details to telecommunications personnel and other responding agencies. They are also responsible for monitoring, operating, and maintaining fire alarm and dispatch equipment, including reading and adjusting fire alarm systems and updating Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems to ensure accurate and efficient emergency response.

Eligibility Requirements:Candidates must have graduated from high school or must possess an equivalency certificate.

Application:An examination processing fee must be received by the Final date to receive applications. You will receive two confirmation emails when you have completed the process: one email confirming your application has been received, and one email confirming your payment has been received. Your application is not complete until you have received both confirmation emails. If you have not submitted payment of the examination processing fee on or before the Final date to receive applications, your application will not be accepted.

Note:

Although the online application system allows candidates to elect to receive notification by email or regular mail, please be advised that HRD utilizes only email for all notices to candidates.

Fee Waiver:The examination processing fee may be waived for candidates who have received certain state or federal public assistance, or unemployment insurance during any portion of the one year immediately preceding the examination date, February 5, 2027. Fee Waiver Forms are available on our website ( Fee Waiver Form ). This form should be completed and supporting documentation must be scanned and attached to the application.

All fee waiver forms must be submitted on or before the Final date to receive applications.

Current Military Personnel:Any current military personnel requesting a makeup opportunity, please  for more information.

Makeup Examination:With the exception of current military personnel, no candidate has a right to a makeup examination due to personal or professional conflicts on the testing date. Candidates are advised to consider this before applying for the examination. If you submit an examination application by the Final date to receive applications but are unable to appear for the examination on the scheduled examination date due to an emergency or unanticipated hardship, you may request a makeup examination by filing a written request with verifiable documentation to HRD no later than seven calendar days from the examination date.

HRD reserves the right to approve or deny your request. HRD may require an additional examination processing fee upon approval of your request.

Reasonable Accommodations:If you need reasonable accommodations due to a documented impairment, or medical condition, you must fill out the Testing Accommodations Request Form and submit supporting documentation as outlined on the form from a qualified…