Human Resources FAQ

Current Employment Opportunities

• How do I become a police officer in Salem?

  The only way to become a Salem Police Officer is to participate in the testing process. Testing is done on an annual basis, but may fluctuate depending on the needs of the department.

  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS	At least 21 years old Good physical condition; must pass a thorough medical examination and a job related strength and physical agility test. High School graduate or GED required; Associates Degree or higher; criminal justice or related field of study desirable.
  APPLICATION PROCEDURE	Applications are available at the Salem Town Hall, Human Resources Department, (33 Geremonty Dr.). Resumes are encouraged (but not required) to be attached to the Town application. A Town application must be submitted by each candidate. Send or deliver to: Town of Salem Human Resources Department 33 Geremonty Drive Salem, NH 03079 All individuals who have an application/resume on file for the testing year will be notified of the next testing process.
  WRITTEN EXAMINATION	The written exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete. There are no study materials or a study list that exists. The exams used are general intelligence/knowledge tests that do not require the candidate to have a background in police work.
  OTHER REQUIREMENTS	Successful candidates will serve as a Probationary Police Officer for one year. Upon permanent appointment, police officer must reside in Salem or within 20 road miles of the Salem Police Department. Appropriate consideration will be given to candidates with police experience or certification, foreign language skills, advanced formal education or training, or other applicable skills or abilities. The Town of Salem will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise the Human Resources of the special needs with reasonable advance notice. PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
  BENEFITS	12 Paid Holidays; 3 Personal Days; 15 Sick Days; minimum 2 weeks vacation; health, dental, life and short-term disability insurance; tuition reimbursement; enrollment in NH Retirement System; uniform allowance; considerable overtime available.
  OTHER TEST PHASES	Physical Agility Test Oral Board Interviews Interview with Chief of Police Background Investigation, Psychological Testing, Polygraph, and Medical Exam with Drug Screening Recommendations for hiring brought forward by Police Chief to the Town Manager for approval

• I am certified as a police officer out-of-state, and I want to be hired in Salem. Do I have to go through the same testing process?

  Yes. We recognize that a full-time certification has value, but it is not the determining factor for hiring. Upon hiring, persons holding out-of-state certifications must attend the New Hampshire Police Academy for what is called the "Basic Law Package" which deals only with topics specific to New Hampshire (i.e., our criminal and motor vehicle laws, domestic laws, NH court system, etc.).

• I took the police officer exam two years ago; do I need to take it again?

  Yes. The eligibility list is only good for one year, or until a new testing process has been completed.

• Is there a state exam for becoming a police officer?

  No statewide exam exits in New Hampshire.

• How do I become a firefighter in Salem?

  The only way to become a Salem Firefighter is to participate in the State-wide Entrance Exam for Firefighter process. Testing is done on an annual basis, usually in the month of September. The New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Fire Standards and Training posts in the local New Hampshire newspapers (using in July) when they are accepting applications from individuals interested in taking the New Hampshire State-wide Entrance Exam for Firefighters This exam establishes a state-wide listing of eligible candidates which communities may consider for Entry-Level Firefighter positions, when available. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, and a valid photo drivers license. The testing process includes a written, general knowledge examination and physical ability test for a total of two days.

  Once the testing process is complete, the NH Fire Standards and Training sends out the scores to all communities. As openings occur, the Town of Salem's Fire Department will draw from that list to invite qualified candidates to participate in an Oral Board process. Top candidates will then be invited in for a Chief's interview. Recommendations for hiring will be brought forward by the Fire Chief to the Town Manager for approval.

• I am a firefighter out-of-state, and I want to be hired in Salem. Do I have to go through the same testing process?

  Yes. As stated above, the only way to become a Salem Firefighter is to participate in the State-wide Entrance Exam for Firefighter process.

• I took the firefighter exam two years ago, do I need to take it again?

  Yes. The eligibility list is only good for one year, or until a new testing process has been completed and test scores have been distributed to the Town.

• Is there a local firefighter exam?

  Salem currently draws from the State-wide exam list, but the Town has occasionally run a local exam process in the past.