Fire Department Local Register Applications

Background

In Massachusetts Civil Service, most police and firefighter hires come from the statewide eligible list based on the civil service exam.

The Local Register – Alternate Pathway allows a municipality to create its own eligible list when it cannot reasonably hire from the statewide list. This is governed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Human Resources Division (HRD).

The City of Watertown was approved in October 2025 by the Human Resources Division (HRD) to establish a Local Register Program for its Fire Department. The Fire Department will be utilizing this alternate pathway to hire certified paramedics to meet the demands of adding a second ALS Ambulance.

To learn more about the Local Register program.

How to Apply

Applications under this program MUST be submitted via our exclusive online application. Begin your application.

Minimum Qualifications Under the Alternate Pathway Program:

• Must be authorized to work in the United States
• Must be between the ages of 19 and 31 years of age
• Must be a certified Paramedic
• Be able to successfully complete a through criminal background investigation and physical examination
• You do not need to be a current Firefighter to apply. However, all qualified paramedics will be sent to the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy if hired.

Hiring Policy

The City of Watertown is committed to a transparent recruitment process. Please review our Local Register Hiring Policy.