Firefighter/Paramedic

JOB TITLE:            Firefighter / Paramedic                        FLSA STATUS:     Non-Exempt

JOB CLASS:          Full-Time                                               DEPARTMENT:     Fire / EMS

REPORTS TO:       Assigned Captain or Lieutenant         LOCATION:           Varies

WORK HOURS:     Rotating Shift Schedule                      ESSENTIAL*:         Yes

Position Summary:                     

This position exists to protect life and property through firefighting and EMS activities often performed under conditions which require strenuous physical exertion. Major elements of a Firefighter's work are the participation in supervised drills, and training in firefighting and EMS skills. Time is also spent on special and routine maintenance of equipment and apparatus and routine care of buildings and grounds, as well as public education activities. Firefighters report directly to their assigned Lieutenant or Captain; who will review their performance on a regular basis. Work in this position requires considerable responsibility and professional decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The types and levels of emergency services provided by the fire department, together with a consideration of the structures and occupancies comprising the community, and the configuration of the fire department dictates the essential job tasks of fire department members / employees.  This is not an all-inclusive list; other duties may be assigned as the needs of the department dictate.

• Shall have regular and timely attendance at work.
• Respond to emergency medical scenes, fire incidents, and other related emergency requests.
• Operate apparatus/vehicles in both emergency (lights / sirens) and non-emergency modes. 
• Performs rescue, salvage, and, at times, general firefighting duties at fire scenes.
• Perform strenuous duties and life threatening work in a noisy, hot, and extremely dangerous environment often for extended periods of time.
• Attends in-service / continuing education training in firefighting, emergency medical service, and related duties.
• Participates in physical fitness activities to maintain physical conditioning.
• Demonstrates superior seamless customer service, integrity, and commitment to innovation, efficiency, and fiscally responsible activity.
• Participates in the maintenance, operation, and cleaning of fire equipment, apparatus and facilities. 
• Shall perform any other duties as prescribed by an officer of the department.
• Shall work in capacity of Driver/Operator, when called upon to do so, after released by assigned shift officers.

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of, and familiarity with, firefighting principles, practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of, and familiarity with, emergency medical principles, practices, procedures and protocol.
• Ability to perform all assigned duties and responsibilities. 
• Produce written documents with clearly organized thoughts using proper English sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees and the public.
• Enter data or information into a terminal, PC, or tablet style computer.
• Communicate orally with the public in one-on-one settings, in group settings, or on the telephone.
• Observe or monitor people's behavior, or objects to determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions in the English language.
• Must possess and maintain visual acuity and hearing consistent with NFPA 1582 standards.
• Make life or death decisions during emergency situations.
• Learn job related material through structured lecture, reading, oral instruction and observation. This learning takes place in both a classroom setting and in an on-the-job training setting.
• Ability to tread water
• Use of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus and protective clothing to prevent exposure to hazardous materials and infectious waste.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.
• Work in such a manner that promotes a positive work environment, free of harassment and discrimination. 

 Minimum Requirements:

• Must be a citizen of the United States
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must not have been convicted of or admitted to conduct which constitutes a felony under State, Federal or Military Law.
• Must not have any current criminal charges pending.
• Must pass a written test, physical test, psychological test, criminal background evaluation, and a drug-screen.
• Class B Driver’s License through the Texas Department of Public Safety within 18 months of employment
• Honorable Discharge if prior military service.

Certification

• Basic Structural Firefighter - Texas Commission on Fire Protection
• Paramedic Certification - Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS)

Education

• High School Diploma / G.E.D.

 Consideration will be given to those that have obtained the Structural Firefighter certification and are currently in a paramedic program.

 Consideration will be given to those that have obtained the Paramedic certification and are currently in a fire academy for a structural firefighter certification.

*Essential Position:

The types and levels of emergency services provided by the Fire/Police department, together with a consideration of the structures and occupancies comprising the community, and the configuration of the fire department dictates the essential job tasks of fire department members/employees. This is a position that is essential to the provision of emergency services during and/or following a disaster.  Employees in this position may be required to remain on duty during a man-made or natural disaster despite a general evacuation order for the area.  Such employees are also expected to remain available for their normal shifts and for recall to emergency duty unless specifically released by Fire/Police Department Management to evacuate.  Employees in this position are specifically advised to plan accordingly for these circumstances and that any failure to adhere to these requirements may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive list of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other divisional areas to cover for absences, to equalize work during peak periods and/or otherwise balance workload.