Firefighter/Paramedic

Firefighter/Paramedic

We are pleased to announce two (2) anticipated openings for the position of Firefighter/Paramedic with the City of Canyon Lake.

Although this position is listed as salaried for posting purposes, it is an hourly (non-exempt) position. The salary amount shown includes additional compensation applicable to this role, specifically 3.91% added to the base hourly rate in lieu of holiday pay, as well as applicable FLSA pay.

The base hourly pay range for this position is $22.40 – $27.22, exclusive of the additional compensation referenced above.

Under general supervision, the Firefighter/Paramedic performs a full range of firefighting duties to include the control and suppression of various types of fires, rescues persons from buildings, traffic accidents, and hazardous situations; provides advance life support services; participates in fire training, community risk reduction, and community engagement activities; performs fire station, equipment, and apparatus maintenance; extricates trapped individuals from motor vehicles; completes required reports and administrative duties, and performs other related duties as required.

The Firefighter/Paramedic is an entry-level classification within the Fire Department responsible for performing a variety of duties and responsibilities in support of the Fire Department's fire suppression, emergency medical, and community risk reduction mission. This classification is distinguished from the higher classifications in those higher classifications, such as Fire Engineer/Paramedic and Fire Captain/Paramedic, are responsible for operating and maintaining a variety of fire equipment and apparatuses and perform supervisory duties. Firefighter/Paramedics work as part of a firefighting unit under the direction of the Fire Chief or their designee and are expected to use sound judgement and discretion in handling routine and emergency situations.

Representative duties include:

• Responding to fire alarms, rescue alarms, medical emergencies, and other emergency calls to protect life and property; laying and connecting hoses; holding nozzle and directing water streams in the control and extinguishing of fires in structures or other objects; using forcible entry tools, bars, hooks, life-safety lines, ground ladders, chemical extinguishers, and other auxiliary equipment.
• Raising and climbing ladders up to 35 feet and may climb a 100 foot aerial ladder; ventilating structures using such techniques as opening windows and cutting or chopping holes through the roof; accomplishing rescue work; removing persons from danger which may include dragging up to 165 pounds up to 70 feet; accomplishing salvage operations such as placing or throwing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris; completing all the above while wearing full firefighter personal protective equipment and breathing from a self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Responding to requests for medical emergencies to provide immediate care; observing and reporting vital signs, caring for victims of accidents or illness; administering advanced life treatment to injured or ill persons; providing emergency care at the scene; carrying heavy equipment such as trauma bags, drug boxes, monitors, and burn kits; moving patients from various locations to prepare for transportation.
• Operating emergency vehicles in compliance with Fire Department Operations Directives, local, state and federal rules and regulations; working 48-hour shifts and 56-hour work weeks and overtime unless otherwise assigned; may be recalled to duty in cases of emergencies and/or disasters.
• Performing preventive maintenance and daily inspections on fire apparatus and equipment; inspecting fire apparatus after each operation to ensure proper and efficient operating condition; participating in routine daily housekeeping and maintenance of fire facilities; cleaning, washing, and servicing fire apparatus; testing, washing, hanging, and drying hoses; changing hoses on fire apparatus; reporting worn, damaged, or lost parts and tools.
• Completing and maintaining various records and reports; assisting in completion of building pre-plans, participating in fire inspection, prevention, and suppression training programs to maintain occupational skills; attending drills and training classes regarding firefighting techniques, operation of specialized firefighting equipment, design and construction of buildings, location of exits, entrances, fire alarm boxes, fire hydrants, sprinkler systems, and other related topics; assisting with public education programs.
• Studying technical material on modern firefighting techniques and water systems; maintaining medical continuing education by studying medical journals, literature, and case studies; accomplishing general maintenance work in the upkeep of the fire station and grounds; accomplishing routine housekeeping chores such as sweeping, mopping, cooking, washing and cleaning.
• Securing and maintaining all certifications and licenses as required by Fire Department.
• May fill in as a full-time Fire Engineer/Paramedic as needed.
• Providing vacation and temporary relief as required.
• Performing other duties as required.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the person assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. The City reserves the right to modify job duties or assign additional responsibilities as necessary to meet operational needs, consistent with applicable laws. At the discretion of the City Manager or their designee, adjustments to the job description may be made to address changing organizational requirements, provided such changes do not substantially alter the overall nature, essential functions, or classification of the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of the position.

Knowledge and abilities include:

• Basic fire prevention and suppression techniques and practices.
• Pre-hospital paramedic-level assessment, treatment, and medical aid techniques.
• Think and act quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Perform moderate to strenuous physical activity.
• Use and operate a variety of firefighting equipment and tools.
• Work safely.
• Learn and apply firefighting principles and techniques.
• Understand, explain, and apply policies and procedures.
• Understand and apply mechanical and physical principles related to fire suppression.
• Learn and apply fire code provisions and arson/fire investigation techniques.
• Climb ladders.
• Prepare a variety of reports using a computer or iPad and a variety of software programs.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with other employees and the community at large.
• Represent the City in meetings and make presentations.
• Meet the physical requirements established by the City.

Education and experience include:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• College coursework in fire science, emergency medicine, or a related field is preferred.
• Prior experience in a municipal fire agency or emergency medical services agency (paramedic provider) is preferred.
• Additional years of applicable experience may be substituted for education.

Certifications and licenses include:

• Possession of a valid Class "C" California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
• Possession of a California Firefighter 1 or completion from an accredited Firefighter 1 academy is required.
• Current Licensure as a California Paramedic is required.
• Desirable additional certifications include current:
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Prehospital Trauma Advance Life Support or equivalent (PHTLS)
• Healthcare Professional Basic Life Support
• Firefighters Physical Agility Test (CPAT or Biddle) current within twelve months or employed as a full-time firefighter or above within the last twelve months.
• Successfully passed the online National Testing Network (NTN) Firefighters test for the Canyon Lake Fire Department within the last twelve months.

Working conditions include:

• Work is performed in various environments including fire stations, field, and vehicle settings.
• Regular exposure to all types of weather conditions, electrical hazards, fire hazards, smoke conditions, and unsafe conditions.
• May be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, hazardous chemicals and materials, intense heat, extreme cold, natural and manmade disasters, and hazards association with working in and near traffic.
• Subject to shift work (48 hours straight), including nights, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime.
• May be exposed to blood, contagious diseases, and individuals under the influence.
• Noise level in the work environment varies from moderate to extreme.
• Operates fire apparatus, medical equipment, and uses radios, power tools, and other firefighting and medical equipment on a daily basis.

Physical demands