Firefighter/Paramedic

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY: The position of a Firefighter operates under the direction of a frontline officer. Performs a variety of highly technical and specialized tasks involving and/or related to fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescues, hazardous materials incidents, fire prevention, fire inspections, administration and other special assignments as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

· Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service.

· Administers first aid and emergency medical care to injured/ill persons consistent with their level of authorized EMS certification, established medical protocols, and standard operating procedures.

· Secures safety of the incident scene.

· Follows established universal health precautions in the treatment and care of patients.

· Inspects, tests, cleans, and maintains station facilities, grounds, equipment, and apparatus.

· Conducts pre-fire inspections of businesses.

· Participates in daily training exercises and instruction to increase performance.

· Works shift schedules including weekends, holidays and extended hours in emergency, disaster, or other situations influenced by heavy workloads or other staffing difficulties.

· Participates on department committees and attends meetings as required.

· Conducts public education activities.

· Must learn streets and routes within the City and surrounding areas to include the location of medical facilities to ensure expeditious response times.

· Attend scheduled training necessary to maintain EMS certification and minimum continuing education credit as required by the Texas Department of State Health Services and/or Medical Control Physician.

· Regular and consistent attendance at the assigned work hours is essential.

· Provide excellent customer service skills when dealing with the public.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

· Knowledge of fire suppression and prevention principles and practices, and emergency medical services

· Knowledge of specialized communication equipment

· Knowledge of safe work practices and procedures

· Knowledge of operational characteristics, services, and activities of a comprehensive fire suppression program

· Knowledge of technical aspects of fire prevention and suppression including operation of fire hydrants, use of ladders, use of water and various chemicals to suppress fire, salvage and rescue operations.

· Knowledge and skills in the use and care of all fire department equipment.

· Knowledge of procedures and techniques involved in responding to and handling incidents involving hazardous materials.

· Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations

· Exercises sound judgment and rational thinking under dangerous circumstances

· Evaluates various options and alternatives and chooses an appropriate and reasonable course of action.

· Ability to become familiar with city streets and broader service area.

· Knowledge of laws and ordinances pertaining to jurisdiction.

· Ability to stay physically fit and able to adequately perform all duties.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: The frontline officer will assign work in terms of general and sometimes specific instructions. This position may also receive daily direction from the Shift Captain(s). Work is evaluated by the frontline officer for adherence to instruction and established standards. This position does not supervise any other positions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Must continue to adhere to all physical requirements as noted in the listed abilities above.

· Must be able to wear up to 50 lbs. of fire equipment while working

· Must be able to push, pull, lift, and carry up to 100 lbs.

· Must be able to bend, stoop, crawl, kneel, reach below the knee and overhead.

· Fumes, chemicals, dust, odor: Exposed to extremely toxic and hot gases, fumes and smoke; exposure to hazardous substances

· Exposure to extreme changes in temperature: Exposed to extremely high temperatures in enclosed spaces from fires

· Vibration: Vibration occurs when using power equipment such as chain saw, or riding in an engine or truck

· Light: Duties may be performed at night, or inside buildings where visibility is extremely poor due to thick smoke or electricity outage

· Noise: Exposed to loud and very loud noises from pumps, engines, trucks, sirens, and loud voices from commanders and fellow Firefighters

· Ventilation: Exposed to extremely poor ventilation conditions at fire scenes

· Hazards: Exposes to fall hazards from climbing ladders or stairs; exposed to burn and smoke/gas inhalation hazards from working around fires and/or combustible materials; exposed to electrical shock hazards, especially if working around electrical lines; exposed to fast moving traffic at MVA scenes

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

· High School Diploma or equivalent, preferably supplemented by college level courses in Fire Science.

· Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License: Class B Preferred (Must obtain Class B within first six (6) months of employment or earliest available time frame, as a condition of continued employment.

· Must read, right, speak, and understand English. Bi-Lingual preferred.

· Texas Commission on Fire Protection (Structural), AND

· Texas Department of State Health Services Paramedic Certification OR,