Fire Fighter/Paramedic

Overview The job of Firefighter/Paramedic involves the protection of life and property by combating, extinguishing and answering EMS calls for various medical emergencies. Work involves training for and participating in firefighting duties, providing advanced life support care for sick and injured persons on assigned hours. Other duties include routine maintenance of apparatus, as well as drilling and training in new techniques and practices and other duties as assigned. A successful Firefighter/Paramedic, in addition to performing assigned duties, must also be a good student. In this day and age, firefighters and paramedics go through almost continuous in-service training, constantly adding new facts and modifying their existing knowledge. This training involves many subjects including public education, handling and disposal of hazardous materials, controlling the spread of infectious disease and emergency medical and rescue procedures. Essential Job Functions The physical demands of firefighting and EMS are extremely high. Firefighter/Paramedics must be in and maintain top physical form. They are often required to perform a series of physical tasks for extended periods of time while wearing heavy protective clothing and gear. Tasks may involve lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of very heavy objects (150+ pounds) in rescue operations. Firefighter/Paramedics live and work together as a team and must maintain effective teamwork. They are often in frequent contact with the public for education purposes, making behavioral skills important. Communication: Communicates with the general public, County employees, Volunteer Fire Departments, presents public safety training, participates in school programs, answers questions, delivers emergency care, and documents technical and legal matters. Responds to emergency incidents, fights fires, and utilizes advanced life support (ALS). Operates firefighting equipment, administers ALS care, and uses tools for rescue and entry as needed. Requires a standard Florida Driver's License for regular and emergency duties. Completes all necessary paperwork. Wears personal protective equipment (approximately 70 pounds) and works in varied weather conditions. Cleans and maintains Fire Department and EMS buildings, apparatus, and grounds. Meets scheduling and attendance requirements. Comprehends and makes inferences from written materials, reads and interprets equipment instructions, and learns firefighting techniques through on-the-job training and classroom settings. Minimum Qualifications Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Knowledge of methods and procedures of emergency and rescue operations. Ability to react quickly and calmly during emergencies. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and supervisors. Ability to operate complex equipment, mechanical aptitude, strength, and ability to perform manual and mechanical work under adverse conditions. Ability to operate heavy emergency equipment safely and efficiently. Ability to calculate engine pressures for necessary hookups. Knowledge of firefighter and paramedic techniques, methods and equipment. Ability to work as part of a team, cooperating with others and prioritizing team goals over individual concerns. Education and Experience Must be eighteen (18) years of age; willing to complete electronic fingerprint exam for submission to Florida Department of Law Enforcement and/or Federal Bureau of Investigation; be of good moral character as determined by background investigation; be a nonuser of tobacco or tobacco products for at least one year prior to application; resident of Florida. Possess a valid Florida driver’s license. Must be a high school graduate and hold Certification as a Firefighter II and Paramedic as provided by Florida State Statutes, including current CPR certification and ACLS certification; must have a medical/physical examination including an EKG and drug screening prior to employment. Professional Licenses: Valid Florida Driver’s License Class D non-commercial; Florida State Certified Firefighter, Florida State Paramedic, current CPR card and ACLS certification; completion of a Florida-approved E.V.O.C. driving course; physical requirements as stipulated by Florida Statutes. Environmental Conditions Diversified work environment with duties inside the station and off-site at emergency scenes. Most tasks occur outside with exposure to extreme weather, hazardous environments, noxious fumes, chemicals, insects, heights, and confined spaces. Requires the ability to act without direct supervision and to exercise good judgment in emergencies. Work is performed during the assigned normal workday; emergency work after hours and on holidays may be required. Shift work is involved. #J-18808-Ljbffr Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners