Firefighter/Paramedic

Salary : $75,994.00 Annually
Location : 5909 Hightower Dr, Watauga, TX 76148
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: FD 06-105-111726
Department: Fire Department
Opening Date: 10/20/2026
Closing Date: 11/13/2026 12:00 PM Central


Summary of Position


Firefighter/Paramedics work the 48/96 work schedule under general direction of the Fire Lieutenant. Firefighter/Paramedics are on a reoccurring cycle working 48 hours and then being off for 96 hours. This is a highly responsible professional position that performs a combination of both duties in the areas of firefighting and emergency medical services. View Watauga Fire Department Recruitment Flyer.
IN ADDITION TO BASE SALARY IS FLSA/OT PAY. IT MAY ADDITIONALLY INCLUDE CERT AND EDUCATION PAY.


ALL APPLICANTS MUST HAVE REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS IN ORDER TO TEST.
Minimum Requirements for Fire Department Applicants

IMPORTANT:
A Fire Department Entrance Examination will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 8:00 AM. It will be held at Watauga Fire Department 5909 Hightower Dr. Watauga, TX 76148. The Physical Ability Test will be held at a later date. Please arrive early to allow time for parking and check-in.

Deadline to apply is Friday, November 13, 2026 , by 12:00 PM.

Applicants should download the Notice of Fire Department Entrance Examination and Fire Department Applicant Requirements for more information on testing procedures and requirements.

Applicants must complete a . Bring your Personal History Statement completed with you on exam day. Personal History Statements are due on Friday, November 20, 2026, 5:00 PM. It is highly encouraged for applicants to bring their completed Personal History Statements on the date of the exam. Pending items, such as transcripts, can be turned in upon their arrival. All certifications and/or letter from school as proof of enrollment must be brought on the date of the exam.

STUDY GUIDE (Optional):
Applicants may order the practice " Comprehensive Examination Battery, CEB Candidate Orientation Guide " by clicking the following link: . The CEB Candidate Orientation Guide is a helpful tool to prepare for the exam and can be downloaded as a PDF file and saved or printed. Please read through the disclaimer on the order page in order to have a successful download. Payments will be submitted through PayPal via an account or credit/debit card. Once payment is submitted, PayPal automatically redirects you back to the FPSI site where access to the download link will be located on the Order Details-Checkout Status page. Applicants must pay close attention to ALL instructions on both FPSI and PayPal's websites in order to access the instant download successfully.


Physical Ability Exam

The overall purpose of this physical ability test is to assess the applicant's ability to perform common fireground related activities and to gauge the overall physical ability of the applicant. For safety purposes, applicants are required to wear closed toe shoes or boots to complete the test.

Applicants are also required to wear a Helmet, disposable gloves, and a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) throughout the physical ability testing. This equipment will be provided for the applicant. Items will be disinfected between use. The SCBA will consist of the backpack with frame, shoulder and waist straps, and air cylinder of the current in-service model. Items will be disinfected between applicants.


We intend to conduct the PAT following the written examination on November 17, weather permitting. Depending on weather conditions or the number of candidates, additional PAT dates may be scheduled to accommodate testing within our timeline. PAT details and requirements will be provided to candidates before the examination date.

The details on the PAT test will be provided by the Fire Department along with practice date and times.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists in the removal of victims from dangerous situations.
• Provides basic and/or advanced life support and fire fighting work in the treatment of the sick or injured and fire fighting duties in preventing, combating, and extinguishing fires along with water and other rescue related duties.
• Provides fire fighting, rescue, first aid and basic and/or advanced life support at emergency scenes.
• Prepares complete records and reports related to fire, emergency medical care and vehicle operations provided during operational periods.
• Participates in the exchange of information between off-going and on-coming shifts and in crew meetings as necessary.
• Checks all personal gear, assigned vehicles, equipment and tools to ensure safe and effective operation.
• Responds to alarms of fire or other emergencies; lays, connects and uses hose and nozzles to direct fog or water stream.
• Raises and climbs ladders, uses fire extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines, pike poles, halogens, drills, saws, extrication tools and appliances and other equipment safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Operates engines, trucks, ambulances, and rescue units safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Maintains familiarity with box maps and related road networks within the fire district area and within those areas with Automatic Aid Response Agreements.
• Participates in all scheduled and assigned training classes.
• Communicates among assigned personnel, other employees throughout the city, upper management and the general public as necessitated by the position.
• Performs other job-related duties consistent with assigned division responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications


Must be 18 years of age and have not reached the age of 40 before the date of testing.
Must hold a valid Texas Driver's License.
Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must po ssess a high school diploma or GED.
Must meet at least one (1) of the following bulleted certification requirements:

• a Basic Structural Firefighter Certificate issued by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection AND a current Texas Paramedic License/Certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services; or
• a current Texas Paramedic License/Certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services; or
• a current Texas EMT certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services AND currently be enrolled in a Paramedic education program, in good standing with a class completion date within six - months of testing date; or
• a current Basic Structural Firefighter Certificate issued by the Texas Commission of Fire Protection AND possess a current Texas EMT certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

**Notice to applicants missing only one certification**
Applicants who do not possess a Texas Department of State Health Service Paramedic Certification will be required to successfully complete a Paramedic education program. The program will be chosen by the City and must be completed within (14) Months of employment at the City's expense. An extension may be granted by the Fire Chief, if warranted, due to class availability.


Applicants who do not possess a Basic Structural Firefighter Certificate will be required to successfully complete a Texas Commission on Fire Protection Approved Structural Firefighter Certification Program chosen by the City within one (1) year of employment at the City's expense.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of pre-hospital patient-care for advanced and basic life support. Knowledge of fire suppression and prevention methods, procedures and techniques.
• Ability to learn and efficiently operate fire fighting equipment.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing, ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with employees and management.
• Ability to think clearly and use independent judgement in routine and non-routine situations which may occur. Good physical condition and the ability to perform job functions.
• Ability to work in emergency conditions that may involve extreme danger and exertion under hazardous conditions to include but not limited to flames, smoke, hazardous materials, cramped conditions, charged or oxygen deficient atmospheres, downed power lines, victims with severe injuries/death and inclement weather.
• Ability to wear all assigned bunker gear and perform related emergency scene duties effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to frequently lift and carry heavy weights, climb, walk, run, drive vehicles, crawl, stoop, push, pull, jump, grasp hoses, grasp and manipulate small objects, work on unsteady footing and use other emergency and fire fighting equipment as required.
• Ability to use basic swimming techniques for water rescues.
• Skilled in life saving and firefighting techniques and methods.

License and Certification Requirements

Applicant must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Full Time
The City of Watauga offers a variety of employment benefits to all regular full time employees.


SALARY AND RETIREMENT
SALARY

Salary ranges are designed to be competitive with area industries and municipalities.
SOCIAL SECURITY

The City of Watauga is a non-participating agency.
TEXAS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM

Regular full-time and regular part-time employee's tax-deferred contribution into the pension fund is 7% of gross wages. The City matches this contribution on a 2 to 1 ratio. Vested after 5 years. Employees are eligible to retire with 20 years of service.


MEDICARE

Employees are required to contribute 1.45% of their pay for Medicare insurance.
LONGEVITY PAY

Eligible employees shall receive, in December of each year, a lump sum longevity pay for every month of employment. Employees that average a minimum of 40+ hours a week qualify for longevity pay of twelve dollars ($12) per month for every month of employment. Employees that average a minimum of 25-29 hours a week qualify for longevity pay of six dollars ($6) per month for every month of employment

CERTIFICATION PAY Police Officers and Firefighters are eligible to receive compensation, in addition to their base pay, for qualifying certifications obtained above the basic level of certification required to perform their job duties. They are also eligible to receive additional compensation for advanced degrees obtained from an accredited college or university. To qualify for certification pay, proof of certifications or transcripts must be obtained from the appropriate institution or licensing agency.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT

After six months of employment, the city will reimburse full-time employees for a portion of the cost of tuition. Conditions and restrictions do apply.
LEAVE
HOLIDAYS

Eleven holidays including New Year's Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day and 2 Personal Day and a Birthday Holiday.

VACATION

Vacation leave from initial hire date through the completion of 5 years of service is 15 days annually. Vacation leave after the completion of five years up to 10 years of service is 16 days annually. Vacation leave after the completion of ten years of service is 21 days annually.

SICK LEAVE

Sick leave is accrued at one day per month for a total of 15 days per year.

HEALTHCARE

MEDICAL INSURANCE

All regular full-time employees are offered competitive medical, City paid dental and vision care insurance. Family coverage is available by payroll deductions at reduced group rates. Retirees are also eligible for coverage.

HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT

The City of Watauga offers Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to employees who have elected a High Deductible Health Plan. Employees can deposit money to their HSA through payroll deductions on an income tax free basis. Employees own their HSA and the money can roll over every year if not used. The account is theirs and they will keep it even if they leave the City. The city matches contributions up to $1,000 annually for employee only and $1,500 annually for family.

INCOME PROTECTION

LIFE INSURANCE

The City presently has a group life insurance program under which regular full-time City employees are eligible for a minimum of $20,000 or 1X the annual salary to a maximum of $100,000 at no cost to them. Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance is also provided at no cost to regular full-time employees for the same coverage.
VOLUNTARY LIFE INSURANCE

Voluntary Term Life Insurance is available in increments of $10,000 to a maximum of $300,000. Coverage is available for spouses under age 70 in increments of $5,000 to $150,000 not to exceed 50% of your amount. Children of covered employees can have $10,000. This coverage is guaranteed at the initial offering up to $150,000 for employees under age 60, $30,000 for spouses under age 60 and $10,000 for children. If you apply at a later date or for amounts over the Guaranteed Issue you need to complete a medical questionnaire and could be declined for coverage. Cost will depend on the employee's and spouse's age and coverage amount. You also have the option to add AD&D coverage to your Life Insurance. AD&D coverage to employee and spouse voluntary life insurance. The amount must match the amount of supplemental life insurance. (Cost $0.03 per thousand)
LONG TERM DISABILITY

All regular full-time employees have long term disability coverage, which is provided at the City's expense. The long-term disability plan provides financial protection for regular full-time employees by paying a portion of the employee's income (up to 50% of monthly earnings to a maximum benefit of $5,000 per month).
MILITARY LEAVE

Regular employees are allowed (15) days per year.
WORKERS COMPENSATION

Employees may receive up to three months of salary continuation due to an on-the-job injury.


WELLNESS PROGRAM

WataugaFit Program offers a chance to live healthy and exercise and complete challlenges as way to earn points that could reward you in incentives, cash and time off.
OTHER BENEFITS

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a benefit available for employees and their dependents to be used for confidential counseling. With 7annual free sessions.


SERVICE AWARDS

Employees receive service awards for every five years of service.

DIRECT DEPOSIT

The City of Watauga is a direct deposit City. The City offers the ability to deposit employees' paychecks into 6 different accounts, if desired.
WATAUGA RECREATION CENTER

Employee membership is free.


WATAUGA LIBRARY

Employee membership is free.
01


I am at least eighteen (18) years old and have not reached the age of forty (40)

• Yes
• No

02


I am a natural-born or adopted child of a firefighter who previously suffered a line-of-duty death while covered by Chapter 143 of the Texas Local Government Code?

• Yes
• No

03


I understand that I am required to complete a Personal History Statement in order to be considered for employment.

• Yes
• No

04


Please select the qualifications that applies best to you:

• I have a Basic Structural Firefighter Certificate issued by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection AND a current Texas Paramedic License/Certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• I have a current Texas Paramedic License/Certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• I have a current Texas EMT certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services AND currently be enrolled in a CAAHEP-accredited Paramedic education program, in good standing with a class completion date within six - months of testing date.
• I have a current Basic Structural Firefighter Certificate issued by the Texas Commission of Fire Protection AND possess a current Texas EMT certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• I currently do not meet the minimum eligibility requirements for this position.

Required Question