FIREFIGHTER

A firefighter shall perform duties as directed by higher-ranking officers of the Weslaco Fire Department. A Firefighter shall participate in emergency and non-emergency service delivery, fire prevention and fire safety education programs, and routine activities and duties as defined by Fire Department standard operating guidelines or as assigned by a higher-ranking officer. A Firefighter assigned to the Suppression Division will work a standard 48-hour shift schedule.

Employee will also be required to attend a paramedic class, successfully complete it, and become certified through the Texas Department of State Health Service if not already certified.

Completion of Probation

Under direct supervision, performs general firefighting work in combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires, and in the maintenance of fire department equipment and quarters. Also responsible for the protection of life and property through firefighting activities with and without supervision. Performs hazardous tasks under emergency conditions which may require strenuous exertion under such handicaps as smoke and cramped surroundings. Specific orders and directions are given by a superior officer, but the work requires knowledge and understanding of firefighting methods which is gained by experience and training. A large portion of the time is spent in routine house duties, in the cleaning and care of equipment, quarters, fire apparatus, and in the study of firefighting techniques.

Only applicants who possess a valid certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) and one of the following certifications: EMT-B, EMT-A, EMT-P from the Texas Department of State Health Services will be considered.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen by birth or naturalization.
• Be at least 18 years of age but not 36 years of age or older.
• Be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an equivalency certificate; transcripts must be provided as proof of completion.
• Valid Texas Driver's License and satisfactory driving record.
• Birth Certificate
• Social Security Card
• Be able to read and write the English language fluently.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment criminal background check and drug screen at City's expense.

REQUIREMENTS PRIOR TO APPOINTMENT TO A BEGINNING POSITION:

• Certification issued by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, or certifiable.
• An EMT Basic/Paramedic, EMT Intermediate, or Emergency Medical Technician certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services, Or National Registry of Emergency Technicians.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of, the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar related, or a logical assignment to the position.
• Attendance, physically present to work.
• Produces written documents to document technical and legal matters.
• Responds to emergency incidents, fights fires and utilizes either basic life support (BLS) or advanced life support (ALS) and/or paramedic skills.
• Uses firefighting equipment, including fire hoses or apparatus at emergency incidents.
• Assists in advancing hose lines and making hydrant connections.
• Directs water streams on fires.
• Administers emergency first aid to injured persons.
• Operated hydraulic or pneumatic rescue equipment to rescue trapped endangered persons and to force entry into locked vehicles or structures, fire apparatus during fire suppression activities and motor vehicles (automobile and fire apparatus) requiring a standard Texas Drivers license to perform regular and emergency firefighting duties.
• Uses defibrillators, breathing apparatus and endotracheal intubation.
• Administers drugs and intravenous solutions.
• Uses axes, pry tools and pike poles to enter vehicles or structures.
• Uses common hand tools to overhaul a fire scene and perform routine fire apparatus maintenance duties.
• Performs searches and rescues inside burning building.
• Moves heavy objects (up to 185 pounds or more) including 5" fire hoses, EMS equipment, salvage equipment, smoke ejectors, trauma boxes and body boards for short distances (150 feet or less) with the assistance of an aid, in performing firefighting.
• Ventilates burning buildings by opening windows and holes in roofs and floors.
• Positions and climbs ladders to gain access to upper building levels.
• Works in small, cramped areas when rescuing trapped, endangered, or injured people.
• Detects natural gas leaks, traffic sounds, sounds of impending building collapse alarms, sirens, calls for assistance and other audible signs of alarm or warning in emergency situations.
• Enters data into a personal computer to document incidents and reports.
• Wears personal protective equipment weighing approximately 70 pounds in high humidity (up to 100 percent) situations while wearing personal protective equipment that significantly impairs body cooling and in environments with extreme temperature fluctuations (400+ degrees Fahrenheit).
• Relies on self-contained breathing apparatus for respiratory ventilation.
• Works in a variety of weather conditions.
• Cleans and maintains Fire Department buildings, apparatus, and grounds.
• Uses appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) including a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) while performing tasks in environments that are (immediately dangerous to life (IDLH atmospheres).
• Reads and interprets equipment instructions and preplans to operate equipment in emergency situations.
• Learns firefighting techniques, firefighting equipment operation, and emergency medical services care through on-the-job training and in classroom training.
• Study street and apartment locations in assigned district; study building plans and fire prevention systems in buildings in assigned district.
• Provides careful transportation of patients to medical care facilities, evaluates the condition of patients, and assesses pertinent information about medical profile and injuries, determines treatment in accordance with paramedic policies and procedures.
• Participate in a variety of programs including training, equipment operation and maintenance, participate in activities and operations in response to natural disasters.
• Operates ambulances and related equipment; cleans and maintains supplies, materials, and equipment aboard ambulances; submits requisitions for additional materials and supplies as necessary.
• Prepares Emergency Medical Service reports regarding patient and incident information.
• Operate, inspect, and perform other technical tasks related to the apparatus and equipment in the Fire Department.
• Climbs ladders and works at heights greater than 10 feet to reach and rescue people trapped on building roofs or upper floors.
• Comprehends and makes inferences from written material, such as Weslaco Fire Department Standard Operating Guidelines.
• Operates various types of motorized fire apparatus and ground monitors.
• Participate in school programs, deliver emergency medical care, answer questions, assess patient needs, etc.
• Communicates with management, peers, subordinates, and other City employees and establish and maintain effective working relationships.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of certificate in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation from the American Heart Association.
• Possession of certification as an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, Intermediate, or Paramedic from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• Meet the requirements of Chapter 143, Texas Local Government Code for appointment.
• Possess and maintain a Texas Operator's Class-B exempt Driver's License, have 1 year to acquire, if you do not have one.
• Possess TCFP Basic Fire Fighter Certification.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, & ABILITIES

• Operation, maintenance and use of modern firefighting apparatus and equipment.
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Emergency Medical Technology First Aide procedures.
• Methods, techniques, and equipment used in providing Emergency Medical Services to level of EMS certification attained.
• Technical of fire suppression and emergency medical services.
• Knowledge of pertinent state and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Principals, practices, methods and techniques of modern fire and life safety and fire suppression and emergency medical activities.
• The geography of the city and surrounding area.
• Various building construction techniques and the consequence of each type of fire suppression and prevention activities.
• Safe work practices and procedures.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Business letter writing and repost preparation.
• Assembling and preparing data for report presentations.
• Using fire suppression techniques and other related emergency respondent procedures.
• Using specialized emergency medical equipment appropriate to level of EMS certification attained.
• Work under stress and use good judgment in emergency situations.
• Oversee and assist in resolving a variety of situations characterized by conflict or danger.
• Operate specialized emergency communications equipment.
• Participate in providing the full range of emergency medical services and in a variety of specialized medical equipment to level of EMS certification attained.
• Prepare and safely operate department vehicles, apparatus, and other emergency equipment.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Interpret and apply state and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Work irregular hours including weekends, holidays and extended hours in emergency, disaster or other situations influenced by workload or staffing difficulties.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Pass a medical examination and all other examinations and tests required for employment.
• Demonstrate the application of defensive driving theory and principles and maintain familiarity with all State and local laws, including City and Department rules and regulations governing safe driving practices and operation of all Fire Department vehicles.
• Demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge and awareness for fire apparatus and equipment operating principles, practices, and procedures in support of fire suppression, rescue, and EMS services delivery needs.
• Possess basic knowledge of the principals, practices, and techniques of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), modem fire suppression, emergency medical services and fire prevention.
• Possess a thorough knowledge of the rules, regulations and standard operating guidelines of the Fire Department and Civil Service Rules and regulations.
• Apply the principals, practices, and techniques of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), modem fire suppression, emergency medical services.
• Provide effective leadership in applying the Fire Department Civil Service Rules and regulations.
• Speak and deal tactfully and respectfully with the public, other municipality officials and the private sector when representing the fire Department and the City of Weslaco.
• Demonstrate competence at basic computer operations including word processing, desktop publishing and spreadsheets.
• Understand the basic principles and application of fire protection systems, and building construction, and possess the ability to properly read and interpret construction and engineering blueprints and plans.
• Understand the basic of fire cause and origin investigation, the application of state, the local laws and regulations governing the maintenance and release of evidence and records associated with fire investigations.
• Tactfully respond to requests and inquiries from the public.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including City and other government officials, community groups and the public.
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of current literature, research, and advancement in the fields of (NIMS), firefighting, fire apparatus and equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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.

• Work requires employee physically present, and on time, as scheduled.
• Participating in fire suppression activities
• Running, walking, crouching, or crawling during emergency operations.
• Moving equipment and injured/deceased persons of up to 185 lbs. and sometimes more.
• Climbing stairs/ladders sometimes excessively.
• Walking, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time.
• Performing lifesaving and rescue procedures.
• Operating assigned equipment.
• Wearing assigned protective clothing and equipment.

Occupational Risk:

• Hazardous chemicals and materials
• Fumes and smoke
• Intense heat
• Electrical hazards
• Confined or high workplaces
• Dangerous animals
• Extremely loud noises
• Hazards of emergency driving
• Hazards associated with traffic control and working in and near traffic.
• Natural and man-made disasters

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel, so assigned to this position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.