Firefighter/Paramedic - Part-time

Firefighter/Paramedic

A professional position responsible for knowing and maintaining essential firefighting skills in the prevention and extinguishment of fires, protecting and saving life and property, knowledge and enforcement of County and State fire prevention codes, laws pertaining to the prevention and control of fires, mastery of paramedic and ACLS skills, maintaining required State licensure, performance of pre-hospital and inter-facility basic and advanced life support skills, providing pre-hospital life support and firefighting functions, other emergency services, and the operation of fire rescue and ambulance vehicles.

The following statements describe the principal functions of the job and its scope of responsibility but should not be considered an all-inclusive list of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

Responds to fire and EMS calls with a fire company and performs fire suppression, EMS, and rescue duties as assigned or assumed.

Rescues and removes persons from danger.

Operates various pieces of fire and EMS apparatus and equipment to deliver advanced life support skills and extinguish fires.

Ventilates burning buildings to eject smoke, heat, and gases as directed.

Performs salvage and overhaul operations at fire scenes as directed.

Performs cleaning and maintenance tasks on department buildings and equipment.

Performs prevention and education activated as directed, to include fire hydrant maintenance if necessary.

Performs annual testing and inspection of fire hose.

Attends training in subjects pertinent to EMS, (ALS), firefighting, fire inspections, equipment operation, emergency medical treatment, and other related areas.

Promotes and conducts public education programs as directed.

Makes periodic visits to buildings to conduct pre-fire planning.

Provides Basic and advanced Life Support care (in compliance with Chapter 401, Florida Statutes and Chapter 10D-66, Florida Administrative Code) according to the established County EMS Protocol Manual, applicable policies, and standing orders, to persons in need of medical attention.

Administers pre-hospital and inter-facility emergency care and medical services authorized within the scope of training. Assists their partner in providing ALS care as assigned. Handles emergency and non-emergency patient transfers as assigned, including both in-county and out-of-county.

Performs all firefighting, training and inspection duties.

Completes necessary written reports, including patient & fire reports, patient bills, and daily team and unit reports in a timely, accurate fashion.

Cleans and maintains apparatus and equipment on a daily basis, maintains required inventory, supplies, and equipment. Keeps assigned station clean.

Maintains a professional and safe area adhering to established safety policies and the image desired for the organization.

Consistently follows Board policies and procedures.

Responds productively to change and performs all other related tasks as directed.

Works productively with all personnel throughout the chain of command.

Knowledge and skill in the use of firefighting techniques, policies, procedures, and practices.

Knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the use of basic and advanced life support and life sustaining practices and equipment.

Knowledge and skill in defensive driving methods.

Ability to become familiar with the roadway/highway systems within Highlands County.

Knowledge of Florida safety requirements and privileges when responding to non-emergency and emergency situations.

Ability to continually learn and update techniques and procedures in firefighting and emergency medical care.

Knowledge of Florida traffic and driving regulations.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to make sound judgments.

Ability to work as part of a team.

Ability to adhere to physician instructions, protocols and standing orders.

Ability to climb and skill to perform minor maintenance on an apparatus.

Must have legible handwriting.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, managers, supervisors, directors, elected officials, vendors, and the general public.

This work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and frequent exertion of over 100 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing, frequently requires standing, sitting, using hands to finger, handle or feel, lifting independently in excess of 125 pounds (or combined weight of 250 pounds) and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, pushing or pulling and lifting and occasionally requires tasting or smelling and repetitive motions; work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception, night vision and peripheral vision; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts using of measuring devices assembly or fabrication of parts within arm's length, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment, and observing general surroundings and activities.

Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalence diploma. Maintain a current Florida Paramedic certification, Florida firefighter 2 certification with in one year, ACLS & B.L.S./C.P.R. certification. Certification of completion of a Florida approved E.V.O.C.16 hr. defensive driving course. Must be approved by the E.M.S. Medical director to practice as a Paramedic. No comparable amount of training or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

Must possess a valid Florida Driver License. Valid Florida Paramedic Certification. Florida firefighter 2 certification within one year, ACLS and BLS CPR certification.

The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, religious belief, color, national origin, disability/handicap, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetics or any other legally protected group/class. We are proud to be a drug free workplace. Screening tests for illegal drug use may be required as a condition of employment.