Entry Level Firefighter/EMT

Burlington Electric Department; Burlington (VT); On-site; USD 68,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The Burlington Fire Department is seeking a probationary firefighter to perform fire suppression, emergency medical care, hazardous materials mitigation, and training. Attendance at a multi-week fire academy is required, and success is expected as part of probation.

During 24 months, the candidate must obtain AEMT licensure and demonstrate proficiency with equipment and driving apparatus, while upholding safety and team standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license.
• EMT Certification (NREMT or VT EMT).
• CPAT certification obtained no more than 12 months prior to time of application. CPAT due by 12/31/2026.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate competency in all listed BFD Probationary Firefighter Skills within 12 months.
• Serve as primary care attendant on medical calls within 6 months, with reports as required.
• Learn department policies within 90 days with minimal intervention.
• Obtain AEMT licensure by end of 24 months.
• Learn to drive and operate fire apparatus as taught in the academy.

Skills

Diversity & Inclusion

Team collaboration

Emergency response

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CPAT

Job description

General Purpose

An individual in this role is responsible for performing fire suppression, emergency medical care, hazardous materials mitigation, technical-rescue incident mitigation, training, and fire prevention activities. Additionally, firefighters in this position are expected to demonstrate competency in essential skills following a multi-week fire academy. Regular attendance is necessary and is essential to meeting the expectations of the job functions.

Union Affiliation

Burlington Firefighters Association (BFFA)

Pay Grade

$67,556.00 - $74,311.00 Annually

Remote Tier 1

Zero (0) days remote/month

Essential Job Functions

• Due to the limited number of personnel, there is the expectation that a person in this role can perform essential individual and team-based firefighting skills. As a result, a person in this position must demonstrate competency in all listed BFD Probationary Firefighter Skills within 12 months.
• Within 6 months, perform as a primary care attendant on medical calls, consistent with how taught by the Burlington Fire Department and in accordance with VT EMS protocols specific to the level of licensure. This includes providing verbal and written patient care reports and collaborating with co-workers to provide appropriate patient care during emergency incidents.
• During the first 90 days, a person in this position is expected to quickly learn department and city policies and procedures, which will be evidenced by meeting performance and conduct expectations with minimal intervention.
• By the end of the 12-month probationary period, demonstrate the proper use and maintenance of fire department tools and equipment.
• During the first 12 months, learn to drive and operate fire department apparatus, completing tasks as taught in the BFD Fire Academy, with minimal assistance required. This includes maintaining a knowledge of the city layout and streets and is demonstrated by driving apparatus to and from incidents with minimal direction from other crew members.
• Proactively deal with problems at an emergency incident and in and around the fire stations, working with team members to implement immediate solutions. This includes many times when there are limited resources and a need to make instant decisions with incomplete information.
• One of our greatest challenges is completing physically demanding tasks with limited resources and often when sleep-deprived and/or physically exhausted. The pace can be intense, and the expectation is that work will be completed with professionalism.
• By the end of 24 months, a person in this role is required to obtain AEMT licensure.

Non-Essential Job Functions

• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements

• Ability to actively support City diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts within stated job responsibilities and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as evidenced by ongoing trainings and professional development.
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver's license
• EMT Certification (NREMT or VT EMT)
• Valid CPAT certification obtained no more than 12 months prior to time of application. CPAT due by 12/31/2026.

Additional Information

Promoting a culture that reveres diversity and equity.

The City of Burlington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we are strongly committed to creating a dynamic and equitable work-force that mirrors the population and world that we serve. We do not discriminate on the basis of political or religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, crime victim status, veteran status, disability, HIV positive status, or genetic information in employment or the provision of services.

In addition to being an equal opportunity employer we actively encourage applicants who can contribute to our growing diversity to apply.

For accessibility information or alternative formats, please contact Human Resources Department at 802-540-2505 or [e-mail] .