About This Position
Job Description: Fire Lateral Cadet
Purpose
Under close supervision, this position participates in assigned training and formal academic programs of instruction designed for certification as a Firefighter in accordance with Chapter 143.023 of the Texas State Statutes.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
- Attends and successfully completes Fire Department classes and other formal fire training programs to demonstrate proficiency and compliance with certification standards as a Firefighter and an Emergency Medical Technician (Basic).
- Participates in mandatory physical training to include running 1 ½ to 6 miles, uphill running, calisthenics, hose and dummy drags, grass drills, and weight training.
- Participates in drills, demonstrations, firefighting training evolutions, and courses in hydraulics, pump operation and maintenance, and firefighting techniques.
- Trains in the operation of rescue tools.
- Trains in the administration of emergency medical care to fire or accident victims and assists EMS personnel as needed.
- Trains in the locating, controlling, and extinguishing of fires using applicable extinguishing agents.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
None.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- Skill in operating and maintaining fire apparatus and equipment.
- Skill in operating various hand and power tools to create openings in structures and vehicles for smoke ventilation, forcible entry, and rescue.
- Skill in performing life support techniques and emergency medical care.
- Skill in maintaining accurate records and preparing reports.
- Ability to become knowledgeable of city geography, streets, and highways in Austin/Travis County.
- Knowledge of firefighting principles and techniques, hydraulics, hydrants, and location/operation of sprinkler and house line systems.
- Ability to become knowledgeable of departmental policy, practice, and procedure, emergency medical techniques, and good safety practice in the use of equipment.
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other city employees and the public.
- Ability to communicate effectively in stressful and /or hazardous environments.
- Ability to perform strenuous work under all weather conditions including emergency situations.
- Ability to read, write, comprehend, and speak English.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Graduation from High School or equivalent.
- Must be at least 18 years of age, and not to exceed age 35, on the date of written exam.
- Meet the requirements of Local Government Code, Title 5 Chapter 143.
- Meet the requirements for certification by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection Standards and Education.
- Meet the requirements of the Texas Department of State Health Services for certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (Basic).
- Meet the requirements of the Texas Department of State Health Services for certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (Basic).
- Meet the medical requirements outlined in NFPA 1580 (Latest Edition), Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments.
- Applicants must be current certified firefighters.
- Applicants must have been actively employed as a structural firefighter with one or more municipalities, Emergency Service Districts (ESDs), military, or count fire departments within the two (2) years immediately preceding the application date.
- Applicants must possess a minimum of three (3) years of total active service as a full-time paid firefighter with one or more municipalities, ESDs, military, or county fire departments.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
- Valid Class C Driver License.
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to quickly respond to fire apparatus and be capable of entry and/or exit of any AFD vehicle.
- Must be able to quickly respond to fire apparatus and be capable of entry and/or exit of any AFD vehicle without assistance.
- Must be able to climb multiple flights of stairs while carrying firefighting equipment.
- Must be able to climb aerial ladders to a height of 100 feet.
- Must be able to carry and/or drag hose for the purpose of fire extinguishment.
- Must be able to carry, set, and climb ladders to accomplish firefighting and rescue evolutions.
- Must be able to crawl and kneel, wearing personal protective equipment and SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus), in extreme weather conditions, high environmental temperature and humidity, and confined, dark, or visually obscured environments.
- Must be able to perform strenuous physical activity for 20 continuous minutes.
- Must be able to perform CPR, lifting and moving of equipment and patients in a variety of environmental conditions.
- Must be comfortable in the water using a personal flotation device.