Firefighter

Town of Branford; Branford (CT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of Branford’s Branford Fire Department is seeking a full-time Firefighter/Paramedic to protect life and property through firefighting, EMS, and prevention services. Applicants must meet regional recruit, CT EMS/Paramedic credentials, CPAT, and background checks, with a strong emphasis on safety and community outreach.

Eligibility includes a high school diploma, valid driver’s license, and ability to obtain Connecticut Q endorsement or CDL within 18 months.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED; copy of a valid driver's license.
• Current EMT certification or Paramedic license.
• Connecticut Q endorsement (or CDL) within 18 months of employment date.
• National Registry Paramedic certification prior to employment.
• CPAT certification within last 12 months or 2 years of service with current department.
• Background check and physical examination with drug/alcohol screening.
• Written and oral exams with minimum 70%.

Responsibilities

• Drive fire apparatus and operate pumps during firefighting tasks.
• Provide pre-hospital emergency medical care and transport.
• Perform rescues using hydraulic equipment and ropes.
• Participate in fire drills and related training.
• Inspect buildings, hydrants, and structures for fire prevention.
• Maintain and repair department equipment and facilities.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Fire suppression

Emergency medical procedures

Hazardous materials handling

Emergency management

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Driver's license

EMT Certification or Paramedic License

Job description

The Branford Fire Department will be accepting applications for the position of full-time Firefighter/Paramedic through end of day on September 4, 2026

• Lateral certified applicants must be a full-time employee in good standing in a career department.
• Applicants must have successfully completed a regional recruit class, i.e., the Connecticut Fire Academy Recruit Firefighter Class or equivalent, within the past five (5) years.
• Applicants must possess current National Registry Paramedic certification prior to employment.
• Applicants must possess existing medical control through Yale New Haven Center for EMS or be able to obtain such within one year of the employment date.
• Applicants must possess a valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certification within the last 12 months or 2 years of continuous service with their current department.
• Applicants must possess a High School Diploma (or equivalent) and a valid driver’s license. A copy of both must accompany the application for employment.
• Candidates must obtain a Connecticut Q endorsement (or CDL) to operate fire apparatus within 18 months of the employment date.
• Candidates must successfully pass the written and oral exams with a minimum score of 70%.
• A background check and physical exam, with drug and alcohol screening, will be conducted immediately after conditional offers are extended.
• Candidates who advance will then be interviewed by the Board of Fire Commissioners, and a conditional offer of employment will be made to an individual for the position of Firefighter/Paramedic.

Position Summary/Purpose:

To protect life and property by performing firefighting, rescue, emergency medical, hazardous materials, and fire prevention duties in accordance with the mission and values of the department. Maintains fire and medical equipment, apparatus, and facilities.

Essential Job Functions:

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types 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.)

• Perform fire-fighting activities including driving fire apparatus, operating pumps and related equipment, laying hose, and performing fire combat, containment and extinguishment tasks.
• Performpre-hospital emergency medical care and transport according to established medical protocols.
• Performs rescues using hydraulic equipment, ropes, and a variety of other related tools and equipment.
• Participates in fire drills, attends classes in firefighting, technical rescue, emergency medical, hazardous materials, and related subjects.
• Receives and relays fire calls and alarms. Operates radio and other communication equipment.
• Participates in the inspection of buildings, hydrants, and other structures in fire prevention programs.
• Maintains fire equipment, apparatus, and facilities. Performs minor repairs to departmental equipment.
• Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire facilities and equipment; cleans and washes walls and floors; cares for grounds around the station; makes minor repairs; washes, hangs, and dries hose; washes, cleans, polishes, maintains, and tests apparatus and equipment.
• Assists in developing plans for special assignments such as emergency preparedness, hazardous communications, training programs, firefighting, hazardous materials, and emergency aid activities.
• Presents programs to the community on safety, medical, and fire prevention topics.
• Performs salvage operations such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris.
• Prepares and submits fire incidents, patient care, and other reports as required.

Other Functions

• Performs similar or related work as required, directed, or as the situation dictates.

Supervision:

Supervision Scope:

Performs varied and responsible firefighting and medical aid activities responsibilities concerning training, fire safety, and fire prevention

Supervision Received:

Works under the immediate direction of the Deputy Chief and/or Captain

Supervision Given:none

Minimum Required Qualifications

Education, Training, and Experience

1) High School Diploma or GED equivalent, Copy of a valid driver's license

2) Valid Emergency Medical Technician Certification or Paramedic License

Special Requirements

Candidates must meet all requirements outlined in the current job posting at the time of appointment.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

Knowledge: Working knowledge of driver safety

Ability:Ability to learn the operation of fire suppression and other emergency equipment; Ability to perform standard firefighting, emergency medical aid, hazardous materials, and fire prevention techniques. Ability to perform strenuous or peak physical effort during emergencies, training, or station maintenance activities for prolonged periods of time under conditions of extreme heights, intense heat, cold, or smoke. Ability to act effectively in emergencies and stressful situations.

Skill:Excellent verbal and written communication skills, firefighting skills, emergency management skills, and skill in motivating and training

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed primarily in vehicles and outdoor settings, in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, on bodies of water, and in the office during day and night shifts. Work is often performed in emergencies and stressful situations. Individuals are exposed to loud alarms and hazards associated with firefighting and emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents, and oils.

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. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk or hear; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to work at heights, climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.

The employee may frequently lift and/or move up to 60 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 120 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.