Firefighter/Paramedic

City of Grapevine; Harlingen (TX); On-site; USD 83,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Grapevine is seeking a Starting Firefighter/Paramedic to perform fire suppression, advanced life support, and rescue operations in accordance with state and department procedures.

Candidates must hold or be eligible for a Basic Structural Firefighter certification, EMT-Paramedic or Licensed Paramedic, and meet driver license and background requirements; successful applicants will join a dedicated firefighting team in Texas.

Qualifications

• Must respond to emergencies.
• Strong physical conditioning and ability to lift heavy loads.
• Must maintain required certifications and pass background checks.

Responsibilities

• Provide fire suppression and rescue at incidents.
• Perform basic and advanced life support.
• Complete reports on medical care and operations.
• Coordinate with shifts and crews.
• Inspect gear and equipment for readiness.
• Respond to alarms and operate firefighting apparatus.

Skills

Emergency response

Physical stamina

Communication skills

Swimming techniques

Fire suppression

Education

Basic Structural Firefighter certification

EMT Paramedic or Licensed Paramedic

Texas driver’s license (Class B)

Job description

Starting Firefighter/Paramedic

salary is $27.97/hour; $83,808.47 Annual (based on 48/96 scheduled hours) plus benefits

New hire lateral program will be applied to all steps of the Firefighter/Paramedic position.

• 1 year of experience - Step B = $88,033.35
• 2 years of experience - Step C = $92,408.05
• 3 years of experience - Step D = $97,022.46
• 4 years of experience - Step E = $101,876.58

JOB SUMMARY

Provides basic and/or advanced life support and fire fighting work in the treatment of the sick or injured and fire fighting duties in preventing, combating, and extinguishing fires along with water and other rescue related duties.

• 1. Provides fire fighting, rescue, first aid and basic and/or advanced life support at emergency scenes.
• 2. Assists in the removal of victims from dangerous situations.
• 3. Prepares complete records and reports related to fire, emergency medical care and vehicle operations provided during operational periods.
• 4. Participates in the exchange of information between off-going and on-coming shifts and in crew meetings as necessary.
• 5. Checks all personal gear, assigned vehicles, equipment and tools to ensure safe and effective operation.
• 6. Responds to alarms of fire or other emergencies; lays, connects and uses hose and nozzles to direct fog or water stream. Raises and climbs ladders, uses fire extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines, pike poles, halligans, drills, saws, extrication tools and appliances, and other equipment safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• 7. Operates engines, trucks, ambulances, and rescue units safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• 8. Maintains familiarity with box maps and related road networks within the fire district area and within those areas with Automatic Aid Response Agreements.
• 9. Participates in all scheduled and assigned training classes.
• 10. Communicates among assigned personnel, other employees throughout the city, upper management and the general public as necessitated by the position.
• 11. Performs related duties as directed when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.
• 12. Regular and timely attendance are required for this position.
• 13. Interacts professionally and respectfully with the public, coworkers and others in the course of daily work.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Must respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Works in emergency conditions that may involve extreme danger and exertion under hazardous conditions, including but not limited to flames, smoke, hazardous materials, cramped conditions, charged or oxygen-deficient atmospheres, downed power lines, victims with severe injuries/death, and inclement weather.
• Must be able to wear all assigned bunker gear and perform related emergency scene duties effectively and efficiently.
• Must be able to frequently lift and carry heavy weights, climb, walk, run, drive vehicles, crawl, stoop, push, pull, jump, grasp hoses, grasp and manipulate small objects, work on unsteady footing, and use other emergency and firefighting equipment as required.
• Must possess the ability to use basic swimming techniques for water rescues and must possess good vision and hearing and be able to distinguish colors and odors.
• Knowledge of the procedures and methods used in safely and comfortably handling/treating patients.
• Knowledge of pre-hospital patient care for basic life support.
• Knowledge of fire suppression and prevention methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Ability to learn and efficiently operate firefighting equipment.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing, ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with employees and management.
• Ability to think clearly and use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations which may occur.
• Good physical condition and the ability to perform job functions.
• Ability to be punctual and attend work regularly.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Include a copy of your valid certifications and a current resume with your application.

Minimum age 18. Requires high school diploma or equivalent.

Must be certified and maintain a current Basic Structural Firefighter (minimum) certification issued by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection at the time of hire. Shall successfully pass Firefighter, EMT Paramedic, or Licensed Paramedic department/division required written or oral examinations prior to employment and meet Texas Commission on Fire Protection, Texas Department of State Health Services, and Medical Directors requirements for certification during employment.

Must be certified as an Emergency Medical Technician EMT Paramedic or Licensed Paramedic issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services at the time of hire.

Basic Structural Firefighter (minimum) certification issued by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Paramedic or Licensed Paramedic certification issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services must be maintained during employment.

Must possess the ability to use basic swimming techniques for water rescues. Must possess good vision and hearing and be able to distinguish colors and odors.

Must pass a credit check, Federal/National criminal background check, full Fire Department background investigation, physical agility.

Must pass a pre-employment basic physical, drug screen, functional assessment screening (Level 2), Ishihara vision screening, Titmus vision screening, and all other required Fire Department medical screenings.

Must have a valid Texas Class “B” or higher driver’s license with an acceptable driving record as defined by City policy within 6 months of hire.

Due to Criminal Justice Information Security (CJIS) requirements, the candidate must never have been convicted, put on court-ordered community supervision, or probation for any criminal offense above the grade of Class B misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years from the date of the court order. Class A Misdemeanor Convictions, Deferred Adjudication, or Felony Convictions are permanent disqualifiers. Conviction for family violence or deferred adjudication for family violence are permanent disqualifiers.

Effective April 1, 2015, an individual who has an International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) certification is eligible to apply for employment but must request reciprocity for a TCFP certification and hold a TCFP certification as a Basic Structural Firefighter (minimum) at the time of hire. An individual who has a National Registry certification for Paramedic is eligible to apply for employment but must apply for Texas certification and be Paramedic certified by the Texas Department of State Health Services at the time of hire. The Texas Department of State Health Services certification shall be maintained during employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Bright/dim light
• Dusts and pollen
• Extreme heat and/or cold
• Wet or humid conditions
• Extreme noise levels
• Animals/wildlife
• Vibration
• Fumes and/or noxious odors
• Traffic
• Moving machinery
• Electrical shock
• Heights
• Radiation
• Disease/pathogens
• Toxic/caustic chemicals
• Explosives
• Violence
• Other extreme hazards not listed above

Safety equipment such as fire boots, firefighting equipment, fire gloves and fire hoods are provided and must be worn as required by department procedures and good safety practices.

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

The work of this classification entails the performance of heavy physical labor involving fire suppression and rescue activities which requires strength and agility. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee frequently is required to stand, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit and taste or smell. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to perform very heavy work that involves exerting more than 120 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis, loading and unloading, moving, lifting, fabricating and installing very large or very heavy equipment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the job requirements change.