Firefighter / Paramedic

City-of-Rochester-Hill; Rochester Hills (MI); On-site; USD 86,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Rochester Hills seeks a detailed Firefighter/Paramedic to respond to emergencies and perform firefighting, EMS, and rescue tasks. You will operate pumps, ladders, and SCBA while following OCMA protocols and maintaining equipment.

Applicants must hold Michigan Firefighter I & II, Paramedic licensure, and American Heart Association CPR/ACLS. Lateral hires may qualify for accelerated orientation and pay steps.

Qualifications

• Education and certifications required as listed in the posting.
• Paramedic license or national registry certification is required.
• CPR/ACLS certifications must be current at time of offer.
• Firefighter I & II and HazMat awareness/operations required.
• CPAT/OPAT or equivalent physical agility verification required.

Responsibilities

• Respond to emergency scenes to fight fires and perform ALS EMS duties.
• Drive fire apparatus, lay hose, operate pumps, and use SCBA.
• Assess incidents and relay conditions to team members.
• Perform salvage operations and scene cleanup as needed.
• Provide ALS assessment and treatment for adults/children per protocol.
• Direct EMS activities at incidents and document field data.
• Maintain equipment, station housekeeping, and record logs.
• Build effective relationships with City staff, hospitals, and public.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

MFTC Firefighter I & II

Michigan Paramedic License OR National Registry Paramedic

CPR for the Professional Rescuer & ACLS (AHA)

Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations

Driver's License (with clean record)

CPAT/OPAT certification (time of offer)

EMPCO NFSI score on file ( Waived for lateral hires )

Associate Degree in Fire Science or EMS

Job description

Under the general supervision of a Company Officer or Senior Firefighter, the Firefighter/Paramedic responds to emergency scenes to perform firefighting, salvage, and Advanced Life Support (ALS) emergency medical duties. Employees in this position are responsible for performing all duties accurately and efficiently to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Rochester Hills residents and Fire Department personnel.

This position is 24 hour shift / 2912 hours per year. Anticipated start date is January 4, 2027.

Note: The information in this posting represents a sample of functions performed in this classification. Specific essential functions are identified for recruitment and administrative procedures.

• Perform fire fighting activities including but not limited to, extinguishing fires, searching burning buildings, rescuing and assisting victims from emergency sites, driving fire apparatus, operating fire pumps and related equipment, laying hose, climbing ladders, and using Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
• Assess fires and other emergency situations; report conditions to others.
• Perform salvage operations such as evacuating water; removing debris and performing general clean up at the scene.
• Perform emergency medical activities including but not limited to, Advanced Life Support (ALS) assessment and treatment of medical and/or trauma adult and pediatric patients.
• Perform ALS medical procedures as required by the Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA) protocols.
• Participate in training and maintain acceptable medical and fire fighting skill levels.
• Direct personnel with regard to EMS activities at incident scenes as required.
• Enter Fire and EMS data on computer.
• Maintain communication logs of all associated activities.
• Participate in the inspection of buildings, hydrants, and other fire prevention programs.
• Maintain fire equipment, buildings and apparatus, including performing minor repairs to Department properties and clean and test equipment.
• Perform routine housekeeping duties at the fire station
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships and communications with others including City staff, hospital and other emergency personnel, and members of the public.
• Ensure and comply with safe working standards.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

To be accepted for testing, applicants must possess the following:

• Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• MFTC Certification: Michigan Firefighter Training Council Firefighter I and II.
• Must attach certification or be currently enrolled in academy and certified at time of offer
• Medical Licensure: Valid State of Michigan Paramedic License OR National Registry Paramedic Certification.
• Must attach certification or be currently enrolled in academy and certified at time of offer
• AHA Certifications: Current American Heart Association CPR for the Professional Rescuer AND Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
• HazMat Certification: Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations.
• Driver's License: Valid Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record (no more than 4 points).
• Physical Agility: Current Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT) or Oakland Community College Fire Physical Agility Test (OPAT) card/certificate (required by time of job offer).
• EMPCO Inc NFSI: Satisfactory NFSI test score on file with EMPCO, Inc. (Waived for qualified Lateral Hire applicants). empco.net

Desirable Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Fire Science or Emergency Medical Services.
• MFTC Emergency Vehicle Driver Training (EVDT) Certification.
• MFTC Incident Command Certification.
• One (1) year of experience as a Paramedic and/or Firefighter in a comparable system. (Lateral Hire)

Physical Demands

• Physical Demands: Requires strenuous physical exertion including frequent climbing, standing, sitting, stooping, kneeling, crawling, crouching, and lifting objects/persons weighing in excess of 100 lbs. Requires full sensory abilities (vision, hearing, touch, smell), physical mobility, and dexterity in difficult or hazardous spaces. Emergency vehicle operation required in all weather and lighting conditions.
• Work Environment: Exposure to life-threatening situations, extreme temperatures, fire, toxic/caustic chemicals, high places, risk of electrical shock, noise, vibration, and moving mechanical parts. Full safety precautions and personal protective equipment (PPE) are required at all times.

Wage and Lateral Hire Information

Standard entry for new employees into the bargaining unit is Step 1 of the wage scale. However, candidates meeting the following Lateral Hire criteria may be eligible for advanced step placement upon evaluation by the City:

1. Certification at the Firefighter II level.
2. Valid State of Michigan Paramedic License.
3. Minimum of one (1) year (12 continuous months) of full-time service as a Firefighter/Paramedic with another fire department.

Candidates who qualify as lateral hires will complete a fast-track, four-week departmental orientation program in lieu of the standard fire academy curriculum.

• Months Employed: Probationary Period
• Hourly Rate: $29.652
• 2912 Annualized Base: $86,347.58
• Months Employed: End of Probationary Period (24)
• Hourly Rate: $31.014
• 2912 Annualized Base: $90,313.43
• Months Employed: 25-36 M
• Hourly Rate: $32.443
• 2912 Annualized Base: $94,474.69
• Months Employed: 37+ M
• Hourly Rate: $34.108
• 2912 Annualized Base: $99,321.73

Please see the IAFF Local 3472 Collective Bargaining Agreement for more information.

Selection & Examination Process

1. Performance Test: City of Rochester Hills skills assessment.
2. Oral Evaluations: Interview panel assessing technical knowledge, decision-making, history, and communication skills.
3. Successful completion of pre‑employment screenings:
   • Background Check:
     • Verification of employment,
     • Personal references,
     • Criminal record, and
     • Driving history
   • NFPA 1582 Medical Physical
   • Drug & Substance Screening
   • Psychological evaluation

(Note: Examination components are subject to modification for current or future postings.)

Equal Opportunity & Accommodation Notice

The City of Rochester Hills values diversity, equity, and inclusion as a foundation for innovation and seeks candidates representing a variety of backgrounds.

It is the policy of the City of Rochester Hills to hire qualified individuals with limiting conditions in accordance with state and federal laws. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for any part of the examination process must notify Human Resources at the time of application, or at least one week prior to testing. Direct questions to the Director of Human Resources.