Firefighter (Paramedic) - Entry Level

City of Montclair; Montclair (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Montclair seeks a dedicated Firefighter/Paramedic to respond to alarms, protect lives, and participate in training and community fire prevention programs.

The role includes operating fire apparatus, assisting in station upkeep, and maintaining records. Requires Firefighter I, Paramedic license, ACLS, and CPR, with California driver’s license and CPAT within 24 months.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of firefighting principles, codes, and fire prevention regulations.
• Ability to read technical manuals and follow written/oral directions under stress.
• Commitment to ongoing training and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Respond to fire alarms and emergency calls under supervision.
• Lay hose, operate equipment, and perform rescue and rescue operations.
• Assist in inspections, maintenance, and public fire prevention education.

Skills

Firefighting knowledge

First aid techniques

Teamwork

Communication with public

Education

High School Diploma or GED

California Firefighter I certification

Paramedic license

ACLS

CPR certification

Job description

Eligible firefighters may also receive additional longevity conduct pay of 2.5% for every five years of continuous city service.

Under supervision, responds to fire alarms, rescue, and other emergency calls; protects life and property endangered by fire and other hazards; assists in daily fire prevention inspections; participates in training, drill, and independent study activities; assists in maintenance of fire stations, grounds, and equipment; and performs related duties as required.

Responds to alarms; lays hose; fights fires under departmental procedures and directions; ventilates buildings and directs streams of water; cleans up and does salvage work after fires or other emergency situations; rescues endangered persons; administers first aid; operates fire trucks, resuscitators, and other apparatus; assists in simple maintenance, upkeep, and repairs to fire department apparatus and equipment; inspects commercial and residential structures regularly to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local fire prevention laws, codes, and regulations; maintains fire stations and grounds; attends drills and classes; studies applicable technical publications; makes necessary written and oral reports and maintains simple records. Periodically, a Firefighter (Paramedic) performs in acting positions above classification on a short-term or interim basis; assists in higher-level collateral responsibilities in areas such as recording, research, and development functions; assists in administering public school specialized educational programs; and performs other public relations educational activities in the interest of fire prevention as directed by department supervision.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

This class reports to a Company Fire Captain or Battalion Chief and is assigned to companies, stations, and platoons. Firefighters work a stated number of 24-hour rotating shifts per year, but may be assigned special 40-hour work week. Firefighters are subject to recall at any time, may be required to be on duty any combination of hours during emergencies, may be assigned any necessary work; and are expected to develop professionalism, increase their expertise; and prepare for advancement through special training and college courses.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Knowledge of: Elementary mathematics, physics, chemistry, mechanics, and first aid techniques; federal, state, and local codes, and rules and regulations relating to fire fighting; city and departmental policies and procedures; basics of grounds maintenance and housekeeping functions; equipment operation and maintenance; and proper lifting, carrying, and climbing techniques.

Skills/Abilities to: Read and understand technical manuals and materials regarding fire fighting; learn principles of fire fighting and fire prevention; continue education in field of fire science; understand and follow oral and written directions under conditions of stress and pressures; work effectively and use sound judgment in hazardous situations; work effectively as a team member and individually; maintain cooperative working relations; communicate courteously and effectively with the public; and write simple reports and keep records.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from High School or completion of G.E.D., preferably supplemented by course work in Fire Science, is required.

Graduation from California State Fire Marshal Accredited Fire Academy or possess a California State Fire Marshal Accredited Firefighter I certificate. (If a Firefighter 1 Academy completion certificate is issued by another state or the Department of Defense, you will be required to provide certificates with IFSAC and/or Pro-Board seals showing you are certified to Firefighter I and HazMat Awareness/FRO).

LICENSE

• Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license and proof of insurability required
• Copy of current and valid Paramedic license
• ACLS certification
• Copy of current and valid CPR certification
• Information on where and when the CPAT or Biddle physical ability test was taken (must be within the last 24 months). Test scores will be verified by the City of Montclair

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

In the performance of daily activities, this position requires the ability to sit, stand, and walk for up to two hours at a time. Must be able to reach, grasp, twist, turn, and bend. The ability to climb, stoop, kneel, squat, run, and jump. Must be able to lift, drag, and pull heavy objects up to 150 pounds. The position must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions including cold, wet, and hot with extreme sun exposure.

SELECTION PROCESS (Read Carefully)

1. All applicants must hold required licenses and certificates as required to be considered.
2. Upload proof of all required licenses/certificates listed below under the “Attachments” section of the application:
   • High school diploma/GED or college degree (transcripts showing equivalency will be accepted).
   • Firefighter I certification from a California Office of the Fire Marshal State Fire Training, proof of successful completion from a California Office of the Fire Marshal State Fire Training accredited Firefighter I Academy, IFSAC Firefighter 1 certificate, or Pro Board Firefighter 1 certificate.
   • Current and Valid Paramedic License
   • Valid Class C Driver's license. (Class A or B Driver’s License supersedes this requirement )
   • ACLS Certification
   • Basic Life Support (CPR) for Healthcare Provider card.
   • CPAT or Biddle certification. (Certification must have been obtained within the last 24 months from time of job posting).
3. All applications received will be screened in relation to the criteria outline in this job announcement. Candidates will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be the most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements listed in this job announcement does not guarantee advancement in subsequent phases of the selection process. The selection process may be changed as deemed necessary by the City Human Resources Department.
4. Top candidates will be invited to a written examination on a future date (to be determined). The written examination will be a multiple choice pass/fail examination with a requirement of 70% in order to achieve a passing score. Questions on the written examination are sourced from the following publications: IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting 7th Edition.
5. Candidates passing the written examination will be invited to participate in a structured oral interview and paramedic assessment. The oral interview and paramedic assessment scores will be weighted according to the following: (Oral interview – 50% of total score, Paramedic Assessment – 50% of total score). Candidates must maintain a 70% or higher score on each section of the examination process for both the oral interview as well as paramedic assessment in order to move forward in the process.
6. Successful candidates' names will be placed on an eligibility list from which a selection will be made.
7. Candidates will be required to complete a Fire Chief's oral interview after the eligibility list is approved.
8. Final appointments will be made by the City Manager, upon the recommendation of the Fire Chief.
9. Candidate(s) must pass a thorough background investigation and pre-employment physical (including a drug screening) prior to hiring.
10. Station visits or contacting Montclair Fire Department employees will not be permitted during the recruitment process.
11. To complete your application for this position, you will be prompted to respond to supplemental questions. This information will be used as part of the application screening and selection process and is designed to help you present your qualifications for this position. This may include a selection step in which your application and supplemental questions are reviewed.