LATERAL FIREFIGHTER

City Of Walla Walla; Walla Walla (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

48/96 Schedule

Education Incentive

Bilingual Incentive

YMCA Membership

Job summary

The City of Walla Walla Fire Department seeks a dedicated Firefighter/EMT to protect life and property through active fire suppression, prevention, and emergency medical aid. The role requires operating essential equipment, conducting inspections, and providing training to peers inside and outside the department.

Candidates must meet minimum qualifications, maintain certifications, and commit to ongoing physical fitness and community safety.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old at hire and a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Valid State driver’s license with good driving record.
• Ability to obtain EVIP certificate within 3 months of hire.
• Non-user of tobacco on and off the job.
• Two years of continuous full-time Firefighter/EMT or Firefighter/Paramedic experience.

Responsibilities

• Engage in fire suppression including structural, automotive, chemical, aircraft, and wildland incidents.
• Operate pumps, aerial ladders and other fire apparatus.
• Perform salvage, overhaul, and search for victims in hazardous environments.
• Provide EMS, triage and medical aid within certification level.
• Conduct fire prevention inspections and safety education.
• Participate in training and continuing education; mentor others as assigned.

Skills

Fire suppression

Emergency medical aid

Equipment operation

Physical stamina

Critical thinking

Job description

NATURE OF POSITION

Protect life and property through fire suppression, fire prevention and emergency medical aid.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General direction and oversight are provided by the Fire Captain. Additional supervision and/or assignments may be received from a Lieutenant.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Employees of the City of Walla Walla are expected to model and foster the City’s core values: Service – Integrity – Collaboration – Equity – Leadership – Community
• Employees of the Fire Department are expected to model and foster the Department’s core values: Integrity – Ownership – Professionalism – Compassion
• Participate in fire suppression including structural, automotive, chemical, aircraft, and wild land, and operate pumps, aerial ladders, and other auxiliary fire apparatus.
• Participate in engine and pumper hook-up at scene of fire; lay connector hose; hold nozzle and direct water stream to combat fire; raise and climb ladders; use chemical extinguishers, bars, hooks, ropes, and other equipment to suppress and extinguish fires.
• Perform salvage and overhaul operations; sweep water; remove debris; search for and extinguish hidden fires; investigate for causes of fire.
• Search for victims in hazardous environments; participate in rescue services to include low to high angle, swift water, confined space, and trench rescue activities. Participate in training and continuing education in fire suppression, emergency medical aid, and use of equipment, special assignments, and other matters; provide training to others as required.
• Perform general maintenance duties for firefighting equipment, apparatus, building, and grounds including light to medium repairs, testing and inventory control as needed.
• Perform fire prevention inspections of commercial and residential buildings; check for fire hazards; seek abatement of hazards through education, demonstration, and enforcement of regulations; test fire hydrants; provide fire prevention training as assigned; and participate in developing pre-incident emergency plans.
• Provide tours of the facilities to the public and school children; provide educational programs to teach safety and fire prevention both at the station and in the field.
• Participate in physical fitness activities to assure physical readiness to participate in emergency operations.
• Function at operations or technician level on hazardous material scenes; respond to incidents involving hazardous materials; wear self-contained breathing apparatus; and use specialized tools and equipment to save lives, protect property, suppress fires.
• Drive ambulance and administer emergency medical aid within certification level; prepare medical incident report.
• As an EMT, perform medical triage of patients, determine appropriate action within established protocols, and provide appropriate medical treatment in emergency situations.
• Maintain EMS certification by completing required training as mandated by the WAC and National Registry Standards.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Demonstrate punctual, regular, and reliable attendance which is essential for successful job performance.
• Present a positive, professional image; maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; assure excellent customer service with internal and external customers.
• Execute assignments, projects, and job responsibilities efficiently and within defined timeframes; work independently and effectively with little direction.
• Demonstrate good judgment and employ critical thinking to execute duties, identify issues, seek solutions, and recommend improvements in support of departmental goals.
• Provide assistance to staff and higher-level management; participate in resolving operational or interpersonal concerns; participate in training, meetings, and on committees as assigned.
• Respect the value of diversity in the workplace and the community.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Technical operation, use and maintenance of specialized fire apparatus, vehicles, and ambulances, including pump and hydraulic operations.
• Principles and practices of fire science including techniques, methods, materials, and equipment used in fire prevention, fire suppression and emergency medical services.
• Prolonged and strenuous work in adverse conditions including heavy physical labor and climbing stairs and ladders.
• Proper use and maintenance of Fire Department buildings, fire equipment and apparatus.
• Oral and written communication skills including record-keeping and report writing techniques.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of City and county roads and maps.
• Read, interpret, apply, and explain fire codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, including knowledge of building codes and types of construction.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy and ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with customers and employees.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Specialized fire equipment and apparatus, ambulances equipment and apparatus; pumps, hoses, and related hydraulic equipment; self-contained breathing apparatus; specialized tools and equipment to save lives, protect property, suppress fires.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Heavy lifting, bending, stooping, crawling, and pulling hoses to suppress fires and rescue victims; reaching overhead and above shoulders; carrying victims; standing and walking for extended periods of time; climbing ladders for rescue; utilize hand and power tools for medical and fire emergencies. Seeing, speaking, and hearing to evaluate and communicate emergency situations, and dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized fire and EMS equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Indoor and outdoor environment; adverse weather conditions; subject to working around fumes and smoke. Fire, smoke, and fumes inhalation; working with people with unknown medical problems; working at heights; extreme weather conditions; exposure to contagious diseases and blood; working with hostile or abusive individuals; toxic fumes, hazardous materials; working in confined spaces; falling objects.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Must be a minimum of 21 years of age by the time of hire, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and be a high school graduate or equivalent. Valid State driver's license, a good driving record, and the ability to obtain an Emergency Vehicle Incident Prevention (EVIP) certificate within the first 3 months of hire. Non-user of tobacco products on and off the job. Two (2) years of current continuous full-time employment as a Firefighter/EMT or Firefighter/Paramedic. Current WA State EMT or Current WA State Paramedic certification. National registry EMT or Paramedic certification is accepted, but the employee must complete the transfer of the certification to the State of Washington within 30 days of the date of hire. Ability to meet the City’s physical and medical standards.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bilingual in Spanish.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS

The benefits listed below are those currently enjoyed by full-time IAFF Local 404 City of Walla Walla employees. It is important to remember that over the course of time these benefits may change - they are not permanent. Benefits may change through the City Council or administrative action, contracts or changes mandated by state and federal law.

MEDICAL, DENTAL & VISION INSURANCE

Employees are eligible the first of the month following the first day of employment.

Employees and all eligible dependents are covered for only $249.77/month.

MEDICAL AND VISION - 2 Low-Deductible Health Plans to choose from:

• LEOFF Trust Plan F: $100 for individuals, $200 for family.
• Kaiser (HMO) 200: $200 for individuals, $400 for family.

Delta Dental of Washington/PPO Plan

$2,000 per year max; Orthodontia paid at 50% (no deductible) max lifetime payment of $1,500 per covered member.

LIFE INSURANCE

Employees are eligible the first of the month following the first day of employment.

City paid: $50,000 Basic Life Insurance and $50,000 AD&D coverage.

Employee Voluntary: Supplemental Life/AD&D and Long-Term Disability coverage available at low premiums.

DiMartino (Cigna) Long-Term Disability Insurance

Employees are eligible the first of the month following the first day of employment.

City pays $6.00 and Employee pays remaining balance based on salary.

$15,000 Basic Life Insurance, $15,000 AD&D Coverage, $1,000 Dependent Life Benefit, and Long-Term Disability Insurance 60% of coverage of monthly base salary.

Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP)

Employees are eligible the first of the month following the first day of employment.

City contribution: $125

Employee contribution: $75

DEFERRED COMP

Employees are eligible with their first paycheck upon enrollment. No vesting requirements.

The City will match an employee’s monthly contribution up to 6.2% of the employee’s monthly base rate of pay. Three options include Baker Boyer Bank - BPAS, MissionSquare, or the Washington State Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). Employee contribution options for pre-tax and Roth.

RETIREMENT PLAN

All Firefighters are members of the Law Enforcement Officer & Firefighters (LEOFF II) retirement system. The City and the employee both contribute toward the plan. LEOFF provides regular retirement and disability retirement benefits. Rates effective as of 09/01/2023. (www.drs.wa.gov)

Current Rates for LEOFF II

Employee Contribution Rate: 8.53%

Employer Contribution Rate: 5.32%

PAID HOLIDAYS

On January 1, each employee shall be granted one-hundred and thirty-two (132) holiday hours for the year. Employees hired during the year shall receive prorated holiday hours.

VACATION TIME

Full-time employees earn vacation leave in increments as outlined below. At the beginning of each vacation year, employees become eligible to use vacation and holiday compensatory time earned during the previous work year.

Vacation Accrual per year

0 - 4 years

120 hours

5 - 9 years

180 hours

10 - 14 years

228 hours

15+ years

276 hours

SICK LEAVE

Local 404 shift employees receive 9 shifts of accrued leave at the time of employment and will not accrue any additional sick leave during their first 12 months of employment. Following the initial 12-month trial service, 40-hour personnel accrue 8 hours per month, and 50-hour personnel will accrue 18 hours per month. Maximum accrual is 1,440 hours. When an employee accrues 1,440 hours of sick leave, the accrual rate for 50-hour personnel decreases to 12 hours per month.

WELLNESS PROGRAM

The City's Wellness Committee promotes healthy lifestyles, wise consumption of health care services, and mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. This committee sponsors numerous activities to encourage personal and professional health.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PLAN

An Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) is provided by the City to assist you and family members, providing counseling and treatment in such areas as stress, drug and alcohol abuse and family counseling.

SAFETY STATEMENT

In An Effort To Ensure All Employees Work Safe And Go Home Safe, We Expect Our Employees To Comply With All Applicable Safety Practices And Policies, Including Those Established By OSHA/DOSH/WISHA Regulations And By The City's Accident Prevention Plan. This Includes But Is Not Limited To Actively Identifying And Correcting Potential Hazards That May Affect Coworkers And Public Safety. All Employees Are Expected To Lead By Example To Promote a Positive Culture Of Workplace Safety Through Everyday Actions. The City Of Walla Walla Is Committed To Providing a Work Environment That

• Is free of all recognized hazards.
• Promotes safe and healthy tasks and workplaces.
• Values and encourages worker input in all jobs regarding task/facility enhancements.
• Is insistent on the full reporting and investigation of all incidents, i.e., injuries/ illnesses, property accidents and all near misses.
• Is performed by workers and supervisors, who are trained in all operational safety aspects of their jobs, (both mandated by the applicable Washington State requirements and those of the City of Walla Walla’s policies and procedures).

Other Benefits Offered (may be subject to waiting periods, testing, or director approval)

• 48/96 Schedule
• Education Incentive - Associates 2% and Bachelors 4%
• Bilingual Incentive - 3%
• Specialty Team Pay
• Aflac Insurance
• YMCA Membership – Corporate Discount
• Direct Deposit (payday the 3rd working day following the last day of the month)

Salary Schedules, The City’s Personnel Policy Manual, Civil Service Rules And Regulations, And The IAFF #404 Collective Bargaining Agreement Can Be Found At The Following Link

https://www.wallawallawa.gov/government/human-resources/contracts-salaries

https://www.wallawallawa.gov/government/human-resources/personnel-policies-civil-service-rules