Firefighter

Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high quality of life for our county residents, communities, and businesses. In addition to a strong focus on work-life balance, flexibility, learning, and belonging, the County offers many benefits such as generous leave accruals, career development opportunities, remote and flex-work options, longevity pay, education assistance, health benefits, and a lucrative retirement.

About the role

The Firefighter, under the direction of the assigned supervisor, performs fire suppression and emergency medical services in response to emergency calls.

Responsibilities

• Control and extinguish fires and protect life and property.
• Respond to calls for medical services and administer emergency medical treatment at the level of earned licensure according to approved protocols and standard of care; assist in patient transport when needed.
• Participate in fire prevention activities, including inspection of buildings and development of pre-fire plans.
• Prepare and compile necessary documentation to support duties and responsibilities.
• Maintain apparatus, quarters, buildings, equipment, grounds, and hydrants at assigned station.
• Participate in public education activities and on-duty training, both as student and instructor, as needed.
• Develop and maintain proficiency in hydraulics/pump operations and aerial operations.
• Drive apparatus to scenes of emergencies.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Valid New Mexico driver’s license by employment date.
• Successful completion of a post-offer employment medical examination.
• Adherence to all County safety guidelines.
• Complete all FEMA training(s) assigned to this position.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid New Mexico driver’s license while employed in this position; a NM driver’s license class E will be required within 45 days of hire.
• Pass the physical agility test and an oral interview board.
• Successfully complete the post-offer employment medical examination, including compliance with the State of New Mexico’s OSHA physical, and background investigation.
• Disclose any past injury or medical condition that could prevent successful performance of job requirements.
• Obtain and maintain valid certification as a New Mexico Emergency Medical Technician Basic, Intermediate, or Paramedic by the end of probation.

Working Conditions

• Work outdoors during emergency situations and/or firefighting activities, except when in emergency vehicles or inside emergency locations.
• Exposure to temperature extremes depending on weather conditions and fire hazard conditions.
• Exposure to intermittent high noise levels such as sirens, engines, and loud voices.
• Exposure to vibration of the body from vehicle rides and off-road travel.
• Exposure to hazards including driving hazards, rescue attempts, difficult terrain, hazardous material spills, and inherent firefighting risks.
• Exposure to exhaust fumes, heat, smoke, water, dust, fire retardant chemicals, and toxic fumes.
• Work on uneven, natural ground surfaces, asphalt, cement, stairs, ladders, and scaffolding.
• Work with a select team without direct supervision, and at times with a large group of people.

Equipment, Tools, and Materials

• Handle paperwork, bandages, IV solutions, medications, oxygen, and other medical supplies needed for emergency situations.
• Utilize protective clothing and devices (bio-medical and fire), flares, reflective vests, hearing and eye protection.
• Potential exposure to pathogenic bodily fluids and air during rescue attempts and emergency situations.
• Exposure to high-pressure water and fire retardant during firefighting efforts.

Pay

$21.44 per hour