Firefighter

About the Role

A firefighter performs duties directed by higher‑ranking officers of the Weslaco Fire Department, participates in emergency and non‑emergency service delivery, fire prevention and fire safety education programs, and routine activities as defined by department standard operating guidelines. Firefighters assigned to the Suppression Division work a standard 48‑hour shift schedule and must attend and successfully complete a paramedic class to become certified through the Texas Department of State Health Services if not already certified. Under direct supervision, the firefighter combats, extinguishes, and prevents fires, maintains equipment and quarters, and protects life and property.

Essential Job Functions

• Attend work and be physically present as scheduled.
• Produce written documents for technical and legal matters.
• Respond to emergency incidents, fight fires, and provide basic (BLS) or advanced (ALS) life support.
• Operate firefighting equipment, including hoses, apparatus, and hydraulic/pneumatic rescue tools.
• Advance hose lines, make hydrant connections, and direct water streams.
• Administer emergency first aid, drugs, and intravenous solutions; use defibrillators, breathing apparatus, and endotracheal intubation.
• Operate ambulances, maintain supplies, and prepare EMS reports.
• Rescue trapped or endangered persons using axes, pry tools, pike poles, and other hand tools.
• Perform searches and rescues inside burning buildings; ventilate structures by opening windows, roofs, and floors.
• Climb ladders and work at heights greater than 10 feet; position ladders to access upper levels.
• Move heavy objects (up to 185 lb) such as fire hoses, EMS equipment, and trauma boxes over short distances.
• Detect natural gas leaks, building collapse sounds, and other audible alarms.
• Enter data into a computer to document incidents and reports.
• Wear personal protective equipment (approximately 70 lb) in high humidity, extreme temperatures, and IDLH atmospheres; rely on self‑contained breathing apparatus.
• Clean and maintain fire department buildings, apparatus, and grounds.
• Read and interpret equipment instructions, pre‑plans, building plans, and fire prevention systems.
• Provide patient transportation, evaluate conditions, and determine treatment per paramedic policies.
• Participate in training, equipment operation and maintenance, and disaster response programs.
• Operate, inspect, and perform technical tasks on fire apparatus and equipment.
• Communicate effectively with management, peers, subordinates, and the public; deliver fire safety education.

Minimum Requirements

• U.S. citizen (by birth or naturalization).
• Age 18 – 35 (must not be 36 or older).
• Graduate of an accredited high school or equivalent (transcripts required).
• Valid Texas driver’s license with satisfactory driving record.
• Birth certificate and Social Security card.
• Fluent reading and writing in English.
• Pass a pre‑employment criminal background check and drug screen (city‑paid).

Certifications Required Prior to Appointment

• Certification issued by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) or ability to obtain it.
• EMT Basic, EMT Intermediate, or Paramedic certification issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services or the National Registry of Emergency Technicians.

Special Requirements

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification from the American Heart Association.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT‑B, EMT‑I, or Paramedic) certification from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• Compliance with Chapter 143, Texas Local Government Code for appointment.
• Texas Operator’s Class‑B exempt driver’s license (must be obtained within one year if not already held).
• TCFP Basic Fire Fighter Certification.

Skills, Knowledge, & Abilities

• Operation, maintenance, and use of modern firefighting apparatus and equipment.
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency medical technology procedures.
• Methods, techniques, and equipment for providing EMS at the certified level.
• Technical knowledge of fire suppression and emergency medical services.
• Understanding of state and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Principles and practices of modern fire and life safety, fire prevention, and EMS.
• Geography of Weslaco and surrounding areas.
• Building construction techniques and their impact on fire suppression.
• Safe work practices and procedures.
• Proficient English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Record‑keeping, business letter writing, and report preparation.
• Use of specialized emergency medical equipment appropriate to EMS certification.
• Ability to work under stress, make sound judgments, and resolve conflict or danger.
• Operation of specialized emergency communications equipment.
• Preparation and safe operation of department vehicles and apparatus.
• Clear oral and written communication.
• Pass required medical examinations and other employment tests.
• Defensive driving knowledge and adherence to state, city, and department driving regulations.
• Advanced knowledge of fire apparatus operation, National Incident Management System (NIMS), and fire protection systems.
• Ability to read and interpret construction and engineering blueprints.
• Understanding of fire cause and origin investigation procedures.
• Professional interaction with the public, municipal officials, and private sector.
• Basic computer skills (word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheets).
• Knowledge of current literature and research in firefighting, EMS, and related fields.

Schedule

Firefighters assigned to the Suppression Division work a standard 48‑hour shift schedule, which may include nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as required by emergencies, disasters, or staffing needs.