Firefighter (Paramedic) -Entry Level/Lateral

About the role

This job class functions at the Firefighter level. (Paramedic-accredited Firefighters perform advanced life support and receive a pay differential). Firefighters are typically assigned to a 24-hour rotating shift schedule averaging 56 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Responds to fire, medical and other emergencies on a rescue unit or on an engine
• Connects and lays hose lines, enters burning buildings and directs stream onto fires
• Raises, positions and climbs ladders
• Affords assistance in such firefighting activities as rescue, protecting exposures, ventilation, salvage, overhaul and other operations
• Affords assistance to paramedics in providing emergency medical care
• Inspects, services and maintains equipment to ensure proper operating condition
• Maintains clean and orderly conditions in and about the fire station
• Attends and participates in special drills and other training activities
• Performs such collateral assignments as maintaining emergency medical supplies, presenting training classes in firefighting and first aid techniques, repairing equipment, training cadets
• Conducts presentations and classes with public groups on fire safety, emergency response and other Fire Department related subjects
• Works long hours, at all hours, under physical and mental pressures in hazardous conditions, in inclement weather and during emergency response and disaster situations
• Wears self contained breathing apparatus
• May be assigned to attend meetings and make presentations
• Responds to fire, medical and other emergencies on a ladder truck or on an engine
• Performs inspections and preplans of industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential occupancies
• Completes records and prepares reports as assigned
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Fire Captain

Requirements

• Posession at time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver’s license and a safe driving record
• Meet minimum medical requirement defined in NFPA Standard 1582
• Demonstrate physical strength, endurance and agility as defined by NFPA Standard 1582 and as applied to the position
• At least 18 years of age at time of hire
• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent is required
• An AS/AA degree from a properly accredited institution in Fire Protection Technology or other related field is highly desirable
• Possession of Certified Firefighter I or equivalent prior to working or completed during probation (within first year) on shift including the following courses:
• CSTI Haz Mat FROSFT or NWCG ICS 100, 200
• NIMS IS-700
• Complete SFT RIC Tactics course within first year of employment
• EMT at time of hire
• Current CPR card

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications: Possession at time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver’s license and a safe driving record
• Minimum medical requirement defined in NFPA Standard 1582
• Demonstrated physical strength, endurance and agility as defined by NFPA Standard 1582 and as applied to the position
• Age requirement: At least 18 years of age at time of hire
• Education: High School Diploma or GED or equivalent is required
• Firefighter certification: Possession of Certified Firefighter I or equivalent prior to working or completed during probation (within first year) on shift including the following courses:
• CSTI Haz Mat FROSFT or NWCG ICS 100, 200
• NIMS IS-700
• Complete SFT RIC Tactics course within first year of employment
• EMT certification: EMT at time of hire
• CPR certification: Current CPR card

Skills

• Safely and effectively operate fire department tools and equipment
• Communicate, understand and follow oral and written instruction
• Think clearly and act decisively under stressful conditions
• Maintain a good driving record
• Read English, understand and apply information received from fire service handbooks, manuals and regulations
• Perform strenuous physical labor under adverse and dangerous conditions
• Keep maintenance and repair of fire department apparatus
• Perform as an effective team member and co-worker
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, other departments and agencies, business and community groups, and the general public
• Walk to perform assigned duties; walk on uneven surfaces; crawl and run; stoop and bend; twist; reach above and below shoulder level; stand for long periods of time; lift equipment weighing 50 to 90 lbs.; carry fire hose, ladders, tools, etc.; push and pull; balance on ladders; distinguish red, yellow, and blue flashing lights; smell to detect odors such as alcohol, smoke, gases, etc.; hear effectively and communicate in both emergency and non-emergency situations; work in various environments subject to heat, cold, inclement weather, etc.; maintain physical health, strength, and agility to meet the physical demands of fire fighting; learn technical concepts, procedures and the operation of equipment utilized in fire fighting, prevention, and education
• Read, comprehend, retain and apply a large number of technical procedures, policies, codes and orders
• Write comprehensive and grammatically correct reports
• Sit at a desk and in meetings and trainings for long periods of time
• Work under physically demanding conditions and in potentially hazardous or stressful situations
• Maintain a level of performance consistent with the standards of the department
• Work a 24-hour continuous shift, and be subject to recall during emergencies
• Effectively use radios to communicate
• Speak English; speak Spanish highly desirable

Benefits

The City of Watsonville offers excellent medical, dental and vision benefits for the employee and dependents. Benefits also include holidays, vacation, and sick leave. The City offers Public Employees Retirement benefits. Employees shall pay the full employee share of CalPERS contribution.

Pay

TBD

Schedule

TBD