LATERAL FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC

About the role

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

Responsibilities

• 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 a paramedic, 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.

Qualifications

• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age by the 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 continuous full-time employment as a Firefighter/EMT or Firefighter/Paramedic.
• Current WA State EMT or Current WA State Paramedic certification.
• Ability to meet the City’s physical and medical standards.

Skills

• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• DiMartino (Cigna) Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP)
• Deferred Comp
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Holidays
• Vacation Time
• Sick Leave
• Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Plan