Firefighter/EMT

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Firefighter/EMT

FULL-TIME REGULAR

Starting annual salary $43,248-$48,336 based on a 48/96 shift ($17.00-$19.00 an hour depending on certifications)

Open until filled

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SUMMARY OF DUTIES:  Under general supervision, is a member of an engine company, ladder truck or medical rescue by protecting life and property, performing live-fire suppression, rendering emergency medical care, response to hazardous materials incidents, and maintains fire apparatus, issued equipment and department facilities.  An EMT-Basic Firefighter must pass an exam testing the ability to assess patient condition, handle trauma or cardiac emergencies and clear blocked airways. They also learn to immobilize injured patients and give oxygen.

General Knowledge and Skill Requirements:  The firefighter must know how to assume and transfer command at a fire scene using the department's incident management system. H/She must demonstrate the ability to complete an incident report and communicate the needs of his/her team to command authority using the department's standard operating procedures.

Fire ground Operations Requirements:  The firefighter must demonstrate the ability to extinguish an ignitable liquid fire using foam and ensure that the fire does not reignite. H/She must show the ability to assemble a team and devise the attack technique for fighting various kinds of fires. The firefighter must be able to select tools to force entry into a building and how to provide proper ventilation in a building based on the structure and nature of the fire. She must know how to protect evidence in cases of arson and demonstrate the ability to rescue victims of motor vehicle accidents using extrication tools. The firefighter must also know how to conduct hazard inspections and how to properly document any hazards found.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Performs fire suppression activities, including driving and operating fire apparatus; operates pumps, hydraulics and related equipment; performs offensive and defensive fire combat, containment and extinguishment tasks; operates fire and medical apparatus in emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Performs emergency medical aid to appropriate level of EMS licensure by following local patient care guidelines.
• Participates in classroom and training drill activities; attends continuing education courses in firefighting, emergency medical, hazardous materials and other related activities; attends trainings, meetings and public gatherings as required.
• Operates public safety communications equipment and office appliances including telephone, email and fire/ EMS reporting systems.
• Performs daily/weekly/monthly/semi-annual/annual preventive maintenance inspections of personal protective equipment, fire and medical apparatus and equipment to ensure operational readiness and availability for immediate deployment and use; performs minor repairs as needed.
• Maintains certification in firefighting and emergency medical licensure.
• Must be able to rely on senses of sight, hearing, smell, and touch to help determine the nature of emergency; maintain personal safety and make critical decisions in a confused, chaotic, and potentially life-threatening environment throughout the duration of the operation.
• Ability to understand and carry out orders and assignments in both emergency and non-emergency situations and must be able to demonstrate adequate speaking skills.
• Must be able to communicate face-to-face and by radio and telephone; must be able to communicate effectively with co-workers and public; ability to speak English and demonstrate adequate reading skills; ability to use writing instruments and be able to demonstrate adequate technical writing skills.
• Must be able to learn the skills and duties of the job at expected and acceptable levels within reasonable training timeframes; must be appropriately motivated and self-disciplined to learn complex job knowledge.
• Must have willingness to perform both emergency and routine tasks with consistency of investment and effort; willingness to follow city and department policies and procedures; respond to corrective discipline; respond to supervisory guidance and assignments; work effectively with others as a team member.
• Ability to cope with (repeated) trauma and loss; courage to confront and ability to cope with danger and life-threatening events.
• Ability to cope with required work schedule and assignments and impact of job on self and family.
• Ability to make quality decisions based on level of training, certification and candid use of common sense. 
• Maintain a communications device for the ability of call or re-call in the need of an emergency.
• Assignments mandate a 48/120 work schedule at the discretion of the fire chief and/or city administration in the ability to work weekends, holidays, overtime or as otherwise scheduled or required.
• Any other duties assigned by the Fire Chief and or his/ her designee.

QUALIFICATION:

• Be at least 21 years of age at time of application and US Citizen.
• Must have high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must have valid New Mexico Driver’s License, Class E (or obtain within 6-months of hire).
• AHA Healthcare Provider CPR.
• Incident Command Levels 100, 200,700 and 800
• IFSAC Firefighter I required.
• IFSAC Firefighter II preferred (must obtain in 12 months)
• New Mexico EMT-Basic Licensure (minimum) required.
• Must pass written and physical agility test.
• Pass an initial drug and alcohol screening.

EQUIPMENT USED:

• A 1,000-gallon and 3,000-gallon apparatus and associated hand tools and equipment
• A 75-foot Ladder truck (Quint) and associated hand tools and equipment
• A wildland brush truck unit and associated hand tools and equipment
• Vehicle extrication equipment (cutter/spreader) and pneumatic air bags
• Various Personal Protective Equipment and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
• Public safety radio
• Computer and other office appliances and various software applications

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to properly discharge duties at level of training, certification and licensure.
• Ability to repeatedly lift and carry at least 50 pounds of weight over horizontal and vertical distances at least 250 feet.
• Ability to operate in environments of high noise, poor visibility, limited mobility, at heights and in enclosed or confined spaces.
• Must be free from significant personal limitations (e.g., inflexibility, rigidity, etc.) that will interfere or inhibit required duties.
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, jog, run, sprint, climb, bend, lift, raise, kneel, crawl, squat, stretch, pull, push, twist, hold, grip, carry, drag, throw, catch, lean, maintain balance, and other miscellaneous physical agility and dexterities.
• Dexterity and ability to use a wide variety of fire suppression and special protective gear under stressful and non-stressful situations.
• Ability to perform complex tasks during emergency and non-emergency situations; ability to determine the nature and extent of illness or injury; ability to use medical diagnostic equipment and perform diagnostic techniques.
• Ability to lift and carry a loaded stretcher/gurney up or down a flight(s) of stairs with one person to assist; ability to lift and carry medical jump kits and bags or equipment.
• Ability to spend extensive time outside exposed to the elements; ability to tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while operating firefighting or medical duties; must perform physically demanding work in extremely hot temperatures (up to 400⁰F or greater) and atmospheres while wearing protective equipment that significantly impairs bodily cooling systems.
• Ability to experience frequent transition from hot to cold and from dry to wet atmospheres; ability to connect hose couplings in complete visibility or total darkness.
• Ability to operate a variety of tasks on slippery, hazardous surfaces such as rooftops or from ladders; ability to work in areas where the potential for traumatic or thermal injuries are possible.
• Ability to face possible exposures to hazardous materials or infectious agents including carcinogenic dusts such as asbestos, toxic substances such as chlorine, corrosives, carbon monoxide, or organic solvents either through inhalation or direct skin contact.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment and self contained breathing apparatus that weights approximately 60 pounds while performing various strenuous firefighting, rescue and other related tasks.
• Ability to perform complex tasks during life-threatening emergencies; ability to work for long periods of time, required sustained, physical activity and intense concentration; able to face exposure to grotesque sights and smells associated with major trauma, burn victims and death.
• Must not pose a direct or indirect threat to the health and welfare to self or others; must be capable of performing all required functions in an efficient and safe manner.
• Ability to rescue, by carrying or dragging, a typical adult weighing up to 175 pounds from a burning structure or other dangerous situations.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this certification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for personnel so classified.

The work environment characteristics here are representative of those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement or contract between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs and requirements of the job may change.