Firefighter/EMT-Basic or Paramedic

City of Helotes•Helotes, TX

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of the Shift Supervisor, the Firefighter/EMT-Basic or Paramedic works a 48-hour-on-duty, 96-hour-off-duty schedule. The position responds to fires, alarms, medical calls, and other emergencies; suppresses fires; protects life and property; performs rescue work; and provides emergency medical treatment. The employee maintains and operates department apparatus and equipment, supports fire prevention and preparedness activities, and may perform other assigned duties. With approval of the Deputy Fire Chief or Fire Chief, the employee may serve in a step-up Engineer role and assume the Engineer’s duties. The position requires physical and emotional capacity to work safely and make sound decisions in hazardous, high-stress emergency situations. Employees may be called in for compensated backfill and may need to respond to emergencies while off duty.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Firefighter certification.
Texas State Department of Health Services Basic Emergency Medical Technician certification or higher.
Obtain and maintain a valid Texas Class B Commercial Vehicle Operator's License within one year of employment.
All required certifications and licenses must be current and valid.
Must converse fluently and read in English.
Must have no history of criminal or improper conduct that may affect suitability for fire service or EMS work.
Must not have been convicted, placed on deferred adjudication, probation, or any type of court-ordered supervision for a felony under Texas, another state, or United States law.
At application, must not be on probation, community supervision, deferred adjudication, or any type of court-ordered supervision for a criminal offense. Other arrests and convictions are evaluated individually based on the offense, time passed, and sentence completion.
Any prior military service must have resulted in a discharge under at least honorable conditions.
Must reside within 60 minutes of the Helotes City Hall complex within 90 days of hire.
Must remain eligible to drive under the City's driver evaluation program.
Must be able to perform ambulance duties and be willing to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and respond to emergencies while off duty or fill in as needed.
Must demonstrate physical endurance, agility, sound safety practices, and the ability to maintain emotional stability and make rapid, sound decisions under extreme duress.
Must be able to manage the cumulative psychological impact of emergency service work and be willing to participate in department wellness initiatives, including Peer Support and Critical Incident Stress Management debriefings.
Employees are subject to random drug testing.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Fire Science, EMS, or Emergency Management.
Texas State Department of Health Services Intermediate certification or Paramedic certification or license.

Responsibilities

Respond to fires, fire alarms, emergency medical service calls, and other emergency calls.
Perform fire suppression, including rescue, deploying and operating hose, ventilating roofs, and conducting salvage work after fires.
Administer first aid and emergency medical treatment to sick and injured persons and perform ambulance duties.
Operate emergency medical, fire, rescue, and other department equipment safely; may drive and operate fire apparatus, including pumps.
Perform or support technical rescues, including water or swift-water, confined-space, trench, vehicle-extrication, vertical, building-collapse, and other entrapment rescues.
Inspect, clean, and maintain apparatus, equipment, quarters, and grounds.
Inspect businesses and hydrants for compliance with City fire-prevention ordinances and codes.
Conduct pre-incident evaluations and develop emergency response plans for properties.
Participate in and occasionally conduct fire training classes and drills.
Study technical materials and district maps to maintain effective performance and familiarity with the assigned area.
Use and maintain safety equipment as required by departmental regulations.
Conduct station tours and lectures or demonstrations.
Work effectively as a team member and communicate courteously with the public, council, and coworkers.
Perform related duties, including physical training, and other duties as assigned.
When approved, act as Engineer in a step-up role and perform the duties of that position.