Firefighter EMT/Paramedic

City of Odessa•Odessa, TX

About The Position

The Firefighter EMT/Paramedic protects lives and property through firefighting and EMS activities, performing hazardous tasks under emergency conditions. The position responds to fires and emergencies within a designated district and performs duties necessary to address threats to life or property. Duties include responding to emergency and public service calls; selecting and operating hoses; positioning and climbing ladders; creating building openings with power and hand tools; protecting property from water and smoke; providing first aid and artificial respiration; inspecting buildings for preplanning; maintaining and repairing apparatus, facilities, equipment, grounds, and hydrants; participating in drills, training, and public education; driving fire and EMS apparatus as needed; and performing EMS duties and other assigned tasks. Essential functions may vary, and reasonable accommodations will be made as required. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, a valid Texas Class C driver's license, Texas Commission on Fire Protection firefighter certification, and Texas DSHS EMT certification at the time of employment. Applicants who are not Texas DSHS-certified paramedics when hired must enroll in the first available paramedic and/or prerequisite classes and continuously pursue certification. Employees must maintain at least paramedic-level certification during employment. Firefighters must join the Odessa Firefighter's Relief and Retirement Fund; the maximum age for a new member is 35. Selection includes a written exam, physical agility test, background investigation, oral interview, medical physical, and drug screen.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED; proof is required.
Valid Texas Class C driver's license; out-of-state license holders must obtain a Texas license by the time of employment.
Certified firefighter with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
Texas DSHS-certified EMT at the time of employment.
If not Texas DSHS-certified as a paramedic when hired, enroll in the first available paramedic and/or prerequisite classes and make a continuous, uninterrupted effort to obtain certification.
Maintain at least paramedic-level certification during employment with Odessa Fire Rescue.
Join the Odessa Firefighter's Relief and Retirement Fund; the maximum age for a new member is 35.
Knowledge of modern firefighting and rescue techniques, fire laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and the operation and maintenance of firefighting apparatus and equipment.
Ability to read, write, understand, and follow oral and written instructions and regulations.
Ability to learn modern fire suppression and fire activity principles and practices.
Ability to perform strenuous work under hazardous conditions and adverse weather.
Ability to work effectively with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public.
Pass a written exam, physical agility test, background investigation, oral interview, medical physical, and drug screen.

Responsibilities

Respond to fire alarms, emergency calls, and non-emergency public service calls.
Select the appropriate hose and direct water or chemicals onto fires.
Position and climb ladders to access upper levels or rescue people from burning structures.
Create openings in buildings for ventilation or entry using power and hand tools.
Protect property from water and smoke using appropriate firefighting techniques.
Administer first aid and artificial respiration to people affected by fire, smoke, or other emergencies.
Inspect buildings for preplanning operations.
Maintain and repair apparatus, quarters, buildings, equipment, grounds, and hydrants.
Participate in drills, demonstrations, and training in hydraulics, pump operations and maintenance, and firefighting techniques.
Participate in public education functions and continuing education training.
Drive fire and EMS apparatus as needed.
Perform EMS duties and other duties as assigned.