Firefighter I- EMT/Paramedic

City of Copperas Cove•Copperas Cove, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Protects life and property by performing firefighting, emergency aid, hazardous materials, and fire prevention duties. Maintains fire equipment, apparatus, and facilities. Receives direct supervision from the Fire Captain. The role includes firefighting and rescue work, emergency medical aid, fire prevention inspections, training, operation of communications equipment, and maintenance of department facilities and equipment. The employee participates in training and performs duties necessary to develop qualifications for advancement to Fire Fighter II. Higher-classification duties may only be performed when assigned in writing and approved by an authorized official. Regular and timely attendance is essential. The employee must work effectively with coworkers, citizens, city officials, government representatives, media, and the public, and follow directions. The position requires meeting departmental physical standards and maintaining the legal qualifications and certifications required by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and the Texas Department of State Health Services. Work includes outdoor conditions and potentially dangerous emergency scenes, with a flexible, rotating schedule.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
No specific work experience level required.
Possess a valid Texas Class B driver's license without a record of suspension or revocation in any state within six months of employment.
Texas Commission on Fire Protection Basic Structural Firefighter certification.
Texas Department of State Health Services certification as an EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, or Paramedic.
Unless already Paramedic-certified or licensed, enroll in a Paramedic program within one year, obtain Paramedic certification within 180 days of course-completion certificate issuance, and maintain certification or licensure for the remainder of employment.
Certification of attendance for Courage to Be Safe and Traffic Incident Management Program training within six months of employment.
No felony convictions or disqualifying criminal histories.
Proficiently read and write English.
Successfully pass the entry-level fire examination, medical examination including vision and hearing exams, department physical agility test, and drug test.
NIMS ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 certifications within six months of employment, and compliance with future NIMS requirements.
Meet the City of Copperas Cove's response-time requirements.
May be required to pass a polygraph examination and psychological test.
Meet department physical standards and legal requirements for maintaining current and future fire-protection and EMS certifications.
Knowledge of city geography and local and state government operations, policies, rules, and laws.
Knowledge of Microsoft Suite applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and ability to create and modify documents, including spreadsheet formulas.
Ability to cooperate as part of a team and receive direction from crew leaders in routine and stressful situations while maintaining composure, emotional self-control, and sound decision-making.
Ability to work in dangerous or hazardous environments, including situations involving severe trauma, death, violence, hostility, personal risk, and considerable stress.
Ability to assess emergencies calmly and act safely, quickly, and appropriately in rescue and emergency encounters.
Ability to make standard calculations necessary for safety, training, and rescue situations.
Ability to make timely decisions in emergencies based on limited information.
Ability to work long hours on emergency and routine assignments as part of a diverse crew.
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with employees, government representatives, city officials, and the general public.
Ability to work well with others, maintain a pleasant attitude, and establish effective working relationships.

Nice To Haves

Texas Commission on Fire Protection Driver Operator-Pumper Certification.
Texas Department of State Health Services Paramedic Certification or License.

Responsibilities

Drive fire apparatus; operate pumps and related equipment; lay hose; and perform fire combat, containment, and extinguishment tasks.
Perform rescue and emergency medical aid and provide other assistance as required.
Participate in fire drills and attend classes in firefighting, rescue, emergency medical care, hazardous materials, and related subjects.
Operate radio and other communications equipment.
Participate in inspections of buildings, hydrants, and other structures as part of fire prevention programs.
Maintain fire equipment, apparatus, and facilities, including performing minor repairs and general upkeep.
Clean and wash station walls and floors; care for grounds; wash, hang, and dry hose; and clean, polish, maintain, and test apparatus and equipment.
Perform salvage operations, including placing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris.
Participate in training to develop and maintain certifications, skills, and knowledge in fire prevention, suppression, rescue, and EMS care.
Perform duties assigned as part of training necessary for advancement to Fire Fighter II.
Work cooperatively with others, communicate effectively with citizens and public representatives, follow directions, and maintain regular and timely attendance.
Serve on employee committees as assigned and perform other duties as assigned or required for successful department operations.