Firefighter/Paramedic

City of Watauga • Watauga, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Firefighter/Paramedics perform firefighting and emergency medical services under the general direction of a Fire Lieutenant. The role follows a recurring 48/96 schedule: 48 hours on duty followed by 96 hours off. It is a highly responsible professional position involving emergency medical care, fire suppression, rescue, and related duties. In addition to base salary, the position includes FLSA/overtime pay and may include certification and education pay.

Applicants must meet the stated minimum qualifications to test. The posting identifies a Fire Department entrance examination scheduled for November 17, 2026, and a separate physical ability test, planned to follow the written examination if weather permits. Applicants are required to complete a Personal History Statement and provide certifications or proof of enrollment as applicable. Physical ability testing evaluates the ability to perform common fireground activities; applicants must wear closed-toe shoes or boots, and the department provides the helmet, disposable gloves, and SCBA required for the test.

The position provides basic or advanced life support and performs fire suppression, rescue, first aid, and other emergency-scene work. Employees maintain records, inspect assigned gear and equipment, operate emergency vehicles and firefighting tools, participate in training and shift handoffs, and communicate with coworkers, management, and the public. The work may involve hazardous emergency conditions and substantial physical exertion.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old and not have reached age 40 before the testing date.
• Hold a valid Texas Driver's License.
• Be a U.S. Citizen.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Meet at least one listed certification pathway: Basic Structural Firefighter Certificate issued by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and a current Texas Paramedic License/Certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services; a current Texas Paramedic License/Certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services; a current Texas EMT certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services and current enrollment in good standing in a CAAHEP-accredited Paramedic education program with class completion within six months of the testing date; or a current Basic Structural Firefighter Certificate issued by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and a current Texas EMT certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• Pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Disqualifying records include felony convictions, felony deferred adjudication, Class A or B misdemeanor deferred adjudication, Class B misdemeanor convictions, an open arrest for any criminal offense, and family violence convictions.
• Have knowledge of pre-hospital patient care for advanced and basic life support, and of fire suppression and prevention methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Be able to learn and efficiently operate firefighting equipment; communicate orally and in writing; understand and follow instructions; establish and maintain working relationships; and use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.
• Be in good physical condition and able to perform job functions, including working in hazardous emergency conditions that may involve flames, smoke, hazardous materials, cramped conditions, charged or oxygen-deficient atmospheres, downed power lines, severely injured or deceased victims, and inclement weather.
• Be able to wear assigned bunker gear and perform emergency-scene duties effectively and efficiently.
• Be able to frequently lift and carry heavy weights; climb, walk, run, drive vehicles, crawl, stoop, push, pull, jump, grasp hoses and small objects, work on unsteady footing, and use emergency and firefighting equipment.
• Be able to use basic swimming techniques for water rescues.
• Have skills in lifesaving and firefighting techniques and methods.

Responsibilities

• Assist in removing victims from dangerous situations.
• Provide basic and/or advanced life support and perform firefighting, rescue, first aid, water-rescue, and related emergency duties.
• Respond to fire and other emergency alarms; lay, connect, and use hose and nozzles to direct water or fog streams.
• Use ladders, fire extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines, pike poles, halogens, drills, saws, extrication tools, appliances, and other equipment safely and in accordance with established procedures.
• Prepare complete records and reports concerning fires, emergency medical care, and vehicle operations during operational periods.
• Exchange information between off-going and on-coming shifts and participate in crew meetings as necessary.
• Check personal gear, assigned vehicles, equipment, and tools to ensure safe and effective operation.
• Operate engines, trucks, ambulances, and rescue units safely and in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Maintain familiarity with box maps and road networks in the fire district and areas covered by Automatic Aid Response Agreements.
• Participate in scheduled and assigned training classes.
• Communicate with assigned personnel, other city employees, upper management, and the public as required by the position.
• Perform other job-related duties consistent with assigned division responsibilities.

Benefits

• FLSA/overtime pay in addition to base salary.
• Certification and education pay may additionally be available.
• The City pays for the required Paramedic education program for employees who lack the specified Texas Paramedic certification, subject to the stated completion timeline.
• The City pays for the required Texas Commission on Fire Protection-approved Structural Firefighter Certification Program for employees who lack the specified Basic Structural Firefighter Certificate, subject to the stated completion timeline.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED