FIREFIGHTER (PROBATIONARY)

City of Weslaco • Weslaco, TX

10d • $35,000 - $35,000 • Onsite

About The Position

A firefighter shall perform duties as directed by higher-ranking officers of the Weslaco Fire Department. A Firefighter shall participate in emergency and non-emergency service delivery, fire prevention and fire safety education programs, and routine activities and duties as defined by Fire Department standard operating guidelines or as assigned by a higher-ranking officer. A Firefighter assigned to the Suppression Division will work a standard 24-hour shift schedule.
Probationary
Employees will be responsible for becoming certified by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP). While attending the academy, employees are expected to wear the department uniform, have a neat appearance, maintain a grade point average of 80 or more and meet the physical fitness requirements and demands of the course. After completing and successfully becoming firefighter certified through the Texas Commission of Fire Protection, employees will also be required to attend a paramedic class, successfully complete it, and become certified through the Texas Department of State Health Service.
Completion of Probation
Under direct supervision, perform general firefighting work in combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires, and in the maintenance of fire department equipment and quarters. Also responsible for the protection of life and property through firefighting activities with and without supervision. Performs hazardous tasks under emergency conditions which may require strenuous exertion under such handicaps as smoke and cramped surroundings. Specific orders and directions are given by a superior officer, but the work requires knowledge and understanding of firefighting methods which is gained by experience and training. A large portion of the time is spent in routine house duties, in the cleaning and care of equipment, quarters, fire apparatus, and in the study of firefighting techniques.

Requirements

• Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen by birth or naturalization.
• Be at least 18 years of age but not 36 years of age or older.
• Be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an equivalency certificate; transcripts must be provided as proof of completion.
• Must have a valid Texas Driver's License and satisfactory driving record.
• Be able to read and write the English language fluently.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment criminal background check and drug screen at City's expense.
• Must be able to satisfy all legal requirements imposed by the Texas Commission on fire Protection for Fire Fighters prior to appointment to beginning position.
• Certification issued by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, or certifiable.
• Or evidence of eligibility for certification (i.e., grading sheet from Texas Commission on Fire Protection indicating a passing score on written and practical examinations for basic firefighter certification).
• Or evidence of current enrollment in a basic recruit fire training academy approved by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
• An EMT Basic/Paramedic, EMT Intermediate, or Emergency Medical Technician; certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services, Or National Registry.
• Possess and maintain a Texas Operator's Class-B exempt Driver's License, have 1 year to acquire, if you do not have one.
• Pass a medical examination and all other examinations and tests required for employment.
• Demonstrate the application of defensive driving theory and principles and maintain familiarity with all State and local laws, including City and Department rules and regulations governing safe driving practices and operation of all Fire Department vehicles.
• Demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge and awareness for fire apparatus and equipment operating principles, practices, and procedures in support of fire suppression, rescue, and EMS services delivery needs.
• Possess basic knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), modem fire suppression, emergency medical services and fire prevention.
• Possess a thorough knowledge of the rules, regulations and standard operating guidelines of the Fire Department and Civil Service Rules and regulations.
• Apply the principles, practices, and techniques of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), modem fire suppression, emergency medical services.
• Provide effective leadership in applying the Fire Department Civil Service Rules and regulations.
• Speak and deal tactfully and respectfully with the public, other municipality officials and the private sector when representing the fire Department and the City of Weslaco.
• Demonstrate competence at basic computer operations including word processing, desktop publishing and spreadsheets.
• Understand the basic principles and application of fire protection systems, and building construction, and possess the ability to properly read and interpret construction and engineering blueprints and plans.
• Understand the basics of fire cause and origin investigation, the application of state, the local laws and regulations governing the maintenance and release of evidence and records associated with fire investigations.
• Tactfully respond to requests and inquiries from the public.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including City and other government officials, community groups and the public.
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of current literature, research, and advancement in the fields of (NIMS), firefighting, fire apparatus and equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Applicants who possess a valid certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) and EMT, EMT-A, EMT-P from the Texas Department of State Health Services will be given preference; regardless of their position on the eligibility list upon providing evidence of such certification.

Responsibilities

• Perform general firefighting work in combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires.
• Maintain fire department equipment and quarters.
• Protect life and property through firefighting activities.
• Perform hazardous tasks under emergency conditions.
• Clean and care for equipment, quarters, and fire apparatus.
• Study firefighting techniques.
• Respond to emergency incidents, fight fires and utilize basic life support (BLS) or advanced life support (ALS) and/or paramedic skills.
• Use firefighting equipment, including fire hoses or apparatus at emergency incidents.
• Assist in advancing hose lines and making hydrant connections.
• Direct water streams on fires.
• Administer emergency first aid to injured persons.
• Operate hydraulic or pneumatic rescue equipment to rescue trapped endangered persons and to force entry into locked vehicles or structures, fire apparatus during fire suppression activities and motor vehicles (automobile and fire apparatus) requiring a standard Texas Driver's license to perform regular and emergency firefighting duties.
• Use defibrillators, breathing apparatus and endotracheal intubation.
• Administer drugs and intravenous solutions.
• Use axes, pry tools and pike poles to enter vehicles or structures.
• Use common hand tools to overhaul a fire scene and perform routine fire apparatus maintenance duties.
• Perform searches and rescues inside burning building.
• Move heavy objects (up to 185 pounds or more) including 5" fire hoses, EMS equipment, salvage equipment, smoke ejectors, trauma boxes and body boards for short distances (150 feet or less) with the assistance of an aid, in performing firefighting.
• Ventilate burning buildings by opening windows and holes in roofs and floors.
• Position and climb ladders to gain access to upper building levels.
• Work in small, cramped areas when rescuing trapped, endangered, or injured people.
• Detect natural gas leaks, traffic sounds, impending building collapse alarms, sirens, calls for assistance and other audible signs of alarm or warning in emergency situations.
• Enter data into a personal computer to document incidents and reports.
• Wear personal protective equipment weighing approximately 70 pounds in high humidity (up to 100 percent) situations while wearing personal protective equipment that significantly impairs body cooling and in environments with extreme temperature fluctuations (400+ degrees Fahrenheit).
• Rely on self-contained breathing apparatus for respiratory ventilation.
• Work in a variety of weather conditions.
• Clean and maintain Fire Department buildings, apparatus, and grounds.
• Use appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) including a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) while performing tasks in environments that are (immediately dangerous to life (IDLH atmospheres).
• Read and interpret equipment instructions and preplans to operate equipment in emergency situations.
• Learn firefighting techniques, firefighting equipment operation, and emergency medical services care through on-the-job training and in classroom training.
• Study street and apartment locations in assigned district; study building plans and fire prevention systems in buildings in assigned district.
• Provide careful transportation of patients to medical care facilities, evaluates the condition of patients, and assesses pertinent information about medical profile and injuries, determines treatment in accordance with paramedic policies and procedures.
• Participate in a variety of programs including training, equipment operation and maintenance, participate in activities and operations in response to natural disasters.
• Operate ambulances and related equipment; cleans and maintains supplies, materials, and equipment aboard ambulances; submits requisitions for additional materials and supplies as necessary.
• Prepare Emergency Medical Service reports regarding patient and incident information.
• Operate, inspect, and perform other technical tasks related to the apparatus and equipment in the Fire Department.
• Climb ladders and work at heights greater than 10 feet to reach and rescue people trapped on building roofs or upper floors.
• Comprehend and make inferences from written material, such as Weslaco Fire Department Standard Operating Guidelines.
• Operate various types of motorized fire apparatus and ground monitors.
• Participate in school programs, deliver emergency medical care, answer questions, assess patient needs, etc.
• Communicate with management, peers, subordinates, and other City employees and establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Benefits

• Military Service Credit of five points will be added to a passing score of 70% or better if documented DD214 shows a minimum of 180 total days of active military service at the time of application and received by the specified application deadline.

What This Job Offers

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