Qureos Mentor

City of San Marcos, Texas

<div><div><div><h2 class="jobSectionHeader">JOB SUMMARY</h2></div>
<div><div>The City of San Marcos is accepting applications for Lateral Entry Firefighter. Candidates must hold TCFP Firefighter and EMT-Basic or higher (DSHS or National Registry) certifications and have at least one year of full-time experience in a comparable fire or EMS agency.
Salary: $66,461&ndash;$80,961 annually (base pay only). 
Hiring Incentive: $5,000 total ($2,500 at hire + $2,500 after probation). 
Schedule: 24 hours on / 48 hours off</div> 
Eligibility Requirements: 
The Lateral Entry Program will help recruit qualified dual certified Firefighter/EMT Basics or higher. As a part of the hiring process, the Fire Chief will meet with the background investigator to confirm that the applicant meets the criteria to take advantage of this program. 
 
A. Applicants must:<ul><li>
Be dual certified: Firefighter (TCFP) and EMT Basic (or higher) (National Registry or DSHS Certification).</li><li>
Have at least one (1) year prior full-time work experience with similar duties in a comparable fire and/or EMS agency; one completed year of experience will qualify for advancing one step to a maximum of 8 steps (Step 19.08).</li><li>
Must not have had a break in service as a Firefighter and/or EMT Basic (or higher) of more than 180 days prior to the applicant's conditional job offer.</li></ul>
**All certifications must be attached to the application. 
Ranking Criteria (points awarded only with documentation):<ul><li>
EMS Certification Level</li><li>
Time served in a comparable department (1 point per year, max 10 points)<ul><li>
Time served may be verified by either:<ul><li>
An email from a supervisor confirming employment history, or</li><li>
Documentation of employment history from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP).</li></ul></li></ul></li><li>
PAE Event Four completion time (up to 6 points)</li><li>
TCFP Structure Fire Protection certification (up to 3 points)</li><li>
TCFP HazMat Technician (2 points)</li><li>
Swiftwater Technician or 30+ hours Swiftwater course (1 point)</li><li>
Military experience with DD214 (10 points)</li></ul>
**To receive points in the lateral entry ranking process, all applicable certifications and supporting documents must be uploaded with the application before the application period closes. 
 
Physical Fitness Assessment:<div>
Candidates should be prepared to take the Physical Fitness Assessment. Click here for additional information on Physical Fitness Assessment.</div>
Practice CPAT: April 9, 2026 - SWIM ONLY 
Mandatory CPAT: April 13, 2026 - ALL EVENTS 
 
For additional information, please email HRHiringTeam@sanmarcostx.gov or call Human Resources at 512-393-8063.</div>
<div><h2 class="jobSectionHeader">MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS &amp; PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS</h2></div>
<div>MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:<ul><li>
Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and not over forty (40) years of age.</li><li>
Must be a high school graduate or have an equivalency certificate certified by the issuing agency (i.e.: Texas Education Agency).</li><li>
Must possess a Basic (or above) Structure Fire Suppression Certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection or documentation from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection stating that the candidate is certified as a firefighter.</li><li>
Must hold a Texas Department of State Health Services &ldquo;DSHS&rdquo; Emergency Medical Services Certification EMT-Basic or higher (National Registry, DSHS Licensed, or DSHS Certification).</li><li>
Must be able to obtain a Class B Texas Driver&rsquo;s License within one (1) year of employment.</li><li>
Must comply with all applicable Civil Service Requirements and Regulations.</li><li>
The ability to swim continuously, tread water, and jump or dive into bodies of water in order to conduct water rescues.</li></ul>
**All certifications must be attached to the application. 
 OTHER REQUIREMENTS:<ul><li>
Proof of valid driver&rsquo;s license with an acceptable driving record.</li></ul> 
<ul><li>Subject to call out for emergencies/overtime; alternate schedules based on business necessity for training, alternate assignments, modified duty, etc.; may require non-standard, rotating shift-work to include days, nights, weekends, and holidays.</li></ul></div>
<div><h2 class="jobSectionHeader">COMPETENCIES AND ENVIRONMENT</h2></div>
<div>PHYSICAL DEMANDS<div> 
Lifting/Carrying:<ul><li>
Lifting 28 lb Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) from ground to full extension of arms overhead</li><li>
Lifting to waist level and carrying a 105 lb. roll of 5&quot; diameter hose 12&rsquo;</li><li>
Lifting to waist level: 75 lb. 24&rsquo; extension ladder for 30 seconds; 30 lb power saw for 2 minutes</li><li>
Carrying, with assistance of a single helper, a 75 lb. 24&rsquo; extension ladder a distance of 100&rsquo;, and then raising, extending, and climbing the ladder</li><li>
Removing from an apparatus compartment: 70 lb positive pressure ventilation fan; 55 lb extrication tool</li><li>
Carrying a 85 lb extrication tool power-plant 100&rsquo;</li><li>
Lifting and maintaining control for 1 minute a 55 lb rescue tool at waist height</li><li>
Dragging a 165 lb. patient/victim 100&rsquo; while wearing protective firefighting gear and SCBA</li><li>
Assisting, hoisting, carrying, or dragging victims from emergency area by means of interior access (stairs, hallways, etc.) or, if necessary, by ladders, fire escapes, or other means of egress &ndash; using rescue harnesses, ropes, backboards or other equipment</li><li>
Lifting and carrying down 2 flights of stairs, with a helper, an ambulance stretcher with a 165 lb. patient</li><li>
Removing, with a helper, a 139 lb. 35' extension ladder from a fire apparatus</li><li>
Carrying, with a helper, a king size mattress from a bedroom to the outside of a structure while wearing protective firefighting gear and SCBA</li><li>
Holding a 1.75&rdquo; fire hose while discharging 175 gallons per minute at 75 psi nozzle pressure for 5 minutes</li></ul>
Pushing/Pulling:<ul><li>
Reloading 5&rdquo; hose from ground onto fire apparatus</li><li>
Pulling nailed 3/4&rdquo; sheetrock off the ceiling of a structure with a pike pole or closet hook tool</li><li>
Opening/closing a fire hydrant</li><li>
Dragging a charged 2.5&rdquo; diameter hose 100&rsquo;</li></ul>
Reaching:<ul><li>
Using pike pole or closet hook overhead in continual motion for 1 minute</li><li>
Piercing 3/4&rdquo; sheetrock overhead with a closet hook while standing</li></ul>
Bending/Crouching/Crawling:<ul><li>
Searching assigned area to locate victims following standard search procedures</li><li>
Using a shovel or broom to remove burned materials from a structure while wearing protective firefighting gear and SCBA</li><li>
Using an axe with a chopping motion for 1 minute without stopping</li><li>
Crawling on hands and knees a distance of 100&rsquo; while wearing protective firefighting gear and SCBA</li></ul>
Balancing/Climbing:<ul><li>
Climbing on top of a 12&rsquo; high fire apparatus</li><li>
Working at heights up to 150&rsquo; without uncontrollable feelings of acrophobia</li><li>
Working on a ladder while using a power tool</li><li>
Climbing and descending a minimum of 10 flights of stairs</li><li>
Scaling/rappelling walls, fences, and other vertical obstacles to reach victims and emergency scenes</li></ul>
Hearing/Talking:<ul><li>
Hearing Personal Alert Safety System (PASS) device and SCBA low warning device at 90 decibels</li><li>
Auscultating using a stethoscope and sphygmomanometer to take a patient's blood pressure</li><li>
Communicating verbally to gain information pertinent to the situation</li><li>
Communicating verbally using a hand held radio</li><li>
Speaking before a large group of people to give instructional classes or testimony in court</li><li>
Speaking clearly and concisely under duress and remaining calm in stressful situations</li><li>
Conversing with and instructing citizens in fire safety education</li></ul>
Vision<ul><li>
Maintaining a corrected far visual acuity of 20/40</li><li>
Distinguishing colors to assess hazards, hazard warning labels, traffic signals, and electrical wiring</li><li>
Surveying situations near and far</li><li>
Using a computer to complete reports and other forms as necessary</li></ul>
Standing/Walking:<ul><li>
Walking 1.5 miles over various types of terrain without stopping</li></ul>
Fine Dexterity:<ul><li>
Tying and untying, manually, a 7mm diameter rope into knots</li><li>
Connecting and hooking up apparatus to a fire hydrant or other water source</li><li>
Utilizing a sphygmomanometer to obtain a patient&rsquo;s blood pressure</li><li>
Palpating a patient's pulse</li><li>
Connecting pneumatic hose fittings for air bags</li><li>
Connecting hydraulic hose fittings for extrication equipment</li></ul>
Foot Controls:<ul><li>
Driving (30 lb. exertion)</li></ul>
Endurance/Stamina:<ul><li>
Completing the incumbent physical ability test within the prescribed time</li></ul>
Sensory:<ul><li>
Sensing abilities such as smell, color perception, and touch needed for fire fighting and emergency situations</li></ul>
Combination:<ul><li>
Deploying salvage covers by fully extending arms overhead in a standing position while holding on to a salvage tarp with both hands</li><li>
Treading water for 3 minutes without going under water</li><li>
Swimming 200 meters without stopping</li><li>
Stabilizing ladder trucks and elevating and operating aerial ladders and platforms</li><li>
Working in confined spaces without uncontrollable feelings of claustrophobia</li></ul></div> 

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids: 
Works with chainsaws, positive pressure fans, generators, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), axes, pike poles, ladders, ropes, hoses, deluge guns, halligan tools, oxygen bottles, electrical cords, spanner wrenches, hydrant wrenches, programmable radios, computers, and other tools. 
 
WORKING CONDITIONS 
Works outside in all weather conditions. May be exposed to extreme heat during structure fires and vibrations from riding in the apparatus/operating tools. May be exposed to chemicals, exhaust, noise, power lines, smoke, flames, heat, unsafe buildings, infectious and communicable diseases, unstable cars, distracted drivers, and swift water. All conditions may be experienced without adequate rest. 
 
Protective Equipment Required: 
Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) approved boots, helmet, gloves, coat, pants, visor/goggles, hood, SCBA, personal flotation device, eye protection, hearing protection, and other protective equipment as necessary and appropriate. 
 
Non-physical Demands: 
Rarely (R): Less than 1 hour/week Occasionally (O): Up to 1/3 of the time Frequently (F): 1/3 to 2/3 of the time Constantly (C): 2/3 or more of the time 
 
Time Pressures: F 
Emergency Situations: O 
Noisy/Distracting Environment: F 
Tedious Exacting Work: R 
Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously: F 
Working Closely with Others as a Team: C 
Danger/Physical Abuse: O 
Irregular Schedule/Overtime: F 
Frequent Change of Tasks: F 
Stress: F 
 
The City of San Marcos has adopted Civil Service through the Texas Local Government Code (TLGC) Chapter 143, and Meet and Confer, TLGC Chapter 142. In addition to other state, local and federal laws, firefighters are governed by these statutes, local Civil Service Rules and Meet and Confer Agreements. These statutes, rules and agreements are subject to change.</div></div></div>
 <div></div><div><div><div>The City of San Marcos offers its employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and occupational lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance. 2023 Benefits Guide 
 
BENEFITS 
Medical, Dental &amp; Vision Coverage<ul> <li>United Healthcare<ul> <li>Choice Plus PPO Plan </li><li>Prescription Drug Plan </li><li>Wellness Initiatives </li><li>Virtual Doctor Visits 24/7 </li><li>Dental Plan</li></ul> </li><li>Davis Vision Insurance<ul> <li>Base Vision Plan </li><li>Premium Vision Plan </li><li>Laser Vision Correction discounts</li></ul> </li></ul>Retirement<ul> <li>Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) </li><li>Mission Square Retirement Corporation - optional 457-deferred compensation plan &amp; Roth IRA</li></ul>ADDITIONAL BENEFITS<ul> <li>Flexible Spending Accounts </li><li>City paid Life and AD&amp;D Insurance </li><li>Voluntary Life, AD&amp;D and Long Term Disability insurance </li><li>Employee Assistance Program </li><li>Vacation </li><li>Sick Leave </li><li>Holidays </li><li>Longevity Pay </li><li>Tuition Reimbursement </li><li>Activity Center Membership </li><li>Direct Deposit</li></ul> 
 The City of San Marcos strives to provide employees with an opportunity for a flexible and positive work/life balance. Employees in eligible positions are offered remote telework options of up to two days per week or 40% of an employee's scheduled work hours. Remote telework eligibility will be determined by department directors to ensure the City provides quality services.</div></div></div>

Lateral Entry Firefighter - 04/13/2026

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City of San Marcos, Texas

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Lateral Entry Firefighter - 04/13/2026