Firefighter Intern

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

This is beginning level firefighting and emergency medical services (EMS) work for the purpose of training to become a Firefighter/EMT or Paramedic, involving initial academic and on-the-job, in-service training and development prior to receiving State certification and promotion to Firefighter/EMT or Paramedic upon graduation from the Fire Academy and EMT or Paramedic school. Employees in this position are expected to be able to perform any and all work tasks and comply with any work schedules, attendance, or duty requirements which may be established by City or department rules, or applicable union contracts. Work is reviewed through observation, conferences, written examinations, performance tests, and an evaluation of training records and reports.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Attends Fire Academy and EMT or Paramedic classes and other formal training programs established to qualify the incumbent for State certification as a Firefighter/EMT or Paramedic.
• Trains and participates in the operation of two-way radios and other communications equipment used in receiving and transmitting messages.
• Participates in fire drills and attends training classes in firefighting and EMS; participates in pre-fire surveys of industrial and other business buildings, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and multi-family dwellings.
• Learns how to perform general maintenance, cleaning, and upkeep of department apparatus and equipment.
• Assists and participates in the response to fire alarms or other emergencies as assigned.
• Learns how to don personal protective equipment, work in enclosed areas, deploy and connect hoses, hold nozzles that direct water streams, raise and climb ladders, use fire extinguishers, prying tools, ropes, and other fire and medical equipment.
• Performs related work as assigned.
• May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
• Position designated Mission Critical by Department Director.

• Performs general maintenance and cleaning work in the upkeep of stations.
• Performs related work as required.

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE)

• High school diploma from an accredited school or a GED.
• Must be enrolled, attending in good standing, or successfully graduated from the Minimum Fire Standards at a State of Florida-approved Fire Training Facility located within 90 miles of the City of Lakeland

• Must be enrolled, attending in good standing, or successfully graduated from an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic Program located within 90 miles of the City of Lakeland.

• Must obtain a State of Florida Certificate of Compliance as a Firefighter within six (6) months of hire.
• Must obtain a State of Florida EMT or Paramedic License within six (6) months of hire.
• Must successfully register and pass all Lakeland Fire department requirements (CPAT and Fire Team test) through the National Testing Network within six (6) months of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must maintain a valid telephone number.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Certification to Firefighter and State of Florida EMT or Paramedic License.
• Ability to understand and fulfill oral and written instructions.
• Ability to become knowledgeable about federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, and the organization’s policies, rules and regulations.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations, objectively analyze the situation, and determine and execute the proper course of action.
• Ability to learn and efficiently perform a wide variety of firefighting and EMS duties, methods, and techniques.
• Ability to perform extrication duties using heavy-duty rescue and extrication equipment.
• Ability to climb ladders and work at considerable heights.
• Ability to climb stairs in multiple-story buildings carrying heavy tools and equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to learn proper methods and techniques of firefighting and EMS employed by qualified Fire & Rescue personnel.
• Ability to work as part of a team and to exercise independent judgment as required.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with training instructors, supervisors, fellow employees, and the general public.

• Requires heavy work that involves constantly lifting, pushing, or raising objects and exerting 50 to 75 pounds regularly, and exerting 100 pounds of force frequently.
• The job risks exposure to the following environmental hazards: Bright/dim light, dusts, and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, extreme noise levels, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, moving machinery, electrical shock, heights, disease/pathogens, toxic/caustic chemicals, explosives, and violence.
• The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of taste, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.

All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview, and/or any combination). Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone. Please check your e-mail and telephone messages regularly, including "junk" folders. Test times and locations to be announced.

THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE