Firefighter/AEMT/Paramedic PT

Nature of Work

This is responsible public safety work that requires emergency response skills involving the rapid response to commercial and residential fires and other public emergencies occurring in Pigeon Forge and surrounding area. Activities associated with the job include maintaining a constant state of readiness in the event of fires, natural disasters and/or emergency situations, responding when necessary to such events and ensuring the proper maintenance and operation of all emergency response vehicles and equipment. Additional activities include continuous training in emergency response practices and protocols, maintaining hydrants and other fire fighting equipment located in the community and participating in public education and safety awareness activities. Job responsibilities require basic and advanced training in fire fighting techniques, rescue practices, and pre-hospital emergency care, sufficient strength and agility to perform the physically demanding aspects of the job in all types of weather conditions (while wearing personal protective equipment and SCBA), excellent interpersonal and decision making skills and the ability to maintain a constant state of readiness and respond quickly to emergency situations. Job performance is reviewed by the Lieutenant, Captain, Training Officer, Deputy Fire Chief in consultation with the Fire Chief through review of fire fighting and emergency response capabilities, decision-making skills, physical capacity to perform job-related duties and ability to interact effectively with co-workers, individuals in distress and the public.

Illustrative Examples of Work

• Maintains a constant state of readiness and responds immediately to emergency situations, residential and/or commercial fires and natural/man-made disasters.

• Ensures that all fire fighting and emergency equipment is properly maintained and stored.

• Maintains fire hydrants located throughout the city and ensures that they are in proper working order.

• Cleans and maintains the fire station including the surrounding property where assigned.

• Participates in regularly scheduled medical and emergency response training sessions to maintain certifications and learn about new emergency response tactics and fire fighting equipment.

• Responds to commercial and/or residential fires, emergency situations and natural/man-made disasters as quickly as possible, assesses the situation and takes appropriate action to alleviate the emergency, rescue individuals in danger and prevent further loss of life and property.

• Assists with securing the scene following fires, emergency situations and natural disasters and takes appropriate action to prevent re-kindling of fires.

• Assists in administering pre-hospital emergency care to individuals in distress until the appropriate personnel arrive and/or they can be transported to an appropriate facility.

• Participates in community risk reduction events and provides information to school groups, civic organizations, church groups, etc. about fire prevention, injury prevention and safety.

• Properly dons and uses appropriate personal protective equipment including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

• Responds to motor vehicle accidents and assists with the extrication of individuals trapped in their vehicle.

• Responds to hazardous materials spills and accidents and attempts to contain the hazardous agents.

• Assists with investigations to determine the cause and/or origin of fires and ensures that all evidence is properly preserved.

• Responds to fires along roadways, public areas, wooded areas and pasture land and extinguishes as soon as possible.

• Conducts fire prevention and education programs.

• Performs related duties as required and other duties as assigned.

Necessary Special Requirements

• A minimum age of 18 years.

• U.S. citizen.

• Cannot have been convicted or plead guilty, or entered a plea of nolo contendere to any felony charge or to any violation of any federal or state laws or city ordinances relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor or controlled substances.

• Possession of a valid Tennessee Drivers’ license and the ability to be insured at standard vehicle liability rates.

• Incumbents are required to become certified in Tennessee firefighting Commission Firefighter I within eighteen (18) months and Firefighter II within three (3) years of employment.

• Completion of a TN Fire Commission Fire Apparatus Operator within five (5) years of employment.

• Certification in Tennessee Firefighting Commission Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations.

• Current certification in CPR or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment.

• Completion of S130 & S190 wildland firefighting course or equivalent within one (1) year of employment.

• Incumbents are required to become a Tennessee licensed AEMT within two (2) years of beginning an EMT program.

• Pass Departmental Physical Exam and Physical Agility Test (PAT).

Physical Requirements

• This is very heavy work requiring exertion in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects
• Work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, and repetitive motions
• Verbal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or make fine distinctions in sound
• Visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, night vision, peripheral vision, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, assembly or fabrication of parts at or within arm’s length, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities
• The worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, hazards, atmospheric conditions, oils, and wearing a respirator
• The worker may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.
• The worker is subject to life-threatening conditions related to firefighting, technical rescues, natural and man-made disasters.

Salary for PT Fire Positions:

• Firefighter- $20.50/hr
• FF/EMT- $21.86/hr
• FF/AEMT- $25.03/hr
• FF/Paramedic-$27.29/hr

The City of Pigeon Forge is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions, including those that are federal or state sponsored, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. The City is committed to complying with both Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d). The City is a Drug-Free Workplace and participates in E-Verify, and all applicants are subject to a background check, baseline physical, psychological exam, driving history check, and drug testing in accordance with City policy.