Firefighter/EMT

JOB SUMMARY

The Firefighter/EMT responds to fire alarms, hazardous materials incidents, medical emergencies and other calls to protect life and property; operates and maintains a variety of fire and rescue apparatus and equipment; and participates in fire prevention, training, and station and equipment maintenance activities.

The Victoria Fire Department has a 48/96 shift schedule.

Additional Incentives:

• Firefighter Intermediate Certification – $600/annually
• Firefighter Advanced Certification – $1,200/annually
• Firefighter Master Certification – $1,800/annually

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform variety of duties relating to fire prevention and suppression, emergency medical services, and incidents involving hazardous materials.
• Respond to emergency alarms with assigned company; provide appropriate services as required including rescue and fire suppression; lay and connect hose; maintain pumping apparatus; hold nozzles and direct water streams; raise and climb ladders; clean up site after extinguishing fire.
• Respond to medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents and other situations involving threat to human life; perform search and rescue for trapped or injured persons; provide necessary emergency medical services as appropriate; respond to natural and man-made disasters and provide emergency services as necessary.
• Participate in the maintenance, upkeep and cleaning of departmental equipment, facilities, apparatus and grounds, ensure that the station is in a constant state of readiness for emergency calls.
• Assist in providing public fire education; conduct fire station tours and give demonstrations of operation of fire equipment and apparatus; visit schools and community groups to provide information about fire suppression and prevention.
• Maintain necessary certification through constant training. Attends training sessions coordinated by department staff and outside agencies as assigned. Participates in daily physical training.
• Participates in the inspection of buildings, hydrants, and other structures in fire prevention programs.
• May operate fire equipment in absence of driver, including working pump, and checking equipment.
• May drive or work on the ambulance as needed.
• Performs all duties in a safe and orderly manner, complying with all City and departmental rules and policies.
• Regular attendance at work and arrives on time.
• Performs all other job-related duties as assigned or as become apparent.
• Ability to get along with other employees and the public.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk and hear; and taste or smell. Employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 150 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, co-peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places; occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock and vibration. Possibility of severe injury or loss of life while fighting fires or providing medical services. Noise level is usually moderate.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Certifications, and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• 24 hours of college preferred
• Previous experience preferred
• Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) EMT-Basic or Paramedic certification and Texas Commission Fire Protection Basic Structural Fire Protection Certification
• A Valid Texas Class B driver's license is required within one (1) year of employment. Driving record that meets City guidelines.

• The requirements for a firefighter must be met, as outlined in the current edition of the NFPA 1010 Standard on Professional Qualifications Firefighter.
• Know the location of streets, fire alarm boxes, fire hydrants, and the types of building construction in the city.
• Know the rules and regulations of the fire department.
• Know modern firefighting, fire prevention practices, and first aid.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Know the medical protocols established by the medical director.
• Operate mechanical and automotive fire equipment.
• Must meet the health and physical fitness standards.
• Ability to climb ladders and work at considerable heights.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public