CITY OF VISALIA Department of Human Resources Online applications only ‘, CA ‘http://www.visalia.city
INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF:
FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC

An Equal Opportunity Employer

CLOSING DATE: 10/05/16

THE POSITION

The Fire Department currently has three (3) positions available and an eligibility list is being established. Successful candidates will be required to complete the City of Visalia’s Fire Academy which runs up to 10 weeks.

TITLE: FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC

DEPARTMENT: Fire

BASIC FUNCTION: Under general supervision, responds to emergencies and administers advanced life support to sick or injured persons within the scope of Paramedic certification. Fights fires and participates in fire prevention; drives, operates and maintains fire apparatus; station maintenance and training activities in support of overall Department objectives. Performs related responsibilities as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the journey level in the Firefighting series which requires prior training and experience in the fire service. The Firefighter/Paramedic position is distinguished from that of Firefighter because of its responsibility to perform advanced life support techniques and maintain Paramedic certification as well as the full range of fire suppression and fire prevention activities and possession of a State of California Firefighter I Certificate. The position is distinguished from the position of Fire Engineer in that it does not require the technical expertise to operate all firefighting equipment including the aerial platform, and does not normally act in a lead capacity.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responds to fire alarm and other emergency situations.
• Drives and operates fire equipment, apparatus and other vehicles.
• Performs with firefighting team under direction of scene commander; connects and lays hose lines; enters burning buildings and other areas with hose lines; operates nozzle and directs water stream; operates fire extinguishers; operates and climbs ladders; performs forcible entry when necessary and ventilates buildings.
• Performs rescue operations and assists in emergency care of sick and injured persons in the capacity of a Firefighter/Paramedic and provides appropriate advanced life support treatment as per local, state, and federal protocols.
• Performs overhauling, salvage and clean-up operations.
• Inspects, cleans and services firefighting equipment; conducts fire hydrant maintenance and flow tests; maintains clean and orderly conditions in and around fire station, including yard maintenance.
• Inspects public and commercial buildings for fire prevention purposes; identifies code and ordinance violations and potential firefighting problems; reports violations to appropriate lead inspector or supervisor; prepares pre-fire plans for high-risk buildings and areas.
• Participates in a variety of special drills and training activities.
• Maintains and submits records and report of inspections, training, work activities and others as required.
• Participates in other Department programs such as community education, volunteer training activities, airport operations, bicycle licensing, weed abatement, weather and radiological monitoring.
• Performs, initiates and participates in special department projects or programs as required.
• Performs related duties as required.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

This position reports to Fire Captain and does not supervise.QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Appropriate methods of patient care utilized within the Paramedic scope of practice.
• Standard fire fighting operations, procedures, equipment and safety precautions.
• Fire chemistry.
• Federal, state and governmental agency laws and regulations pertaining to emergency preparedness, emergency service, fire safety and occupancy loads.
• Safe driving procedures.

Skill in:

• Rapid and appropriate physical and mental response to emergency situations.
• Public contact.
• Public presentations to groups.

Ability to:

• Maintain and service firefighting apparatus and equipment.
• Lift and carry heavy equipment and people; endure periods of extreme heat and physical exertion; enter burning areas and other hazardous situations.
• Administer first aid, advanced life support, and CPR in emergency situations.
• Maintain accurate and orderly records.
• Communicate effectively in written and verbal form.
• Follow verbal and written directions.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other employees or general public.
• Drive and operate firefighting apparatus and equipment used in the Department.
• Learn city streets and addresses.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge, skill and ability. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skill and abilities would be:

• Equivalent to G.E.D. or a high school diploma. Associate’s Degree in Fire Science or related field is desirable.
• Requires either six (6) months full-time paid work experience and/or one (1) year reserve/volunteer service in fire suppression.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of California or National registry of Paramedic license.
• Must obtain local accreditation through CCEMSA (Central California Emergency Medical Services Agency) within three (3) months from appointment.
• Possession of State of California Firefighter I Certificate by time of appointment.
• Possession of valid ACLS, PALS and CPR card by time of appointment.
• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, Class B, within one year from date of appointment.
• Possession of valid California Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certificate by date of appointment. Certificate must be dated within one year of filing deadline.

All candidates must possess a valid CPAT prior to being considered for hire.  The process of obtaining the certificate takes approximately eight (8) weeks. For information about the process and CPAT testing locations and dates, visit the California Fire Foundation website www.cffjac.org/go/jac/cpat/.   Information regarding financial assistance can be found on the website or by calling (800) 890-3213.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PHYSICAL STANDARDS:

Lift and carry heavy equipment and transport people; endure periods of extreme heat and physical exertion; enter burning areas and other hazardous life threatening situations.

SELECTION PROCESS:
Application and supplemental materials will be evaluated and applicants who appear to be most qualified will be invited to participate in a job related interview and/or practical examination process.  The examination process is tentatively scheduled for October 24 and/or 25, 2016. Successful candidates may be required to pass a background investigation, physical examination, and/or drug screen.