THIS POSITION REQUIRES YOU TO POSSESS A CURRENT NREMT-PARAMEDIC OR STATE OF COLORADO PARAMEDIC CERTIFICATION. IF YOU DO NOT OR WILL NOT POSSESS THIS REQUIRED CERTIFICATION, PLEASE DO NOT APPLY TO THIS POSITION. 

Under specified supervision, performs technical and labor work required to protect life and/or property from the dangers of fire, medical emergency, accident, natural disaster, etc., using a variety of fire fighting, first aid, and emergency techniques and equipment.

Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from level IV or, when filled from the outside, require previous and directly related experience.

Firefighter III/II/I:
Under general supervision, progression through these levels is dependent on years of experience and satisfactory performance. Incumbents are expected to work with increasing levels of independence and initiative.

(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

Performs emergency medical care relating to all major body systems, including the neurological system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, skeletal system, etc., as necessary to treat first aid cases, accident victims, medical emergency situations, etc. Responds to fire and medical emergency calls as a member of an engine company, aerial/truck company, specialty company, or a rescue company. Performs a variety of technical and manual labor duties that are required to locate, control and extinguish fires, including: catching fire hydrants; connecting hoses and nozzles; laying in supply and attack hoses; using visual, sensory and judgmental criteria to locate fire sources; application of fire streams, including water, chemical, and/or portable extinguishers, on fire sources; carrying, positioning and raising ground ladders; and using a variety of handheld and powered tools, including axes, pike poles, saws, etc., necessary to locate doors, windows and vents. Performs forcible entry operations to gain access into structures using a variety of tools. Performs salvage operations to prevent damage to property not involved in fire and/or emergency situations, including the placement of covers, removing property from danger, removing water, smoke, and heat from structures, etc. Performs tasks to extricate individuals safely from wrecked vehicles, structures, earth cave-ins, etc., using a variety of tools/equipment, including power saws, hydraulic jacks, pry bars, etc. Performs search and rescue operations to locate and remove individuals and victims from Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) environments which may involve fire and other emergency situations. Performs emergency medical care to victims of fire and other emergencies; assists paramedic(s) in applying medical/first aid procedures. Examines patients and victims to determine probably or possible injury or medical disorder. Takes and records vital signs, including pulse, blood pressure, respiration, reflexes, etc., and transmits necessary data to hospital emergency room personnel. Receives orders from hospital medical personnel and/or follows standard procedures to treat victims. Performs procedures necessary to immobilize victim(s) and/or portions of the body or extremities using splints, braces, collars, etc. Continues medical procedures and monitoring during transit of victims to medical care facilities. Maintains records of medical activities for departmental and medical care facility records. Maintains supplies and equipment; including I.V. solutions and oxygen, on an assigned company vehicle. Attends continuing and required training and work sessions to maintain and extend medical knowledge and skills. Provides in-service training to departmental personnel on first aid techniques and procedures. Inspects commercial and public property as assigned, in part to: ensure compliance with Fire and Life Safety Codes; locate and assure proper storage of hazardous materials; become familiar with structures; inform persons of the need for fire prevention, etc. Maintains, cleans, services, inspects and loads fire fighting and/or emergency equipment, tools, etc., on company apparatus. Maintains, performs minor repairs and cleans assigned fire station quarters, apparatus rooms, etc. Assists in developing and providing a public education program and a training program for the department. Participates in training classes and drills to maintain and increase fire fighting and emergency techniques and responses. Participates in hazardous material response and prevention programs. Works a varying schedule and/or shift. May prepare departmental reports as needed. May serve in an out-of-class role of an assigned company after being deemed qualified by the Fire Chief or his/her designee. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience:

High school diploma or GED. Outside experience will be evaluated to determine the extent of equivalency to the duties of a Thornton Firefighter.

Firefighter III:
One year of experience as a City of Thornton Firefighter IV and successful completion of qualification testing requirements or at least two years of outside experience as a full-time career Firefighter.

Firefighter II:
One year of experience as a City of Thornton Firefighter III and successful completion of qualification testing requirements or at least three years of outside experience as a full-time career Firefighter.

Licensing/Certification Requirements:
Valid Colorado driver’s license with a safe driving record.

All Firefighters hired after November 1, 2010 not already certified by the State of Colorado at the EMT-Paramedic level may, at the city of Thornton’s discretion, be required to obtain and maintain a State of Colorado Paramedic Certification and remain in good standing as a condition of continued employment.

Thornton retains the rights to schedule the employee’s attendance at the National Registry Paramedic Certification training program as it deems necessary based on current scheduling and staff needs, as well as discontinue the training at any time.  The city reserves the right to select the National Registry Paramedic Program the employee will attend and modify the employee’s work schedule as necessary for school attendance.

Firefighter III:
In addition to previous licensing/certification requirements:
State Firefighter I or higher level of certification. Completion of an International Fire Service Accreditation (IFSAC) or Pro Board accredited academy or minimum equivalent 480 hour fire academy. All Firefighters hired in as a Firefighter III must possess and maintain a current EMT/P certification.

Firefighter II/I:
In addition to previous licensing/certification requirements:
State Firefighter II or higher level certification. Ability to obtain State of Colorado Driver Operator (Pumper) Certification within one year. Completion of an International Fire Service Accreditation (IFSAC) or Pro Board accredited academy, or minimum equivalent 480 hour fire academy. All Firefighters hired in as a Firefighter II must possess and maintain a current EMT/P certification.

Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration.

Review and screening of applications/resumes.
Written Examination – Acceptable/Unacceptable;
Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT) – Acceptable/Unacceptable; Current certificates provided by other current IAFF/IAFC CPAT full licensees will be accepted as long as the certificate can be verified and does not expire before June 1, 2017. Selected candidates who do not have a current CPAT certificate will be required to test with us and will be contacted when dates are are determined.
Oral Board Examination – Passing Point of 70%;
Background Investigation – Acceptable/Unacceptable;
Psychological Evaluation – (to be administered by a city-designated psychologist) – Acceptable/Unacceptable;
Physical Examination – (to be administered by a city-designated physician) – Acceptable/Unacceptable;
Drug Test – Acceptable/Unacceptable