Firefighter

Overview

Under general direction of assigned Company Officer, Firefighters perform public safety work involving the protection of life and property through responding to fire alarms and engaging in fire suppression, other emergency incidents and performing highly skilled work providing emergency medical services (EMS), technical rescue, and hazardous materials emergency response. Work is performed under close supervision in accordance with well-defined procedures. Additionally, firefighters interact regularly with the community in non-emergency related functions including public education and fire prevention activities.

Firefighters are required to work 48-hour shifts and 56-hour work weeks; and may be assigned to work a day assignment (40-hour work week) while assisting with special projects. Uncertified Firefighters (Paramedic) will be assigned to a 40-hour work week.

• Respond to emergency and non-emergency situations to fire alarms with assigned company; participate in fire suppression, technical rescue, and emergency medical services activities which may include, but are not limited to, assisting in freeing victims from physically trapped situations and operating pumping apparatus.
• Respond to emergency calls for specialized service such as hazardous materials, confined spaces rescue, extrication, and technical rescues. Assist in overhauling, salvage, and cleanup operations.
• Provide emergency medical technician (EMT) level assistance at injury or accident scenes involving basic life support and paramedic support functions, including administering medical care using accepted guidelines of basic and advanced life support procedures, examining victims, and communicating physical assessment to base hospital physician.
• Participate in the cleaning, repair, and maintenance of firefighting equipment, apparatus, and fire department facilities; maintain assigned PPE and SCBA as required; work safely, follow safe work practices, and identify and report unsafe working conditions and/or equipment in accordance with established procedures.
• Conduct pre-fire planning of businesses and places of assembly. Establish relationships with building managers to effectively communicate fire codes and safety procedures.
• Participate in and assist with public education and community relation activities, including training classes, drills, fire station tours and school visits.
• May step-up or act as Apparatus Operator and/or drive ambulance or fire apparatus, as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Valid Texas Driver’s License
• Certifications:
• Certified Firefighter
• Current certification by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) in Basic Structure Fire Suppression or above and current certification with the Texas Department of State Health Services as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT – Basic) or above
• Uncertified Firefighter / EMT-Basic or Paramedic:
  Current certification with the Texas Department of State Health Services as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-Basic) or EMT-Paramedic (EMT – Paramedic) or Nationally Registered EMT-Paramedic (NREMT-Paramedic) and ability to obtain certification by TCFP in Basic Structure Fire Suppression within eight months
• Uncertified Firefighter / No fire or EMS certifications:
  Ability to obtain EMT-Basic and TCFP Basic Structure Fire Suppression within eight months
• Uncertified and partially certified applicants must have 12 college hours with a 2.0 GPA or military service.
• Knowledge and proficiency of Emergency Medical Technician basic life support procedures and paramedic support procedures/protocols
• Knowledge of breathing air compressors and cascade systems
• Ability to think and act quickly and effectively in emergencies
• Ability to deal effectively with people under stressful situations
• Ability to comprehend and follow verbal and written direction promptly and accurately
• Ability to obtain and maintain all applicable certifications, as directed by the department, and meet all requirements of the Professional Development Guide for this position

• Knowledge of principles, practices and procedures of modern…