Lateral Firefighter

Contact the Fire Administration for additional salary and benefit information

Under general to limited supervision, responds to emergency calls, including fire, accident, medical emergency, and/or rescue situations to protect life and property.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may vary among positions, but may include the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in the classification.

• Does tour of duty, during an assigned shift performs a variety of fire suppression activities at the fire scene, including laying and connecting hose, operating a pumper and directing water streams, raising and climbing ladders, and utilizing a variety of equipment, including pike poles, smoke ejectors, and forcible entry tools.
• Administers first aid, at the Emergency Medical Technician level, at fires, accidents, and other emergency/rescue scenes.
• Performs a variety of cleaning, maintenance, testing and minor repair tasks necessary to keep the fire station and related equipment clean, stored properly, and fully functional.
• Responsible for performing all necessary testing related to OSHA, ISO, NFPA and other applicable standards.
• Answers phone and operates 2‑way radios to facilitate effective and timely response to emergency calls.
• Employees may be called out in emergency and non‑emergency situations. When contacted, the employee is expected to report to work unless there are special non‑recurring circumstances. Outside employment or the operation of a business is not considered a special circumstance.
• Attends and participates in a variety of training activities to maintain and improve the level of fire suppression and emergency medical skills and general physical conditioning.
• Drives and operates fire and emergency response vehicles, equipment, and apparatus.
• Assist in shift and volunteer firefighter training programs.
• Other tasks and duties in related work not outlined as needed for department efficiency.

• Knowledge of fire suppression principles, methods, techniques, and practices.
• Knowledge of purpose/use of various tools, equipment, and apparatus used in fire suppression, rescue, and medical assistance operations.
• Knowledge of the street names and locations in the City of Artesia.
• Ability to maintain the appropriate level EMT licensure, with CPR and CEVO certification.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff and the public.
• Ability to follow complex oral and written instructions, procedures, and guidelines.
• Ability to respond to calls at any time and under all weather or hazardous conditions.
• Ability to communicate using standard telephone and two‑way radio equipment.
• Ability to drive fire apparatus weighing over 20,000 lbs.
• Ability to drive Type I, II and III ambulances.
• Ability to maintain, adjust and do minor repairs as necessary to keep fire apparatus and ambulances in good operating condition.
• Skill in safely and effectively driving and operating a full range of fire suppression/emergency response vehicles, apparatus, and equipment.

• Must be able to respond to emergency and non‑emergency situations. When contacted, the employee must be able to report to work unless there are special non‑recurring circumstances. Outside employment or the operation of a business is not considered a special circumstance.
• Must obtain and maintain a license from the State of New Mexico – EMS Bureau as an EMT‑B or higher within the first year of employment.
• Must obtain and maintain a license from the State of New Mexico – EMS Bureau as an EMT‑I or higher within the first two years of employment. Based on extenuating circumstances, an extension of time for this requirement may be granted at the discretion of the Fire Chief.
• High school graduate or GED.
• Must have basic computer experience.
• Must be able to pass a written entrance examination.
• Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position.
• Must be able to…