Firefighter; Probationary

ENTRANCE EXAMINATION: OCTOBER 2, 2026

A firefighter shall perform duties as directed by higher-ranking officers of the Weslaco Fire Department. A Firefighter shall participate in emergency and non-emergency service delivery, fire prevention and fire safety education programs, and routine activities and duties as defined by Fire Department standard operating guidelines or as assigned by a higher-ranking officer. A Firefighter assigned to the Suppression Division will work a standard 24-hour shift schedule.

Probationary

Employees will be responsible for becoming certified by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP). While attending the academy, employees are expected to wear the department uniform, have a neat appearance, maintain a grade point average of 80 or more and meet the physical fitness requirements and demands of the course. After completing and successfully becoming firefighter certified through the Texas Commission of Fire Protection, employees will also be required to attend a paramedic class, successfully complete it, and become certified through the Texas Department of State Health Service.

Completion of Probation

Under direct supervision, perform general firefighting work in combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires, and in the maintenance of fire department equipment and quarters. Also responsible for the protection of life and property through firefighting activities with and without supervision. Performs hazardous tasks under emergency conditions which may require strenuous exertion under such handicaps as smoke and cramped surroundings. Specific orders and directions are given by a superior officer, but the work requires knowledge and understanding of firefighting methods which is gained by experience and training.

A large portion of the time is spent in routine house duties, in the cleaning and care of equipment, quarters, fire apparatus, and in the study of firefighting techniques.

Applicants who possess a valid certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) and EMT, EMT-A, EMT-P from the Texas Department of State Health Services will be given preference; regardless of their position on the eligibility list upon providing evidence of such certification.

• Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen by birth or naturalization.
• Be at least 18 years of age but not 36 years of age or older.
• Be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an equivalency certificate; transcripts must be provided as proof of completion.
• Must have a valid Texas Driver's License and satisfactory driving record.
• Birth Certificate
• Social Security Card
• Be able to read and write the English language fluently.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment criminal background check and drug screen at City's expense.
• Military Service Credit of five points will be added to a passing score of 70% or better if documented DD214 shows a minimum of 180 total days of active military
• service at the time of application and received by the specified Final date to receive applications.
• Must be able to satisfy all legal requirements imposed by the Texas Commission on fire Protection for Fire Fighters prior to appointment to beginning position.

• Certification issued by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, or certifiable.
• Or evidence of eligibility for certification (i.e., grading sheet from Texas Commission on Fire Protection indicating a passing score on written and practical examinations for basic firefighter certification).
• Or evidence of current enrollment in a basic recruit fire training academy approved by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
• An EMT Basic/Paramedic, EMT Intermediate, or Emergency Medical Technician; certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services, Or National Registry.

• The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar related, or a logical assignment to the position.
• Attendance, physically present to work.
• Produces written documents to document technical and legal matters.
• Responds to emergency incidents, fights fires and utilize either basic life support (BLS) or advanced life support (ALS) and/or paramedic skills.
• Uses firefighting equipment, including fire hoses or apparatus at emergency incidents.
• Assists in…