FIREFIGHTER PARAMEDIC TRAINEE/FIREFIGHTER PARAMEDIC

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FIREFIGHTER PARAMEDIC TRAINEE/FIREFIGHTER PARAMEDIC

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Visalia, CA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

01264

Department

Fire

Opening Date

11/20/2017

Closing Date

10/22/2018 10:00 AM Pacific

Description

The Fire Department is currently has two 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 TRAINEE (Monthly Salary $3,875.72-$4,872.40)/
FIREFIGHTER PARAMEDIC (Monthly Salary $5,756.99-$7,223.67)

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:

Firefighter Paramedic Trainee and Firefighter Paramedic require:
  • Graduation from high school or G.E.D. Associate's Degree in Fire Science or related field is desirable.
  • Graduation from a Firefighter Academy.
  • 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 a valid California Driver's License, Class B within one year from date of appointment.
  • Possession of valid ACLS, PALS and CPR card by time 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.
In addition a Firefighter Paramedic Trainee requires:
  • One (1) year experience as a Paramedic.
  • Obtain State of California Firefighter I Certificate within one year from date of appointment.
In addition a Firefighter Paramedic requires:
  • Entry level requires either six (6) months full-time paid work experience and/or one (1) year reserve/volunteer service in fire suppression. Lateral requires two (2) years full-time paid work experience in fire suppression.
  • Possession of State of California Firefighter I Certificate by time of appointment.

*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.  Successful candidates may be required to pass a background investigation, physical examination, and/or drug screen.


The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel assigned to this classification and is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

FLSA: Non-Exempt
 

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
 
 
Employee Benefits & Employment Information
 
 
Bargaining Unit: Employees in this class are represented by the Visalia Firefighters Association (Group G bargaining unit). This bargaining unit may establish and collect dues for their members' independent from the City of Visalia. Those that elect to join may be required to pay dues per the provisions in the MOU.
 
Salary Policies: The salary range for the job is stated on the job announcement. Candidates are normally hired at the minimum of the salary range. Salary increases are given based upon employee work performance, up to a maximum of 5% per fiscal year.
 
Bilingual pay of $900 per year is available to those who qualify.
 
Members of Group G are eligible for Hazardous Material compensation up to $2,000 per year.

The Visalia Fire Department operates on a 48/96 shift schedule.
 
Fire Certificate Pay: Employees are eligible for up to 5% certificate pay, 3% for Fire Officer and an additional 2% for Chief Officer.

Holidays: Regular non-shift full-time City employees receive (10) paid holidays and one (1) floating holiday per year. In lieu of the holidays and floating holiday, Fire shift employees receive 13.2 hours of regular pay (5.5 annual shift days) in the pay period the holiday falls.
 
Vacation: Regular full-time non-shift employees earn 10 days per year. After 2 years, employees are eligible for 11 days; after 4 years, 14 days; after 9 years, 17 days; and after 16 years, 20 days of vacation per year. Full-time Fire shift employees earn 5 shifts; after 2 years, 6 shifts; after 4 years, 7 shifts; after 9 years, 8 shifts; after 12 years, 9 shifts; and after 16 years, 10 shifts of vacation per year. Employees are eligible for vacation usage after six (6) months of service. Employees hired from another governmental agency may be entitled to receive years-of service credit for their vacation accrual rate for such previous employment and applies only to the government agency the employee was employed with immediately prior to employment with the City of Visalia.
 
Sick Leave: Regular full-time non-shift employees earn twelve (12) sick leave days per year. Regular full-time Fire shift employees earn one (1) shift for every two months of service, totaling six (6) shifts per year. Employees are eligible for sick leave usage after six (6) months of service.

 
Annual Sick Leave Buy Back: After accumulating 60 days (equivalent to 480 hours for non-shift or 720 for shift employees), the City will purchase back up to 72 sick leave hours, depending on shift status, at 50% of the employee's pay rate.
 
  
Health Insurance: The City provides employee health insurance which includes medical, dental, and vision care. Employee contribution rates are determined by employee's bargaining unit and plan selected. Health benefits are also available for an employee's dependents for an additional contribution rate. Eligibility for health insurance benefits begins on the first of the month after the date of hire. Contribution rates are reviewed for adjustment annually.
 
Life Insurance: The City pays the premium for a life insurance and accidental death or dismemberment policy of $30,000. A supplemental life insurance policy may be purchased and paid through payroll deduction. Eligibility for life insurance benefits begins on the first of the month after the date of hire.
 
Retirement: The City of Visalia is a member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). New employees are covered under the 2.7% at 57 plan.  [Employees with previous PERS qualifying service (Classic employees) may fall under the 3% at 55 plan.]  Each pay period, the City pays an employer contribution towards the retirement benefit.  Employees are responsible for contributing 3% of the employer contribution.  In addition, there is an established PERS employee contribution rate and the employee pays an amount up to 13.5% of their salary to PERS.

 
Social Security/FICA: City employees are not subject to regular Social Security (FICA) deductions. However, Federal law requires that the Medicare portion of the FICA is deducted.
 
Section 125: The City offers a voluntary Section 125 program whereby tax free contributions are put into a trust account and are available for withdrawal with documentation of an unreimbursed healthcare or dependent care expense (i.e. premium, dependent care, medical care).
 
Long Term Disability: This benefit is provided through the Association.
 
Worker's Compensation: Salary continuance is provided up to one year for Safety employees who sustain an occupational injury or contract occupational illnesses. Regular Worker's Compensation disability benefits are paid thereafter in accordance with Worker's Compensation laws.
 
Other Benefits: The City also offers additional benefits such as an employee assistance program (EAP), a pre-tax deferred compensation plan, and education assistance up to $1,500 per fiscal year.
 
 

As a potential applicant, you are about to participate in a series of events collectively called the employment process. Because the goal of the employment process is to obtain the most qualified candidates to fill City positions, examinations are administered to qualified applicants. These examinations are conducted in a variety of ways (written, oral, practical, and/or performance), yet they share a common purpose - to test applicants based upon the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the duties and responsibilities of the job.
 
The employment process occurs in several stages which are described below:
 
Application: Perspective employees must submit a City of Visalia application and other documents required as outlined in the announcement by the closing time specified on the final filing date. Final filing dates and times are listed on the front of each announcement. Separate original applications must be submitted for each recruitment/position applied for.
 
Examination: Applicants will be evaluated and applicants who clearly appear to be more qualified in terms of knowledge, skills, and abilities will be invited to take an examination or combination of examinations. Written, practical, oral, and/or performance examination scores, or a pre-determined combined examination score, will determine standing on the eligible list.
 
Exam Accommodations: If you are most qualified for the job, but need reasonable accommodations to take the exam, contact the Human Resources Division at least five (5) days prior to the exam. We want to work with you to design a fair and effective means by which you can demonstrate your ability to perform the essential functions of this job. Be prepared to furnish proof of the need for accommodation. Such proof should normally be a signed statement on letterhead by a professional who is qualified to make a diagnosis.
 
Eligible lists: Eligible lists contain names, in descending order of score, of applicants who have obtained passing scores. Eligible lists are maintained for no less than six (6) months and no more than one year unless otherwise determined by Human Resources. The City retains the authority to reestablish an eligible list for a specific job opening when deemed necessary. Separate eligible lists are established for each recruitment.
 
Selection:  A departmental interview is conducted with the top candidates from the eligible list. The number of candidates interviewed depends on the number of vacancies.
Background Review: Depending on the position, prospective employees will be subject to clearing a background investigation which may include, but is not limited to, a reference check, credit check, criminal history review, social security verification, DMV record check, polygraph, and psychological evaluation.
 
Post Offer Medical Examination: Prior to starting work, all prospective employees are required to take a drug/alcohol screening administered by the City's medical provider and/or pass a medical examination. Candidates are cautioned not to quit or give notice to present employers until the medical examination has been completed and passed.
 
 
Probationary Period: Persons hired or promoted into the classification of Firefighter or Firefighter/Paramedic shall serve a 12 month probationary period. Employees appointed to a new position through a promotional process are required to serve a twelve (12) month probationary period in their newly appointed position. An employee maybe terminated without recourse for any reason and at any time during the probationary period.
 
Immigration Law: Prior to employment, applicants will be required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, alien registration or authorization to work in the United States at time of appointment, and complete an I-9 form. Failure to do so within three (3) days from date of hire may be cause for termination. Once hired, failure to maintain authorization to work in the United States may be cause for termination of employment.
 
Driver's License: Some City positions may require possession of a valid California Driver's License. Employees may also be required to submit a DMV printout with proof of automobile insurance and use their automobile in the course of employment as some positions may require the use of your vehicle on the job. Additionally, employees may be required to drive City vehicles or equipment.
 
Non-Smoking Policy: A non-smoking ordinance adopted by the City, provides a smoke free environment.
 
Drug-Free Workplace: The City is a drug-fee workplace and has adopted a comprehensive substance abuse policy.
 
Discrimination and Harassment Policy: A zero tolerance discrimination and harassment policy adopted by the City provides employees and volunteers with a professional work environment in which they are not exposed to harassment and illegal discrimination of any kind.
 
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

01
Describe your experience in fire suppression. Include in your response the duties you performed, the length of time you performed these duties, and whether it was full-time paid or reserve/volunteer service.
02
Do you currently have a valid California Registry Paramedic License or National Registry Paramedic License? If so, please list the license/cert number and expiration date.
03
Have you graduated from a Fire Academy? If so, please list the school and graduation date.
04
Do you currently have a valid Firefighter I Certificate? If so, please list the license/cert number and expiration date.
05
Do you currently hold a valid CPR certification? If so, please list the certification number and expiration date.
06
Do you currently hold valid ACLS and PALS certification? If so, please list the certification number and expiration date.
07
Do you currently hold a valid CPAT certification? If so, please list the certification number and expiration date.
08
Do you currently hold a valid Class B license? If so, please list the expiration date.
09
List programs you are currently enrolled in to obtain any of the licenses/certificates listed in the previous questions. Indicate the anticipated date of completion.
10
List all other licenses/certificates you have acquired that pertain to this position, including the number and expiration date.

Required Question

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City of Visalia
Address
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Visalia, California, 93292
Phone
5597134027
Website
http://www.visalia.city
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