Firefighter/Paramedic or Paramedic Only

Position Purpose

Performs a variety of highly technical and specialized tasks involving and/or related to fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue, hazardous material incidents, fire prevention, fire inspections and other special assignments as required.

Essential Functions

• Performs fire suppression activities including driving fire apparatus, operating pumps and related equipment, laying hose and performing fire combat, containment and extinguishment tasks.
• Participates in fire drills, attends classes in fire suppression, emergency medical, hazardous material and related subjects.
• Receives and responds to fire calls and alarms. Operates radio and other communication equipment.
• Participates in the inspection of buildings, and other structures in fire prevention programs.
• Maintains fire equipment, apparatus and facilities. Performs minor repairs to departmental equipment.
• Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire facilities and equipment to include care for the grounds around the fire station.
• Assists in developing plans for special assignments such as emergency preparedness, hazardous communications, training programs, firefighting hazardous materials and first responder and emergency medical services.
• Performs rescues or assist in recues, such as water, vehicle, trench, high angle, elevator, body recovery, confined space or any other rescue as needed.
• Presents programs to the community on safety, medical and fire prevention topics.
• Performs salvage operations such as throwing salvage covers, water removal, and removing debris.
• Performs basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS) activities in accordance with certification level.
• Adhere to the Lucas Fire-Rescue Standard Operating Guidelines and Procedures. Adhere to the City of Lucas Employee Manual.

Secondary Functions

• Assists in administrative activities as assigned.
• Assists in training activities as assigned.
• Attends classes that are required to maintain certifications, or as requested and approved.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Capital and/or Fiscal Responsibility

Responsible for adhering to all City of Lucas Purchasing Policies while performing purchasing tasks.

Credentials (minimum preferred)

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Working knowledge of driver safety.
• Working knowledge of basic life support (BLS) and/or advanced life support (ALS).
• Ability to operate fire suppression and other emergency equipment.
• Ability to apply standard firefighting, first responder and emergency medical services, hazardous material and fire prevention techniques.
• Ability to perform strenuous or peak physical effort during emergency, training or station maintenance activities for prolonged periods of time under conditions of extreme heights, intense heat, cold or smoke.
• Ability to analyze complex situations and problems, and use sound judgment in drawing conclusions and make decisions.
• Ability to act effectively in emergency and stressful situation.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the general public.
• Ability to work through hazardous weather conditions.

Formal Education/Certification/Licenses

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED and meet one of the following qualification pathways:

1. TCFP Basic Structural Firefighter certification and current Texas DSHS Paramedic certification.
2. Current Texas DSHS Paramedic certification and current enrollment in an approved fire academy, with the ability to successfully obtain TCFP Basic Structural Firefighter certification.
3. Current Texas DSHS Paramedic certification and the willingness and ability to attend and successfully complete an approved fire academy and obtain TCFP Basic Structural Firefighter certification.

• Must possess a valid Texas Class C driver license with no record of suspension or revocation in any state.
• Maintain certifications and participate in continuing education as provided by the City of Lucas Fire-Rescue.

Prior Experience

• Previous firefighting/EMS experience preferred.

Tools and Equipment Used

Fire apparatus, fire pumps, hoses and other standard firefighting equipment; power tools such as chain saws and hydraulic spreaders and cutters; hand tools, ladders, first-aid equipment, radio, pager, personal computer, phone and water rescue devices.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to two-hundred (200) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed primarily in office, vehicles, and outdoor settings, in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during day and night shifts. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations.  Individual is exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents and oils. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, liquid chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet in the office settings, and very loud at an emergency scene.

Selection Guidelines

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.