Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician: Basic, Advance, or Paramedic

Position Title: Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician: Basic, Advance, or Paramedic

Department: Fire/EMS

Rate Class: 53 Hour Base Week per FLSA 7(k)

Reports To: Command Officer or Company Officer, including Chief, Deputy Chief(s), Captain, Lieutenant

Shift: 48-hour tour consisting of two 24-hour shifts (48/96), FLSA work period is 14 day. 7AM to 7AM Subject to hold over or call back as necessary. This position is considered essential personnel in responding to natural or manmade disasters. (May be altered at the discretion of the City Manager or the Chief).

Education: Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent (GED). Certification Requirements: Texas Department of State Health Services Certification: Must hold certification as an Emergency Medical Technician or higher. Texas Commission on Fire Protection Certification: Must be certified as a Basic Structural Firefighter. Driver's License: Must have a valid Texas Driver License with a Class B endorsement within one year of the date of hire. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.

Job Summary: Under the direction of the Command Officer or Company Officer, will perform duties and activities of the Freeport Fire & EMS Department in response to fire and medical emergencies. These activities can include, but are not limited to, fire suppression, fire prevention, fire inspection, fire investigation, emergency medical services, and/or emergency management response, as assigned.

Special Skills: Knowledge of modern fire suppression, prevention, inspection, investigation, emergency medical services, and emergency management principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment, as required. Knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, procedures, and regulations. Skilled in the operation of job specific tools and equipment. Ability to perform work requiring good physical condition, ability to communicate effectively, ability to exercise sound judgment, ability to effectively give and receive instructions, ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Indirectly supervises junior Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians, or any others assigned
• May serve as the Incident Commander during emergency operations
• Directly and indirectly responsible to ensure the safe actions of employees and volunteer members
• Completes daily assign station duties
• May evaluate fire, emergency medical, and emergency management operations
• Enforces policies and procedures for the department in order to implement directives from the Chief
• Implement fire and emergency medical service programs for the city in order to better carry out the policies and goals including those set forward in the city affirmative action plan
• Attends training and meetings as may be assigned
• May recommend programs or policies to alleviate department deficiencies
• Responds to alarms and operates in a safe manner
• Safely operates department apparatus and vehicles
• Performs the duties of pump operator as assigned
• May inspect buildings and other properties for fire hazards and enforces fire prevention ordinances
• May perform departmental in-service training and activities
• Obtains prior approval for expenditures
• Prepares a variety of reports as necessary
• May be asked to evaluate the need for new equipment and supplies
• Meets with the public on all aspects of shift activities, as required or assigned
• May be assigned to perform the duties of a higher classification in their absence
• Stay current with firefighting technique and medical practices
• May be assigned to perform any and all duties as necessary

Other Duties: This job description is intended to describe the general nature of work performed by the Firefighter/EMT and is not intended to be all-inclusive. All employees are expected to perform tasks as assigned by their supervisor; furthermore, overtime may be required in times of necessity.

Physical/Mental Requirements

Physical: The daily job duties include sedentary type office activities. Must also possess the ability to lift objects, bend, stoop, crawl, stand, and walk for extended periods of time for fire, medical and emergency management operations.

Mental: Emergency or non-traditional work hours will be necessary. Fire and EMS personnel are frequently exposed to inclement weather, stressful situations, combative and/or intoxicated patients, blood borne and airborne pathogens, and scenes of violent trauma or death. Must maintain the ability to work under pressure with numerous distractions while maintaining sound moral and ethical standards in the service of the public.

Reserve Equivalent: Volunteer Firefighter, Volunteer EMT

All municipal employees (and volunteers) will be expected to display and maintain a high level of initiative, enthusiasm, and motivation towards the improvement of ALL aspects of the Freeport community. Employees are expected to be available for work, to report to work in a dependable and timely fashion, and to be mentally, emotionally, and physically fit and prepared to perform their assigned duties.