Firefighter (Emergency Medical Technician Trainee)

Firefighter (Emergency Medical Technician Trainee)
Fire Rescue Division

Pay grade: FT2
Pay rate: $16.54/ hour

***Submit all licenses/certificates to: JoinPCFR@Polk-County.net***

Employee Benefits

• Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks

• Medical, Dental, Vision

• Life Insurance

• FRS Retirement

• 10 Paid Holidays

• Paid Time Off

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Education Incentives

• Deferred Compensation Plan

• Wellness Incentives

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Free Employee Gym

• Free Employee Health Clinic

*** This position is covered by a collective bargaining  agreement ***

**This position may require a physical ability/agility test**

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:

MAJOR FUNCTION

This is responsible technical and skilled work in firefighting and attending emergency medical technician (EMT) training including the preservation of life and protection of property against fire and related hazards in rendering out of hospital life support functions, other emergency care and rescue services. Duties include the operation and maintenance of Fire Rescue Division vehicles and equipment.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

Work involves responsibility for the protection of life and property through firefighting and rescue operations, usually under close supervision. Employees of this class are also required to learn and participate in the operation of firefighting equipment and apparatus. Although firefighting and emergency rescue, including the administration of emergency medical treatment, are the most difficult and responsible areas of activity, a major portion of time is spent on pre-fire surveys; training, studying methods, techniques and organization of firefighting and on routine duties in the care and maintenance of Fire Rescue’s property and equipment. Work involves an element of personal danger and requires working on extended shifts. Work is usually performed in accordance with explicit instructions and well-defined procedures; however, satisfactory performance of the work requires initiative and a thorough individual understanding of the methods, equipment and principles of firefighting, fire prevention, and rescue and emergency medical techniques (i.e. CPR and controlled bleeding) in meeting a wide variety of emergencies.

Responds to alarms of fire or other emergencies; dons personal protective equipment; works in enclosed areas; lays and connects hoses; holds nozzles which direct water streams; raises and climbs ladders; uses chemical extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines and other equipment.

Responds to alarms of fire or other emergencies in commercial, residential and multiple story structures; climbs stairs carrying a myriad of firefighting tools or emergency medical equipment; performs search and rescue techniques for locating building occupants; operates and controls building fire suppression systems; operates building elevators under fire service control.

Responds to alarms of fire or other emergencies often performing duties for an extended period of time while wearing self-contained breathing apparatus in high temperatures and with limited vision.

Ventilates structures in accordance with applied knowledge; removes victims from serious auto accidents, structures on fire, or other dangerous situations; emergency medical care to injured persons; performs property conservation (salvage) operations; assists in clean-up operation after the fire is suppressed.

May be assigned as a driver of a vehicle or apparatus; checks radio operability; responsible for maintaining apparatus, equipment, inventory and other logs; may communicate by radio from fire, rescue and other emergency scenes.

May be assigned as the operator of a heavy-duty diesel-powered pumper truck or aerial truck; directs hose connections at pump; operates pumps, making sure proper pressure and water flow is maintained; operates aerial ladder or snorkel power lift.

Operates fire apparatus to and from the fire or rescue scene over the optimal route at high speeds in the safest and most efficient manner in accordance with departmental policy.

Participates in the on-duty company physical fitness program.

Participates in fire drills and attends training classes in firefighting, emergency medical technique training and related subjects; participates in pre-fire surveys of industrial and other business buildings, hospitals, nursing homes, schools and multi-family dwellings; prepares floor plans, records and locates key items on floor plans of facilities for departmental use in the event of fires, disasters or other emergencies.

Responds to a variety of emergency calls requiring the performance of a variety of emergency medical skills, such as administering oxygen, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, emergency medical care and related tasks. 

Performs general maintenance and cleaning work in the upkeep of apparatus, equipment, furnishings and structures.

Aids in the evacuation of portions of the county during natural or other disasters. 

Assists law enforcement agencies in the investigation of arson cases.

Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Considerable knowledge of the operating and mechanical principles involved in automotive equipment operation.

Skill and dexterity in the use and manipulation of tools and apparatus used in fighting fires and performing emergency medical care.

Ability to:

Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine the proper course of action.

React quickly and calmly under emergency conditions.

Become familiar with the roadway/highway systems within Polk County.

Learn and efficiently perform a wide variety of firefighting and rescue duties, methods and techniques.

Climb stairs in multiple story buildings carrying heavy tools and equipment.

Perform physically demanding duties such as carrying victims; hoisting equipment using ropes; using heavy equipment to force entry into or ventilation of structures; use of hand and mechanical tools to extricate patients of automobile accidents.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work.

Climb ladders and work at considerable heights.

Understand and execute complex oral and written instructions quickly.

Read, write, and speak the English language in an understandable manner.

Perform limited mechanical work involved in maintaining firefighting and rescue apparatus, equipment and tools.

Work as a part of a team and exercise independent judgment as required. 

Drive or operate large fire vehicles in a safe and efficient manner.

Cope with stressful situations firmly, courteously and tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others. 

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma and have a valid Certificate of Compliance as outlined in the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal Uniform Fire Safety Rules and Standards Chapter 69A-37, or a verification letter indicating that the individual meets the above requirements and will be issued a Certificate of Compliance from the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal, Bureau of Fire Standards and Training Office.

1. Is at least 18 years of age.

2. Certifies under oath that he/she is not addicted to alcohol or any controlled substance.

3. Certifies under oath that he/she is free from any physical or mental defect or disease that might impair his/her ability to drive an ambulance and perform his/her duties.

4. Meet the following driving history requirements:

   1. Have not accrued 12 points within 36 months or 18 points within 48 months.

   2. Have not been convicted on alcohol/drug related offenses within 36 months.

   3. Have not been convicted of two (2) alcohol/drug related offenses within 10 years.

   4. Have not had a suspension, revocation, or restriction due to moving violations or alcohol/drug related problem, including failure to take a breath test within the 36 months prior.

   5. Have not had two (2) failures to pay fines within 36 months.

   6. Have not had two (2) seatbelt violations within 36 months.

   7. Have not had three (3) lapses of insurance within 36 months.

   8. No serious traffic violations such as leaving the scene or driving on a suspended license within 36 months.

   9. Must provide proof of insurance when required to use their personal vehicle as part of their daily job duties.

5. Possess a valid American Heart Association CPR "BLS for Health Care Providers" card or the American Red Cross Professional CPR card or American Heart Association (AHA) or American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) 

6. Must have a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of employment.

7. Attend and successfully complete training as an Emergency Medical Technician.

8. Acquire and maintain a valid State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License, course will be scheduled through Polk County Fire Rescue.  Attendance is mandatory when scheduled by Polk County Fire Rescue.

9. Certification of completion of Emergency Medical Responder.

    

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must obtain and maintain Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Awareness certification through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Employees hired into this position after January 1, 2013 must obtain and maintain this certification as a condition of employment.

Applicant/employee shall be fingerprinted and subject to personal background investigation procedures to ascertain an evaluation and determination of moral character according to Chapter 69A-37 Firefighters Standards and Training.

Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide all units of measure. Work requires lifting very heavy weight occasionally, heavy weight frequently and moderate weight constantly.

Ability to cope with mental and emotional stresses of the job.

Must have a telephone while employed with the Fire Rescue Division as employee is subject to call in emergencies.

Applicants who have not been employed by the Polk County Fire Rescue Division in a firefighter-emergency medical technician capacity will be required to produce documentation of successfully completing the following:

• National Testing Network Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) or Ridge Physical Ability Test (RPAT) and the exam date can be no more than one calendar year from the hire date.    

   

Must have a valid Florida driver’s license or be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license at time of employment within this classification. 

All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.