Firefighter/Paramedic

Job Title:Firefighter/Paramedic ** **

**FLSA Status: ** Non-Exempt

**Job Class: ** Full-Time

**Department: ** Fire Rescue

**Reports To: ** Assigned Captain or Lieutenant

**Location: ** Varies

**Work Hours: ** Rotating Shift Schedule

*Essential: ** Yes

**Starting Salary Range: ** $27.7174-$30.7620

Full Salary Range:  $27.7174-$39.6136

Estimated Annualized Salary: $82,708.72 – $91,793.85 (Top out at $118,232.35)

**Position Summary: **

The Firefighter / Paramedic protects life and property through fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue operations, and related emergency response activities. Work is performed in hazardous and physically demanding environments, including Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) conditions. This position requires the ability to perform advanced life support medical care, interior structural firefighting, and other emergency operations under stressful and rapidly evolving conditions. Firefighters operate under the supervision of a Lieutenant or Captain and are responsible for maintaining operational readiness, professional conduct, and compliance with departmental policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The types and levels of emergency services provided by the fire department, together with a consideration of the structures and occupancies comprising the community, and the configuration of the fire department dictates the essential job tasks of fire department members / employees. This is not an all-inclusive list; other duties may be assigned as the needs of the department dictate.

• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Respond to fire, EMS, rescue, hazardous materials, and other emergency incidents.
• Perform interior structural firefighting in IDLH environments.
• Provide advanced life support medical care in accordance with state licensure and Medical Director protocols.
• Perform rescue, ventilation, forcible entry, salvage, overhaul, and related firefighting tasks.
• Operate department vehicles in emergency and non-emergency modes as assigned.
• Wear and operate personal protective equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Participate in company training, drills, and continuing education to maintain required certifications.
• Maintain physical fitness standards necessary to perform essential job functions.
• Inspect, maintain, and test apparatus, equipment, and station facilities.
• Complete required reports and documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Participate in public education and community outreach programs.
• Serve in the capacity of Driver / Operator when assigned and qualified.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the chain of command.

** **

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of firefighting tactics, rescue operations, and emergency medical procedures.
• Knowledge of advanced life support protocols and patient care documentation.
• Ability to perform interior firefighting and operate in hazardous and IDLH environments.
• Ability to make sound decisions in high-stress and life-threatening situations.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with patients, coworkers, and the public.
• Ability to operate fire apparatus and emergency equipment as assigned.
• Ability to swim and tread water when required for water rescue operations.
• Ability to maintain medical and physical standards consistent with NFPA 1582.
• Ability to perform essential job functions safely without posing a direct threat to self or others.
• Ability to foster a professional work environment free of harassment and discrimination.

** **

Minimum Requirements:

• Must successfully pass a physical ability test, psychological evaluation, background investigation, and drug screening.
• Must possess or obtain a Texas Class B Driver’s License within 18 months of employment.

• Honorable discharge if prior military service.

• Certification

• Basic Structural Firefighter – Texas Commission on Fire Protection
• Paramedic Certification – Texas Department of State Health Services 

• Driver / Operator – Pumper certification required within 18 months of employment.

• Education

• High School Diploma / G.E.D.

Applicants who possess one certification and are actively enrolled in obtaining the other may be considered in accordance with departmental hiring policies.

** **

*Essential Position:

This position is designated as essential to the continued delivery of emergency services. The Firefighter / Paramedic is required to remain on duty or report to duty during emergencies, disasters, or other critical incidents, including those occurring during or following evacuation orders. Employees in this position must remain available for scheduled shifts and recall to duty unless specifically released by the Fire Chief (or designee) or authorized City official. This requirement applies to natural disasters, man-made incidents, civil disturbances, and other emergencies affecting the City. The Firefighter / Paramedic must plan accordingly to ensure availability during such events. Failure to comply with essential duty requirements may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

Work is performed in station, training, and emergency scene environments. The position requires frequent standing, walking, climbing, crawling, bending, lifting, carrying, and operating equipment under hazardous conditions. The Firefighter / Paramedic must be capable of performing interior structural firefighting and operating in Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) environments. Duties may involve exposure to extreme heat, smoke, toxic gases, hazardous materials, confined spaces, heights, loud noise, infectious disease, adverse weather, and life-threatening conditions. The position requires the ability to wear full structural firefighting personal protective equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus, and to perform strenuous physical tasks such as advancing hose lines, ladder operations, victim removal, forcible entry, and prolonged exertion. The employee must maintain medical and physical fitness standards consistent with NFPA 1582.