LATERAL FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC

Description

NATURE OF POSITION

Protect life and property through fire suppression, fire prevention and emergency medical aid.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General direction and oversight are provided by the Fire Captain.  Additional supervision and/or assignments may be received from a Lieutenant.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Employees of the City of Walla Walla are expected to model and foster the City’s core values:     Service - Integrity - Collaboration - Equity - Leadership - Community
• Employees of the Fire Department are expected to model and foster the Department’s core values:   Integrity – Ownership – Professionalism - Compassion
• Participate in fire suppression including structural, automotive, chemical, aircraft, and wild land, and operate pumps, aerial ladders, and other auxiliary fire apparatus.
• Participate in engine and pumper hook-up at scene of fire; lay connector hose; hold nozzle and direct water stream to combat fire; raise and climb ladders; use chemical extinguishers, bars, hooks, ropes, and other equipment to suppress and extinguish fires.
• Perform salvage and overhaul operations; sweep water; remove debris; search for and extinguish hidden fires; investigate for causes of fire.
• Search for victims in hazardous environments; participate in rescue services to include low to high angle, swift water, confined space, and trench rescue activities. Participate in training and continuing education in fire suppression, emergency medical aid, and use of equipment, special assignments, and other matters; provide training to others as required. 
• Perform general maintenance duties for firefighting equipment, apparatus, building, and grounds including light to medium repairs, testing and inventory control as needed. 
• Perform fire prevention inspections of commercial and residential buildings; check for fire hazards; seek abatement of hazards through education, demonstration, and enforcement of regulations; test fire hydrants; provide fire prevention training as assigned; and participate in developing pre-incident emergency plans. 
• Provide tours of the facilities to the public and school children; provide educational programs to teach safety and fire prevention both at the station and in the field.
• Participate in physical fitness activities to assure physical readiness to participate in emergency operations. 
• Function at operations or technician level on hazardous material scenes; respond to incidents involving hazardous materials; wear self-contained breathing apparatus; and use specialized tools and equipment to save lives, protect property, suppress fires. 
• Drive ambulance and administer emergency medical aid within certification level; prepare medical incident report. 
• As a paramedic, perform medical triage of patients, determine appropriate action within established protocols, and provide appropriate medical treatment in emergency situations.
• Maintain EMS certification by completing required training as mandated by the WAC and National Registry Standards.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Demonstrate punctual, regular, and reliable attendance which is essential for successful job performance. 
• Present a positive, professional image; maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; assure excellent customer service with internal and external customers.
• Execute assignments, projects, and job responsibilities efficiently and within defined timeframes; work independently and effectively with little direction.
• Demonstrate good judgment and employ critical thinking to execute duties, identify issues, seek solutions, and recommend improvements in support of departmental goals.
• Provide assistance to staff and higher-level management; participate in resolving operational or interpersonal concerns; participate in training, meetings, and on committees as assigned.
• Respect the value of diversity in the workplace and the community.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Technical operation, use and maintenance of specialized fire apparatus, vehicles, and ambulances, including pump and hydraulic operations.
• Principles and practices of fire science including techniques, methods, materials, and equipment used in fire prevention, fire suppression and emergency medical services.
• Prolonged and strenuous work in adverse conditions including heavy physical labor and climbing stairs and ladders.
• Proper use and maintenance of Fire Department buildings, fire equipment and apparatus.  
• Oral and written communication skills including record-keeping and report writing techniques.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of City and county roads and maps.
• Read, interpret, apply, and explain fire codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, including knowledge of building codes and types of construction. 
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy and ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with customers and employees. 

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Specialized fire equipment and apparatus, ambulances equipment and apparatus; pumps, hoses, and related hydraulic equipment; self-contained breathing apparatus; specialized tools and equipment to save lives, protect property, suppress fires.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Heavy lifting, bending, stooping, crawling, and pulling hoses to suppress fires and rescue victims; reaching overhead and above shoulders; carrying victims; standing and walking for extended periods of time; climbing ladders for rescue; utilize hand and power tools for medical and fire emergencies. Seeing, speaking, and hearing to evaluate and communicate emergency situations, and dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized fire and EMS equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Indoor and outdoor environment; adverse weather conditions; subject to working around fumes and smoke.  Fire, smoke, and fumes inhalation; working with people with unknown medical problems; working at heights; extreme weather conditions; exposure to contagious diseases and blood; working with hostile or abusive individuals; toxic fumes, hazardous materials; working in confined spaces; falling objects.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Must be a minimum of 21 years of age by the of hire, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and be a high school graduate or equivalent. Valid State driver's license, a good driving record, and the ability to obtain an Emergency Vehicle Incident Prevention (EVIP) certificate within the first 3 months of hire. Non-user of tobacco products on and off the job. Two (2) years of continuous full-time employment as a Firefighter/EMT or Firefighter/Paramedic. Current WA State EMT or Current WA State Paramedic certification.  National registry EMT or Paramedic certification is accepted, but the employee must complete the transfer of the certification to the State of Washington within 30 days of date of hire. Ability to meet the City’s physical and medical standards.

Note: As a condition of employment, employees hired after March 2, 2004, and are currently certified or are expecting to be certified as a paramedic within six months of the completion of their paramedic educational program shall maintain that certification for a period of not less than six (6) years beginning from their date of hire.  Failure to achieve certification within the allotted time may be grounds for termination.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bilingual in Spanish. 

This organization participates in E-Verify, click the link below to view more information: Click here to see more information regarding E-Verify