FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC

Job Description

This position is responsible for performing fire suppression operations, ambulance transport, emergency medical response, water, ice, and technical rescue, along with prevention and inspection activities. Work involves the training for and participating in varied firefighting, emergency medical service, and lifesaving duties for the protection of life and property. Work activities involve fire suppression, basic and advanced emergency medical care, rescue, aircraft rescue firefighting (ARFF), community risk reduction activities, engine/truck/ambulance/rescue duties and hazardous materials response. In addition to emergency response, work involves fire prevention inspection and public education, routine care and maintenance of equipment, vehicles and fire station buildings and grounds. 

Work is generally performed under explicit instructions and well-defined protocols and procedures, however performance of the work requires initiative and a thorough understanding of firefighting, emergency medical services, rescue techniques and fire prevention methods. Considerable independence of judgment and action is allowed in circumstances of extreme urgency where referral to a supervisor for instruction is not possible. Superiors review work through observation and results obtained.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.

• Emergency Response (30%) – Respond immediately to a wide variety of fire and other emergency situations. The dangers and complexity of these emergencies vary, so operations require organization and teamwork. At emergency scenes, perform specific duties assigned by a supervising officer which may include the following: connect hose lines to hydrants, operate pump, position ladders, ventilate smoke-filled areas, operate equipment, respond to special operations situations, and salvage the contents of buildings. Perform emergency medical care to the ill and injured. Carry and operate basic and advanced lifesaving equipment like cardiac defibrillators and medications. After calls complete thorough and accurate documentation of actions taken during patient care or emergency operations.

• Preparedness and Training (30%) – Perform company level and department-wide training in EMS, firefighting, special operations, and other duties as assigned. Prepare written reports on fire incidents and review fire science material and EMS protocols and concepts to keep abreast of technological developments, administrative practices, and policies.

• Risk Reduction (20%) – Conduct periodic inspections of commercial and residential occupancies to determine code compliance. Using knowledge of fire hazards and local fire and building codes, check exit routes, storage and use of flammable and combustible materials, and evaluate hazardous conditions that might result in a fire. After completing inspections, explain findings to building property managers or owners in a courteous and professional manner and enter inspection results in department electronic records. 

• Equipment and Facility Maintenance (10%) - Perform daily and periodic checks of department vehicles and equipment with diligent attention to detail, realizing that the lives of the firefighter, fellow department members, and the public depend on the vehicles, tools, and equipment being ready for service at all times. Document discrepancies such as broken or missing equipment on assigned department checklists and electronic records per department policies. Complete daily and periodic cleaning and maintenance of fire station buildings, grounds and equipment at the direction of company officers. 

• Collaboration (10%) - Support the mission, vision, and values of the Oshkosh Fire Department. Attend meetings and participate on committees and workshops as assigned. Represent the department in a professional manner. Work collaboratively with other employees, departments, and public entities to more effectively deliver services to the public. 

• Perform other tasks and duties as assigned.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience • High school diploma or equivalent; major course work in or completion of an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science or a related field is desirable. • Valid Driver’s License. • Must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. • Nationally Registered Paramedic or Wisconsin Licensed Paramedic. • Wisconsin Firefighter I Certification. • Wisconsin Firefighter II and Wisconsin Driver Operator Pumper and Aerial or equivalent as required by Wisconsin Statute SPS 330 prior to completion of probation. • Hazardous Materials Technician and Wisconsin Fire Inspector I certifications are desirable. • Previous related work experience or internship as a firefighter and/or paramedic is desirable.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Thorough knowledge of all firefighting and emergency response techniques and procedures in accordance with established policies and guidelines. • Thorough knowledge of the uses, maintenance requirements, and location of all emergency equipment, tools and apparatus used by the department. • A working knowledge of the chemistry of fire, building construction, fire and building codes and the ability to apply this knowledge to specific fire and emergency situations and related activities. • A working knowledge of the operation of major apparatus such as pumpers and aerials, including basic hydraulics and aerial ladder placement operations. • A working knowledge of basic and advanced emergency medical care according to national and state standards. • A working knowledge of medical protocols established by the medical director of the Oshkosh Fire Department. • Knowledge of fire prevention and inspection methods, laws, and ordinances. • Knowledge of the physical layout of the city streets and major buildings. • Knowledge of the policies, rules, and regulations of the city and the fire department. • Skill in the use of firefighting hand and power tools, apparatus, and other equipment and supplies. • Skill in the use of emergency medical care and diagnostic equipment. • Ability to communicate effectively and fluently in the English language, both orally and in writing. • Ability to recognize and identify fire and life safety issues that need to be addressed and to take the appropriate actions. • Ability to work with moderate levels of supervision. • Ability to maintain accurate records and to use technology. • Ability to use complex instruments and equipment. • Ability to read and interpret technical written materials, codes, ordinances, and standards. • Ability to establish effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, other agencies, and the public. • Ability to work in conditions involving confined spaces, heights, high noise and temperature, and extreme weather. • Ability to deal with people in stressful situations and carry out assigned tasks. • Ability to utilize basic and advanced emergency medical care. • Ability and endurance to efficiently and effectively perform strenuous physical labor in stressful and life threatening situations in accordance with Wisconsin Department of Commerce, Chapter Comm. 30.   TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Equipment that is standard in the role of a firefighter/EMS provider, such as SCBA, hand and power tools, hose lines, motor vehicles, two-way radios, personal computer, computer software and hardware, phones, copy machine and calculator.

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.

The employee is frequently required to do the following:  • While wearing personal protective ensemble and SCBA, perform fire-fighting tasks (hose line operations, extensive crawling, lifting and carrying heavy objects, ventilating roofs or walls using power to hand tools, forcible entry, etc.), rescue operations, and other emergency response actions under stressful conditions, including working in extremely hot or cold environments for prolonged periods. • Wear SCBA, which includes a demand valve-type positive-pressure facepiece or HEPA filter masks, which requires the ability to tolerate increased respiratory workloads. • Be exposed to toxic fumes, irritants, particulates, biological (infection) and nonbiological hazards, and/or heated gases, despite the use of personal protective ensembles and SCBA. • Climb six or more flights of stairs while wearing a fire protective ensemble weighing at least 50 lb (22.6 kg) or more and carrying equipment/tools weighing an additional 20 to 40 lb (9 to 18 kg). • Wear a fire protective ensemble that is encapsulating and insulated, which will result in a significant fluid loss that frequently progresses to clinical dehydration and can elevate core temperature to levels exceeding 102.2°F (39°C). • While wearing personal protective ensemble and SCBA, searching, finding, and rescue-dragging or carrying victims ranging from newborns to adults weighing over 200 lb (90 kg) to safety despite hazardous conditions and low visibility. • While wearing personal protective ensemble and SCBA, advancing water-filled hose lines up to 2 1/2” (65 mm) in diameter from fire apparatus to occupancy (approximately 150 ft (50 m), which can involve negotiating multiple flights of stairs, ladders, and other obstacles. • While wearing personal protective ensemble and SCBA, climbing ladders, operating from elevated heights, walking or crawling in the dark along narrow and uneven surfaces, and operating in proximity to electrical power lines and/or other hazards. • Endure unpredictable emergency requirements for prolonged periods of extreme physical exertion without the benefit of warm-up, scheduled rest periods, meals, access to medication(s), or hydration. • Operate fire apparatus or other vehicles in an emergency mode with emergency lights and sirens. • Undertake critical, time-sensitive, and complex problem solving during physical exertion in stressful, hazardous environments, including hot, dark, tightly enclosed spaces that is further aggravated by fatigue flashing lights, sirens, and other distractions. • Communicate (give and comprehend verbal orders) while wearing personal protective ensembles and SCBA under conditions of high background noise, poor visibility, and drenching from hose lines and/or fixed protection systems (sprinklers). • Function as an integral component of a team where sudden incapacitation of a member can result in mission failure or risk of injury or death to civilians or other team members. • Work either a 24-hour shift in a rotation or a 40 hour shift, as assigned. Although there are times throughout the shift that the firefighter may rest or sleep, there is no assurance that the firefighter will be provided with any rest or sleep during the shift. In addition, it is possible for a firefighter to work multiple shifts during times of emergencies or personnel shortages. This could present a situation where the firefighter would be on duty for a considerable number of consecutive hours without time off from the shift work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

Work may be performed indoors or outdoors, exposed to weather conditions typical of Wisconsin. The work environment may vary from minimal to very hazardous conditions with potential exposure to high heat and toxic environments.

The noise level in the work environment may vary from quiet to extremely loud.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interview, background and reference checks, physical, psychological, and job-related tests may be required. 

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Annual Salary Range: $59,487 - $89,059

Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

Location : FIRE DEPARTMENT

Posting Start : 08/05/2026

Details : Link to NTN Hire Process