Temporary, full-time, non-exempt position.
Progression to a full-time, regular position upon successful completion of the Fire Academy. Depending on the number of vacancies, some academy graduates may not be hired immediately but will be placed on a waiting list.
 
Under close supervision, participate in assigned training and formal academic programs of instruction designed to qualify for certification as a Firefighter or Emergency Medical Technician in accordance with Las Cruces Fire Department and State of New Mexico requirements.
Position is subject to extended work hours when necessary; multiple tasks; strict deadlines; making sound judgments and decisions. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies. Essential duties and functions may include, but are not limited to, the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Attend and successfully complete Fire Academy, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) classes, and other formal fire training programs to qualify for certification as a Firefighter and an Emergency Medical Technician (Basic) if required.
• Participate in mandatory physical training to include but not limited to running, calisthenics, hose and dummy drags, and weight training.
• Participate in drills, demonstrations, firefighting training evolutions, and courses in maintenance and firefighting techniques.
• Train in the operation of rescue tools and other fire equipment.
• Train in the administration of emergency medical care.
• Train in the locating, controlling, and extinguishing of fires using applicable extinguishing agents.
• Train in other aspects of incident management, hazardous material, technical rescue, and aircraft rescue and firefighting.

High school diploma or equivalent. Age 18 by the start of the Fire Academy. No other work experience required at time of hire. Must maintain a level of physical fitness to meet department standards.
Valid driver's license required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy. Must maintain a minimum of New Mexico (NM) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic licensure throughout the period of employment.
The position has a preference for a New Mexico Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic, Intermediate, or Paramedic license. A copy of your New Mexico license is required prior to preference being applied and must be attached to your application or submitted when you report for the scheduled physical ability test.
The position has a preference for Firefighter II IFSAC certification. A copy of your IFSAC Firefighter II certificate is required prior to preference being applied and must be attached to your application or submitted when you report for the scheduled physical ability test. 
The position has a preference for a degree or a minimum of 65 college credit hours. A copy of your transcripts or diploma is required prior to preference being applied and must be attached to your application or submitted when you report for the scheduled physical ability test. 
MUST PASS: 

• Written exam (no study guide is provided)
• Assessment Board
• Upon offer of employment:
  • Physical Ability Test (PAT) or submittal of valid CPAT within the previous 6 months
  • Acrophobia test
  • Background investigation
  • Medical examination (includes drug screening and eye detect test). 

$45,136.00 annually while attending the Fire Academy (based on 40 hours/week), plus optional benefits.The tentative written test dates are scheduled for October 25 and October 26, 2024. These will be the only two dates that will be available for testing.
The tentative Fire Academy start date is scheduled for February 24, 2025. However, based on the number of qualified candidates, this pool of candidates may be used to fill additional academies with one possibly starting in July 2025.For further information, contact the Las Cruces Fire Academy at (575) 528-4250; email at fd-hiring@lascruces.gov or visit the website: The City of Las Cruces.Knowledge of: CLC Fire Department/academy policies and procedures, nationally recognized codes and standards, National Incident Management System (NIMS), firefighting and emergency services techniques and procedures, modern emergency response principles, practices, methods, techniques and equipment; local, state and Federal laws, regulations and ordinances; City policies and procedures.
Ability to: Assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects and demands; communicate effectively in verbal and written forms; establish and maintain effective working relations with co-workers, elected officials, and other firefighting and emergency services agencies.
Skills in: Operation and maintenance of firefighting, rescue, EMS equipment and tools required by the position; life support techniques and emergency medical care; working knowledge of personal computer with emergency reporting software; basic word processing and email software, preparing and maintaining accurate reports; above average technical reading, writing and oral communication.