What are the responsibilities and job description for the Firefighter EMT Trainee | Firefighter EMT | Firefighter Paramedic | Lateral Firefighter Paramedic position at City of Palo Alto?
Firefighter EMT Trainee (without EMT) | Firefighter EMT | Firefighter Paramedic | Lateral Firefighter Paramedic
We are accepting and reviewing applications to establish an eligibility list for a Fall 2024 Academy.
Want to reach out and serve the community as a highly trained Firefighter EMT/Paramedic?
We are seeking candidates for various firefighting roles at different levels of expertise for our Fall 2024 recruitment (tentative dates below). All positions require completion of training as a Firefighter EMT, or Paramedic, assigned to Fire Operations. We encourage you to apply and select the questionnaire at the end of this application that best matches your certification and experience.
The Fire Department
Prior to 1920 when the city hired its first professional firefighter, the Palo Alto Fire Department operated as a volunteer fire service organization that served the community. The department, over its existence, has continued to evolve to remain cutting-edge as the community has changed. Because of growing demand in the industry, the Palo Alto Fire Department began providing paramedic services in 1975 and began providing fire-rescue and ambulances services to Stanford under contract. The Palo Alto Fire Department has continued to keep pace with the industry, as demands changed within the city and as further service offerings were made available to the community.
Today the department provides its services from six fire stations, located strategically throughout the city. The department is staffed with approximately 96 uniformed and 7 civilian professionals. The department deploys 4 Type 1 engines, 1 Squad, 1 Tractor-drawn Tiller Truck, 2 Type III engines, 2 patrols, 3 Ambulances, and various trailers and specialty apparatus.
The Palo Alto Fire Department continues to remain mission focused as evidenced by its international accredited status as well as its commitment to "strategic doing." The department embraces excellence in all that it does and continues to be dedicated to those it serves.
Palo Alto Fire Department Values
INTEGRITY and accountability to the community we serve.
An INNOVATIVE approach in combining transition and technology to improve health, safety, and welfare.
PROFESSIONALISM in our attitude, appearance, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Embracing the DIVERSITY of our members backgrounds and experiences which allows us to effectively respond to emergencies and outreach opportunities.
COMPASSION in our service and supporting each other with empathy, sincerity, and respect.
Ongoing EDUCATION as we continually improve ourselves and our skills to increase our own safety and better protect the communities we serve.
Mission Statement
We are a professional team dedicated to safeguarding and enriching the lives of anyone, anytime, anywhere with compassion and pride.Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Functions:
Responds to emergency alarms and performs all necessary fire fighting and rescue activities. Assists in maintaining fire apparatus and equipment.
Attends specialized training in firefighting, fire prevention inspections and first aid. Participates in company drills, inspections, housekeeping duties and other related tasks. May perform duties as relief Apparatus Operator.
Assists in performing related life and property protection.
Performs emergency actions during adverse conditions involving exposure to hazardous materials.
Helps with delivery of emergency medical care to patients within the guidelines of Emergency Medical Technical certification guidelines.
Performs maintenance duties at fire stations. Responds to special emergency calls during off hours. May be assigned specialized duties.
Participates in public relations and training activities to the public.
Related Functions:
May assist in conducting training programs. Assists in bicycle license program.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Open Positions:
Firefighter EMT/Trainee
- Role: Sponsored through EMT Academy before joining the Fire Academy.
- Requirements: No prior EMT certification. Must successfully pass EMT school to advance.
- EMT Academy: Starts first week of August 2024 (Full-time program until October 2024).
- Employment: Sponsored employment by City of Palo Alto throughout training.
- Advancement: Successful candidates move to Fire Academy as a Firefighter EMT for further training.
Firefighter EMT
- Role: Ready to start Fire Academy.
- Requirements: Must have completed EMT certification (NREMT/California EMT).
- Assessment: EMT Field Training Assessment required before Fire Operations duty.
Firefighter Paramedic
Paramedics who have completed the required training and have been accredited in accordance with the program and possess their paramedic license, will receive a 14% differential in addition to their base salary effective beginning with the date of assignment to rotational Paramedic duty.
- Role: Ready to start Fire Academy.
- Requirements: Must hold Paramedic Licensure (NREMT-P/California Paramedic).
- Assessment: Paramedic Field Training Assessment required before Fire Operations duty.
Lateral Firefighter/Paramedic
Paramedics who have completed the required training and have been accredited in accordance with the program and possess their paramedic license, will receive a 14% differential in addition to their base salary effective beginning with the date of assignment to rotational Paramedic duty.
- Role: Minimal onboard training; quick transition to Fire Operations.
- Requirements: Completed Fire Academy (FF1 or FF2 equivalent) and active Paramedic License in good standing.
- Training: In-house abbreviated academy and a Paramedic Field Training Assessment.
- Compensation: Eligible for higher pay classifications based on qualifications.
Special Requirements:
Age: 21 YEARS OR OLDER.
Height and weight proportional according to medical standards.
Vision correctable to 20/30 in one eye and 20/40 in the other eye. Mild red-green color defects are acceptable, but complete color blindness is disqualifying.
Possession of a valid California Driver's License at time of appointment. Ability to pass medical examination.
Possession of a current valid CPAT card issued within the last 12 months, by time of appointment.
If you are a current EMT-B or EMT-P you must have the ability to become CA State Licensed and accredit in Santa Clara County within 90 days after completion of academy.
If you are not an EMT-B you must have the ability to accredit in Santa Clara County within 90 days of completing your department sponsored EMT course.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
Application Deadline: Sunday, June 9th
NTN Test Submitted: Sunday, June 9th
Notification for PHQ Test Request: Week of June 10th *
PHQ Deadline: Thursday, June 14th*
Virtual Interviews: Week of June 17th*
Final Interviews with Fire Chief: Week of July 1st*
Dates with * are tentative and subject to change.
Academy Dates (tentative):
- EMT Academy: Week of 8/5/2024
- Fire Academy: Week of 10/7/2024
Thank you for considering a career with the Palo Alto Fire Department. To ensure a smooth application process and to meet all necessary deadlines, please carefully follow the instructions outlined below:
Apply Online:
Visit Gov Jobs and apply through the City of Palo Alto Firefighter Job Posting. You may be viewing this on the site already.
National Testing Network (NTN) Written Test:
If you have not already, please complete the NTN written test, which covers basic literacy, math, and mechanical aptitude. Review testing options (both in-person and virtual) on the NTN Website, and note that spaces may be limited.
Once completed, select Palo Alto to apply your score directly or, if using an old score, follow the procedures on the NTN website to pay the nominal fee to transfer your score to the Palo Alto Fire Department list.
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT):
All candidates are required to pass the CPAT through the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC). Visit their website for testing locations, dates, and preparation materials.
If you already possess a valid CPAT card (issued within the last year), please attach it to your application. If you do not have a valid CPAT card, schedule and complete your test as soon as possible, as this is mandatory before receiving a conditional job offer.
Submission Checklist:
Ensure your application on GovJobs.com is complete.
Verify that your NTN written test score is applied.
Attach a valid CPAT card or confirm your scheduled test date.
Attach any supporting documentation including:
EMT License
Paramedic License
CPR Card
Firefighter 1/ Firefighter 2
Resume
Please keep track of all deadlines and ensure your documents are completed and submitted according to the instructions provided. Review the timeline for the next steps and keep an eye out for any tentative dates regarding further processes.
The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
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