Firefighter

STARTING SALARY PARAMEDIC: 75,659*
STARTING SALARY EMT BASIC: 72,659*

*Proposed FY24 annual base pay for Firefighter of $65,023 plus approximate built-in overtime of $5,685
*Paramedic pay includes $3,000 annual assignment pay

Under close supervision, performs firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical duties as required to protect lives and property; and maintains Fire Department equipment, tools, facilities, and vehicles.  The City of New Braunfels Fire Department operates under Chapter 143 of the Texas Local Government Code.

APPLICANTS MUST ALSO PASS THE PHYSICAL AGILITY STANDARDS AND MEET ALL OF THE ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THE “ADDITIONAL SUITABILITY FACTORS,” WHICH CAN BE FOUND ON OUR CITY WEBSITE AT:  

NOTICE OF EXAMINATION

ADDITIONAL SUITIBILITY FACTORS


PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.
 

• Operates, maintains, and inspects Fire Department vehicles, equipment, apparatus, tools, supplies and hydrants; inspects and maintains facilities and grounds; inspects, tests, evaluates and repairs equipment after use; notifies supervisors of repair issues/problems beyond the scope of authority or skills.
• Inspects and maintains personal protective equipment and assures that all firefighting equipment is in a state of readiness and available for immediate use.
• Responds to emergency alarms and calls and performs fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical duties as required to control emergency incident; relays orders, instructions and information on emergency actions, and follows orders in stressful conditions with immediate response and action.
• Operates emergency, fire, rescue, medical and life saving tools and equipment; assists and coordinates with law enforcement personnel and other responders as required; ventilates and enters burning structures to extinguish fires and rescue victims.
• Mitigates hazards, emergency situations and hazardous materials incidents; performs salvage and clean-up activities at fire and emergency scenes.
• Performs station maintenance; maintains station living quarters in clean and orderly condition; operates, inspects and maintains ambulance and other fire equipment; performs minor repairs on apparatus and equipment inside and outside of facilities.
• Learn current geography and physical layout of the City, traffic patterns, streets, landmarks and building locations, and special hazards of designated facilities, to assure that firefighting activities are accomplished in a fast, effective and safe manner.
• Assists in the preparation and maintenance of required documentation and records.
• Assists with inspection of buildings for fire hazards and compliance with fire prevention ordinances; may assist with fire investigations.
• Conducts public education sessions for a wide variety of audiences; participates in fire prevention, pre-fire planning and safety programs; assists with training of citizens and volunteer staff as assigned.
• Attends training programs to continuously update work skills and knowledge.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

 High school diploma or GED equivalent; must be eighteen (18) years of age. 

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License; acquire a Texas Class B Driver’s License within six (6) months of hire date.
• If Certified; must provide both:

1. Applicant must provide proof of Basic or higher Structural Firefighter certifications from Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) by the time of application or test date.
2. Applicant must provide proof of Basic or higher Emergency Medical Technician from Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) by time of application or test date. 

• If Non-Certified; must provide both:
• Applicant must provide proof of enrollment in TCFP Fire Academy or proof of out of state certifications and be eligible for reciprocity as a Firefighter with TCFP with initial application and must have successfully completed required certifications by date of conditional job offer 
• Applicant must provide proof of enrollment in DSHS approved EMT Basic program or currently hold a National Registry EMT Basic or higher certifications with the initial application; be in process of obtaining Texas DSHS certifications and must have successfully completed required certifications by date of conditional job offer.

Required Knowledge of:

• Fire Department and City policies, rules, guidelines, and procedures.
• Principles and practices of modern fire suppression, prevention, and emergency medical care.
• Procedures and equipment used in modern firefighting and emergency medical response.
• Operational characteristics of fire suppression apparatus and equipment.
• Methods and techniques of handling hazardous materials.
• City geography, traffic patterns, and the location of all streets, landmarks and buildings.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations governing fire safety.

 
Required Skill in:

• Providing firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical services under emergency conditions.
• Observing and following safe firefighting practices.
• Following orders under stressful conditions.
• Recognizing the construction, contents and occupancy of buildings in order to apply appropriate standard firefighting techniques.
• Assessing emergency medical needs, stabilizing patient, and providing emergency medical care.
• Operating and maintaining fire suppression apparatus, tools and equipment.
• Maintaining physical condition required for the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with City employees, State and Federal agencies, and the general public.  
• Performing maintenance and repair of firefighting vehicles, facilities, equipment, tools, and hydrants.
• Operating and maintaining computer and communications equipment.
• Effective, clear and concise communication, both verbally and in writing.

 
Physical Demands / Work Environment: 

• Work is performed outdoors and indoors with exposure to extreme weather conditions and temperature fluctuations with ability to rapidly adapt to changes.
• Requires constant and strenuous physical efforts including safely standing, kneeling, bending, crawling, and reaching for extended periods of time; ability to safely lift, carry, and move items weighing a minimum of one hundred (100) pounds and safely drag items weighing a minimum of one hundred seventy-five (175) pounds.
• Will be exposed to environmental allergens, gases, fumes, hazardous chemicals/materials, communicable diseases and potential physical harm; varying noise levels; dark and confined spaces.
• Must be able to work irregular hours in uniform or wearing full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus including weekends, holidays and evenings on any assigned shift.
• Must maintain a level of physical and mental fitness to meet standards.
• NOTE:  This position is designated safety and/or security sensitive.

Salary : $3,000 - $66,974