Firefighter

The Nantucket Fire Department seeks an experienced professional for the position of Career Firefighter/Paramedic. Under the supervision of a Captain, the Firefighter is required to perform routine and specialized duties associated with a range of services including but not limited to fire suppression, emergency medical, hazardous materials incidents, auto extrication, and public relations/education events to protect lives and property in the Town of Nantucket. The Firefighter performs in accordance with department policies, department personnel by-laws, rules and regulations, standard operating guidelines, State EMS protocols or otherwise instructed by a superior officer. Certified Massachusetts EMTs may apply and will be required to obtain and maintain Paramedic certification as condition of employment.

Full Time; Union Position; Start annual salary $79,256

The Town of Nantucket offers a retirement pension through Barnstable County Retirement, 90% employer sponsored health insurance plan options and a diverse selection of supplemental insurance policies.

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Definition:

Protects life and property by performing firefighting, emergency aid, hazardous materials handling, and fire prevention duties; maintains fire equipment, apparatus and facilities; all other related work as required.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities/Functions:

• Responds to alarms and emergency conditions to assist in combating and extinguishing fires; performs firefighting activities utilizing fire hoses, heavy stream appliances and extinguishers and ladders; ventilates burning buildings, using forcible entry tools, if necessary; enters burning buildings to evacuate and rescue persons in danger; responds to rescue calls: spreads salvage covers, removes excess water and debris; secures buildings against rekindling, inclement weather, and trespassers. 
• Performs emergency aid activities including administering first aid and resuscitation; provides other assistance as required; performs emergency rescue and extrication work in accidents involving elevators, machinery, motor vehicles and the like; searches and removes persons from entrapment in buildings.
• The Firefighter/Paramedic shall be expected to perform emergency medical tasks including, but not limited to: Rendering care to patients of all types; Lifting, carrying and immobilizing patients; Extricating patients from confined areas; Obtaining patient histories, vital signs and related information for documentation and communication to other care givers; Cleaning and preparing vehicles and medical equipment for use, restocking supplies, performing routine checks of emergency medical equipment; Retrieving supplies and equipment after use; Completing reports, forms, and other documentation related to the incident; Communicating by means of radio or telephone; Acquiring new knowledge and skill in the area of emergency medical services; Performing other duties as necessary to complete emergency medical services operations.
• The Firefighter/Paramedic shall, as required by his/her level of EMS training, supply thorough and accurate reports of a patients history, physical findings, and treatment in order to administer Advanced Life Support care; must demonstrate interest in the patient's feelings and respect for patient's privacy; represent the patients best interest and must not permit actions of others to compromise patientcare; must know when to seek help from his/her medical director or from other supporting services; must be aware of the consequences of administering Advanced Life Support including but not limited to medication and intravenous administrations, defibrillation and cardioversion, endotracheal intubation and other skills; shall remain in control of himself/herself in emergency situations and act in a sympathetic manner when dealing with patients whose behavior may be altered by illness, anxiety, or other underlying conditions.
• The Firefighter/Paramedic shall perform all the duties usual and customary to the position of Paramedic in addition to those listed above, including but not limited to care and maintenance of advanced life support equipment; inventory, exchange and procurement of advanced life support supplies including drugs, intravenous solutions and related items; maintenance of knowledge and skills as introduced to the profession and EMS system; Educating through formal or informal training other personnel in areas of EMS and related topics; Maintains the highest level of patient care as an example for other personnel to follow.
• Maintains and tests fire apparatus equipment and fire hose; maintains clean and orderly condition of the fire station and performs minor maintenance repairs; cleans and washes wall and floors; cares for grounds around station; washes and hangs and dries hose; washes, cleans, polishes, maintains and tests apparatus and equipment.
• Assists in developing plans for special assignments such as emergency preparedness, hazardous communications, training programs, firefighting, hazardous materials, and emergency aid activities.
• Attends departmental drill school, company drills and training classes in firefighting and related subjects; participates in routine fire inspections of buildings.
• Assists in the administration of all aspects of fire prevention regulations contained in 527 CMR and other applicable codes and ordinances.
• Assists in providing public education on fire and life safety and related subjects to civic groups, schools, the public, and others who request information.
• Maintains fire department water supplies.
• Communicates with other shifts to give and receive pertinent information, relaying orders from officers to firefighters  
• Performs similar or related work as required or as situation dictates.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications: 

Education and Experience

• Graduation from high school or equivalent; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certified Massachusetts Paramedic or NREMT Paramedic and able to obtain Massachusetts certification.
• ACLS certified.
• PALS certified.

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability:

Knowledge: Working knowledge of the streets and physical layout of the town of Nantucket helpful. Some knowledge of general building construction required. Knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems will be helpful. Training in the use of hydraulic and other related power equipment. Working knowledge of first aid and resuscitation techniques and their application.

Skill: Candidate must demonstrate skill in the handling of all fire department equipment and tools.

Ability: The candidate must possess the ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the general public; courage and emotional stability; ability to apply standard firefighting and emergency aid techniques to specific situations.

Salary : $79,257 - $113,794