This is a full-time, hourly position that reports to the Battalion Chief or designee. Responsible technical and skilled work/apprenticeship in the Fire Rescue field, working and studying to complete the required training program(s) and gain practical experience necessary to become a State of Florida certified Firefighter-Emergency Medical Technician. Work shift will be Monday- Friday, 8:00AM- 5:00PM (40 hours/week). Hours may vary depending on school schedule and assignments.
Exudes a positive customer service focus.
Work involves attending classes, studying, learning, and performing firefighting and emergency rescue, including the administration of emergency medical treatment, under close supervision.
Operate County vehicles in a safe and lawful manner at all times.
Learn and participate in the operation of firefighting and emergency medical services equipment and apparatus and support services.
Assist with community service activities/special details
Training (classroom/practical) as assigned by the Training Division
Learn and perform general maintenance and cleaning work in the upkeep of Fire Rescue equipment, vehicles, furnishings and structures.
Assist Fire Rescue personnel with maintaining the fire truck and other Fire Rescue vehicles in an efficient, operational condition, including vehicle inspection.
Learn Florida safety requirements and privileges when responding to nonemergency and emergency calls, including both fire and emergency medical calls.
Learn and become familiar with the County’s geography and have a firm understanding and ability to properly utilize the Department map book and any other appropriate maps.
At all times represents the Department in a professional, courteous and considerate manner when dealing with fellow employees, other municipalities, County or private agencies, the public, County officials, or superiors within the Department.
Perform all Department activities in a safety conscious manner and utilize Universal Precautions on all medical emergencies.
Perform work in accordance with explicit instructions and well-defined procedures.
Perform all other tasks and/or duties as required or assigned and within the skills/abilities of the Firefighter.
Regular attendance is an essential function of this position.
This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Putnam County.
The essential functions are what the Firefighter is expected to perform at emergency incidents and are derived from the performance objectives stated in NFPA 1001, “Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications”.
Have a firm working knowledge of current methods and techniques used in medical, rescue, firefighting and emergency procedures.
Have the ability to make clear, concise reports both orally and in writing. Have basic computer skills to run and prepare reports.
Have the ability to read, comprehend, and comply with the various SOPs, memoranda, bulletins, orders, policies, and other written documents concerning procedures and operations as set forth by the Department or other governmental agencies.
Have the ability to reach calmly, promptly, and to understand and follow oral and written instructions in emergency and non-emergency situations.
Have the skill and physical ability to efficiently and effectively operate all tools, appliances and equipment supplied by the Department that are used during medical emergencies, fire suppression, extrication, ventilation, forcible entry, salvage or the overhaul process.
Have the ability to drive a vehicle on emergency and non-emergency responses.
Know the location of all area hospitals and be able to reach these facilities, from any area within the County or nearby areas adjacent to the County, using the safest and most expedient route.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
A High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.
Must be able to pass and maintain a Level II criminal background screening
Must successfully complete all assigned classes/programs and pass Florida State exams to become certified in all job requirements of a Firefighter EMT with Putnam County Emergency Services within one year.
Must be enrolled in EMT and/or Firefighter minimum standards.
Must be an active Putnam County Fire Rescue Apprentice, be in good standing with the Department & County for 90 days or have successfully completed EMT/FF classes from an accredited institution.
(A comparable amount of training, education, or experience may be substituted for the above minimum qualifications.)
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS
Valid Florida driver’s license with clean driving record
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:
Must be physically capable and medically approved to perform the necessary duties in accordance with State laws. Refer to NFPA 1582 “Firefighter Medical Standards” for specific requirements.
Shall, as a member of a two-person crew, have the strength and range of motion to lift a 200-pound patient from the ground, a bed, or from a vehicle; either supported by immobilization equipment or unsupported.
Shall, as a member of a two-person crew, have the strength and range of motion to lift a 200-pound patient on an ambulance stretcher from the ground position to the load position, and into an ambulance.
Shall have the physical ability and dexterity to perform the medical care skills included in the EMT/Paramedic curriculums and Department EMS SOP in such standard scenarios as a supine or prone patient on the ground, a bed, or in a vehicle.
Operate both as a member of a team and independently at incidents of uncertain duration.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Spend extensive time outside exposed to the elements.
Tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing duties. Must perform physically demanding work in hot (up to 400°F), humid (up to 100%) atmospheres while wearing equipment that significantly impairs body-cooling mechanisms.
Experience frequent transition from hot to cold and from humid to dry atmospheres.
Work in wet, cold, or muddy areas.
Perform a variety of tasks on slippery, hazardous surfaces such as on rooftops or from ladders.
Work in areas where sustaining traumatic or thermal injuries is possible.
Face exposure to carcinogenic dusts such as asbestos, toxic substances such as hydrogen cyanide, acids, carbon monoxide, or organic solvents either through inhalation or skin contact. Applicable Florida law requires firefighters to not be tobacco users for one year prior to certification and personnel hired after the adoption of this document must remain “tobacco free.”
Face exposure to infectious agents such as hepatitis B or HIV, etc.
Wear personal protective equipment that weights approximately 50 pounds while performing firefighting tasks.
Perform physically demanding work while wearing positive pressure breathing equipment with 1.5 inches of water column resistance to exhalation at a flow of 40 liters per minute.
Perform complex tasks during life-threatening emergencies.
Work for long periods of time, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration.
Face life or death decisions during emergency conditions.
Be exposed to grotesque sights and smells associated with major trauma, burn victims and fatalities.
Make rapid transitions from rest to near maximal exertion without warm-up period.
Operate in environments of high noise, poor visibility, limited mobility, at heights, and in enclosed or confined spaces.
Use manual and power tools in the performance of duties.
Rely on senses of sight, hearing, smell, and touch to help determine the nature of the emergency, maintain personal safety, and make critical decisions in a confused, chaotic, and potentially life-threatening environment throughout the duration of the operation.
(Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability or disabilities.)
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Regular attendance is an essential function of this position.
