EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (Firefighter trainee 56)
Fire Rescue Division
**This position may require a physical ability/agility test**
Pay Grade: Z14
Hourly salary: $15.56
Annual salary: $53,526.40 (includes scheduled overtime & holiday)
Shifts: 24/48
Employee Benefits
Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks
Medical, Dental, Vision
Life Insurance
FRS Retirement
10 Paid Holidays
Paid Time Off
Tuition Reimbursement
Education Incentives
Deferred Compensation Plan
Wellness Incentives
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Free Employee Gym
Free Employee Health Clinic
Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below. The job description herein provides for the range of duties to be performed for this position. It is not intended to reflect all duties that are required within this position.
MAJOR FUNCTION
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. This individual is trained and licensed as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES
Employees in this class are also required to learn and participate in the operation of firefighting equipment and apparatus. The role of EMT-Firefighter Trainee involves attending classes, studying, and learning about performing firefighting and emergency rescue as a student. Study and perform conducive safety and comfort manners and methods in the handling and treatment of patients and fire victims.
Learn Florida safety requirements and privileges when responding to non-emergency and emergency calls, including both fire and emergency medical calls. Training and shadowing may involve an element of personal danger and occur over extended periods. Perform training activities in accordance with explicit instructions and well-defined procedures. Study and perform skills in defensive driving methods. Learn and become familiar with the roadway/highway systems within Polk County.
Learn and perform general maintenance and cleaning work in the upkeep of Fire Rescue equipment, vehicles, furnishings and structures. Shadow Fire Rescue personnel in maintaining the fire truck and other Fire Rescue vehicles in an efficient, operational condition, including checking gas, oil, water, belts, and tires.
Participate in specialized training and learn to perform Fire Rescue work. Study and practice the principles of fire rescue and emergency medical techniques in a wide variety of emergencies, under close supervision. May learn and receive training to assist Fire Rescue personnel in enclosed areas and maybe required to wear personal protective equipment.
Study and learn how to assist Fire Rescue personnel in responding to alarms of fire and/or medical emergencies in commercial, residential and multiple story structures, and at automobile accident scenes. Participates in fire drills and attends training classes in firefighting, emergency medical techniques and related subjects.
Learn to assist Fire Rescue personnel and operate fire rescue apparatus to and from a fire or rescue scene over the optimal route in the safest and most efficient manner in accordance with the Division’s policy.
Performs related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
Ability to:
Analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine the proper course of action.
React quickly and calmly under emergency conditions.
Learn and efficiently perform a wide variety of firefighting and emergency medical care duties, methods and techniques.
Climb stairs in multiple story buildings carrying heavy tools and equipment.
Learn and perform physically demanding duties, such as carrying victims and/or heavy equipment. Training may require lifting very heavy weight occasionally, heavy weight frequently and moderate weight constantly.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by the job.
Understand and execute complex oral and written instructions quickly.
Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
Work as a part of a team, supporting and assisting Fire Rescue personnel and other BoCC personnel as instructed.
Exercise sound, independent judgment as required.
Cope with stressful situations firmly, courteously and tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma.
a) Certifies under oath that he/she is not addicted to alcohol or any controlled substance.
b) Is at least 18 years of age
c) Certifies under oath that he/she is free from any physical or mental defect or disease that might impair his/her ability to drive an emergency vehicle and perform his/her duties.
d) Have not accrued 12 points within 36 months or 18 points within 48 months.
e) Have not been convicted of alcohol/drug related offenses within 36 months.
f) Have not been convicted of two (2) alcohol/drug related offenses within 10 years.
g) Have not had a suspension, revocation, or restriction due to moving violations or alcohol/ drug related problem, including failure to take a breath test within the 36 months prior to application for this position.
h) Applicant be licensed in the State of Florida license as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
i) Have not had two (2) failures to pay fines within 36 months.
j) Have not had two (2) seatbelt violations within 36 months.
k) Have not had three (3) lapses of insurance within 36 months.
l) No serious traffic violations such as leaving the scene or driving on a suspended license within 36 months.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must pass a drug screening test. Must pass a medical screening. Must pass a criminal background check. Shall be fingerprinted and subject to Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security check. Must obtain and maintain FBI CJIS Security Awareness certification through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, as a condition of employment.
Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide all units of measure.
Must have a telephone while employed with the Fire Rescue Division, as employee is subject to on-call duty in emergencies.
Must attend fire academy and obtain certification as a Florida certified firefighter upon first available fire academy class opening.
UPON SELECTION FOR EMPLOYMENT, THE TRAINEE MUST:
Sign a statement agreeing to reimburse Polk County Board of County Commissioners proportionately for program training costs, if he/she voluntarily terminates employment within two (2) years after obtaining the minimum standards firefighter and/or emergency medical technician certification.
Successfully complete training to obtain the required State of Florida Firefighter Certification and must maintain such certification.
Pass the required physical agility test within one year of employment.
The employee shall become certified as a State of Florida Firefighter and Paramedic.
Must attend fire academy and obtain certification as a Florida certified firefighter upon first available fire academy class opening.
Must obtain certification as a Florida State Paramedic within 18 months of date of hire.
Extension may be given based on the availability of either class at the sole discretion of management.
All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.