Firefighter Paramedic

Position descriptions/specifications are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties, tasks, and responsibilities associated with a specified position. Therefore, descriptions/specifications may not include all duties performed by the individual. In addition, descriptions/specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the position/class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position/class.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The purpose of the Paramedic/Firefighter position is to perform firefighting, emergency medical and rescue work in emergency situations. The Paramedic/Firefighter provides advanced and basic life support care under SFD Medical Director’s approved protocols and statutes and ensures other EMT personnel provide basic life support under their oversight. Paramedic/Firefighters are assigned to a field station and perform a wide variety of emergency medical, firefighting, and rescue techniques under direct and limited supervision and maintain apparatuses, vehicles, equipment, and fire stations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

(The duties listed below are in addition to the essential duties and responsibilities of the Firefighter  job description)

Performs basic and advanced life support care as set forth by the CDPH&E, SFD Medical Director and the department; utilizes various pieces of medical equipment; maintains current working knowledge of all medical equipment. Instructs, guides, coaches, and trains EMTs and other personnel in emergency medical techniques and procedures; teaches formal and informal classroom trainings as needed and assists with remedial skill development as assigned. Acts as a patient representative to other agencies and receiving hospital; oversees continuity of care when patient care is being transferred to a healthcare facility or another health care provider. Functions as a department representative at hospitals, EMS training organizations, schools, etc. Oversees patient care which is directly administered by EMT personnel or other less senior paramedics; coordinates patient care administered by other agencies which may respond.

Firefighter I Description

PRIMARY PURPOSE: Responds to all medical emergencies and administers life saving measures as defined by the State Department of Health and Sterling Fire Protocols. Controls and extinguishes fires and engages in search and rescue for the preservation of life and property. Maintains apparatus, quarters, buildings, equipment, and grounds as directed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Under general supervision of the Fire Captain or incident commander, position works within prescribed standards and procedures; work varies somewhat, limited judgment is exercised, some leeway for discretion and independent action; adjust work methods to meet task requirements, supervisory guidance is readily available, any planning performed is for immediate application or short period up to one month; works regularly with some information which is generally limited, discretion and integrity are recognized requirements of the job. Position performs functions within the City of Sterling’s policies/procedures, quality standards and Fire Department policies and general orders. The position performs the following essential functions and responsibilities. (Essential functions are those functions that the individual who holds the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation.)

1. Respond to fire emergency calls as assigned, and perform tasks that may include search, rescue, ventilation, or suppression.
2. Use department equipment as appropriate to extinguish fires of all types in buildings, grass, terrain, automobiles, or other sites.
3. Respond to emergency medical care calls as assigned for assistance to sick or injured people and treat them according to guidelines.
4. Drive and operate all department vehicles as qualified and appropriate to the scene of the incident.
5. Perform daily equipment tests and upkeep tasks to keep all equipment and apparatus in state of readiness for emergencies.
6. Perform routine equipment maintenance, such as checking fluids, hoses, and air pressure, and making corrections. For mechanical maintenance and repair take to City shop. Design, recommend, and/or perform modifications and fabrication for equipment.
7. Participate in pre-planning fire tactics to improve service and rescue.
8. As directed, participate in training classes to maintain and upgrade knowledge, skills, and certification.
9. Check hydrants and test available water flows on a regular schedule and as needed; maintain records, including location and types of hydrants.
10. Perform work in accordance with all safety policies and procedures, including the protocols for infection control.
11. Wash equipment and perform station maintenance, such as washing windows, washing and waxing floors, cleaning kitchen utensils and equipment, and doing laundry.
12. On occasion, will make public presentations, conduct tours of the station, or assist in presenting training classes for other staff, volunteers, community groups, or fire personnel from other districts.
13. As directed, use computers to enter data and generate reports, and maintain necessary manual and computer records.
14. Participate in off-duty rotation call-back for standby and fire calls.
15. Performs other related functions as otherwise assigned, delegated or required by the Fire Chief.

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS: Generally the position responsibility for supervision of others is limited to assisting seasonal or new employees in routine work procedures; however, under some circumstances the position may supervise a small group of workers in office or field work; may act as a unit head as assigned in the absence of a higher authority.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (The qualifications listed below are in addition to the minimum qualifications of the Firefighter job description, see below.) 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS (An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position is qualifying.)

Graduated successfully from the SFD Training Center or other SFD-approved Fire Academy. Current Colorado State Paramedic Certification (Encouraged to maintain National Registry Paramedic Certification).

Current American Heart Association ACLS Provider. 

Must currently hold PALS certification.

Must meet the continuing education requirements of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Education (CDPH&E), the Medical Director, and SMFR.

 The Fire Chief may authorize an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs) (The KSAs listed below are in addition to the KSAs of the Firefighter job description)

Ability to perform rapid assessment and triage of single or multiple patients. Ability to perform physical movement, transfer, and extrication of ill or injured persons from potentially dangerous situations. Ability to carry, move, and assemble medical equipment in an efficient and accurate manner. Skill in troubleshooting medical equipment to assure the safe operations of all medical equipment. Skill in performing complicated and detailed mathematical calculations and equations. Ability to administer medical techniques in an accurate and specific manner according to protocols. Skill in performing invasive medical techniques with precision and caution to avoid additional injury to patients. Ability to always practice universal precautions and infection control techniques. Ability to provide accurate and complete medical reports to other hospital or EMS personnel. Ability to always ensure a safe environment for patients and others involved in providing of emergency medical care. Technical skill in such therapies of intravenous cannulation, intubations, chest decompressions, etc.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general supervision of the Station Lieutenant/Captain.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: This is a non-supervisory position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Maintains an appropriate level of personal fitness to pass the SFD annual physical testing requirements.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Must possess basic swimming skills and be water safe due to potential for assignment to ice, water, or swift water rescue incidents. Very Heavy Work: Exerting up to 150 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision acuity and the ability to adjust his or her focus, allowing a broad field of vision. Visual and fine/gross motor skills enabling the safe operation of a vehicle during normal, as well as during hazardous weather situations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during day and night shifts. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. Incumbent is exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents, and oils. The employee occasionally works near moving, mechanical parts, in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and vibration. It is reasonably anticipated that the individual will be exposed to blood-borne pathogens and other infectious materials in the course of their duties. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, except during certain firefighting or EMT activities when noise levels may be loud. Due to the nature of emergency services, it is imperative that all essential personnel be available via phone during off duty hours for SFD to staff its various facilities and functions adequately and consistently for routine work situations and emergency occurrences.

Firefighter I Qualifications 

QUALIFICATIONS:

The degree of knowledge, ability and physical requirements as outlined under this section is that which is necessary to satisfactory perform the essential functions of this position. Employees should be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential physical functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities and possess the necessary physical requirements, with or without the aid of mechanical devices, to perform safely the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge of: (The listed knowledge requirements are not necessarily mandatory for entry into the position but will be required to be demonstrated as part of the performance evaluation process.)

• • Fire suppression and prevention techniques, practices, procedures and methods;
  • Fire protection systems, including sprinkler and alarm systems and fire hydrant location;
  • Safety standards, procedures, and precautions utilized in firefighting activities;
  • Geography and street system of the City and location of major buildings;
  • Emergency medical practices and CPR procedures;
  • Safe and appropriate use of firefighting equipment and related tools.

Ability to:

1. Participate in and attend training courses, perform self-directed reading and studying of assigned materials related to firefighting, prevention and emergency medical services, and effectively apply new information to enhance departmental operations.
2. Meet physical agility test standards set forth in Sterling Fire Department Operations;
3. Operate effectively and safely a variety of City vehicles in emergency situations and routine operations; and to use a variety of hand and power tools appropriate for emergency and fire situations;
4. Use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing to prevent exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases;
5. Represent Department/Division and the City of Sterling in a positive responsive manner to the public, fellow employees, volunteers, and supporters.
6. Communicate in an effective, cordial, tactful, and professional manner suitable for the situation, using appropriate English, while performing activities in which employee must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to fellow employees and other members of the general public;
7. Receive, comprehend and follow complex written and/or oral instructions of moderate length or complexity; to compile information, to complete and file accurate reports, within City and departmental time parameters;
8. Exercise sound judgment, reasoning and decision making which produces logical and consistent results and outcomes.
9. Operate a computer utilizing such software programs as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Physical Requirements:

Position generally performs moderate physical work including encountering and lifting weights of fifty (50) pounds; some lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 100 pounds for short distances; some pushing, pulling, and climbing while performing station and vehicle maintenance; moves about on foot to accomplish tasks. Duties require a multitude of movements involving standing; lifting, stacking, walking, pushing and pulling.

• • Physical requirements may be extended dependent upon response circumstances to heavy physical work which will include: ability to extend hands(s) and arm(s) in any direction; pick, pinch, work with fingers and palm as well as whole hand; exert up to fifty (50) pounds of force; lift over the head and carry weights of at least one hundred (100) pounds; move about on foot to accomplish tasks; bend body downward and forward by bending leg or spine; bend knees to come to rest on knee or knees; climb ladders, ascend or descend stairs, slide down a fire pole; use upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward; push/pull, lift, move, draw/drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion for extended periods of time (e.g. laying hose, acting as nozzle person, positioning ladders and other firefighting activities); and perform duties while wearing breathing apparatus and other cumbersome equipment. Very heavy strenuous labor work is defined as, for example, exerting force sufficient to lift and carry up to 175 pounds of body weight and occasionally, as a team member, to lift and maneuver onto a gurney body weight up to 600 pounds, or as necessary lift whatever weight is required to handle the emergency or rescue. Often the lifting must be done in spaces where use of correct lifting techniques is not possible.
  • Physical mobility sufficient to carry out the primary purpose of the position at various response sites under a variety of weather, climatic conditions.
  • Visual acuity with eyesight sufficient for work which deals largely with driving heavy trucks, operating pumper control panels, utilizing firefighting equipment, performing basic lifesaving measures sometimes in dim light conditions, preparing records and reports, and visual inspection which may involve small parts/defects in repairs and maintenance; normal depth perception and peripheral vision sufficient for work which deals largely with observing actions of others, driving vehicles, reading and writing clear and accurate reports, operating a typewriter and computer keyboard, and visual inspection which may involve small parts/defects, errors and defects.
  • Hearing acuity sufficient to receive, comprehend and understand detailed information through oral communications, telephone conversations, radio traffic, etc., and to make fine discriminations in sounds in order to perform duties safely, such as to use stethoscope to assess heart and lung sounds where ambient noise is a factor, communicating with team members, and the use of portable radios while wearing self-contained breathing apparatus.
  • Requires the ability to work long varied hours/shifts and adjust sleep patterns; ability to drive at night; ability to sit in and/or drive a vehicle for extended periods of time.
  • Cognitive ability sufficient to perform and understand and apply simple to complex mathematical concepts.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Employee may be exposed to adverse environmental conditions, smoke, toxic fumes or chemicals, biological and synthetic hazardous materials, heat, noise, vibration, heights or confining spaces, and must be able to perform tasks during inclement and sometimes extreme weather conditions. The position is required to wear protective gear, carry appropriate tools and wear a self-contained breathing apparatus, weighing a combined total of 100 lbs.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

1. May perform routine office tasks such as answering phone, taking messages, and preparing records or reports on departmental activities, emergency calls, and volunteer records;
2. May present fire safety programs to civic, business, and school groups;
3. May attend evening meetings and work extra hours;
4. May serve on special City task forces
5. Subject to 24-hour call back for emergency conditions;
6. May assist in special projects as needed or otherwise delegated or assigned.
7. May assist emergency medical personnel in transportation of patients to hospital.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Education: High School or G.E.D.

Experience: None, experience in operating heavy trucks or in the fire service is preferred.

Training/Certifications: Current valid National Registry and/or State of Colorado EMT/ Intermediate/Paramedic certification, AND Colorado Firefighter I Certification

Special Requirements:

Possess and maintain of a valid Colorado driver’s License or ability to obtain same within 30 days of employment; must maintain licensing and certification, once attained, continuously throughout employment. Minimum 21 years of age at time of hire.

WHAT WE OFFER 

• Retirement you can count on – Membership in the Fire & Police Pension Association of Colorado (FPPA), a defined benefit pension plan that provides:
  • Guaranteed monthly retirement benefits based on years of service and highest average salary
  • Disability and survivor benefits for you and your family
  • Optional DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Plan) program once eligible
  • Portability options if you leave FPPA-covered employment
  • City of Sterling contributes 10.5% of pay annually (increasing by 0.5% each year until reaching a full 12% match in 2028). Officers contribute 12%.
  • FPPA membership replaces Social Security (FICA) contributions.
• Additional retirement savings – Access to 457(b) deferred compensation plans through Empower and MissionSquare, with both pre-tax and Roth (post-tax) contribution options.
• Health coverage you can trust – Medical, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options.
• Peace of mind – City-paid life and AD&D insurance, with options to add supplemental coverage.
• Time to recharge – Paid time off starting at 8.11 hours per pay period (and growing with service), plus paid holidays.
• Wellness perks – Free access for you and your household to the Sterling Recreation Center and Logan County Shooting Range, plus wellness incentives.
• Support when you need it – Short- and long-term disability insurance, Employee Assistance Program, and more.

Apply Now – Position Open Until Filled

If you’re ready to bring your law enforcement career to the next level and take on the rewarding responsibility of being a Police K-9 Handler, apply today!

The City of Sterling is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who are committed to protecting and serving our community.