Firefighter Paramedic

Job descriptions/specifications are intended to indicate the essential functions and levels of work difficulty of the position and are not intended to describe in detail all of the position's specific duties and responsibilities nor exclude other duties of a similar level or difficulty.  Additionally, it is not intended to limit management's rights to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under their supervision.

DEFINITION

Respond to emergency calls to provide fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical assistance to the public.  Conduct fire prevention inspections; Perform general maintenance on fire apparatus, equipment, and facilities; Performs public education, and responds to and assists in mitigation of hazardous materials incidents.

 FF/PARAMEDIC

This position performs work of moderate difficulty related to Advance Life Support, Fire Rescue Operations, and Fire Prevention.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(Essential functions are those functions that the individual who hold the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation.)

• Serve as a representative of the City of Mesquite, demonstrating a positive attitude and progressive actions through the display of professionalism, courtesy, and appropriate tact and discretion in all interactions with other employees and with the public.
• Operate all types of fire operation and rescue equipment including portable fire extinguishers, pike poles, hand lines, ventilation equipment, salvage covers, forcible entry tools, aerial ladder equipment, and emergency medical equipment.
• Operate all types of ALS emergency medical equipment utilized by Mesquite Fire Rescue Department.
• Respond to emergency medical incidents; analyze patient needs and administer emergency medical care until relieved by proper medical personnel. 
• Transports sick and injured individuals from the incident scene to the appropriate hospital when deemed medically necessary and provides appropriate medical care during transport. 
• Preserve evidence at fire and medical scenes.
• Participate in fire station maintenance and housekeeping.
• Perform search and rescue of individuals in hazardous environments including collapsed buildings, auto accidents, hazardous material spills, and confined spaces.
• Attend special instruction in firefighting and emergency medical techniques; perform drills with other staff; become familiar with city layout, established response routes and hydrant system. 
• Participate in school drills, provide public information on fire prevention, first aid, CPR and career opportunities.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. 
• Protect confidential information by preventing unauthorized release, both verbal and/or writing. 
• Drive and operate emergency response apparatus.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED

• City vehicles
• Firefighting and EMS apparatus and equipment pertinent to the area or certification of expertise
• General office equipment
• Computers, electronic devices, and related software
• Personal protective equipment

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience, Education and Training:   Any equivalent combination of training, education and experience which provides the individual with the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:      

• High school diploma or G.E.D. 

 License or Certificate:

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Paramedic Certification OR Southern Nevada Health District EMT Paramedic Certification OR National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Paramedic.
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license and maintain satisfactory motor vehicle record.
• Accredited Firefighter I certification.

 Not required at time of application:

• National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic OR Southern Nevada Health District EMT Paramedic Certification if not currently certified must be obtained within the required time frame.
• State of Nevada/IFSAC Firefighter I & II must be obtained within the required time frame. If a probationary employee does not possess a Firefighter I certification upon hire, they will be paid an annual salary of $58,589.05. Upon completion of Nevada Firefighter I certification the employee will be paid an annual salary of $67,377.40 as posted for a firefighter with paramedic specialty pay.  Firefighter I certification training will be provided by the department during the employee's probationary period.  

 KNOWLEDGE

• Principles, practices and procedures of modern firefighting and emergency rescue.
• Operation of Fire and EMS apparatus, equipment, tools, devices, facilities and their proper use.
• Southern Nevada Health District Emergency Medical Services protocols and standards. https://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/programs/emergency-medical-services-trauma-system/regulations-manuals-protocols/
• Familiar with the city’s major cross streets and street numbering system.
• Operation and basic maintenance of small motors.
• Basic rescue techniques and procedures.
• Basic techniques for handling hazardous materials.
• Basic mathematical principles
• Rules, regulations, standard operating procedures, City of Mesquite policies and procedures. 

Skills

• Principles and practices of firefighting and rescue methods and procedures.
• Emergency medical assistance methods; hazards and safety precautions of the work.

Abilities

• Work under strict discipline and follow orders.
• Demonstrate mechanical aptitude as required in the operation of firefighting.
• Demonstrate physical aptitude as required by essential functions.
• Read and understand technical materials, rules, regulations and procedures related to firefighting.
• Operate and perform basic service maintenance procedures on all fire fighting equipment, both manually operated and motorized. 
• Learn to analyze emergency situations and quickly determine effective courses of action.
• Learn to identify various hazardous materials.
• Retain presence of mind in emergency situations.
• Think and act quickly and effectively in emergencies.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions promptly and accurately.
• Operate and maintain voice radio equipment.
• Work in adverse physical locations and conditions. 
• Perform heavy lifting and maneuvering.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work and in a team environment. 
• Learn and use computers and tablets, along with related computer programs and software applications.
• Meet the City’s medical standard, including passing an annual physical examination with an agency selected by the City.
• Maintain physical condition to perform essential duties. 

Competencies:

Communicativeness - Effective performers recognize the essential value of continuous information exchange.  They actively seek information from a variety of sources and disseminate it in a variety of ways.  They use modern technologies to access and circulate information. They take responsibility for ensuring that their peers and supervisors have the current and accurate information needed for success.

Composure - Effective performers maintain emotional control, even under ambiguous or stressful circumstances.  They are able to demonstrate emotions appropriate to the situation and continue performing steadily and effectively.

Customer Service - Effective performers attend to customers in a timely manner. They view the organization through the eyes of the customer and go out of their way to anticipate and meet customer needs.

Drive/Energy - Effective performers have a high level of energy and the motivation to sustain it over time.  They are ambitious and passionate about their role in the City. They have the stamina and endurance to handle the substantial workload present in today's organizations.  They know that a healthy work/life balance is important to sustained energy. They are motivated to maintain a fast pace and continue to produce even in exhausting circumstances.

Functional/Technical - Effective performers are knowledgeable and skilled in a functional specialty.  They add organizational value through unique expertise in a functional specialty area.  They remain current in their area of expertise and serve as a resource in that area for organization.

Integrity - Effective performers think and act ethically and honestly.  They apply ethical standards of behavior to daily work activities.  They take responsibility for their actions and foster a work environment where integrity is rewarded.

Initiative - Effective performers are proactive and take action without being prompted.  They don't wait to be told what to do or when to do it. They see a need, take responsibility, and act on it.  They make things happen.

Learning Agility - Effective performers continuously seek new knowledge.  They are curious and want to know "why". They learn quickly and use new information effectively. They create and foster a culture of interest, curiosity, and learning.

Positive Impact - Effective performers make positive impressions on those around them.  They are personable, self confident, and generally likable. They are optimistic and enthusiastic about what they do, and their excitement is contagious.  They energize those around them.

Problem Solving/Decision Making - Effective performers are able to identify problems, solve them, act decisively, and show good judgment.  They isolate causes fr0m symptoms, and compile information and alternatives to illuminate problems or issues.  They involve others as appropriate and gather information from a variety of sources. They find a balance between studying the problem and solving it.  They readily commit to action and make decisions that reflect sound judgment.

Sensitivity - Effective performers value and respect the concern and feelings of others.  In the workplace, this compassion translates into behavior that communicates empathy toward others, respect for the individual, and appreciation of diversity among team members and the public.

Team Player - Effective performers are team oriented.  They identify with the larger organizational team and their role within it.  They share resources, respond to requests from other parts of the organization, and support larger legitimate organizational agenda as more important than local or personal goals. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work in an emergency firefighting environment, work in emergency medical situations, including vehicle accidents and other types of medical and rescue emergencies; work in intense life-threatening conditions; exposure to fire, smoke, bodily fluids, heights and noise. 

Essential functions require maintaining physical condition necessary for running, walking, crawling, climbing, stooping, and heavy lifting while wearing protective equipment, work in inclement weather conditions. Must be able to work any shift or days of the week. Regular and timely attendance is required.

Job Hazards/Risk Factors:

Employees risk physical hazard from biohazards such as blood borne pathogen, drug paraphernalia, fire, smoke adverse weather conditions, working with and around heavy equipment, power tools, hand tools, heavy lifting, and other hazardous materials.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Position is considered safety sensitive and is subject to drug testing.

 Position work 48/96 schedule ~ 48 hour work shift/96 hours off.

Classification/Grade:  15

Wage Assignment:  Hourly Teamsters L14 CBA Steps

FLSA:  Non-Exempt

Safety Sensitive:  Yes

Bargaining Unit:  Teamsters L14

EEO4 Category:  d-Protective Service Workers

Examination Process:

• Written Exam - 75 Paramedic questions, 25 IFSTA 7th Edition Firefighter I Questions 
• Completion of Mesquite Fire Rescue Physical Agility Test 
• Oral Board Interview
• Additional points will be given for:
  • Active Reserve with Mesquite Fire Rescue OR Military Active Service Credit - Must provide DD214 form (5 points).
  • Accredited Firefighter I Certification (5 points).
• Interview with Fire Chief
• Successful completion of a background check.
• Successful completion of a medical examination conducted by the department's Medical Physician.

Application and Testing Process 

Step #1 - APPLICATION

Applications will be open from January 01, 2026, to January 31, 2026, 11:59 pm. Upon review, if your application is completed and fulfills the minimum requirements you will receive an email on or before February 5, 2026, inviting you to participate in the written exam.  

Step #2 - WRITTEN EXAM
The written exam will place on February 17, 2026, 8:00 am - 10:00 am.  The written exam will take place at Fire Station #3 located at 3 John Deere Drive, Mesquite NV, 89034. The written exam will include 75 EMT questions and 25 IFSTA 7th Edition Firefighter I questions. Test scantrons will be graded immediately upon completion of the written exam.  

Step #3 - PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST
Candidates will be invited to participate in Mesquite Fire Rescue's physical agility test on February 17, 2026, at 10:30 am at Fire Station #3 located at 3 john Deere Drive, Mesquite NV, 89034. See attachment for additional information on the physical agility course. Physical Agility Course

Step #4 - ORAL BOARD

Oral board interview will be scheduled to begin at 12:00 pm on February 17, 2026. Oral boards interviews will be scheduled throughout the remainder of the day as needed.  If needed, oral boards will be scheduled for the following day on February 18, 2026, beginning at 8:00 am at Fire Station 3 until completed. 

Step #5 - CHIEF’S INTERVIEW

Upon invitation candidates will be scheduled for an interview with Fire Chief that will take place on February 19, 2026. 

Eligibility list created and job offers extended as needed upon successful completion of the following:

Step #6 - BACKGROUND CHECK

Following the chief’s interview, candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check and verification process.

Step #7 - MEDICAL EVALUATION 

Successful completion of a medical examination conducted by the department's medical physician.