Paramedic Firefighter

The Position

REQUIRED: Eligible candidates must be an Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (EMT-P) with the State of California and have a Firefighter I certificate or have completed a California State Fire Marshal accredited fire academy or equivalent.

A City of Carlsbad Physical Abilities Test (formerly the North County Regional JPA Firefighter PAT) will be required unless the candidate has a passing CPAT time within the last 6 months.

The City of Carlsbad is ideally situated in north San Diego County with an approximate population of 115,000. It offers a great climate, beautiful beaches, lagoons and abundant natural open space. World class resorts, family attractions, well planned neighborhoods, a diverse business sector and a charming village atmosphere combine to create the ideal California experience.

The City of Carlsbad embraces diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and recognizes the vital relationship of a culturally diverse, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. A diverse, equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance. Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life. We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal.

The Fire Department's mission is to enhance the quality of life in our community by delivering exceptional services in safeguarding lives, property and our environment. We measure our success in accomplishing our mission through customer surveys, comparative analysis operational effectiveness, and goal accomplishment.

The Ideal Candidate:

One year of municipal firefighting experience and one year of paramedic experience.High school diploma or equivalent. Completion of college level courses or equivalent in Fire Science in compliance with departmental policies.

Under supervision, the Paramedic Firefighter provides basic and advanced life support services to ill or injured persons in accordance with the policies established by the Department of Emergency Medical Services of San Diego County; fights fires and participates in fire prevention activities for the protection of life and property; operates and maintains vehicles, apparatus, equipment, stations and communication systems; teaches fire safety to the public, and performs other duties as required.

The Paramedic Firefighter is a uniformed member of the public safety/fire suppression/EMS division of the department. This position supports dual responsibilities as a paramedic and as a firefighter and is utilized in both types of assignments as needed.

Selection Process:

The position closes on May 10, 2024 at 5 p.m. This is a competitive process. Those applicants considered most qualified will be invited to continue further in the selection process, which consists of the paramedic skills testing, panel interview, and a physical ability fire testing component (if CPAT not valid within last 6 months prior to position listing closing).

Assessment Center and Panel Interviews:

Week of May 20, 2024; dates to be determined

Physical Abilities Test:

Week of May 27, 2024 dates to be determined

(Date subject to change. Test results from CPAT will be accepted if performed in the last 6 months).

Qualified California state residents will be prioritized in the process.

Key Responsibilities

Responds to medical emergencies;

Conducts or assists in the extrication of trapped persons;

Performs primary and secondary physical assessment of ill or injured persons;

Performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation;

Maintains an effective airway for patients with compromised breathing;

Immobilizes injured limbs and spinal vertebra where injury is suspected;

Controls bleeding of external injuries; Assists with emergency childbirth;

Provides emotional support to distressed persons;

Administers oxygen to support respiratory functions;

Utilizes adjunctive ventilation devices, such as endotracheal tubes;

Analyzes electrocardiograms and recognizes cardiac arrhythmias;

Administers medications by intravenous, intramuscular or topical means;

Performs electrical defibrillation;

Operates radio-telephone equipment and communicates medical information to base hospital medical personnel and others;

Serves as a preceptor for paramedic and emergency medical technician trainees;

Compiles necessary reports and records;

Drives an ambulance vehicle;

Responds to and performs skilled tasks at the scenes of emergency calls including: fire, medical assistance, rescues, hazards identification, hazardous materials identification and spills, public assistance and service;

Safely drives and operates vehicles, apparatus and equipment;

Teaches fire safety, CPR and other classes and participates in public education demonstrations and activities;

Conducts inspections and school exit drills;

Writes reports and maintains records;

Maintains, inspects, and repairs fire stations and fire grounds, emergency and support vehicles, apparatus, equipment, fire hydrants, radios, and alarm systems;

Participates in department physical fitness program;

Performs emergency medical procedures;

Participates in proficiency training to develop and maintain emergency skills;

Uses computers in performing required duties, performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

* Basic and advance life support principles and procedures;
* San Diego County Emergency Medical System (EMS) regulations, protocols and procedures;
* Fire-based operations, such as rescue, firefighting, radio communications, Incident Command System (ICS), fire protection equipment and systems, fire behavior, hazardous materials and water systems;
* Federal, state, and local laws, regulations and standards;
* Maintenance and repair of vehicles, apparatus, equipment and fire hydrants;
* Local geographical response factors;
* Correct English grammar, spelling, punctuation;
* Basic mathematics, chemistry, and physics of fire behavior and hazardous materials;
* Safety practices and procedures;
* Personal computer operating systems and software applications;
* Requirements and standards as defined in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1002 preferred.

Ability to:

* React quickly and calmly to fight fires and perform emergency medical techniques and procedures;
* Perform rescues;
* Operate, maintain, inspect and repair vehicles, apparatus, equipment, communication systems and fire hydrants;
* Clean and maintain fire station and grounds;
* Conduct fire inspections and school exit drills;
* Teach classes and participate in public education demonstrations and activities;
* Write comprehensive reports and maintain accurate records;
* Relate effectively to those contacted in the course of work;
* Learn local conditions, locations and regulations;
* Operate computers, understand and follow oral and written directions promptly and accurately.

Experience & Education

A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be any combination equivalent to the education and experience that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE:

Licensed as an Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (EMT-P) with the State of California. Must be county accredited prior to the 10 shiftEMS evaluation portion of the academy. Firefighter I certification. Within one year from date of hire, employee must possess either an appropriate, valid California class B Firefighter Driver's License, to include a water tank and air brake endorsement or Class C Driver's License with Firefighter Endorsement:, and, when required, a valid Medical Examiner's Card must be maintained.

EDUCATION INCENTIVE:

Level 1 - Compensation: Satisfactory fulfillment of the below requirements shall be compensated at the rate of seventy-five dollars ($75) biweekly.

Evidence of the award of each of the following certificates issued by the California State Board of Fire Services: 1. Fire Fighter I, 2. Fire Fighter II, 3. Driver Operator 1A, 4. Driver Operator 1B, 5.Training Instructor 1A and 6. Training Instructor 1B. Proof of certification from a California State Fire Marshal course that is deemed equivalent to one of the courses listed above by the Fire Chief or his/her designee shall also meet the requirement.

Or

A Baccalaureate degree and at least two (2) years' experience with a professional municipal fire agency in a position responsible for fire prevention or fire suppression duties or an Associate degree and at least four (4) years' experience with a professional municipal fire agency in a position responsible for fire prevention or fire suppression duties.

Level 2 - Compensation: Satisfactory fulfillment of the below requirements shall be compensated at the rate of one hundred twenty dollars ($120) biweekly.

Evidence of the award of the Fire Officer certificate issued by the California State Board of Fire Services.Proof of certification from a California State Fire Marshal course that is deemed equivalent to the course listed above by the Fire Chief or his/her designee shall also meet the requirement.

Or

A Masters degree and at least four (4) years' experience with a professional municipal fire agency in a position responsible for fire prevention or fire suppression duties,

Or

A Baccalaureate degree and at least six (6) years' experience with a professional municipal fire agency in a position responsible for fire prevention or fire suppression duties,

Or

An Associate degree and at least nine (9) years' experience with a professional municipal fire agency in a position responsible for fire prevention or fire suppression duties.

The salary schedule does notreflect the 78 hoursof FLSA time andhalfrequired O.T. payment.

Please Note:Copies of Driver's License, Firefighter I certificate, and California State Paramedic certification must be submitted with application. Other certification documentation will be requested once the application review process is complete.