Lateral Firefighter

Salary: $83, $102,093.60 Annually

Location: Montclair, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Department: Fire Department

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit: MFFA

Important Notice: The contents of this job bulletin should not be construed as an implied contract. All information is subject to change, and the City is not bound to any information or errors contained herein.

This posting may close earlier than indicated if an excessive number of applications is received. The closing date may also be extended, or the job may be re-posted if an insufficient number of applications is received during the initial posting period.
Job Overview

*Scheduled salary increases up to $104,148/yr.*

Starting salary step is dependent on qualifications and experience.

**Eligible firefighters may also receive additional longevity conduct pay of 2.5% for every five years of continuous city service.
BASE SALARY INCREASE:

• 2% of base pay effective July 1, 2025

Under supervision, responds to fire alarms, rescue operations, and other emergency calls; safeguards life and property endangered by fire and other hazards; assists in daily fire prevention inspections; engages in training, drills, and independent study activities; aids in the maintenance of fire stations, grounds, and equipment; and performs related duties as required.

Key Responsibilities

Responds to alarms; lays hose; combats fires under departmental procedures and directions; ventilates buildings and directs streams of water; performs cleanup and salvage work after fires or other emergency situations; rescues endangered individuals; administers first aid; operates fire trucks, resuscitators, and other apparatus; assists in basic maintenance, upkeep, and repairs to fire department apparatus and equipment; inspects commercial and residential structures regularly to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local fire prevention laws, codes, and regulations; maintains fire stations and grounds; attends drills and classes; studies applicable technical publications; prepares necessary written and oral reports and maintains simple records. Periodically, a Firefighter (Paramedic) may perform in acting positions above classification on a short-term or interim basis; assists in higher-level collateral responsibilities in areas such as recording, research, and development functions; aids in administering public school specialized educational programs; and engages in other public relations educational activities in the interest of fire prevention as directed by department supervision.

Organizational Structure

This role reports to a Company Fire Captain or Battalion Chief and is assigned to companies, stations, and platoons. Firefighters work a specified number of 24-hour rotating shifts per year but may be assigned a special 40-hour work week. Firefighters are subject to recall at any time, may be required to be on duty any combination of hours during emergencies, may be assigned any necessary work; and are expected to develop professionalism, enhance their expertise, and prepare for advancement through special training and college courses.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of: Basic mathematics, physics, chemistry, mechanics, and first aid techniques; federal, state, and local codes, and rules and regulations relating to fire fighting; city and departmental policies and procedures; fundamentals of grounds maintenance and housekeeping functions; equipment operation and maintenance; and proper lifting, carrying, and climbing techniques.

Skills/Abilities to: Read and comprehend technical manuals and materials regarding fire fighting; learn principles of fire fighting and fire prevention; continue education in the field of fire science; understand and follow oral and written directions under conditions of stress and pressure; work effectively and use sound judgment in hazardous situations; collaborate effectively as a team member and independently; maintain cooperative working relations; communicate courteously and effectively with the public; and write simple reports and keep records.

Education and Experience

• Graduation from High School or completion of G.E.D., preferably supplemented by coursework in Fire Science, is required.
• Graduation from California State Fire Marshal Accredited Fire Academy or possess a California State Fire Marshal Accredited Firefighter I certificate. (If a Firefighter 1 Academy completion certificate is issued by another state or the Department of Defense, you will be required to provide certificates with IFSAC and/or Pro-Board seals showing you are certified to Firefighter I and HazMat Awareness/FRO).
• Currently, or within the past 12 months, employed as a Firefighter/Paramedic with a state, county, special district, or municipal fire agency for a minimum of 12 consecutive months.

Licenses

• Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license and proof of insurability required
  
• Copy of current and valid Paramedic license
  
• ACLS certification
  
• Copy of current and valid CPR certification

Physical Demands

In the performance of daily activities, this position requires the ability to sit, stand, and walk for up to two hours at a time. Must be able to reach, grasp, twist, turn, and bend. The ability to climb, stoop, kneel, squat, run, and jump. Must be able to lift, drag, and pull heavy objects up to 150 pounds. The position must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions including cold, wet, and hot with extreme sun exposure.

Selection Process

1. All applicants must hold required licenses and certificates as required to be considered.
2. Upload proof of all required licenses/certificates listed below under the "Attachments" section of the application:

Required Documents to Attach to the Online Application

• High school diploma/GED or college degree (transcripts showing equivalency will be accepted).
• Firefighter I certification from a California Office of the Fire Marshal State Fire Training, proof of successful completion from a California Office of the Fire Marshal State Fire Training accredited Firefighter I Academy, IFSAC Firefighter 1 certificate, or Pro Board Firefighter 1 certificate.
• Current and Valid Paramedic License
• Valid Class C Driver's license. (Class A or B Driver's License supersedes this requirement)
• ACLS Certification
• Basic Life Support (CPR) for Healthcare Provider card.

Failure to provide proof of the required documents above may lead to disqualification during the screening process.

3. All applications received will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. Candidates will be reviewed, and only those candidates determined to be the most qualified based on experience, training, and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements listed in this job announcement does not guarantee advancement in subsequent phases of the selection process. The selection process may be changed as deemed necessary by the City Human Resources Department.

4. Top candidates will be invited to a written examination on a future date (to be determined). The written examination will be a multiple-choice pass/fail examination with a requirement of 70% in order to achieve a passing score. Questions on the written examination are sourced from the following publications: IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting 7th Edition.

5. Candidates passing the written examination will be invited to participate in a structured oral interview and paramedic assessment. The oral interview and paramedic assessment scores will be weighted according to the following: (Oral interview - 50% of total score, Paramedic Assessment - 50% of total score).

6. Successful candidates' names will be placed on an eligibility list from which a selection will be made.

7. Candidates will be required to complete a Fire Chief's oral interview after the eligibility list is approved.

8. Final appointments will be made by the City Manager, upon the recommendation of the Fire Chief.

9. Candidate(s) must pass a thorough background investigation and pre-employment physical (including a drug screening) prior to hiring.

10. Station visits or contacting Montclair Fire Department employees will not be permitted during the recruitment process.

11. To complete your application for this position, you will be prompted to respond to supplemental questions. This information will be used as part of the application screening and selection process and is designed to help you present your qualifications for this position. This may include a selection step in which your application and supplemental questions are reviewed.

The City of Montclair is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Full-time employees are currently covered by the California Public Employees' Retirement System. The City contributes to medical, dental, and vision health plans for the employee with family coverage available. A term life insurance policy is paid by the City, as well as a long-term disability plan. To encourage employees to further their education in job-related fields, an educational subsidy is available upon completion of one-year probation.

Nonshift employees receive 80 hours of vacation after one year of service; 120 hours after five years of service; 160 hours after ten years of service; and 200 hours after 20 years of service. Shift employees receive hours of vacation after one year of service; hours after five years of service; and hours after ten years of service. Sick leave accumulates at the rate of eight hours per month. The City may credit an employee who is coming from another governmental agency with one half of his/her accumulated sick leave up to a maximum of 240 hours. Presently, 104 hours of paid holidays are provided each year for nonshift employees and hours of paid holidays are provided each year for shift employees.

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