Pala Fire Department

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title:                                       Firefighter/Paramedic

Department/Division:           Fire Department

Salary:                                    Intro: $74,913.87, 90-Days: $77,161.29* 1-Year: $81,860.41* (*Increases are based on performance. Completion of the probationary periods are not a guarantee of compensation increases)

Status:                                    Regular / Full-time

Supervisors:                          Fire Captain, Fire Engineers

Subordinates:                        Reserve Firefighters

Benefits:                                 401K Retirement Plan (Eligibility after (1) one-year service). Company matches half of employee’s contributions up to 7%                                                                                      

                                                 Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Vacation Up to 13 days per year for FT employees

Sick Leave Up to 8 days per year for FT employees

                                                Life Insurance The Company provides up to $25,000.00

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under supervision, to respond to fire alarms and other emergency calls for the protection of life and property, to render first aid lifesaving measures and perform related work as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Receives, transmits, and responds to alarms
• Performs fire control activities and utilizes strategies in the areas of victim rescue, exposure tactics, ventilation, fire containment and extinguishment
• Fights structural, residential, commercial, industrial, chemical, petroleum, vehicle and wildland fires and is sometimes required to make forcible entries
• Inspects and maintains nozzles, appliances, fittings, hydrants, fire extinguishers, hand and power tools, ropes, emergency lighting equipment, generators, rescue and first aid and related equipment including fire protection systems
• Operates fuel and oil pumps, building heating and cooling systems, cutting, boring and sawing tools, lighting, lifting and air moving equipment, various types of extinguishers, appliances, elevators, fire protection and escape systems, radio equipment and meters
• Uses a variety of tools, ropes, knots, ladders, life lines, belts and couples; reels, unreels and carries hoses; connect nozzles and valve fittings
• Extends and reduces hose lines; lays single and multiple hose lines; lays hoses and operates hose streams above and below street level; raises, climbs and works from extension ladders
• Provides emergency care and treatment of fire and accident victims; lifts, carries and transports victims
• Administers first aid to victims of accidents and fires; renders emergency medical aid as an EMT within a team consisting of a communicator and an attendant, examining victim, communicating vital medical data to medical personnel and administering medical treatment by established guidelines and the specific instruction of hospital medical personnel
• Assists the public in a wide variety of emergency calls involving illness and urgent situations, and may need to assist in traffic control
• Conducts fire drills and demonstrates fire equipment
• Assists in the investigation of fire; writes fire alarm and various reports
•  Interprets federal, state, local and departmental rules and regulations; assists in the maintenance of fire station and grounds
• Performs a variety of collateral administrative work involving fire prevention  and suppression  programs and engages in public information activities
• Recommends purchase of firefighting equipment, physical fitness apparatus and station appliances; conducts fire prevention inspections of dwellings, public assemblies and commercial, industrial and government buildings and maintains an inventory of items
• Identifies common, special, structural and panic hazards; interprets fire and building codes; issues orders to comply with such codes
• Examines the storage, handling and use of flammable and combustible liquids and other hazardous materials; makes recommendations regarding the correction of hazards
• Operates Tribal vehicles observing legal and defensive driving practices
• Performs related work as required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSE AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of basic mathematics and mechanical relationships
• Knowledge of record-keeping methods
• Knowledge of the proper methods, materials, tools and equipment used in firefighting
• Knowledge of the general principles of fire suppression and prevention
• Knowledge of advanced first aid and medical supplies
• Knowledge of appropriate safety precautions and procedures
• Knowledge of laws, ordinances and codes governing Emergency Medical Technicians
• Knowledge of diagnostic signs and treatments for injuries and illnesses as described in the San Diego Protocols
• Ability to administer lifesaving procedures, such as giving electric shocks to the heart (defibrillation) in cases of cardiac arrest, paramedics are qualified to use ‘invasive’ clinical techniques. These include:
  • Medical assistance at accidents, emergencies and other related incidents
  • Making diagnoses and giving emergency treatment to patients who are seriously ill or have life-threatening conditions
  • Applying splints to limbs, dressing wounds, administering pain relief and reading monitoring equipment
  • Inserting drips and fluids and using different equipment, including ventilators to assist breathing
  • Transporting patients needing skilled treatment while traveling by ambulance
  • Checking the efficiency of vehicles and equipment to maintain a state of operational readiness
  • Driving and crewing the ambulance or other rapid response vehicles
  • Assessing appropriate methods of conveying patients
  • Assisting with patient care in hospitals or health care centers
  • Intravenous injections
  • Administering other drug treatments
  • Inserting a tube into the throat (intubation)
• Ability to provide medical aid by the established procedure
• Ability to read, understand and apply technical firefighting materials and concepts
• Ability to respond quickly to changing situations under emergency pressures
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of training, education and experience, which demonstrates possession of the knowledge and abilities stated above and the ability to perform the duties of the position. A typical qualifying entrance background is journey-level experience performing firefighting work in a public agency.

Minimum Entry-Level Credentials:

1. Valid California Driver’s License,
2. California State Paramedic Licensure,
3. San Diego County Paramedic Accreditation,
4. Valid ACLS certification,
5. Valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Healthcare provider certification,
6. Completion of an Approved Fire Academy
7. FF-I and FF-II (Highly desirable)

• Must possess and maintain a California Driver’s License and acknowledge and agree to maintain a Drug-Free workplace as a condition of employment with the Pala Band of Mission Indians. Must pass pre-employment and random drug testing during employment. 
• A DMV printout is required with your employment application. A background check will also be required.
• Indian preference will apply. The Pala Band of Mission Indians will give hiring preference to fully qualified applicants that are Pala Tribal Members. Pala Band of Mission Indians is an equal opportunity employer.

Working Conditions:

• Heavy Work: Positions in this class perform work, which involves the frequent lifting, carrying, pulling, and/or pushing of 100 pounds with occasional heavier lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling.
• Mobility: Positions in this class require the mobility to stand, climb, stoop, reach and bend. Positions in this class require the mobility of arms to reach and the dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate objects of heavy weight at high pressure.
• Vision: Positions in this class require vision (which may be corrected) to read the small print.

Environmental Conditions:

Incumbents may be required to work with harsh or toxic substances. May be required to wear protective apparel, including goggles, face protectors, aprons, shoes, and oxygen breathing apparatus. May be required to work at considerable heights. Incumbents are required to sustain physical exertion and/or to work in physically uncomfortable positions for prolonged periods.

Other Requirements:

All employees are expected to follow the Tribal Personnel Policies and Procedures of the Pala Band of Mission Indians and must adhere to any additional applicable addendums.