Lateral Entry Firefighter Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Description The City of Fairfax is accepting applications for the position of full-time career Fire Medic. Consideration will be given to compensate according to experience for current firefighter/paramedics looking to lateral to our progressive accredited department. Applicants shall possess Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) Firefighter II or equivalent Pro-board/IFSAC certification, certification by the Commonwealth of Virginia as an Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (or able to obtain Virginia reciprocity), VDFP Hazardous Material Operations or equivalent Pro-board/IFSAC certification, VDFP Emergency Vehicles Operators Course II or equivalent Pro-board/IFSAC certification, a valid vehicle operator's license, and NIMS 100, 200, 700 and 800 certifications or be able to obtain after certification.

These certifications should be uploaded as attachments with your application. A career in the City of Fairfax Fire Department is very rewarding and provides an environment where each day has new challenges. You will work with dedicated fire and EMS professionals (career and volunteer) as well as citizens who share our goal of making a community with a superb quality of life.

As an individual and as a member of a highly respected team, our expectations are high. Our organizational motto is "Taking Pride in Excellence" and we live up to that motto every day and strive to provide the highest levels of public service. As a department, we are proud of the level and quality of service our members provide to our community on a daily basis.

For more information on the department please click the link below https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/fire-department/career-opportunities This essential uniformed emergency position involves a variety of skilled work to include providing efficient and immediate care to the sick, ill and/or injured at the scene of an incident, during transport for further definitive care and firefighting activities. Employees are assigned to fire suppression and advanced life support units. They also perform hazardous tasks under emergency conditions which may require strenuous exertion under such conditions as fire, heat, smoke, and cramped surroundings

Although driving and operating equipment, as well as firefighting and technical rescue work, are the most difficult and responsible areas of activity, a major portion of time is spent studying and presenting material relative to methods and techniques of fire prevention, fire suppression, technical rescue, and operation of fire equipment and apparatus, providing life/fire safety education to the public, and in performing routine duties in the care and maintenance of fire department property and equipment. Work is usually performed under the command of an officer or under the direction of a licensed physician. However, a fire medic may be assigned as the officer of an advanced life support unit or suppression unit without being under command of an officer.

Work is evaluated by an officer with input from an EMS lieutenant and reviewed by a battalion chief. Examples Of Duties The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this job/class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the job/class as necessary.

Responds to fire alarms and other emergency incidents, controls and extinguishes fires, protects life and property. Responds to emergency situations with EMS and fire companies; operates cutting torches, hydraulic jacks, extrication tools, rope equipment, forcible entry tools and other equipment carried on the apparatus as required. Responds to water and ice emergencies.

Participates in a continuing program of training and instruction; participates in drills, demonstrations, and classes; receives training in the operation of fire equipment, EMS equipment and apparatus. Conducts general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire stations, buildings, grounds, fire apparatus, auxiliary equipment, and tools. Evaluates and provides immediate medical care to the sick and injured; mitigates other emergencies as they occur including fire, vehicle accidents, and gas leaks.

Ensure all vehicles and equipment are ready to provide emergency assistance. Drives and operates fire/medical apparatus. Maintains cleanliness and organization of station, apparatus, and equipment.

Ensures training is completed. The duties listed below are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS): Evaluation and skilled care are ongoing and may take place in a variety of settings including, but not limited to homes, offices, vehicles, roadways, ambulances, and hospitals.

Evaluates and provides efficient and immediate emergency care to the ill or injured in the field, an EMS unit and/or at the hospital, if needed to the level of certification. Reports pertinent information regarding the care and condition of the patient to medical facility/personnel receiving patient. Transports patients in need of further definitive care to an appropriate medical facility.

Administers medications, starts intravenous/interosseous infusions, interprets cardiac rhythms, administers electrical therapy, provides for appropriate advanced airway management as appropriate and any other advanced life support procedures under the direction of a licensed physician or as authorized by the Operational Medical Director in the City of Fairfax Fire Department's policies and procedures. Safely operates all emergency medical equipment authorized to be carried on the unit. Completes handwritten and/or computer-generated EMS reports in a complete, clear, concise, accurate, timely, and efficient manner.

When assigned, maintains EMS unit and equipment in a clean, well-stocked, and ready status in order to respond to calls. Verbally communicates with patients, co-workers, and hospital personnel using radios and phones. FIREFIGHTING SERVICES: Responds to fire alarms and other emergency incidents; controls and extinguishes fires; protects life and property.

Selects hose/nozzle, depending on type and location of fire, and directs stream of water or chemicals onto fire; positions and climbs ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings or to assist individuals from burning structures; creates openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, uses available manual and/or mechanical tools; and may deactivate electrical power to prevent explosions or other fire hazards. Participates in salvage operations, such as removing and covering furniture, mopping floors and cleaning debris. Performs overhaul operations to ensure the fire is completely extinguished and no walls or other structures are in danger of falling.

Replaces broken or ruptured sprinkler heads to prevent unnecessary water damage. Responds to emergency situations with EMS and fire companies; operates cutting tools, hydraulic jacks, extrication tools, rope equipment, forcible entry tools and other tools and equipment carried on the apparatus as required. Responds to water and ice emergencies.

Participates in an ongoing program of training and instruction; attends drills, demonstrations and classes; receives training in the operation of fire equipment, EMS equipment and apparatus. Performs general maintenance work and upkeep of fire stations, buildings, grounds, fire apparatus, equipment, and tools. Maintains accurate records, forms, and reports.

Completes building preplans as assigned. Reduce and mitigate community risk. Provides public education on fire safety.

Must work overtime as required. Qualifications Requires high school graduation or GED equivalent. Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of and ability to provide advanced emergency medical assessments and interventions to identify and treat injuries and illnesses as defined by the rules, regulations and policies set forth by the Virginia Department of Health Office of Emergency Medical Services, City of Fairfax Operational Medical Director, and the City of Fairfax Fire Department.

Knowledge of modern fire and rescue principles, practices, and procedures. Knowledge of the operating and maintenance requirements of the various types of apparatus and equipment used in firefighting activities. Knowledge of the physical layout of fire hydrants and street locations in the response area of the City of Fairfax Fire Department.

Skill in the safe and proper operation of fire and EMS equipment, tools, and apparatus and in making minor adjustments and repairs. Ability to operate and maintain BLS and ALS EMS equipment, apparatus, and tools. Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient information.

Ability to analyze emergency situations and adopt effective courses of action following accepted practices under emergency conditions. Ability to drive and operate fire, rescue and emergency medical vehicles under routine and emergency conditions. Ability to read and understand policies, rules, instructions, and written material of the fire department.

Ability to use portable and mobile radios, mobile phones, and a mobile computer terminal located in emergency apparatus. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions, exercise good judgment under stress, and to deal effectively with the public.

Ability to maintain accurate records, both written and computer-generated, and prepare reports. Ability to speak and write effectively. Ability to meet such medical/physical requirements as may be established by competent authority.

Special Certifications and Licenses: Possess or obtain Virginia Department of Fire Programs Firefighter II or equivalent Pro-board/IFSAC certification. Virginia reciprocity shall be required within one year. Possess or obtain within the timeframe identified by the fire chief certification by the Commonwealth of Virginia as an Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic.

Possess or obtain Virginia Department of Fire Programs Hazardous Material Operations or equivalent Pro-board/IFSAC certification. Virginia reciprocity shall be required within one year. Possess or obtain Virginia Department of Fire Programs or Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads Emergency Vehicles Operators Course II or equivalent Pro-board/IFSAC certification.

Virginia reciprocity shall be required within one year. Possess a valid vehicle operator's license and a good driving record. Must sign and adhere to a "no tobacco use" contract as a condition for employment and of continued employment.

Possess or obtain NIMS 100, 200, 700 and 800 certifications. Successful completion of any required firefighting and/or emergency medical training as established by the chief of the department or their designee in the prescribed time frame. Shall not be on the Office of Inspector General (OIG) Exclusion List.

Supplemental Information Upon completion of the ALS internship Fire Medics will be eligible for the following: ALS INCENTIVE PAY: Personnel who qualify for ALS incentive pay will receive $7,185 annually provided they maintain the certification and authorization to practice. ALS PREMIUM PAY: Personnel who qualify for ALS premium pay will receive $4.00 per hour for hours assigned to a medic unit provided they maintain the authorization to practice.