Firefighter/EMT

We exist to provide Town of Orange Park residents with an elite level of professional services.

The mission begins with the Town’s motto, “Closer to What Matters,” and what matters is our people.

We are a team of individuals from diverse backgrounds who share the common goal of being the premier government agency in Northeast Florida. We believe that safe neighborhoods, beautiful green spaces, well-kept facilities, clean water, and friendly neighborhood events bringing the community together are just some of the ways Orange Park team members benefit our residents. If you are ready to see the meaningful difference you make in the daily lives of others, you have come to the right place.

          Applicants and candidates can see the Town’s commitment to our team members through competitive wages, comprehensive benefits plans, supplemental plans, Employee Assistance Program, deferred compensation options, and evolving employee engagement, development, and advocacy strategies.

          The most common traits of successful team members include reliability, dedication to service, and collaborative mentality. We embrace candidates who share in our core values of integrity, accountability, transparency, ethics, and economic stewardship. Come join a team that will definitely bring you “closer to what matters.”

Job Summary:
Firefighter / EMT shall be under the immediate supervision of their company officer. Their foremost and primary responsibility is to respond as part of a company to fire and other emergency incidents to suppress fire, rescue victims, provide emergency medical care and perform other duties as required to mitigate the incident. Secondary to this is the preservation of evidence to determine the cause of fire, inspection surveys for pre planning and preventative / corrective maintenance of the station, apparatus and equipment. Assignments may be made through oral or written instructions, and work is under close supervision most of the time, but there are times when courses of action must be determined by the firefighter.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (other duties may be assigned)
- Respond with their units to all alarms and emergency calls and perform duties as required to save life and property.
- During duty cycles they shall keep the station house and premises neat, clean and in good order.
- Assist in keeping fire apparatus, equipment and tools in a clean and serviceable condition at all times.
- Assist the driver / operator in the initial daily inspection, vehicle check-off, washing and waxing of their respective apparatus and equipment. Also, cleaning and upkeep of equipment after returning from a call, drill or training activity.
- Participate in all training activities as required by their company officer.
- Keep self and personal equipment, uniforms, protective clothing, locker, etc. in a neat and clean condition.
- Be familiar with and obedient to department rules, regulations, and SOP’s, as well as responsive to established chain of command.
- The EMT will perform all emergency procedures, as outlined in FAC 64J, and assist the paramedic in treatment and transport of the sick and injured.
- Maintain certification/s as required by FS 401 and FAC 64J.

- While on duty, you must have available for inspection the EMT state certification card and all other certifications required by FS 401 and FAC 64J.
- Perform all other duties as assigned or required.

The above cited duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform.

Minimum Requirements:
- State of Florida Firefighter Certificate as required by FS 633 and FAC 69A-37
- State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician as required by FS 401 and FAC 64J-1
- Valid Florida Class D Driver’s License
- ** Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Course Certificate (preferred)
o Must have within 1 year

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Must have the knowledge of modern firefighting practices, principles and procedures including fire suppression, salvage and overhaul, ventilation, hydraulics, rescue, and operation of firefighting tools and equipment.
- Shall have knowledge of fire department rules, regulations and standard operating procedures or the ability to learn said items during the probationary period.
- Ability to perform hazardous, physically and mentally demanding tasks for prolonged periods of time.
- Should have the ability to communicate fire safety information to the public in both written and verbal communications.
- Delivery of emergency medical care in the form of basic life support.
- Must have the ability to maintain good working relationships with other firefighters, supervisors, and the public.
- Shall have the ability to exercise good judgment and react under stressful conditions.

Emergency Response:
Firefighter/ EMT may be exposed to hazardous conditions during tactical fire ground and EMS activities on a 24-hour basis. Possible strenuous physical activities related to tactical field activities may be required. The following are examples of activities associated with this position.
• Must be physically capable and medically approved to perform the necessary duties of firefighters in accordance with State laws.
• Shall, as a member of a two-person crew, have the strength and range of motion to lift a 200-pound patient from the ground, a bed, or from a vehicle: either supported by immobilization equipment or unsupported.
• Shall, as a member of a two-person crew, have the strength and range of motion to lift a 200-pound patient on an ambulance stretcher from the ground position to the load position, and into ambulance.
• Shall have the physical ability and dexterity to perform the medical care skills included in the EMT curriculum and Department EMS SOP in such standard scenarios as a supine or prone patient on the ground, in a bed, or in a vehicle.

The below essential functions are what the firefighter is expected to perform at emergency incidents and are derived from the performance objectives stated in NFPA 1001, “Standard for Fire Firefighter Professional Qualifications”
• Operate both as a member of a team and independently at incidents of uncertain duration.
• Spend extensive time outside exposed to the elements
• Tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing duties. Must perform physically demanding work in hot (up to 400 degrees F), humid (up to 100%) atmospheres while wearing equipment that significantly impairs body-cooling mechanisms.
• Experience frequent transitions from hot to cold and from humid to dry atmospheres.
• Work in wet, cold, or muddy areas.
• Perform a variety of tasks on slippery, hazardous surfaces such as on rooftops or from ladders.
• Work in areas where sustaining traumatic or thermal injuries is possible.
• Face exposure to carcinogenic dusts such as asbestos, toxic substances such as hydrogen cyanide, acids, carbon monoxide, or organic solvents either through inhalation or direct skin contact.
• Face exposure to infectious agents such as hepatitis B or HIV, etc.
• Wear personal protective equipment that weighs approximately 50 pounds while performing firefighting tasks.
• Perform physically demanding work while wearing positive pressure breathing equipment.
• Perform complex tasks during life-threatening emergencies.
• Work for long periods of time, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration.
• Face life or death decision during emergency conditions.
• Be exposed to grotesque sights and smells associated with major trauma, burn victims and fatalities.
• Make rapid transitions from rest to near maximal exertion without warm-up periods.
• Operate in environments of high noise, poor visibility, limited mobility, at heights, and in enclosed or confined spaces.
• Use Manual and power tools in the performance of duties.
• Rely on senses of sight, hearing, smell and touch to help determine the nature of the emergency, maintain personal safety, and make critical decisions in a confused, chaotic, and potentially life-threatening environment throughout the duration of the operation.