Job Information

POLK COUNTY FIRE RESCUE
2470 CLOWER LANE
BARTOW, FLORIDA 33830
863-534-7350
https://www.polk-county.net/fire-rescue

Bookmark: http://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/fullJobDetails.cfm?agencyjobid=957&jobid=2&agentid=608

Updated: April 01, 2020

Job Classification: Firefighter-Paramedic (Full-time)

This position requires the completion of the FireTEAM exam and a valid NTN CPAT. Testing must be completed by April 30, 2020.

This department requires the candidate PHQ. You can access the questionnaire through your candidate account and also upload any required documents.

Salary Information: Starting Rate $16.37 (13.55 hr + $2.82 hr Paramedic Incentive)

Benefit Information: Medical, dental, vision, holiday pay, annual leave, sick leave, personal time off, Florida Retirement, Employee Assistance Program, Direct Deposit, Disability.

Candidate Contact:
Betzi LaCounte
Human Resources Analyst
Office: 863-534-6590
Fax: 863-534-6462
Email: BetziLaCounte@polk-county.net

Department Overview: Polk County's Board of County Commissioners is one of the county's top employers. And why wouldn't it be? The county offers a comprehensive benefits package, a friendly working environment and a diverse culture. For 10 years in a row, the county has been recognized by CareerSource Polk, formerly Polk Works, as a Best Places To Work.

Polk County Fire Rescue provides Advanced Life Support transport to all residents and visitors of Polk County. It also provides fire suppression, rescue services and fire prevention services to all of unincorporated Polk County and the municipalities of Eagle Lake, Polk City, Mulberry, Lake Hamilton and Hillcrest Heights. Polk County Fire Rescue has nearly 600 full-time employees, responds to more than 90,000 calls for service each year and covers more than 2,000 square miles.

All candidates who have applied through National Testing Network/FireTeam will be reimbursed for their FireTeam pre-employment testing and Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) upon completion of their probationary period of one (1) year with Polk County Fire Rescue. (Conditions Apply)

City/County/Area Information:
Polk County, Florida Cities and surrounding areas / Polk County

Population: 603,000

Job Requirements

Age: 18

US Citizen: Yes

High School Grad/GED: High school graduate or equivalent

Valid FLORIDA State Driver's License: Must have a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid FLORIDA STATE DRIVER'S LICENSE at the time of employment.

Ability to Read/Speak English: Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language in an understandable manner.

Vision: Physical Wellness Exam required

College: Special Preference given to those with College Degrees.
Polk County Fire Rescue offers an Education Reimbursement Program (conditions apply).

Academy Certification: Must possess and maintain a valid certification card as a Paramedic issued by the State of Florida Department of Health

Must have a valid Certificate of Compliance as outlined in the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal Uniform Fire Safety Rules and Standards Chapter 69A-37, or a verification letter indicating that the individual meets the above requirements, and will be issued a Certificate of Compliance from the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal, Bureau of Fire Standards and Training Office.

Necessary Certifications: Applicants who have not been employed by the Polk County Fire Rescue Division in a firefighting or paramedic capacity will be required to produce documentation that they have successfully completed a physical ability exam.

The exam date can be no more than one calendar year from the hire date.

The National Testing Network Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is the acceptable for this requirement.

Possess a valid American Heart Association CPR "BLS for Health Care Providers" card or the American Red Cross Professional CPR card or American Heart Association (AHA) or American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI)

National Incident Management System (NIMS) certifications:

ICS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System
ICS-200: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction
IS-800: National Response Framework, an Introduction

Emergency Vehicle Operator Course Certification card or a recognized 16 hour course that is equivalent.

Certification by the Polk County Office of Medical Direction to function as a Paramedic under the license of the Polk County Fire Rescue Medical Director.

Firefighter-Paramedic:
This is responsible technical and skilled work in firefighting and paramedicine work in rendering out of hospital life support functions, other emergency care and rescue services including the preservation of life and protection of property against fire and related hazards. Duties include the operation and maintenance of Fire Rescue Division vehicles and equipment.

Possess a valid International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) or Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) provider or instructor certification.

Meets the requirements in Florida Statute 401.281 as this position may be required to drive an advanced life support vehicle in the event of an emergency.

Possess a valid Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) provider or instructor certification.

May be assigned as a driver of a vehicle or apparatus; checks radio operability; responsible for maintaining apparatus, equipment, inventory and other logs; may communicate by radio from fire, rescue and other emergency scenes. May be assigned as the operator of a heavy duty diesel powered pumper truck or aerial truck; directs hose connections at pump; operates pumps, making sure proper pressure and water flow is maintained; operates aerial ladder or snorkel power lift.

Using proper body mechanics, ability to lift and carry one end of a stretcher holding patients weighing an average of 150 pounds frequently, with an upward range of 300 pounds infrequently not including the weight of the stretcher. Ability to exert an excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for heavy work. Ability to adhere to physician instructions, protocol, and standing orders.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by the work. Ability to climb ladders and work at considerable heights. Ability to understand and execute complex oral and written instructions quickly. Ability to perform limited mechanical work involved in maintaining firefighting and rescue apparatus, equipment and tools. Ability to work as a part of a team and to exercise independent judgment as required. Ability to cope with stressful situations firmly, courteously and tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others. Ability to drive or operate large fire rescue vehicles in a safe and efficient manner.

Knowledge of emergency care procedures, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and the use of life sustaining equipment and practices. Knowledge of safety, comfort matters/methods in the handling and treatment of patients. Knowledge of Florida safety requirements and privileges when responding to non-emergency and emergency calls. Knowledge of Florida traffic and driving regulations. Knowledge of and skill in defensive driving methods. Ability to become familiar with the roadway/highway systems within Polk County.

Schooling Prior and Post Hiring: Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma and possess a valid certification card as a Paramedic issued by the State of Florida Department of Health.

Hiring Process: Pre-employment testing for Paramedics and Firefighter/Paramedics are held at the Polk County Board of County Commissioners Human Resources Office.

Onboarding (to collect all required employment information)

Pre-employment physical and drug screening

Must obtain and maintain Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Awareness certification through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Employees hired into this position after January 1, 2013 must obtain and maintain this certification as a condition of employment.

Applicant/employee shall be fingerprinted and subject to personal background investigation procedures to ascertain an evaluation and determination of moral character according to Chapter 69A-37 Firefighters Standards and Training.

Felony, Criminal Activity Disqualifiers: Must obtain and maintain Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Awareness certification from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Driving Disqualifiers: Any applicant applying for a position with Polk County that requires they possess a valid Florida driver’s license, Chauffeur’s license, or a commercial driver’s license at the time of employment will not be given consideration for employment if they aren’t at least 18 years of age, and if their driving record reflects they:

Have not accrued 12 points within 36 months or 18 points within 48 months.
Have not been convicted on alcohol/drug related offenses within 36 months.
Have not been convicted of two (2) alcohol/drug related offenses within 10 years.
Have not had a suspension, revocation, or restriction due to moving violations or alcohol/drug related problem, including failure to take a breath test within the 36 months prior.
Must provide proof of insurance when required to use their personal vehicle as part of their daily job duties.
Have a temporary license from the Court permitting them to travel “To and From” work only, or permitting them to “Drive at work only”.

Preference will be given to those who meet the following driving history requirements:

Have not had two (2) failures to pay fines within 36 months. Have not had two (2) seatbelt violations within 36 months.
Have not had three (3) lapses of insurance within 36 months.
No serious traffic violations such as leaving the scene or driving on a suspended license within 36 months.

The County also reserves the right to disqualify an application from a driving position based in their “total” driving record, even if they meet the above-stated requirements.

Must have a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of employment.

This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.

Drug Use Disqualifiers: The employers of Polk County have implemented a drug-free workplace and all offers of employment are conditioned on job applicants successfully passing a drug test. All candidates certify under oath that he/she is not addicted to alcohol or any controlled substance.

Employment Disqualifiers: All candidates must pass a criminal and employment background check.

Additional Disqualifiers: Certifies under oath that he/she is free from any physical or mental defect or disease that might impair his/her ability to drive an ambulance and perform his/her duties.

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