Job Information

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

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Updated: July 23, 2021

Job Classification: Firefighter-Paramedic 2021

*** This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement ***

**This position may require a physical ability/agility test**

The Polk County Fire Rescue is currently building an on-going list for Firefighter Paramedic. All interested candidates are required to complete FireTEAM exam and must have a valid CPAT certification. To be considered for this round of hiring, all testing must be completed by May 23, 2021.

The department also requires candidates PHQ. You can access the questionnaire through your candidate account. The PHQ should be completed as soon as possible to be considered further in the process.

Polk County Board of County Commissioners takes pride in offering competitive benefits and compensation for all county employees including:

Medical
Dental
Vision
Florida Retirement System Benefits
Holiday Pay & Paid Time Off
Sick Leave
Annual Leave
Tuition Reimbursement
Direct Deposit

MAJOR FUNCTION

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

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated. The job description herein provides for the range of duties to be performed for this position. It is not intended to reflect all duties that are required within this position.

Department Information: 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.

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: Yes

Valid FLORIDA State Driver's License: Yes

Ability to Read/Speak English: Yes

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES:

Work involves responsibility for the protection of life and property through firefighting and rescue operations, usually under close supervision. Employees of this class are also required to learn and participate in the operation of firefighting equipment and apparatus. Although firefighting and emergency rescue work, including the administration of emergency medical treatment, are the most difficult and responsible areas of activity, a major portion of time is spent on pre-fire surveys; training, studying methods, techniques and organization of firefighting and on routine duties in the care and maintenance of Fire Department property and equipment. Work involves an element of personal danger and requires working on extended shifts. Work is usually performed in accordance with explicit instructions and well-defined procedures; however, satisfactory performance of the work requires initiative and a thorough individual understanding of the methods, equipment and principles of firefighting, fire prevention, rescue and emergency medical techniques in meeting a wide variety of emergencies.

Firefighters with appropriate specialized training may work in the assignment of Hazardous Materials Technician, Technical Rescue Member, and Apparatus Operator/Driver or assigned to an Emergency Medical Unit. Firefighters who serve in the additional role of paramedic must also perform the illustrative duties outlined in the Paramedic job description.

Responds to alarms of fire or other emergencies; dons’ personal protective equipment; works in enclosed areas; lays and connects hoses; holds nozzles which direct water streams; raises and climbs ladders; uses chemical extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines and other equipment. Responds to alarms of fire or other emergencies in commercial, residential and multiple story structures; climbs stairs carrying a myriad of firefighting tools or emergency medical equipment; performs search and rescue techniques for locating building occupants; operates and controls building fire suppression systems; operates building elevators under fire service control.

Responds to alarms of fire or other emergencies often performing duties for an extended period of time while wearing self-contained breathing apparatus in high temperatures and with limited vision.

Ventilates structures in accordance with applied knowledge; removes victims from serious auto accidents, structures on fire, or other dangerous situations; administers emergency medical care to injured persons; performs property conservation (salvage) operations; assists in clean-up operation after the fire is suppressed.

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.

Operates fire apparatus to and from the fire or rescue scene over the optimal route at high speeds in the safest and most efficient manner in accordance with departmental policy.

Participates in the on-duty company physical fitness program.

Participates in fire drills and attends training classes in firefighting, emergency medical techniques and related subjects; participates in pre-fire surveys of industrial and other business buildings, hospitals, nursing homes, schools and multi-family dwellings; prepares floor plans, records and locates key items on floor plans of facilities for departmental use in the event of fires, disasters or other emergencies.

Responds to a variety of emergency calls requiring the performance of a variety of emergency medical skills, such as administering oxygen, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, emergency medical care and related tasks. Those also serving in the paramedic role will be required to provide a high-level care as outlined in the Paramedic job description.

Performs general maintenance and cleaning work in the upkeep of apparatus, equipment, furnishings and structures.

Aids in the evacuation of portions of the county during natural or other disasters.

Assists law enforcement agencies in the investigation of arson cases.

Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine the proper course of action.
Ability to react quickly and calmly under emergency conditions.
Considerable knowledge of the operating and mechanical principles involved in automotive equipment operation.
Ability to become familiar with the roadway/highway systems within Polk County.
Skill and dexterity in the use and manipulation of tools and apparatus used in fighting fires and performing emergency medical care.
Ability to learn and efficiently perform a wide variety of firefighting and rescue duties, methods and techniques.
Ability to climb stairs in multiple story buildings carrying heavy tools and equipment.
Ability to perform physically demanding duties such as carrying victims; hoisting equipment using ropes; using heavy equipment to force entry into or ventilation of structures; use of hand and mechanical tools to extricate patients of automobile accidents.
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.
Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language in an understandable manner.
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 drive or operate large fire vehicles in a safe and efficient manner.
Ability to cope with stressful situations firmly, courteously and tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma and 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

Must possess and maintain a valid State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician License or State of Florida Paramedic License (preferred) and:

Is at least 18 years of age.

Certifies under oath that he/she is not addicted to alcohol or any controlled substance.

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.

Meet the following driving history requirements:

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.
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.
Must provide proof of insurance when required to use their personal vehicle as part of their daily job duties

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)

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

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

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.

Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide all units of measure. Work requires lifting very heavy weight occasionally, heavy weight frequently and moderate weight constantly.

Ability to cope with mental and emotional stresses of the job. Must have a telephone while employed with the Fire Rescue Division as employee is subject to call in emergencies.

Applicants who have not been employed by the Polk County Fire Rescue Division in a firefighter-emergency medical technician capacity will be required to produce documentation that they have successfully completed the following from the National Testing Network:

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) and the exam date can be no more than one calendar year from the hire date.
Complete the FireTEAM testing and a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) at the time of application.

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

The Firefighter EMT and Firefighter Paramedic* orientation programs require potential candidates to successfully obtain the following certifications:

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
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) provider or instructor certification
- B. 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

As of September 13, 2019, the certification card as a Paramedic issued by the State of Florida Department of Health is no longer required for this position. Those already contractually obligated must complete the terms of their contract.

SPECIAL PREFERENCES:

Preference will be given to those who possess any of the following:

Valid State of Florida Paramedic License issued by the State of Florida Department of Health
Valid International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) or Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) provider or instructor certification
Valid Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) provider or instructor certification.
Emergency Vehicle Operator Course Certification card or a recognized 16-hour course that is equivalent.

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