***Seeking Firefighters/EMT Applicants for Sponsorship***

***Open until April 22, 2024***

The City of Haines City is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applicants for all positions equally without regard to their race, sex, age, color, religion, creed, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. The City of Haines City is a Drug-Free Workplace. Applicants who complete the initial screening process will be required to complete a pre-employment drug screen and physical. Police Department applicants will also be required to take a Polygraph Examination. All information provided by an applicant will be verified for truthfulness and accuracy if a conditional offer of employment is made. Applications and other submitted documents are considered public records.

Position Function:

An employee in this class of work is responsible for performing a variety of firefighting and emergency medical tasks. Positions in this class require the performance of physically demanding work involving fire suppression and emergency medical care. The employee is also responsible for the operation and minor maintenance of various fire apparatus and auxiliary equipment. Work is frequently performed under conditions where personal injury or injury to others can occur; employees must be capable of reacting with speed and composure under these conditions and must exercise some initiative and independent judgment in determining the proper actions to take. Work is generally performed on a 24-hour shift, including weekends and holidays, and is reviewed through observation, records, reports, and results obtained. Performs responsible fire prevention and administrative functions as directed.

Essential Duties:

1. Performs firefighting activities, including driving fire apparatus, operating pumps and related equipment, laying hose, and performing fire suppression, containment, and extinguishing tasks at an emergency scene. Performs emergency aid activities, including administering first aid and providing other assistance as required.
2. Participate in fire drills and attend classes in firefighting, emergency medical, hazardous materials, and related subjects. Participates in the inspection of buildings, hydrants, and other structures in fire prevention programs.
3. Maintains fire equipment, apparatus, and facilities. Performs minor repairs to departmental equipment. Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire facilities and equipment; cleans and washes walls and floors; cares for grounds around the station; makes minor repairs; washes hangs and dries hose; washes, cleans, polishes, maintains, and tests apparatus and equipment.
4. Performs duties as a certified EMT, according to criteria and standards set forth by the department.
5. Receives and relays fire calls and alarms. Operates radio and other communication equipment.
6. Performs salvage and overhaul operations to minimize property damage from structure fires and to ensure fire extinguishment. Restores order and security of damaged structures.
7. May be required to function as a Driver Engineer when operationally necessary.
8. Performs additional duties as assigned.

Environment:

Duties are performed primarily within an outdoor and inspection environment or setting. Exposure to dust, mold, noise, inclement weather, extreme temperatures, smoke, fire, electricity, toxic or caustic chemicals and/or fumes, mechanical and/or moving parts, high elevations, vibration, blood-borne pathogens, viruses, disease, confined space entry, dangerous buildings and the like commonly associated with fire inspection duties.

Extensive time outside exposed to extreme weather conditions; tolerate extreme fluctuation in temperature while performing duties; perform physically demanding work in hot, humid atmospheres while wearing equipment that significantly impairs body-cooling mechanisms; and perform a variety of tasks on wet, icy, muddy, and otherwise hazardous surfaces such as on ladders and rooftops.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Required knowledge and experience are normally obtained through the completion of a curriculum resulting in either a High School Diploma or a GED. State of Florida Firefighter II Certificate of Compliance and State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License / Certification.
• Must be able to communicate and professionally present oneself.
• Must be able to spend extensive time outside exposed to extreme weather conditions; tolerate extreme fluctuation in temperature while performing duties; perform physically demanding work in hot, humid atmospheres while wearing equipment that significantly impairs body-cooling mechanisms; and perform a variety of tasks on wet, icy, muddy and otherwise hazardous surfaces such as on ladders and rooftops.
• Exposure risk to traumatic or thermal injuries are possible; infectious disease; grotesque sights and smells associated with major trauma, burn victims, and death; loud noises; confined spaces; heights; chaotic situations; and chemical and electrical hazards.
• Proof of completion of an approved Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) by Florida State Statutes.
• Must possess a valid AHA BLS Providers CPR card.
• Must possess a valid Florida EMT Certification or Paramedic Certification. (Paramedic preferred)
• Must be able to rely on senses of sight, hearing, smell, and touch to help determine the nature of the emergency.
• Ability to work long periods, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration.
• Ability to work under high demands, short time constraints, and the pressure of a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work wearing more than 50 lbs. of personal protective clothing.
• Ability to perform complex tasks during life-threatening emergencies.
• Ability to remain up to date on Federal, State, and City regulations, and Occupational Health and Safety standards to implement best practices and policies affecting department activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working and professional relationships with City and other public employees, public officials, contractors, consultants, businesses, and the general public.
• Ability to lift and/or carry 50 pounds.
• Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions.
• Knowledge of fire prevention and safety education, and fire suppression methods, practices, and principles.

Other Requirements:

• Must possess a valid Florida Class E driver's license.
• Must pass post-offer pre-employment Drug Screen and Physical Examination, and applicable Background Checks to include CJIS screening.
• Must obtain State of Florida Apparatus and Pump Operator Certification, and complete State of Florida Aerial Operations 40-Hour class within the first year of employment.