Under direct supervision and in a learning capacity, attends the department's Recruit Academy and receives training on emergency medical services, rescue, hazardous materials, operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment, station maintenance, and the various phases of fire prevention and suppression; learns the policies and functions of the fire department; and performs related duties as required.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
This is a trainee-level, non-sworn, classification in the Fire series, with no safety officer powers or safety benefits. Incumbency in this class is limited to a term of no more than six (6) months during which the incumbent must graduate from the Academy and complete their initial paramedic evaluation period in order to be eligible for promotion to the class of Firefighter Paramedic at the beginning of the next full pay period. Graduation from the Academy requires an acceptable level of competency in all academy subjects. Competency shall be demonstrated by passing all examinations, including evaluations of manipulative skills. After successfully completing a Recruit Academy and an initial paramedic evaluation, Recruits are sworn in and promoted to the position of Firefighter/Paramedic, where s/he will serve a probationary period of twelve (12) months performing a variety of duties related to the protection of life and property and must pass each phased evaluation of training. Recruits who are not promoted to the position of Firefighter/Paramedic at the end of both the Recruit Academy and the initial paramedic evaluation period will be subject to termination. The Fire Recruit is distinguished from the higher-level Firefighter/Paramedic in that incumbents of the latter classes have graduated from the Recruit Academy, completed their initial paramedic evaluation period and serve as first responders to all calls for service (emergency and non-emergency).Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: 
 

• Participate in classroom lectures; evaluations; team and individual manipulative drills; knowledge, skills, and ability testing; and problem-solving exercises. 
• Receive training in firefighting activities such as: fire suppression, hose evolutions, radios, salvage and overhaul; use of various tools and equipment such as extrication tools, chainsaws, axes, Hurst tool, ladders, ropes, fire extinguishers, water supply systems, etc. 
• Learn the proper use and maintenance of all fire related apparatus, equipment, tools, and facilities. 
• Receive training in fire prevention, fire code enforcement, and public safety programs such as vegetation management inspections, residential, commercial, and other fire and life safety inspections, and disaster preparedness. 
• Participate in fire drills and attend classes in firefighting, emergency medical procedures, hazardous materials, and related subjects. 
• Learn the policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the City of Vista and Vista Fire Department. 
• Participate in physical fitness training program. Build and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships with co-workers, other City employee, personnel from a wide range of outside agencies, other colleagues in the field, and the public. 
• Perform other duties related to this position.