Fire Cadet

The full-time position of Fire Cadet serves as a team member to learn and possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to carry out all aspects of fire protection, prevention, EMS, technical rescue, hazardous material emergency response activities and public education/information within the Fire Department. The Fire Cadet also performs various maintenance activities on fire equipment and fire station facilities. The Fire Cadet will have no more than 24 months to successfully obtain and complete all certifications required to become a Paramedic Firefighter.

Scope Of Impact

The duties and responsibilities of this job are performed with latitude for independent judgment in accordance with Department and City policies, Federal, State and local regulations and are based on detailed knowledge of all Department operations. Work is subject to periodic review by the supervisor, who provides input on and approval of recommendations, and discusses assignments, priorities, and work.

• Participates in learning activities to obtain and complete all required certifications.
• Performs Emergency Medical Response and Fire response services.
• Responds to emergency and non-emergency situations including fires, medical injuries and illness, hazardous materials spills, technical rescues, auto, train and aircraft extrication, false alarms, flooding and other situations, and takes action as necessary and provided for by Department procedure and practice;
• Performs within the scope of current training and certification;
• Works with the mentorship and direction of incumbent Paramedic Firefighters;
• Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices;
• Maintains equipment in a state of readiness and performs maintenance to prolong the useful life of equipment.
  
  

• Maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions and communicates courteously and professionally.
• Must be able to work as member of two-person team, as well as a larger team taking direction from the appropriate crew leader/officer;
• Participates in special operations or multi-jurisdictional teams as assigned;
• Represents the City to the community, other agencies and jurisdictions, vendors, and other stakeholders;
• Participates in community activities such as school and community center programs, smoke detector consultation and blood pressure checks;
• Communicates with others relating to work assignments and progress of work or to convey information about conditions or work related needs through written and verbal communication;
• Communications include responsibility for maintaining relationships that are key to the function.
• Attends training, conferences and meetings and reviews relevant literature.
• Displays a professional and courteous appearance and behavior internally and externally.
• Performs other duties and activities as assigned.
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Firefighter 1 & 2 Certifications (Pro-board or IFSAC)
• Completion of HAZMAT Operations Class compliant with NFPA 472 or 1072
• Current Emergency Medical Technician Basic or Advanced Certification
• (both Minnesota EMS Regulatory Board and National Registry of EMTs)
• Valid Driver’s License
• NIMS IS-100, NIMS IS-200, and NIMS IS-700
  

OR

• Current Paramedic Certification
• (both Minnesota EMS Regulatory Board and National Registry of EMTs)
• Valid Driver’s License
• NIMS IS-100, NIMS IS-200, and NIMS IS-700
  

Desired Qualifications

• An Associate’s in Applied Science degree in Fire Science.
• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration or a related field.
• Previous experience as Paramedic (emergency response preferred).
• Previous experience as a Firefighter.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Required For Successful Job Performance

• Knowledge of current Department rules, regulations, procedures and policies;
• Knowledge and ability to operate all fire control equipment, including specialized devices such as thread adapters, fittings and connectors not frequently used, as well as their locations on each vehicle;
• Knowledge of capabilities and limitations of department vehicles and equipment, and ability to anticipate conditions that may exceed limitations;
• Knowledge of City ordinances, local, State and Federal laws, regulations and codes relating to Department activities and services;
• High level of flexibility and adaptability, and the ability to respond quickly;
• The ability to maintain composure in stressful situations;
• The ability to perform strenuous duties in emergency and austere situations;
• The ability to respond as a leader in emergency situations requiring the use of sound judgment and decisive actions;
• Verbal and written communication skills sufficient to effectively respond to questions from a wide variety of audiences and to perform public speaking, and reading comprehension skills sufficient to read, understand and interpret varied work-related materials;
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to exchange and/or convey information, receive work direction, and maintain effective working relationships;
• Ability to prepare written reports on EMS patients using computer software.
• Ability to work and incorporate the perspectives of multiple communities, people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  
  

Physical And Mental Requirements

Work involves frequent calls to emergency situations. There is regular exposure to very disagreeable working conditions such as fumes, fire, smoke, extreme weather conditions, and rain, dirt, and mud. The work involves exposure to hazardous conditions such as toxic chemicals and high traffic areas. While at emergency scenes, the employee may have exposure to blood and body fluids, injury, trauma, traffic accidents, and visual and emotional trauma. The employee is required to take appropriate safety precautions, wear protective clothing and equipment, and must be able to observe and hear commands or see signals for help, climb ladders, balance, kneel, crouch, and reach, to walk or run on uneven surfaces, and to drag up to and in excess of 150 pounds.

The position is contingent upon passing a background check, medical exams and drug testing.

Working Conditions

The job is performed primarily in the field. The employee works rotating shifts including days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. The job may involve dealing with and calming individuals who are emotionally charged over an issue.

Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this job at any time.