FIREFIGHTER - EMT

**These positions are being advertised to fulfill positions that have been awarded under the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant (SAFER).** 

Do you thrive in an environment that is geared towards outstanding hospitality?  Do you have a passion for being innovative and creative?  Is hard work on your top list of ideals?  Are you a steward of your working environment?   Then read on…

The Villages Community Development Districts (The District) tops the list of community development districts that continues to grow in one of the most scenic locations in Florida, The Villages.   Our collective commitment to hospitality, innovation & creativity, hard work and stewardship help employees thrive and excel in many fields within The District.  An immediate full-time opportunity exists for an individual with commitment, a “passion” for excellence and “drive” for accuracy to join our Public Safety team. This position requires a solid background of advanced customer service skills, used daily.  The incumbent will enjoy a challenging atmosphere and being part of a productive team that supports our surrounding community. The District is looking for an individual with a desire to utilize their cutting-edge customer service skills.  The District provides a supportive and engaging workplace that is committed to developing great talent, coupled with competitive compensation and benefits.  Do not pass up this opportunity to be a part of a positive, expanding organization. 

Competitive Benefits as a full-time employee of the District include:

• Medical Insurance (fully paid for employee single coverage)
• Voluntary health benefits including Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401(a) Retirement Plan, with contributions funded by the District 
• 457(b) Retirement Plan, permitting employee pre-tax deferrals
• Flexible Spending programs for both Medical and Dependent Care
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible
• Tier 2 qualifying organization for The Villages Charter School

JOB SUMMARY

Protects lives and property through activities associated with fire prevention, rescue, firefighting, hazardous materials and emergency medical incidents. Participates in training and maintenance activities, as necessary. Firefighters have regular demands for high physical exertion, lifting, dragging, and carrying heavy equipment and/or people.                                                     

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Includes, but not limited to) 

Fire Suppression & Rescue

• Responds to fire alarms, structure and wildland fires, motor vehicle collisions, medical emergencies, water emergencies, emergency rescues, and other emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Drives emergency vehicles and operates emergency equipment associated with EMS, firefighting, rescue, salvage and maintenance.
• Enters burning buildings and hazardous environments for extinguishment and/or rescue.
• Applies appropriate extinguishing agents to fires.
• Protects property from unnecessary smoke and water damage during salvage and overhaul operations.
• Provides BLS emergency medical care to patients and assists the local emergency medical services transport provider.

General

• Effectively communicates by means of two-way radio, person-to-person, and in writing through various records, reports, memos and letters.
• Performs in-service training and public education activities.
• Inspects buildings for fire hazards and completes pre-fire plans.
• Maintains apparatus, equipment, buildings and grounds.
• Participates in all phases of training necessary to maintain the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of the position.
• Assists in maintaining records and submitting reports.
• Serves as Acting Lieutenant when so designated.

Additional                                                                              

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• May be expected to perform additional duties in an emergency. 

ESSENTIAL EXPECTATIONS OF PERFORMANCE AND BEHAVIOR (Includes, but not limited to) 

VPSD Personnel must uphold the VCCDD’s guidelines regarding performance expectations as outlined in the Employee Manual, as well as abiding by the Department’s Code of Conduct policy. 

• Performs to, and upholds, the Department’s Mission Statement.
• Uses good judgement in decision-making.
• Models behavior that reflects the District Core Values at all times.
• Cultivates and maintains effective working relations within the Department, the District, as well as outside of the organization. 

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (Includes, but not limited to)

• Must possess a valid high school diploma or GED. 

MINIMUM CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Florida State Fire Standards (per F.S. 633).
• Florida State certified as Emergency Medical Technician.
• Current CPR certification.
• EVOC certification – 16 hours.
• Valid Florida Driver’s License required.
• Required FEMA (ICS) certifications must be completed within six months of hire. 
• All candidates and employees must successfully pass background and drug screening. 
• Must successfully complete initial medical and physical evaluations and recertify annually in accordance with F.A.C. 69A-62 and NFPA 1582 standard.
• Must maintain all required certifications and licenses (including the Medical Director’s clearance) to perform Basic and/or Advanced Life Support patient care.
• This position is subject to recall or emergency response outside of regularly scheduled hours. 
• Internal Applicants: Will not be eligible for consideration if:
  • They have received any formal discipline in the previous 12 months.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (Includes, but not limited to)   

Knowledge

• Must maintain a working knowledge of the most-current industry standards and practices.
• Is required to complete Continuing Education Units every year.
• Participates in all phases of training necessary to maintain the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of the position.
• Working knowledge of equipment and tools utilized in the delivery of EMS care or fire suppression.

Skills

• Proficiency in computer, web, and phone-based applications and programs utilized for EMS/Fire response, report writing, training, timecards, etc.
• Competent use of office equipment that includes, but is not limited to cell phones, laptops, computers, printers, fax machines, multi-line phone systems, radios, and apparatus.

Abilities

• Personnel are required to maintain calm and composure in all interactions.
• Uses interpersonal skills to diffuse and deescalate situations.
• Treats members of the Department, VCCDD, and public with dignity and respect.

EQUIPMENT

Fire-rescue apparatus, equipment and tools; Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, hydraulic rescue tools, advanced medical care equipment. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Includes, but not limited to)

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee will be exposed to the following:

• Moderate to loud noise is typical for the work environment i.e., when in office setting with moderate noise of computers and printers and moderate customer traffic. 
• Work with computer, phone, fax and copy machine. 
• Exposure to loud noises in route to, returning from, or while at an incident scene.  
• Exposure to the following environmental conditions may include outdoor weather conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals, fumes or airborne particles, and risk of electrical shock.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the following applies:

• Regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.
• frequently required to reach overhead & forward, push/pull, kneel, crawl, stoop, twist, squat, stand, sit, balance, climb stairs/other, walk; lift & carry 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
• Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, night vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Capable of operating in personal protective equipment (PPE) and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) per state and federal safety standards.