FIREFIGHTER TRAINEE
$39,832 Starting Salary
(After all training & certifications, $48,100 annual salary plus $4,300 Certified Firefighter Incentive and an additional EMSstipend)
Applicants must be 21 years of age, eligible to work in the U.S., high school graduate or equivalent, in excellent physical condition, and possess a valid driver's license. Applicants having a felony conviction cannot be considered due to EMS certification requirements. Must have a valid CPAT card within one year of hire date. (CPAT test requirements): https://www.iaff.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/CPAT-2nd-Edition.pdf (Download PDF reader) and/or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh3EoE1yJnQ. Applicants must successfully complete Fire and EMT certification within one year of hire date.

Process Dates (All dates are subject to change)

September 1st – Last date to submit application
September 12th – Written exam & CPAT Orientation
September 30th – CPAT Practice
October 21st – CPAT Practice
November 7th, 8th, & 9th – CPAT Test Dates
November 14th, 15th, & 16th – Interviews
January 8th – Projected start date

Participate in fire drills and attend regular classes in firefighting, fire prevention, equipment maintenance, and related subjects to meet four hundred (400) hour certification requirement as a Certified Kentucky Career Firefighter (if not currently certified).
Attend regular classes to obtain Kentucky Emergency Medical Technician certification (if not currently certified).
Under the direction of the Deputy Fire Chief/Training, deliver, set up, and operate firefighting equipment including pumper and ladder trucks, ladders, hoses and nozzles, self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical extinguishers, hooks, axes, and other hand tools to learn proper use of department equipment and procedures.
Under close supervision respond quickly to emergency calls for the purpose of extinguishing fires to protect lives and property.
Under direct supervision of a company officer enter smoke-filled or burning structures to search for and remove victims from danger.
Perform cleanup and salvage operations at fire scenes.
Participate in pre-planning inspections as directed and prepare fire response, incident, or medical reports as required.
Participate in fire prevention safety demonstrations to the public.
Once certified as an EMT or Paramedic, respond to emergency calls to provide pre-hospital emergency medical care to patients and transport patients to medical facilities.
Communicate clearly and comprehend communication from others, in person or by two-way radio.
Efficiently and safely operate emergency vehicles in heavy traffic, inclement weather conditions, and various road surfaces.
Tolerate high personal risk and life threatening situations and still carry out assigned duties in a professional manner while maintaining sound judgment and decisiveness.
React quickly, calmly, and effectively in emergency situations.
Conduct inventory of all equipment and replace supplies as necessary.
Maintain ambulance and firefighting apparatus in efficient operating condition and ensure that they are kept in clean, neat, and orderly condition, including department structures, furnishings, and outside areas.
Maintain confidentiality, including information identified under HIPAA regulations.
Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

Graduate of an accredited high school or equivalent.

Must be twenty-one (21) year's of age.

Possess, present, and maintain evidence of certification as a paramedic or emergency medical technician and as a firefighter by the Commonwealth of Kentucky by the end of one (1) year from date of hire.

Thorough knowledge of the City and Christian County geography and knowledge of ordinances or laws concerning use of public roads by emergency vehicles.

Physical strength and agility to lift and carry patients, and all firefighting and medical equipment, including operation and relocation of equipment.

Ability and manual dexterity to use all medical and firefighting equipment.

Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.

Operate all medical and firefighting equipment by the end of the training process.

Meet all statutorily mandated standards.

Meet all job description changes within six (6) months.

Knowledge of computers and prescribed software.
Establish good working relationships with other employees, managers, patients, and maintain a high level of credibility with the public.
The employee’s duties require frequent exposure to a high degree of danger or peril and a high degree of physical conditioning.
The employee’s duties are not primarily clerical or administrative.
Severe weather and temperature variance while being exposed to toxic gases, smoke, and high noise levels.
Perform firefighting operations at extreme heights.

The City of Hopkinsville offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, flexible spending account (FSA), dental, vision, life insurance, vacation, sick leave, holidays, and deferred compensation plans. Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program available for eligible employees.