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City of West Covina
Classification Specification
Title:Firefighter/Paramedic
FLSA:November 2007
PayGrade:Fire
Job Summary

Under supervision, responds to emergency medical aid calls to provide basic and advanced life support to sick and injured persons; maintains related response equipment and supplies including response unit and related devices; maintains quarters; supports public relations; participates in drills and training related to fire suppression; and performs fire suppression duties as needed.

Distinguishing Details
Essential Functions
  1. Responds to emergency and medical aid calls; provides basic and advanced life support to sick and injured persons.

  2. Operates and maintains related emergency medical response equipment such as resuscitators, oxygen tanks, stretchers, etc.

  3. Inventory supplies on a regular basis and maintains an adequate number of necessary items needed for medical aid calls.

  4. Operates and maintains emergency rescue unit.

  5. Supports effective relations with members of the public through participation in public education programs.

  6. Attends drills and classes; studies technical periodicals and publications and maintains all current certifications as required by the State of California.

  7. Responds to alarms in a wide variety of emergency situations as a member of an assigned crew. Fights fires as directed; ventilates buildings; lays hoses; directs streams of water; extricates endangered persons; climbs ladders; enters involved structures utilizing prescribed procedures.

  8. Assists with clean-up and salvage work after fires as needed.

  9. Maintains fire station and grounds.

  10. Conducts public education activities.

  11. Does related work as required.
Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

Basic and advanced life saving techniques; use and application of related rescue and medical first aid equipment is required.; Arithmetic and some knowledge of principles of mechanics, elementary chemistry and elementary physics are desirable.

Ability to:

Read and understand technical materials relating to firefighting, prevention and departmental regulations; apply elementary principles of chemistry and physics to firefighting problems; understand and follow written and oral directions under stress and pressure; work effectively under emergency conditions, and use sound judgment under hazardous circumstances; work in a team, and independently; maintain cooperative working relations; deal effectively and courteously with the public; physical endurance and agility; and write simple reports.

Education and Experience Guidelines

Qualifying for consideration in the selection process will be based on the description listed above under Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, and any combination of education and experience as described below.

Education: Graduation from high school or GED is required. Successful completion of an approved paramedic program certified by the State of California Board of Fire Services AND successful completion of an approved basic fire science academy certified by the State of California Board of Fire Services and/or a Firefighter I Certificate issued by the California State Fire Marshal.

Licenses, Certifications and Accreditations

Licenses

  • A valid EMT/P License
  • A valid California Class "C" Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record
  • A valid Firefighter's Special License or Class "B" Driver's License must be obtained within the first 18 months of employment.

Certifications/Accreditation
  • Academy Diploma or Firefighter I Certificate
  • American Red Cross or any other Fire Department approved accredited certification in CPR
  • Physical Agility Certification
  • An accreditation as a Paramedic in Los Angeles County must be received prior to appointment.

Physical Requirements
Physical Requirements
Physical Requirements

Weight: In proportion to height
Vision: 20/20 uncorrected desirable; acceptable condition up to 20/70 uncorrected in each eye, correctable to 20/30 in each eye. Free from color blindness.
Hearing: Normal, uncorrected

This position is involved in active public safety duties, which include the safeguarding of individuals, public, and property. Incumbents engage in moderate physical exertion, associated with the ability to, lift, carry, push, pull or climb. 

This position also requires extensive and repetitive physical activity involving the arms, wrists, and hands, including writing and using a keyboard.  It also requires physical abilities associated with the ability to read, write and communicate in a work environment.

Other / Special Requirements
Special Requirements
  • Must be 18 years of age at time of appointment
  • Prior to hire, the individual shall be required to successfully pass a background investigation and a physical examination, including a drug screen. 

The City of West Covina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.