Paxton Fire Department Position Vacancies – 2 Full-Time Firefighter/Paramedics
There are two (2) vacancies currently in the Paxton Fire Department for the position of full-time Firefighter/Paramedic for 48 hours (two 24-hour shifts) per week. Duties include delivery of Advanced Life Support on EMS calls, fire suppression activities, operating fire apparatus, and other various duties outlined in the job description. Compensation and benefits per collective bargaining agreement with the Paxton Professional Firefighters Local 5099.
All applicants must at a minimum be or have-
- A current Massachusetts/Nationally Registered Paramedic in good standing or any level ot EMT currently enrolled in Paramedic school.
- A licensed driver in the state of Massachusetts and must have a good driving record.
- Reside within fifteen (15) air miles of the Paxton Town Border
- A certified Pro-Board Firefighter 1/11 is preferred, or the ability to complete the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy upon appointment.
- Ability to pass a HRD Physical Ability Test, a pre-employment medical examination, and background checks.
Interested applicants should submit resumes with cover letters starting September 6th, to the Paxton Fire Chief, 576 Pleasant Street Paxton, Massachusetts 01612 or mpin_gitore@townofpaxton.net. The Paxton Fire Department will be accepting resumes with cover letters until theposition is filled. An updated job description is available upon request.
…the desire to serve...the ability to perform...the courage to act.
FIREFIGHTERIP ARAMEDIC
(COMBINATION DEPARTMENT)
Position Purpose:
The purpose of this position is to protect life and property by performing firefighting and emergency medical aid duties for the Paxton Fire Department; all other related work as required. The Firefighter/Paramedic is responsible for maintaining and improving upon the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas under his/her direction and control.
Supervision:
Supervision Scope: Performs highly responsible duties; makes decisions which involve choices of action within limits defined by standard practices and instructions.
Supervision Received: Works under the general direction of the Fire Chief or other superior officer and in conformance with departmental regulations and professional standards. Refers all unusual cases to supervisor. The position is subject to review and evaluation according to the town’s personnel plan.
Supervision Given: None, however, they may direct firefighters and EMTs at the scene of medical emergencies and/or motor vehicle accidents or other types of medical related rescues.
Job Environment:
Majority of work is performed at the scene of fires/emergencies under varying weather conditions and under conditions which may involve considerable personal danger with exposure to contagious diseases, smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents, and oils. The noise level may be very loud at an emergency scene. When on call, required to immediately report to duty 24 hours a day.
Operates emergency medical aid equipment, fire apparatus, fire pumps, hoses, ladders, first aid equipment, radio, pager, and other standard fire fighting equipment. Required to wear protective clothing/equipment.
Makes contacts with the public, ambulance services, other town departments, and other local public safety personnel.
Has limited access to confidential information including personal information about citizens, sensitive medical info1mation, and criminal investigations.
Errors could be costly in terms of decreased or less efficient protection to persons and property, confusion and delay, possible personal injury/death, and result in direct financial and legal repercuss10ns.
Essential Functions:
(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be pe1:formed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them fi·om the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)
Responds to fire department alarms, emergency calls, medical emergencies and calls for assistance. Drives apparatus. Performs firefighting activities utilizing fire hose, heavy stream appliances and extinguishers, and ladders. Ventilates burning buildings, using forcible entry tools, if necessary. Enters burning buildings to evacuate and rescue persons in danger and control fire. Protects fire-damaged property by spreading salvage covers, removing excess water and debris, and securing buildings against rekindling, inclement weather, and trespassers.
Conducts rescue operations utilizing department equipment and tools. Administers advanced first aid and resuscitation whenever necessary. Prepares victims to be transported by ambulance; performs assessments, treatments, differential diagnosis, works well with hospital staff, and any other EMS duty as required by law, and drives ambulances.
Working knowledge of all current EMS issues, protocols, changes and advancements m treatments and diagnoses.
Performs emergency rescue and extrication work at accident scenes.
Responds to and assists in the control and mitigation of hazardous materials emergencies. Responds to and assists in controlling the effects of environmental emergencies, i.e., earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, etc., including performing rescues and evacuations.
Assists in investigating the cause and origin of fires and explosions.
Attends drills and training classes in firefighting, rescue, emergency medical work, and related subjects.
Cleans, maintains, repairs and tests fire apparatus and equipment.
Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
Recommended Minimum Qualifications:
Education, Training and Experience:
High school diploma or GED.
Paramedic Certification or the ability to obtain within 1 year of appointment with ability to work in Massachusetts.
College degree preferred or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Special Requirements:
Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
Emergency Medical Technician Ce1tification (Paramedic preferred) Certification in CPR, ACLS, PALS
Firefighter I and II certifications.
Must comply with any other requirements mandated by Massachusetts General Law or local by laws for Combination Fire Departments.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill:
Knowledge: Knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions involved in the work performed. Knowledge of fire suppression and prevention principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment. Thorough working knowledge of emergency medical techniques and practices, and state EMS protocols. Basic knowledge of pumps and hydraulics. Basic knowledge of flammable gases.
Ability: Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions. Ability to communicate effectively verbally. Courage and emotional stability. Ability to be effective under conditions which create emotional and physical stress. Ability to apply standard fire fighting and emergency aid techniques to specific situations. Ability to follow proper methods, procedures and safety precautions of a Firefighter and Paramedic. Ability to perfo1m arduous tasks requiring physical endurance and agility under adverse conditions.
Skill: Skill in operating all fire equipment and apparatus. Highly skilled in emergency medical care, treatment, and transportation.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here 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. The position involves performing physically hazardous duties under emergency conditions. Must be able to connect, pull and operate hose lines; operate a pump; position and climb ladders/stairs; lift/carry equipment or persons weighing more than 150 pounds; push; climb, stoop, kneel, and crawl; reaches with hand and arms. May stand and/or walk for entire shift. Accesses all areas at the scene of a fire which may consist of a building, collapsed building, etc. Wears protective equipment weighing over 50 pounds. Performs duties under conditions of extreme heights, confined spaces, intense heat/cold, toxic fumes, dense smoke, and infectious diseases. Required to detect odors and have temperature sensitivity. Communicates verbally and in writing.
(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)