Logo
City of Grand Island, NE

Firefighter/Paramedic

City of Grand Island, NE, Grand Island, Nebraska, us, 68802


Respond to medical emergencies, fire alarms and other emergency calls in order to provide advanced life support and emergency medical services; operate and maintain a variety of rescue and fire apparatus and firefighting equipment; and participate in firefighting activities, hazardous materials incidents, technical rescue, fire prevention and training activities. Applicants must either possess or have the ability to obtain, National Registry paramedic certification within twelve (12) months of test date. Incumbents who cannot acquire National Registry paramedic certification within twelve (12) months of test date are not eligible to apply. Incumbents who do not possess National Registry paramedic certification at the time of hire will be placed on the appropriate pay step of the Firefighter/EMT pay scale. Once the incumbent obtains paramedic certification, they will be placed at the appropriate pay step on the Firefighter/Paramedic pay scale. Incumbents failing to acquire certification as a National Registry paramedic within twelve (12) months of test date may not occupy the Firefighter/Paramedic position.

Display honest, trustworthy, and ethical behavior when dealing with internal and external customers.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Regular attendance that is punctual and dependable is required.

Respond to medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, and other emergency situations involving threat to human life; provide emergency medical services as warranted by the circumstances.

Perform search and rescue for trapped or injured persons; provide necessary medical care including the use of defibrillators, breathing apparatus, endotracheal intubations, suction devices, intravenous/intraosseous infusion, administration of medications and intravenous solutions.

Operate numerous types of rescue, salvage and emergency medical equipment; operate and maintain ambulance rescue and all related equipment; operate fire suppression equipment as necessary.

Provide careful transportation of patients to medical care facilities; maintain contact with medical facility to prepare for patient arrival.

Maintain adequate inventory of supplies and equipment on ambulance and fire apparatus; ensure that the vehicle and equipment are clean and properly cared for; conduct daily vehicle inspections; participate in routine maintenance and repair of emergency vehicles and equipment.

Oversee the work of Fire Department personnel as necessary during medical emergencies; oversee triage operations; act as Triage Officer on mass casualty emergency scenes.

Respond to fire alarms with assigned company; assist in firefighting operations including laying and connecting hoses, maintaining pumping apparatus, holding nozzles and directing water streams and raising and climbing ladders; assist with medical and rescue needs at fire scene.

Under direction of captains, inspect buildings and property for fire hazards, efficiency of fire protective equipment, adequacy of fire exits and general compliance with fire prevention and hazardous materials laws and standards.

Participate in fire drills; attend training sessions which include firefighting techniques, emergency medical care, and the proper use of all equipment, related tools, vehicles, apparatus, equipment and facilities.

Operate and maintain fire apparatus, ambulances and equipment.

Perform local and long-distance transfers of patients within Nebraska.

Evaluate the condition of patients; determine treatment in accordance with approved Fire Department patient treatment protocols and/or orders received from Medical Control.

Assist with classes and public education on emergency medical, fire safety and fire prevention methods; conduct fire prevention inspections, basic and advanced life support education for schools, churches, civic groups and the general public.

Under direction of fire investigators, assist in the investigation of fire scenes to determine causes; prepare inspection reports and assist in the preparation of investigative reports.

Perform general maintenance and custodial duties as required.

Prepare various reports relating to emergency medical services and fire operations.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of, or ability to obtain:

Rescue methods, techniques and equipment.

Emergency medical techniques including CPR.

Principles, practices and procedures of modern firefighting.

Basic and advanced life support, CPR and other medical assistance techniques.

Use of approved medications.

Principles of mechanics, hydraulics and mathematics as related to medication administration and the operation of fire equipment and apparatus.

Departmental rules and regulations and standard operating procedures (SOP's).

Local geography, including the location of streets, hydrants and the major fire target hazards of the City of Grand Island and Hall County.

Principles, practices and procedures regarding protocol at hazardous materials incidents.

Nebraska paramedic treatment protocols.

Purposes and uses of a variety of vehicles, equipment, tools and apparatus used in firefighting, rescue and medical assistance operations.

Ability to:

Be tobacco free upon hire and remain tobacco free as a condition of employment.

Pass a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus fit test with Department Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) as a condition of employment.

Use SCBA and protective clothing to prevent exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases.

Act in accordance with departmental policies, rules, instructions and written material in the field of firefighting.

Apply basic firefighting techniques and procedures.

Operate and maintain fire apparatus and equipment.

Respond to hazardous materials incidents; evacuate the affected area as necessary.

Deal with people in an effective manner under adverse conditions.

Think and act quickly and effectively in stressful situations.

Retain presence of mind in emergency situations.

Operate voice radio equipment.

Understand and follow oral and written directions promptly and accurately.

Analyze fire and emergency situations and adopt effective courses of actions.

Effectively and safely drive, operate and maintain the full range of emergency medical equipment and fire apparatus and equipment used by the Department.

Work at heights greater than ten feet.

Work on uneven surfaces using powered and hand tools.

Properly wear all safety equipment.

See and read gauges, trouble lights and control panel screens. Perceive red, yellow, and blue colors to recognize hazards identified by fire diamonds. Visual acuity of not less than 20/40 in one eye, and 20/100 in the other eye, corrected to 20/20 in one eye, and 20/40 in the other eye, display adequate color and peripheral vision in both eyes.

Hearing that will allow individual to safely perform all essential job tasks. Examples: voice commands, radio traffic, PASS devices, audible signal to withdraw.

Work for long periods of time, (24 hour periods or more) without sleep or rest due to ongoing emergencies, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration.

Work in heat/cold, fumes, dust, noise, water, oil and grease.

Work in both outdoor and indoor environmental conditions, confined spaces, and with moving mechanical parts.

Make fine, highly controlled muscular movements to adjust the position of control mechanisms such as operating levers, pedals, and valves. Perform heavy lifting and physical maneuvering.

Lift arms above shoulder level to cut vent holes with an axe or to force entry into automobiles using specialized tools.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions in the English language.

Comprehend and make inferences from written material in the English language.

Operate a computer terminal and applicable programs.

Remain in proper physical condition such that performance of duties and responsibilities are not impaired.

Demonstrate physical aptitude.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Work cooperatively with other City employees and the public.

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

No experience is required. Experience as a Paramedic and/or Firefighter is preferred.

Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training as a paramedic; the ability to obtain a State of Nebraska paramedic license, and the ability to obtain National Registry certification.

Immunizations and Infectious Disease Screening:

Must be willing to receive immunizations and screenings as recommended by NFPA 1581. Vaccinations include but are not limited to: Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus/Diphtheria, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Polio, and Varicella.

Licenses or Certifications:

Employee must possess a valid driver's license and maintain insurability as determined by the City's insurance carrier. Click here to view our driver eligibility requirements.

In order to be considered for employment as a firefighter/paramedic, applicant must meet one of the following:

* Currently certified as a National Registry paramedic, or * Be enrolled in, or have recently completed, paramedic course with the ability to obtain National Registry paramedic certification within 12 months of test date.

Within 12 months of test date, must obtain and continuously maintain both certification as a National Registry paramedic and obtain license as a State of Nebraska paramedic for duration of employment.

Firefighter I & Firefighter II certifications (IFSAC or ProBoard) within two (2) years of hire date.

Residency:

Establish residency within a 45 mile radius of Grand Island city limits within 3 months of completion of probation.

Tobacco Free:

Candidates must be tobacco free and remain tobacco free as a condition of employment.

Salary:

Position will start at the entry level of the City's salary table.

Consideration may be given if experience exceeds entry level qualifications.

Other:

Candidates must be at least 18 years of age.

Candidates are subject to a background check.

Must submit with application copies of:

birth certificate, high school diploma or GED (must be from an accredited institution) and transcript or other documentation showing completion of all course work related to a Paramedic certification.

If you possess one of the following, please submit with your application: current State of Nebraska Paramedic license, National Registry Paramedic certification and DD214 (Member 4) military discharge form, if applicable.

Tentative Test Date:

Friday, March 7, 2025.

Applicants will be notified by e-mail of time and location.

Applicants must pass the physical exam and obtain an overall composite score of 70% which includes:

oral interview and 70% or better on all written exams.

Click here to view more information about the testing process.

Candidates can purchase a study guide for the written exam, click here to purchase.