Paramedic/EMT/Firefighter (Certified and Non-Certified)

Minimum Qualifications

PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT FOR APPLICATION SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS BEFORE SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION

THERE ARE TWO (2) STEPS IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS:

1. COMPLETE THE ALACHUA COUNTY EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION AND UPLOAD ALL THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS BY FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2024.

2. COMPLETE THE CANDIDATE ASSESSMENT THROUGH PUBLIC SAFETY ANSWERS   

The candidate assessment can be accessed at the following link https://www.publicsafetyanswers.com/alachua and must be taken no later than Friday, August 9, 2024.  

The candidate assessment is a 15-45 minute, self-administered psychometric assessment. It measures reasoning and problem-solving skills, plus 25 traits, or dimensions of personality, intended to measure an individual’s characteristics for the purpose of determining the best fit for employment in a specific position.

 

UPON SUBMISSION OF ALACHUA COUNTY EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION, PROOF OF THE FOLLOWING MUST BE PROVIDED:

****Successful applicants must meet all requirements for Drivers as listed in Florida Statutes 401.281****

Candidates must possess a valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Certificate provided by an authorized CPAT testing center OR the candidate must have passed Alachua County's Fireground Physical Ability Test (FPAT) prior to in-person interview date. Valid CPAT or FPAT certificates must be dated within 1 year of application date.

Successful completion of State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program within 1 year of employment. Successful completion of State of Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance program within 1 year of employment. Successful completion of department certified sixteen-hour Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) within first months of employment. Continued certification is required to continue employment along with successful completion of twelve-month probationary period.

Applicants who are hired by Alachua County Fire Rescue as a Firefighter Trainee will receive sponsorship for Firefighter and/or EMT certifications if the applicant does not already have these certifications. Trainee employees sponsored to obtain a certification will be required to agree to a 2-year commitment that begins upon completion of certification. Upon obtaining those certifications or proof of completion of these certifications, employees advance to Firefighter base salary $47,947. The department offers an $8,500 incentive for cleared paramedics.

IF YOU CURRENTLY POSSESS THE FOLLOWING, PLEASE SUBMIT WITH THE ON-LINE APPLICATION:

1. State of Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance
2. State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification
3. State of Florida Paramedic Certification
4. American Heart Association BLS - CPR & AED Card or BLS for Healthcare Provider card by the American Red Cross (CPR & AED)
5. American Heart Association ACLS Card or ALS for Healthcare Provider card by the American Red Cross

PREFERRENCE GIVEN TO CANDIDATES THAT ARE ALREADY CERTIFIED AS A FIREFIGHTER, EMT, OR PARAMEDIC

Position Summary

Position Summary

This is responsible technical work in the Fire Rescue Services Department protecting life and property by performing firefighting, driving apparatus, performing emergency medical aid, hazardous materials and fire prevention duties.

An employee assigned to this classification is responsible for safely transporting a crew and medical equipment to the patient, assisting in providing immediate care to the critically ill or injured on an emergency basis, transporting the patient to a medical facility, and performing firefighter duties including combating, extinguishing and preventing fires as required.

Work is performed within standard operating procedure guidelines and an employee is expected to exercise independent judgment, based upon firefighting and emergency medical training.

Work is performed under a higher- level supervisor and is reviewed through observation of Lead Worker Paramedics. This position reports directly to a Lieutenant when assigned on a fire apparatus or a Rescue Lieutenant or Lead Worker Paramedic when assigned on a Rescue.

The Alachua County Fire Rescue pay structure includes classification levels defined by both educational and length of service with the department. New employees will be classified in the following manner upon hire:

This classification includes employees who do not meet the minimum requirements for Firefighter Level 1 because they do not possess a current State of Florida Certificate of Compliance and/or a State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification. Employees in the Firefighter Trainee classification will be paid $40,560 annually and will be required to obtain both certifications within the first 12-months of employment.

This classification includes employees who meet all of the minimum qualifications for Firefighter which includes a current State of Florida Certificate of Compliance and a State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification. Employees in this classification will be paid $47,947 annually.

Alachua County Fire Rescue offers a $8500 annual incentive in addition to the annual salary to all applicable bargaining unit employees who possess a State of Florida Paramedic certification and receive medical clearance certification by the Alachua County Medical Director.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION

This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work.

Exudes a positive customer service focus.

Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with core values including: integrity, honesty, respect, diversity, innovation, accountability and communication.

Performs firefighting activities including operating related fire equipment, laying hose, and performing fire combat,

containment and extinguishment tasks.

Provides emergency medical treatment to the Basic Life Support level of certification and training. Provides assistance with Advanced Life Support medical procedures.

Receives emergency and non-emergency calls from dispatch; drives the emergency unit to the call and/or hospital using the most expeditious route.

Utilizes all required safety measures when performing assigned job duties. Responds to medical, rescue, fire and other emergency and non-emergency calls. Operates radio in accordance with system standards and guidelines.

Assists in loading patient and/or transportation of patient to a medical facility. Makes up stretcher and cleans inside of vehicle after each call.

Inspects vehicle daily; insures that vehicle is clean, fully equipped and in proper operating condition and in compliance with all state and local laws.

Prepares reports as required.

Attends and participates in company drills and training sessions.

Performs routine station housekeeping and routine office work as required.

Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.

NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to

An organization is only as good as the people it employs. To attract and retain the best team possible, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners offers a competitive benefit program. We believe that if we expect our employees to support the County, we must first support the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families, now and as they plan for their future.BoCC-Contributed Benefits

• Medical/Health Insurance  
• Employee Life Insurance  
• Florida Retirement System  
• Employee Assistance Program

• Dental Insurance  
• Vision Insurance
• Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance
• Deferred Retirement Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Roth IRA
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Computer Purchase Program

NOTE: For detailed information regarding available benefits click here.

You may also view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding benefits. 

• FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM (FRS) The Florida Retirement System is a retirement plan designed to provide an income to a vested employee and his/her family when the employee retires, becomes partially or totally disabled, or dies prior to retirement.  A defined benefit or defined contribution option may be chosen by the employee.
• TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Permanent, full-time employees are eligible for educational assistance funds. Contact the Human Resources Office for program details.
• HOLIDAYS Holidays are as follows: 

1. New Years Day  
2. Martin Luther King Day  
3. Memorial Day  
4. Juneteenth
5. Independence Day  
6. Labor Day  
7. Veterans' Day  
8. Thanksgiving Day  
9. Friday following Thanksgiving  
10. Christmas Eve (IAFF*)  
11. Christmas Day  
12. Additional Christmas Holiday (All non-IAFF employees)  
13. 2 Floating Holidays  (All non- IAFF employees)

*IAFF – International Association of FirefightersPay periods are every two weeks, Monday through Sunday. Payday is Friday. International Association of Firefighters follow the General Contract 7k regarding holidays.

Vacation Leave – Generous vacation accrual rates with payout of unused accrued leave, with some restrictions. For more detailed information regarding vacation leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-2.

Sick leave is earned at a rate of 4 hours per pay period by all permanent, full-time employees*. At the end of each fiscal year, eligible employees can convert up to 10 days of accrued sick leave to vacation leave on a 2:1 basis. For more detailed information regarding sick leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-3 *Accruals slightly different for IAFF employee.