Fire Recruit (Paramedic Option)

Description and Essential Functions

The City of Chula Vista is seeking enthusiastic women and men interested in establishing a challenging career in the Fire Service and will be accepting applications for Fire Recruit from May 6, 2024 - May 20, 2024. Applications will not be accepted outside of this time period.

To be considered for Fire Recruit (Paramedic Option), you must be on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List.

Please visit www.FCTConline.org for information on how to be placed on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List, how to register for upcoming Candidate Physical Ability Tests (CPAT) and FCTC written tests, information about study materials and grants for testing fees.

Upcoming FCTC written test in San Diego County:

• Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Palomar College Public Safety Training Center, San Marcos (184 Santar Pl. San Marcos CA 92069)

• Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, National City (140 E. 12th Street, National City CA 919500

• Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Palomar College Public Safety Training Center, San Marcos (184 Santar Pl. San Marcos CA 92069)

Upcoming CPATs in San Diego County:

• Friday, April 12, 2024 at 6144 Innovation Way, Carlsbad CA 92009
• Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 6144 Innovation Way, Carlsbad CA 92009
• Friday, May 10, 2024 at 6144 Innovation Way, Carlsbad CA 92009

You must register with the FCTC in order to take the FCTC written test and CPAT. Furthermore, after taking the FCTC written test and CPAT, youmust register and complete your profile on the FCTC website to be placed on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List.

Under direct supervision and in a learning capacity, Fire Recruits attend the department's Recruit Academy and receive training on emergency medical services, rescue, hazardous materials, operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment, station maintenance, and the various phases of fire prevention and suppression; learn the policies and functions of Chula Vista Fire Department; and perform related duties as required. This is a trainee-level, non-sworn, 40-hour workweek classification in the Fire series, with no safety officer powers or safety benefits. Incumbency in this class is limited to a fixed term during which the incumbent must graduate from the five-month Recruit Academy and be eligible for promotion to the class of Firefighter or Firefighter/Paramedic. Graduation from the Academy requires an acceptable level of competency in all academy subjects. Competency shall be demonstrated by passing all examinations, including evaluations of manipulative skills.After successfully completing the five-month Recruit Academy, Fire Recruits are sworn in and promoted to the position of Firefighter or Firefighter/Paramedic, where s/he will serve a probationary period of twelve (12) months performing a variety of duties related to the protection of life and property, and must pass each phased evaluation of training. Recruits who are not promoted to position of Firefighter or Firefighter/Paramedic at the end of the Recruit Academy will be subject to termination.The Fire Recruit is distinguished from the higher level Firefighter and Firefighter/Paramedic in that incumbents of the latter classes have graduated from the Recruit Academy and serve as first responders to all calls for service (emergency and non-emergency).Essential Functions-Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:Participate in classroom lectures; evaluations; team and individual manipulative drills; knowledge, skills, and ability testing; and problem-solving exercises; receive training in firefighting activities such as: fire suppression, hose evolutions, radios, salvage and overhaul; use of various tools and equipment such as extrication tools, chainsaws, axes, hydraulic tools, ladders, ropes, fire extinguishers, water supply systems, etc.; learn the proper use and maintenance of all fire related apparatus, equipment, tools, and facilities; participate in fire drills and attend classes in firefighting, emergency medical procedures, hazardous materials, and related subjects; learn the policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the City of Chula Vista and Chula Vista Fire Department; participate in the physical fitness training program; build and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, personnel from a wide range of outside agencies, other colleagues in the field, and the public; and perform other duties related to this position.Minimum QualificationsAny combination of education and/or 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: Previous work experience is not required. Previous fire suppression experience is highly desirable.Training: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade. Associate's degree in Fire Science/Technology is highly desirable.Special Requirement: Must be at least 18 years of age at time of application.Licenses and Certificates* Possession of valid California or National Registry EMT or EMT-P certification is required at time of application, and for duration of employment. (EMT certification is required for promotion to the class of Firefighter; the required EMT certification is waived for those Firefighters that possess an EMT-P certification. EMT-P certification is required for promotion to the class of Firefighter/Paramedic.)
* Possession of valid Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (CPR-BCH) certificate at time of application, and for duration of employment.* Possession of valid California Class C Driver's License, and acceptable driving record at time of appointment and during course of employment.* Possession of CPAT certificate dated within one year of application deadline (Dated on or after May 20, 2023).* Fire Fighter I and Fire Firefighter II Certifications are highly desirable.* County of San Diego EMT or EMT-P Accreditation is highly desirable.* Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) card is highly desirable.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Working ConditionsKnowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of:Emergency medical basic and/or advanced life support principles, terminology, and procedures; general principles and practices of emergency medical response; San Diego County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) regulations, protocols, and procedures;Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and standards related to para-medicine; local geographical response factors;English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; basic mathematics, chemistry, and physics of fire behavior and hazardous materials; safety practices and procedures; computer related equipment and software applications related to assignment. Ability to: learn new skills and methods quickly and accurately; perform physical duties associated with firefighting; work in a variety of weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, wind, dust, etc.) and in extremely hazardous situations; learn and follow City policies and procedures; read and understand printed information during academy; follow written and verbal orders from supervisors; work with teams; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.Physical Demands and Working ConditionsMust be able to perform a wide range of physical duties to include: reading and comprehending English, taking written and practical tests, stooping, lifting heavy objects (100 lbs.), running, walking on uneven surfaces, climbing ladders, pulling heavy hoses, wearing heavy equipment, carrying heavy objects, crawling, map memorization, reading technical manuals, reading signs and labels quickly, and other related physical duties.Work is performed indoors and outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, wind, dust, etc.), and occasionally in extremely hazardous situations.Additional InformationRecruitment No. 24562503PMEmployees in the Fire Recruit position are represented by the Association of Chula Vista Employees (ACE) and receive benefits outlined in theACE Benefits Summary. After successfully completing the Fire Department's Recruit Academy, the Fire Recruit will promote to Firefighter ($6,111.13 - $7,428.07 monthly) or Firefighter/Paramedic ($7,027.80 - $8,542.34 monthly). This position is represented by International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 2180 (IAFF) and receives benefits outlined in the IAFF Memorandum of Understanding. Clickhereto view the IAFF Benefits Summary.Recruitment and Selection Process/TimelineTo be considered, applicants must submit an online City Application with Supplemental Questionnaire and therequired certifications by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date listed. Candidates whose applications indicate education and experience most directly related to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process as noted below. All notices will be sent via e-mail.Unless otherwise noted, a passing score must be achieved at each step of the selection process in order to have your name placed on the City of Chula Vista's eligibility list for hiring consideration. The examination materials for this recruitment are validated, copyrighted and/or inappropriate for review.Step 1. Application Review: Employment application and supplemental questionnaire will be screened to ensure the following requirements are met:* You must be on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List. Please visit www.FCTConline.org for information on how to be placed on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List, how to register for upcoming Candidate Physical Ability Tests (CPAT) and written tests, information about study materials and grants for testing fees. For additional test dates and locations, please click here.* A copy of your valid California or National Registry Paramedic card must be attached to your online application. Applications without a copy of a valid Paramedic card will be disqualified, regardless of the reason (e.g. awaiting receipt due to renewal process, recent testing, State issuance backlog, etc.)Please do not submit any other certifications, licenses, resumes, letters of reference, etc. as they will not be considered at this time.Step 2. HR Oral Board & Battalion Chief Oral Board: Interviews will evaluate the candidate's motivation, interest, education, experience and professional qualifications for the position. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of June 10, 2024.Step 3. Background Investigation:Candidates will be required to complete a thorough background investigation, including polygraph and Live Scan through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Target date of completion: August 2024.Step 4. Post-Offer, Pre-Employment Psychological Evaluation and Medical Examination.Target date of completion: November 2024.Please note that all dates listed above are tentative and subject to change without further notice.