Firefighter

This recruitment will establish an employment list to fill current and any future vacancies within the Tulare County Fire Department. The anticipated life of the employment list is six months. If interested in employment for this position for current or future vacancies, please submit an online application for consideration. These positions will work a 56-hour week, with shift schedule of 48 hours on/96 hours off, or 2,912 hours annually.

Respond to fire, medical, and other emergency alarms; operate equipment and assist in the suppression of fires, medical emergencies, and in the protection of life, property, and the environment; operate pumps, ladders, and other mechanical equipment as required; assist in performing tactical incident management and assist in directing the activities of fire fighters until relieved by a Fire Officer; assist Fire Officer in conducting residential and commercial inspections to discover and eliminate potential fire hazards; assist to educate the public in fire prevention and life safety methods; assist in servicing and making minor repairs on fire emergency equipment; assist Fire Officers in conducting training programs for firefighters; assist in maintaining fire apparatus and equipment, fire station and grounds, and other equipment; assist in providing training, and lead direction to staff including extra help fire fighters, on assigned shift; assist in keeping records and preparing reports as required; assure adherence to established safety standards in daily operations; attend training and drills as required; may assist in preparing and conducting training courses; may assist in the investigating of fire scenes and the origin of fires; administer emergency medical care; Essential job duties may be assigned that are not listed above but are relative to this job classification. (Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law.)

Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

Special Requirement:Candidates must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application submission.

Skill/Ability to:Successfully pass and complete Department EMT course and obtain EMT-1 certification through Central California Emergency Medical Services Agency (CCEMSA) within 1 year of employment with Tulare County (prior to the end of probation); work and communicate effectively with people of various education and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles and behaviors of both clients and co-workers; plan, direct, and organize fire suppression and support activities during emergencies; effectively apply fire suppression and prevention methods and techniques; operate and maintain firefighting, rescue and emergency medical equipment, tools, and supplies; follow oral and written instructions, react quickly in emergencies, and display sound judgment in making decisions; analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; direct activities of extra help firefighters; establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, staff, and others; make effective decisions and solve problems; prepare clear and concise reports and records using personal computers; operate radio communication equipment.

Education: Associates Degree or higher in Fire Technology or Public Administration

Exam Process – Applications shall be reviewed and evaluated to determine the most highly qualified candidates. Those candidates will then be invited to participate in the exam process, which may consist of an oral interview and a departmental assessment/exercise. Exam scores determine the rank on the employment list.

Candidates selected will be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.

This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan servicer or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Bargaining Unit 23
The information listed is a general summary of benefits. These provisions do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and are subject to change.
Employees who waive County health, dental and vision insurance will receive $1,000 per year, pro-rated on a per pay period basis.
Safety Retirement: The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the 1937 Act County Employees Retirement Act and integrated with Social Security. In addition to ordinary retirement benefits, the plan provides disability and death benefits. Retirement contributions are made by both the County and the employee. The County has reciprocity with the State of California, contracting PERS agencies, and all County 1937 Act Retirement Systems.
Holiday Pay:Employees receive 96 hours pay at straight time in lieu of any holiday time off. Two equal payments will be made annually on the first pay period in June and first pay period in December. This benefit will be prorated based on length of service.
Employees working a 40-hour shift are not entitled to holiday pay as indicated above. For these employees, holidays will be paid in accordance with established Personnel Rules.
Vacation Accrual:
2 weeks per year (0-3 years of service)
3 weeks per year (3-7 years of service)
4 weeks per year (7-11 years of service)
5 weeks per year (11+ years of service)
Sick Leave Accrual: 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation.
Uniform Allowance:The County Fire Department will provide the initial uniform to new employees. Effective July 1, 2017 and annually thereafter, employees may be reimbursed for up to $950.00 per fiscal year for new uniforms.
Assignment Pay:Fire Captains designated as Fire Training Officer or Fire Prevention Officer will work a 40-hour shift and receive special assignment pay of 5% of the regular hourly rate.
Acting Officer Pay: Employees who work out of classification for will be entitled to an additional 5% of their base pay for qualifying hours, upon assignment, for the duration of such assignment.
Certification Pay Employees who possess a Fire Officer Certification will receive an additional $40 per pay period ($1,040 annually). Proof of certification must be submitted in accordance with department policy.
Group Term Life Insurance: $10,000; Provided by Standard Insurance Company.
Deferred Compensation: A voluntary deferred compensation plan is available.
To view more detailed descriptions of Tulare County's benefits, please view the Benefits section of our Web site. https://tularecounty.ca.gov/hrd/benefits-wellness/health-plans-active-employees/
The Provisions Of This Bulletin Do Not Constitute An Expressed Or Implied Contract And Are Subject To Change.