Firefighter (Lateral)

Current dates for the process are as follows, any additional dates will be sent to candidates.

• Physical Agility Test - February 28
• Oral Interview Board - March 5 or 6
• Psychological Examination - TBD
• Medical Physical Assessment - TBD

This position is also eligible for certification pay up to $2,400 annually, including:

Lateral Program Requirements:

• Must possess the following certifications at the time of application & 2 years experience that required either of these certifications:
  • TCFP Basic Structure Firefighter
  • TxDSHS Paramedic
• No breaks in service longer than 12 months preceding the date of application.
• Service Credit(s) - continuous full-time employment that required the certifications required for lateral program.

Lateral starting pay below and advertised reflects certification pay for required certifications.
Please read the following list of disqualifiers which would automatically disqualify an applicant from becoming a Firefighter or obtaining a Certified Fire position with the City of Midlothian:

• Applicant does not meet to satisfaction or complete the requirements of the position screening. Including passing each of the following steps:
  • Certification verification
  • Physical Agility Test (PAT), here is a preview of the test.
  • Oral Interview Board
  • Background Investigation
  • Drug & Alcohol Screening
  • Medical Physical Assessment
  • Psychological Examination
  • Polygraph Examination
• Applicant does not meet the minimum standards of:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must possess a high school diploma or equivalency.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license.
  • Must demonstrate the ability to read, write and speak English.
• Failure to meet the minimum standards set by Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP), or as described in Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 13, including, but not limited to:
  • Charges related to the intentional or knowing conduct, without a legal privilege, that causes or is intended to cause a fire or explosion with the intent to injure or kill any person or animal or to destroy or damage any property.
• Conviction of any of the following:
  • Any DUI/DWI/BUI convictions within the past seven (7) years.
  • Possession of Controlled Substance
  • Assault
  • Felony
  • More than two (2) traffic offenses that are moving violation convictions in the last 24 months.
• If applicant is under indictment or pending trial for any felony, Class A or Class B misdemeanor or non-traffic violation, the candidate will be disqualified for consideration of employment until they receive a final disposition, which will then be reviewed.
• Applicant provides false information, including withholding information or failing to provide or disclose information requested, relating to their ability to meet requirements of the role, or qualify for the position.
• Applicant demonstrates an inability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Applicant has previously shown inefficiency, delinquency, or misconduct in previous employment. This includes, but is not limited to, a pattern or history of: unnecessary or excessive tardiness or absenteeism; performance issues or conduct violations; or any other related employment history.
• Illicit substance use:
  • Any Marijuana use in the past 12 months.
  • Any Schedule 1, 2, or 3 narcotic use, excluding Marijuana, in the past 3 years without being prescribed.
• Tattoos or body art on the face or neck are prohibited.
• Tattoos on the hand(s) should be minimal (i.e. wedding band tattoo).
• Visible tattoos that include offensive content are prohibited. Offensive content includes but is not limited to exhibiting or advocating discrimination; exhibiting gang, supremacist, or extremist group affiliation; and depicting or promoting drug uses, sexually explicit acts, or other obscene material.
• Applicants uncorrected visual acuity must be at least 20/100 (both eyes) for those who wear glasses or hard contact lenses.
  • Corrected visual acuity should be at least 20/20 (both eyes) and 20/40 (each eye).
  • The horizontal visual field should be at least 120 degrees in each eye.
  • Applicants must have normal night vision.

• Performs fire fighting activities including driving fire apparatus, operating pumps and related equipment, laying hose, and performing fire combat, containment and extinguishment tasks; performs EMS including pre-hospital treatment and transportation at the EMT-P level; participates in fire drills, attends classes in fire fighting, emergency medical, hazardous materials, and related subjects.
• Receives and relays fire calls and alarms; Operates radio and other communication equipment; participates in the inspection of buildings, hydrants, and other structures in fire prevention programs; Maintains fire equipment, apparatus, and facilities. Performs minor repairs to departmental equipment.
• May assist in coordinating, instructing, or supervising the work of new recruits, or other as assigned. May be required to perform the duties of Fire Engineer on an as-needed basis only.
• Presents programs to the community on safety, medical, and fire prevention topics; performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire facilities and equipment; Cleans and washes walls and floors; Cares for grounds around station; Makes minor repairs; Washes, hangs, and dries hose; Washes, cleans, polishes, maintains, and tests apparatus and equipment.
• Assists in the development of plans for special assignments such as emergency preparedness, hazardous communications, training programs, fire fighting, hazardous materials, and emergency medical activities. Performs salvage operations, such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris.
• All other duties as assigned.

Must be at least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or GED equivalent, is required.

• Ability to read and write the English language.
• Must demonstrate competency in handling emergencies, utilizing all Basic and Advanced Life Support equipment and skills in accordance with all behavioral objectives in the DOT/EMT Basic, EMT-I curriculum, and the EMT-P curriculum. Ability to read training manuals, other materials to maintain certification, placards on vehicles, reference materials and books, traffic signs, instruction manuals, standard operating procedures.
• Ability to write in order to complete fire reports, using fire codes in reports, statements concerning incidents, record maintenance information, maintain equipment logs. Ability to use mathematics in order to learn algebraic hydraulic formulas for pump operations plus adding and subtracting. Must be able to perform drug calculations, oxygen calculations; basic algebraic and mathematical conversion units of measure; calculations of drip rates based on body weights.
• Ability to quickly analyze complex information in emergency or dangerous situations and make decisions of a life and death nature; follow instructions. May perform in-depth evaluation of emergency situation; decision making and prioritization of tasks to ensure appropriate treatment and action in life-threatening situations.
• Possess the interpersonal skills in order to handle emergency situations and irate, hysterical, frightened and/or injured individuals; make attempts to verbally calm individuals, handle life and property threatening situations, work with firefighters and other emergency personnel as a team, live in community setting in close proximity with co-workers, communicate with public and children. Ability to as a part of a team. Maintain emotional control in all types of emergency situations. Ability to work with others in a professional manner when other individual(s) may be hostile, panicked and frightened. Ability to maintain confidential patient information.
• Ability to be punctual and attend work regularly.

Special Requirements
Must be able to pass a physical agility standard, medical exam and a detailed background investigation.
This position is subject to call back to duty.
Must meet the Fire Department's annual Fit for Duty Standard.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, polygraph test, psychological exam, criminal background check, and physical exam.
This position is classified as a safety-sensitive position and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing during the course of employment.
Licenses & Certifications
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with acceptable driving record as established by the City of Midlothian.
Must obtain a valid class "B" exempt driver's license within one (1) year of employment.
Must also meet one of the following requirements (certifications must be attached to the online application for consideration):

• TX DSHS EMT-B or EMT-P and TCFP Basic Structure Firefighter Certification* OR
• TX DSHS Paramedic Certification**

*Applicants certified as EMT-B and TCFP Basic Structure Firefighter Certification must obtain their TX DSHS Paramedic Certification within two (2) years of employment in order to remain employed.
**Applicants certified as TX DSHS Paramedic Certification must obtain their TCFP Basic Structure Firefighter Certification within one (1) year of employment.
Work Environment
Work environment frequently includes being in an outdoor environment with various and potentially extreme weather conditions. Work requires occasionally being near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment can vary ranging from frequently moderate levels to occasional loud noises. Work environment may include exposure to dust, flames and smoke in the suppression of fires. Physical demands require considerable physical effort with heavy lifting (over 100 lbs.) carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, moving through confined spaces, and crawling, as well as extended periods of walking and standing. Physical demands also require heavy muscular effort with resulting fatigue of arms, legs, back, or sensory facilities.Employment Type: Full Time