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Form of workWe are accepting and reviewing applications to establish an eligibility list for a May 2024 In- House Academy.
Want to reach out and serve the community as a highly trained Lateral Firefighter/EMT or Lateral Firefighter/Paramedic?
Multiple Positions May be filled from this Recruitment.
The Palo Alto Fire Department (PAFD) is seeking highly motivated Lateral Firefighter (EMT or Paramedic) candidates who want to be part of a professional team of women and men, dedicated to safeguarding and enriching the lives of the 125,000 people who work and live in Palo Alto. PAFD had approximately 9,500 emergency incidents (over 18,000 unit responses) in 2023, and provides Fire and EMS services from six fire stations, located strategically throughout the city and is the only city fire department in Santa Clara County that provides Advanced Life Support Transport in addition to Fire Suppression and Rescue. PAFD offers a variety of programs including Emergency Medical Services, Fire Suppression, Special Operations Technical Rescue, Wildland Fire Services, HAZMAT, Fire Investigation, and more! Lateral candidates may be eligible for additional incentives depending on qualification
The Fire Department
Prior to 1920 when the city hired its first professional firefighter, the Palo Alto Fire Department operated as a volunteer fire service organization that served the community. The department, over its existence, has continued to evolve to remain cutting-edge as the community has changed. Because of growing demand in the industry, the Palo Alto Fire Department began providing paramedic services in 1975 while also providing fire-rescue and ambulances services to Stanford under contract. The Palo Alto Fire Department has continued to keep pace with the industry, as demand changes within the city and as further service offerings were made available to the community.
Today the department provides its services from six fire stations, located strategically throughout the city with the Fiscal Year 2023 approved operating budget of approximately $40 million. The department is staffed with approximately 96 uniformed and 8 civilian professionals. The department deploys 4 Type 1 engines, 1 Squad, 1 Tractor-drawn Tiller Truck, 2 Type III engines, 2 patrols, 3 Ambulances, and various trailers and specialty apparatus.
The Palo Alto Fire Department continues to remain mission focused as evidenced by its international accredited status as well as its commitment to "strategic doing." The department embraces excellence in all that it does and continues to be dedicated to those it serves.
Palo Alto Fire Department Values
INTEGRITY and accountability to the community we serve.
An INNOVATIVE approach in combining transition and technology to improve health, safety, and welfare.
PROFESSIONALISM in our attitude, appearance, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Embracing the DIVERSITY of our members backgrounds and experiences which allows us to effectively respond to emergencies and outreach opportunities.
COMPASSION in our service and supporting each other with empathy, sincerity, and respect.
Ongoing EDUCATION as we continually improve ourselves and our skills to increase our own safety and better protect the communities we serve.
Mission Statement
We are a professional team of men and women dedicated to safeguarding and enriching the lives of anyone, anytime, anywhere with compassion and pride.
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential Functions:
Responds to emergency alarms and performs all necessary firefighting and rescue activities. Assists in maintaining fire apparatus and equipment.
Attends specialized training in firefighting, fire prevention inspections and first aid. Participates in company drills, inspections, housekeeping duties and other related tasks. May perform duties as relief Apparatus Operator.
Assists in performing related life and property protection.
Performs emergency actions during adverse conditions involving exposure to hazardous materials.
Helps with delivery of emergency medical care to patients within the guidelines of Emergency Medical Technical certification guidelines.
Performs maintenance duties at fire stations. Responds to special emergency calls during off hours. May be assigned specialized duties.
Participates in public relations and training activities to the public.
Related Functions:
May assist in conducting training programs. Assists in bicycle license program.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
- Age: 21 years or older.
- Ability to maintain a valid Class C with Fire Fighter Endorsement.
Special Requirements:
Proof of full-time employment (or equivalent) of at least 3 continuous years of service in a full-time municipal (all risk) fire department with CA State Firefighter 1 academy completion or equivalent certification
Proof of successful completion of probationary training in your previous department either by proof of current employment beyond probationary period or a record of completion for your probationary training and sign off's by the training officer
Firefighter must be in good standing in current Fire Department
Pass a complete background check
Special Considerations depending on qualification and industry training will be made on a case-by-case review with Human Resources
Height and weight proportional according to medical standards.
Vision correctable to 20/30 in one eye and 20/40 in the other eye. Mild red-green color defects are acceptable, but complete color blindness is disqualifying.
Possession of a valid California Driver's License at time of appointment, Driver 1a and Driver 1b experience highly desirable.
Ability to pass medical examination and meet the Fire Departments Physical Agility Standards.
Proof of passing your current department's physical ability standards (add with initial application).
If you are a current EMT-B or EMT-P you must have the ability to become CA State Licensed and accredit in Santa Clara County within 90 days after from time of appointment.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
Application Deadline: Sunday, February 11th, 2024 (by midnight)
PHQ Completion Due Date: (tentative)
The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
