Firefighter/Paramedic
SALARY: $54,404.00 - $63,780.00 Annually
OPENING DATE: 08/02/20
RE-POSTING FOR TWO DAYS - REVISED CLOSING DATE: 08/20/20 11:59 PM
DESCRIPTION:
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Under supervision, responds to fire alarms, medical
emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous materials incidents, high angle, confined space
and river rescues and other emergencies; performs primary patient care under medical protocols
or on-line medical control; occasionally drives fire apparatus and emergency medical vehicles;
participates in fire prevention, inspections, station maintenance and training activities; and
performs other duties as required. The ideal candidate has the desire to be part of an
organization that values service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation and teamwork.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The employee in this class is responsible for
performing hazardous tasks under emergency conditions. The work in this class demands heavy
physical labor for periods of varying duration under hazardous conditions and in all weather
conditions, which includes, but is not limited to, climbing aerial ladders, working in confined
areas and in smoke/filled limited visibility environments; and the wearing of self-contained
breathing apparatus, and working in a fully encapsulated hazardous materials suit. In addition,
technical rescue requires the ability to work while suspended from ropes while wearing a full
body harness and also operating in an ice/water rescue environment. The work requires
adherence to departmental rules and regulations. Supervisors make assignments of specific
tasks and indicate methods and procedures to be followed. Assignments may be made through
either oral or written instructions. The work is closely inspected while in process and upon
completion.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
• Responds to alarms and assists in the suppression of fires, including rescue, entry, ventilating
and salvage work; as a member of a two-person ambulance team performing patient care,
emergency driving, documentation and cleanup of ambulance vehicles; and to major alarms
while off duty when required.
• Adheres to scene safety standards. Operates equipment and assists in the suppression of fires
and in the protection of life and property.
• Participates in overhaul of fire scenes (post extinguishment); and continuing training and
instruction programs by individual study of technical matter and attendance at scheduled drills
and classes.
• Performs clean-up and helps prepare equipment and vehicles for further alarms; and fire
prevention inspections.
• Operates and troubleshoots life support equipment.
• Assists in maintaining the readiness of the ambulance fleet and equipment; and fire apparatus,
ambulances and equipment, fire stations and grounds.
• Serves as paramedic responder to emergency medical and accident calls.
• Maintains State of Iowa certification as a paramedic specialist through certified continuing
education programs.
TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
• Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective
local security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions; customer
needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer
satisfaction; the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries,
diseases, and deformities; machines and tools; laws, legal codes, precedents, and government
regulations; uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and
disposal methods; human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability,
personality, and interests; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective
disorders.
• Skill or talent in using equipment or systems; critical thinking; active listening; monitoring;
looking for ways to help people; speaking; understanding people's reactions; figuring out how to
use new ideas or things; noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
• Ability to read and understand department policies, rules and regulations and fire codes;
analyze situations and adopt a quick and effective reasonable course of action giving due regard
to the surrounding hazards and circumstances of each situation; write clear and accurate
reports; understand and follow oral and written directions; learn technical firefighting principles
and techniques and principles of hydraulics applied to fire suppression; maintain certification as
a State of Iowa Paramedic Specialist; operate and manipulate fire apparatus; establish and
maintain cooperative relationships with employees and the general public; function under
extreme physical and mental stress; and perform heavy physical labor and maintain a high
degree of physical fitness and maintain physical agility. Demonstrated ability to follow a
management style that is input oriented and values problem solving and the development of
partnerships; and work effectively as a member of a team.
ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Possession of a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Experience as a paramedic or in an emergency medical service role is preferred.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain a valid Iowa Class "D"
Chauffeur's license. Possession of a current State of Iowa Paramedic certification or be eligible
for Iowa endorsement of another state’s paramedic certification or the National Registry’s
Paramedic Credentials at the time of appointment.
FLSA OVERTIME STATUS: Non-exempt
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS: Every person hired or appointed to this position is required to have
and maintain principal residence either within the corporate limits of the city of Dubuque or
within thirty (30) miles of the corporate limits of the City of Dubuque by the most direct street,
road, or highway, as soon as practical after employment date or appointment, but within two (2)
years of the date of employment or appointment.
Note: annual salary includes $1,260 in paramedic certification pay.
CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION REQUIREMENT: The Civil Service Commission will be conducting a
written entrance examination and physical ability test (CPAT) for this position on October 17,
2020, at 9:00 a.m. at the Dubuque County Emergency Responder Training Facility, located at
14928 Public Safety Way in Dubuque, Iowa. Registration for the written examination will begin at
8:30 a.m. Please bring a photo identification to the examination. At the time of the written
examination, applicants must be 18 years of age or older and possess a high school diploma or
its equivalent.
A pre-employment drug screen will be administered prior to appointment.
APPLICATION: To register for this examination, submit an electronic City of Dubuque
Employment Application for this position by August 20, 2020 at www.cityofdubuque.org/employment. Additional
information is available at the bottom of this posting. For assistance or questions with the
application process, please contact the City of Dubuque Human Resources Department at 563-
589-4125 or email humanresources@cityofdubuque.org.
SPECIAL NEEDS/DISABILITY SERVICES: Persons taking the Civil Service test for this position,
who may need reasonable accommodations or other service requirements during the
administration of the test, should notify the Human Resources Department at 589-4125 by
August 16, 2020.
The City of Dubuque is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration
for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender
identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
More Information:
• Letter to Applicant
• Study Guide
• CPAT Orientation and Preparation Guide
• Employment As Firefighter/Paramedic Benefit Summary
• Map for Dubuque County Emergency Responder Training Facility
APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:
http://www.cityofdubuque.org/2087/Job-Opportunities
OUR OFFICE IS LOCATED AT:
Human Resources Department
50 W 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
563-589-4125
humanresources@cityofdubuque.org