Make a difference and join the Victoria Fire Department as an EMT Trainee! In this role, the EMT Trainee will respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service, medical emergencies and other calls to protect life and property. Will operate and maintain all necessary medical equipment to provide patient care. The successful candidate will participate in fire prevention, training, station and equipment maintenance activities. Responsible for safely driving and operating assigned apparatus to and from emergency scenes and leads medical crew in the treatment and transport of patients. Selected EMT Trainee candidates will attend the TCFP Firefighter Certification Course provided by the Victoria Fire Department. Apply today to be part of a public service organization that prides itself on enhancing the livability of our community!

The Victoria Fire Department offers a competitive salary and retirement structure, great health benefits, and many other incentives such as paid time off and department-issued uniforms and equipment.

Candidates are required to provide TDSHS EMT Certification by the proposed start date to meet the minimum qualifications of the job.

After successful completion of requirements/promotion to Firefighter/EMT:
Schedule – Shift hours are 48 on/96 off
Salary – $44,996/yr

In order to complete the EMT Trainee online application, please attach EMT Certificate of Completion OR TDSHS EMT Certification (Additional documents can be submitted by clicking "Add Supplemental Attachment" when uploading certificates to the application).

Selected applicants will also be requested to successfully complete the following:

• 
  Written examination (A Study Guide for the written test is available for purchase online here)
• Physical Ability Course (A video of the Physical Ability Test is available online here)
• Panel interview
• Chief's interview

• The VFD Recruitment/Training Division will conduct testing periodically while this posting remains open.
• Selected applicants will be invited to testing and interviews in Victoria, by invitation only. This will consist of: Written Testing, Physical Ability and Panel interviews.

• Operate heavy motor equipment at maximum operating efficiency consistent with needs, safety, and mechanical limitations of the equipment.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees and the public.
• Administer emergency care at heights greater than ten feet.
• Operate power driven machinery such as lawn mowers and hydraulic extrication equipment.
• Responsible for carrying trauma bags/cardiac monitor and/or other equipment weighing 20-50 pounds for short distances (up to 20 feet or more) to the emergency scene from the ambulance or fire truck.
• Communicate orally with customers in face-to-face one-on-one settings.
• Tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing job duties.
• Work for long periods of time, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration.
• Make critical decisions during emergency situations.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.
• Bend or stoop repeatedly or continually over time to perform emergency medical services, or perform duties on the fire ground.
• Perform duties requiring lifting and transporting patients from emergency scenes to ambulance/hospital. Includes use of backboard with straps and may require transporting patients from various heights. May need to lift; push; pull weight up to 150 pounds.
• Performs training to understand apparatus limitations related to apparatus response and fire suppression activities.
• Identify critical incident scene safety factors and address them appropriately.
• Understand and operate within the Incident Management System.
• Use Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus and protective clothing to prevent exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases.
• Observe or monitor people's behavior to assess patient condition.
• Able to function and exercise judgment in stabilizing the victim when out of contact with the physician. Formal protocols (standing orders) may be established by medical command and must be followed by the EMT in these situations.
• Maintain proper records of EMS activities.
• Perform additional primary duties and essential functions that may be identified by the Fire Chief or designee.

Employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk and hear; taste or smell. Employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 150 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, co-peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Employee regularly works in outside weather. Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places; occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and vibration. Possibility of severe injury or loss of life when at emergency scenes. Noise level is usually moderate.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:
Ability to learn and understand the rules and regulations of the fire department. Ability to learn modern firefighting, fire prevention practices, and first aid. Ability to meet the appropriate requirements set forth in NFPA 1001 Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications; current edition. Know the location of streets, fire alarm boxes, and fire hydrants and the types of building construction in the city; or the ability to gain this knowledge within an established timeline to be determined by the department. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Know the Medical Protocols as established by the Medical Director. React quickly in emergencies. Display proper judgment in making work decisions. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public. Operate mechanical and automotive fire equipment. Ability to meet minimum health and physical fitness standards.

Minimum Education, Experience and Certification:
High school diploma or equivalent. Twenty-four hours of college preferred. Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) EMT-Basic certification required. Ability to obtain a Texas Commission Fire Protection Basic Structural Fire Protection Certification within an established timeline to be determined by the department is required as a condition of employment; Failure to complete the established firefighter certification could result in the employee’s termination. Valid Texas Class B driver’s license required within one (1) year of date of employment. Driving record that meets City guidelines. Must successfully complete the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) within a timeline established by the department. Employee may be required to obtain other specialized training to meet the needs of the fire department.