Description

The City of Visalia Fire Department is recruiting for Firefighter Paramedic to join our team. Please click here to learn more and view the recruitment announcement.

THE DEPARTMENT

For more than 150 years, the Visalia Fire Department has provided protection and service to the residents of Visalia. The Department is an all-risk agency operating out of six fire stations, staffing five engines, two trucks and two paramedic squad units. All apparatus provides Advanced Life Support (ALS) and are staffed with at least one paramedic. Fire stations are strategically located to provide service to the approximate 146,000 residents and the many visitors stopping on their way to the Sequoia National Park and other events. The well-trained, professional personnel of the Visalia Fire Department respond to more than 17,000 calls for service each year to include Fire, EMS, Rescues and Hazardous Materials. The Visalia Fire Department is the host agency of the Tulare-Kings County Interagency Hazardous Materials Response Team and responds and trains in coordination with adjacent agencies. The Fire Prevention Division is staffed with a Fire Marshal and three inspectors and is responsible for fire prevention, public education, inspections and investigations. The Training Division operates out of Fire Station 55 with a dedicated classroom and a two-story training building equipped with propane burning capabilities. The nearly 80 operations personnel of the Visalia Fire Department is dedicated to protecting all through excellent service.

Examples of Duties

THE POSITION

This position is involved in providing fire suppression, non-transport Advanced Life Support (ALS) emergency medical services, hazmat and rescue. Selected individuals will also integrate with the team to accomplish overall department objectives including training, station maintenance, public education, and fire prevention.

Qualifications / Requirements

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Visalia Fire Department is seeking dedicated and motivated individuals with the following requirements:

Graduation from high school or G.E D.
Graduation from an accredited Firefighter Academy by time of appointment OR International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Firefighter 1 certificate OR Pro Board Firefighter 1 certificate.
CSFM Firefighter 1 certification within one year of appointment.
Possession of California or National Registry Paramedic Certification. Local CCEMSA accreditation within three (3) months of appointment.
Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's license. Firefighter endorsement within one year of appointment.
Possession of valid ACLS and CPR certifications. PALS certification within three (3) months of appointment.
Possession of a valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certificate (dated within 12 months from the application closing date).

Click here for a detailed job description.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL STANDARDS

Lift and carry heavy equipment and people; endure long periods of extreme heat and physical exertion; enter burning areas and other hazardous life-threatening situations; and may sit for long periods of time.

SELECTION PROCESS

Application and supplemental materials will be evaluated and applicants who appear to be most qualified will be invited to participate in a job related interview and/or examination process. Successful candidates may be required to pass a background, physical examination, and/or drug screen.

Compensation And Benefits

The City of Visalia offers a competitive total compensation package that includes:

Monthly Salary: $7,983 -$10,017

CalPERS retirement program

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Onsite City Health and Wellness Clinic (no out of pocket expenses)

Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave

Longevity Pay

Tuition Reimbursement and much more...

Review the Benefits tab for more information.

Community Overview

If work-life balance is important to you, consider living in a thriving community that offers the most affordable housing in California with a typical commute time of less than 20 minutes. With a population of over 146,000, Visalia offers small town charm with metropolitan amenities. Visalia has a world class health care system, our own Sequoia Symphony Orchestra, a flourishing arts community, a minor league baseball team, a downtown convention center, and numerous fine dining establishments.

As the Tulare County seat, Visalia is the principal retail center in the region, and home to several large industrial employers. Visalia has a vibrant downtown district, safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, institutions for higher learning, and low cost of living. The City has many community parks, organized team sports, a municipal golf course and private country club, a multi-sport family-oriented regional sports park, and numerous outdoor and recreational activities.

Located in the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley, Visalia offers easy access to the nearby mountains, national parks, lakes and rivers which provide year-round opportunities for sports and recreation within an hour or less. Visalia was ranked as the top Central Valley community and one of seven California cities in the top 25 of Gallup Sharecare's latest State of American Well Being Index. Our strong sense of community and social well-being keeps Visalians happy, healthy and moving forward. Come discover all Visalia has to offer!

The City of Visalia is an equal opportunity employer.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice. Please refer to the MOU for further information.

Employee Benefits & Employment Information

**Some information contained herein may be different for the Paramedic Classification. See MOU for details.**

Bargaining Unit: Employees in this class are represented by the Visalia Firefighters Association (Group G bargaining unit). This bargaining unit may establish and collect dues for their members independent from the City of Visalia. Those that elect to join may be required to pay dues per the provisions in the MOU.

Salary Policies: The salary range for the job is stated on the job announcement. Candidates are normally hired at the minimum of the salary range. Salary increases are given based upon employee work performance, up to a maximum of 5% per fiscal year.

Longevity Pay: Association members are eligible for longevity pay based on all years of full-time service with the City of Visalia as a percentage of base wages at the following intervals: 2.0% at 5+ years, 10+ years, 15+ years, and 20+ years. Prior full-time paid firefighting experience may be counted toward years of service in determining longevity pay.

Specialty/Incentive Pay: Employees assigned to the Hazmat Team shall receive 2% of base wages as specialty/incentive pay.

Bilingual pay of $900 per year, pro-rated per pay period, is available to those who qualify.

Fire Certificate Pay: Employees are eligible for up to 5% certificate pay: 3% for Fire Officer or Company Officer and an additional 2% for Chief Officer or Chief Fire Officer certification.

Administrative Assignment: Employees may be assigned by the Fire Chief to serve in an administrative staff assignment on a long-term and/or project-specific basis. See MOU for details.

Uniforms and Uniform Maintenance: The City shall provide the necessary uniforms, boots, and safety equipment as needed to perform the job, including uniform cleaning.

The Visalia Fire Department currently operates on a 48/96 shift schedule. The standard work schedule for shift personnel in the Fire Department shall be 56 hours per week.

Holidays: Regular non-shift full-time City employees receive (11) paid holidays and one (1) floating holiday per year. In lieu of the holidays and floating holiday, Fire shift employees (48/96) will receive 12.0 hours (5.5 annual shift days) of base pay plus applicable Fire Certificate pay in the pay period the holiday falls.

Vacation: Regular full-time non-shift employees earn 10 days per year. After 2 years, employees are eligible for 11 days; after 4 years, 14 days; after 9 years, 17 days; and after 16 years, 20 days of vacation per year. Full-time Fire shift employees earn 5 shifts; after 2 years, 6 shifts; after 4 years, 7 shifts; after 9 years, 8 shifts; after 12 years, 9 shifts; and after 16 years, 10 shifts of vacation per year. Employees are eligible for vacation usage after six (6) months of service. Employees hired from another governmental agency may be entitled to receive years-of-service credit for their vacation accrual rate for such previous employment and applies only to the government agency the employee was employed with immediately prior to employment with the City of Visalia.

Sick Leave: Regular full-time non-shift employees earn twelve (12) sick leave days per year. Regular full-time Fire shift employees earn one (1) shift for every two months of service, totaling six (6) shifts per year. Employees are eligible for sick leave usage after three (3) months of service.

Annual Sick Leave Buy Back: After accumulating 60 days (equivalent to 480 hours for non-shift or 720 for shift employees), the City will purchase back up to 72 sick leave hours, depending on shift status, at 50% of the employee's pay rate.

Health Insurance: The City provides employee health insurance which includes medical, dental, and vision care. Employee contribution rates are determined by employee's bargaining unit and plan selected. Health benefits are also available for an employee's dependents for an additional contribution rate. Eligibility for health insurance benefits begins on the first of the month after the date of hire. Contribution rates are reviewed for adjustment annually.

Life Insurance: The City pays the premium for a life insurance and accidental death or dismemberment policy of $30,000. A supplemental life insurance policy may be purchased and paid through payroll deduction. Eligibility for life insurance benefits begins on the first of the month after the date of hire.

Retirement: The City of Visalia is a member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).

New Safety employees are covered under the 2.7% @ 57 plan. [Employees with previous CalPERS qualifying service (Classic employees) may fall under the 3% @ 55 plan.] Each pay period, the employee pays an employee contribution at the CalPERS established rate. The City pays an employer contribution towards the retirement benefit and employees are responsible for contributing 3% of the employer contribution in addition to the required employee contribution.

New Paramedic employees participate in the CalPERS non-safety retirement, which is covered under the 2% @ 62 plan. [Employees with previous PERS qualifying service (Classic employees) may fall under the 2% @ 60 plan.] Each pay period, the employee pays an employee contribution at the CalPERS established rate. The City pays an employer contribution towards the retirement benefit and employees are responsible for contributing 4% of the employer contribution in addition to the required employee contribution.

Social Security/FICA: City employees are not subject to regular Social Security (FICA) deductions. However, Federal law requires that the Medicare portion of the FICA is deducted.

Section 125: The City offers a voluntary Section 125 program whereby tax-free contributions are put into a trust account and are available for withdrawal with documentation of an unreimbursed healthcare or dependent care expense (i.e. premium, dependent care, medical care).

Long Term Disability: This benefit is provided through the Association.

Worker's Compensation: Salary continuance is provided up to one year for Safety employees who sustain an occupational injury or contract occupational illnesses. Regular Worker's Compensation disability benefits are paid thereafter in accordance with Worker's Compensation laws.

Other Benefits: The City also offers additional benefits such as an employee assistance program (EAP), a pre-tax deferred compensation plan, education assistance up to $1,500 per fiscal year, as well as a City-sponsored clinic staffed by clinicians 6 days per week available to all full-time employees and covered dependents. Services include general medical care and health and wellness coaching. No deductibles, co-pays, or out-of-pocket expenses.

As a potential applicant, you are about to participate in a series of events collectively called the employment process. Because the goal of the employment process is to obtain the most qualified candidates to fill City positions, examinations are administered to qualified applicants. These examinations are conducted in a variety of ways (written, oral, practical, and/or performance), yet they share a common purpose - to test applicants based upon the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the duties and responsibilities of the job.

The employment process occurs in several stages which are described below:

Application: Perspective employees must submit a City of Visalia application and other documents required as outlined in the announcement by the closing time specified on the final filing date. Final filing dates and times are listed on the front of each announcement. Separate original applications must be submitted for each recruitment/position applied for.

Examination: Applicants will be evaluated and applicants who clearly appear to be more qualified in terms of knowledge, skills, and abilities will be invited to take an examination or combination of examinations. Written, practical, oral, and/or performance examination scores, or a pre-determined combined examination score, will determine standing on the eligible list.

Exam Accommodations: If you are most qualified for the job, but need reasonable accommodations to take the exam, contact the Human Resources Division at least five (5) days prior to the exam. We want to work with you to design a fair and effective means by which you can demonstrate your ability to perform the essential functions of this job. Be prepared to furnish proof of the need for accommodation. Such proof should normally be a signed statement on letterhead by a professional who is qualified to make a diagnosis.

Eligible lists: Eligible lists contain names, in descending order of score, of applicants who have obtained passing scores. Eligible lists are maintained for no less than six (6) months and no more than one year unless otherwise determined by Human Resources. The City retains the authority to reestablish an eligible list for a specific job opening when deemed necessary. Separate eligible lists are established for each recruitment.

Selection: A departmental interview is conducted with the top candidates from the eligible list. The number of candidates interviewed depends on the number of vacancies.

Background Review: Depending on the position, prospective employees will be subject to clearing a background investigation which may include, but is not limited to, a reference check, credit check, criminal history review, social security verification, DMV record check, polygraph, and psychological evaluation.

Post Offer Medical Examination: Prior to starting work, all prospective employees are required to take a drug/alcohol screening administered by the City's medical provider and/or pass a medical examination. Candidates are cautioned not to quit or give notice to present employers until the medical examination has been completed and passed.

Probationary Period: This classification is required to serve a twelve (12) month probationary period. An employee may be terminated without recourse for any reason and at any time during the probationary period.

Immigration Law: Prior to employment, applicants will be required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, alien registration, or authorization to work in the United States at time of appointment, and complete an I-9 form. Failure to do so within three (3) days from date of hire may be cause for termination. Once hired, failure to maintain authorization to work in the United States may be cause for termination of employment.

Driver's License: Some City positions may require possession of a valid California Driver's License. Employees may also be required to submit a DMV printout with proof of automobile insurance as some positions may require the use of your vehicle on the job. Additionally, employees may be required to drive City vehicles or equipment.

Non-Smoking Policy: A non-smoking ordinance adopted by the City provides a smoke-free environment.

Drug-Free Workplace: The City is a drug-free workplace and has adopted a comprehensive substance abuse policy.

Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy: A zero-tolerance discrimination and anti-harassment policy adopted by the City provides employees and volunteers with a professional work environment in which they are not exposed to harassment and illegal discrimination of any kind.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

01

Describe your experience in fire suppression. Include in your response the duties you performed, the length of time you performed these duties, and whether it was full-time paid or reserve/volunteer service.

02

Do you currently have a valid California Registry Paramedic License or National Registry Paramedic License? Please list the license/cert number and expiration date.

03

Have you graduated from a Fire Academy? Please list the school and graduation date or anticipated graduation date.

04

Do you currently have a valid Firefighter I Certificate? If so, please list the license/cert number and expiration date.

05

Do you currently hold a valid CPR certification? If so, please list the certification number and expiration date.

06

Do you currently hold valid ACLS and PALS certification? If so, please list the certification number and expiration date.

07

Do you currently hold a valid CPAT certification? If so, please list the certification number and expiration date.

08

List programs you are currently enrolled in to obtain any of the licenses/certificates listed in the previous questions. Indicate the anticipated date of completion.

09

List all other licenses/certificates you have acquired that pertain to this position, including the number and expiration date.

Required Question

City of Visalia

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