Firefighter/Paramedic

Salary: $76,268.81 - $88,282.82 Annually

Location : The Colony, TX

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 04

Department: Fire Department

Opening Date: 02/15/2024

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of a Fire Captain or Lieutenant, all of the following areas of responsibility shall be approached in accordance with The Colony Fire Department's Professional Standards. Any situation that involves contact with the citizens of The Colony (our customers) shall be considered as an opportunity to promote the city and the fire department in the most professional and positive image possible. The same criteria shall apply for our internal customers (other city departments and our employees) as well.

Examples of Duties

• Respond to fire, rescue and medical emergencies safety, efficiently and effectively.

• Take an active part in all training sessions, participate in public education programs.

• Be thoroughly familiar with city streets.

• Participate in emergency management activities as required.

• See that specific work areas are completed.

• Perform maintenance on equipment and facilities.

• Testify in court, when required.

• Accurately and professionally prepare reports and maintain files.

• Stay physically fit and able to adequately perform all duties.

• Conduct station tours and lectures as required.

• Work at a desk and answer telephone.

• Work in an out of doors environment that is subject to extreme temperatures and inclement weather along with intermittent exposure to dust, fumes and intense loud noises.

• Maintain physical activity over prolonged periods of time including walking, kneeling and stooping in awkward positions, and moving/lifting heavy objects up to 100 pounds.

• Perform general fire suppression, prevention and emergency medical functions quickly and efficiently on an assigned shift.

• Render services as needed to save lives and property.

• Acquire and use excellent customer service skills when dealing with the public.

• Obtain a good knowledge of laws and ordinances pertaining to the jurisdiction.

• Have good knowledge of modern principles, practices and procedures of fire department work and related department regulations.

• Have good knowledge and skills in the use of and care of all fire department equipment.

• Have good knowledge of emergency medical techniques and procedures.

• May be required to perform other duties as assigned.

• Manage risks and perform safely at ALL times.

Typical Qualifications

Deal with the public in situations involving conflict and high degrees of stress which require considerable tact and judgment. Able to work both in an air-conditioned building and out in the field. Perform routine job activity requiring normal physical exertion involving sitting, walking, standing, bending and crouching. Intermittently exert demanding physical activity such as pushing, pulling, running, crawling, lifting or standing. Understand and follow oral instructions, departmental policy, rules, regulations and ordinances pertaining to fire codes. To establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, other fire departments and the public. To analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective and reasonable course of action. Learn the use and care of all fire department equipment. To observe situations; to report and record them daily. Visual acuity must be at least 20/40 in each eye without correction, each eye must be corrected to 20/20, and must be free from color blindness.

Education and Experience

Obtain a valid Texas Class B Exempt Drivers License. Good familiarity with computers and their use. High school diploma or GED. Basic certification as a Texas Structural Firefighter and Texas Department of Health Paramedic. All TDH certifications shall be maintained while employed by the City of The Colony. Ability to obtain the Texas Commission on Fire Protection's Driver/Operator - Pumper certification within 24 months. This certification must be obtained prior to moving to step 5 on the Fire Department Pay Plan.

BENEFITS FOR ALL FULL-TIME/PART-TIME REGULAR EMPLOYEES INCLUDE:

TEXAS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM

All full-time employees are participants of TMRS; this is a mandatory contribution. (Part-time regular employees who work a minimum of 20 hours per week are participants of TMRS) The employee contribution rate is 7% per pay period; the City matches the contribution 2-1. There is a 5 year vesting period. Employees are eligible to retire at any age after 20 years of service or at age 60 with 5 years of service.

OPTIONAL RETIREMENTThe City offers employees the option of contributing to a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan and/or Roth IRA's through payroll deduction. The City does not match these contributions.

SOCIAL SECURITY/FICA

These deductions are matched by the City.

MEDICAL, DENTAL & VISION COVERAGE

All full-time employees have Medical, Dental, Vision, Life w/AD&D, and LTD insurance coverage paid for by the City. (Part-time regular employees who work a minimum of 30 hours per week qualify for this coverage) Employees have the option of purchasing dependent coverage.

SECTION 125 IRS BENEFIT PLANS

Employees who have dependent health or any supplementary insurance premiums deducted from their checks are eligible to pay their premiums, "pre-taxed". Pre-taxed flexible spending accounts are also available for health and dependent care.

VOLUNTARY/SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS

Employees have the option of purchasing supplemental benefits through AFLAC and LegalShield.

VACATION

Full-time employees vacation accrues as follows:

0-5 years 10 days per year

5-10 years 15 days per year

10-20 years 20 days per year

20+ years 25 days per year

Employees are eligible to take vacation after 6 months of employment.

Part-time regular employees accrue vacation leave at the accrual rate of a full-time employee.

SICK LEAVE

Sick leave accrues at 8 hours per month for full-time employees. (Fire accrues at 12 hours per month) Maximum accrual is 1,040 hours.

Part-time regular employees accrue sick leave at the accrual rate of a full-time employee.

SICK LEAVE POOL

The sick leave pool allows the employees to donate up to 24 hours of sick leave per year (employees must have a minimum of 96 hours of sick leave accumulated before contributing). This pool was created to help employees during a catastrophic injury or illness.

HOLIDAYS

Full-time employees receive 14 paid holidays per year. This includes 1 personal floating holiday that may be taken at any time during the calendar year after 6 months of employment.

New Year's Day Columbus Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Veterans Day

Presidents Day Thanksgiving Day

Good Friday Day after Thanksgiving

Memorial Day Christmas Eve

Juneteenth Christmas Day

Independence Day Floating Holiday (Personal Day)

Labor Day

Part-time regular employees accrue holiday leave at the accrual rate of a full-time employee.

LONGEVITY

All full-time employees with more than 1 year of service are eligible to receive longevity pay at the rate of $10 per month for each month of service. This is paid once a year in November. Part-time regular employees become eligible to receive this benefit after 5 years of service.

CERTIFICATE PAY

Some employees may be eligible to receive Certificate Pay in increments of $50, $100 or $125 per month depending upon the type of certification. Certification that is required per the job description in order to be employed is not eligible for pay under this plan.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT

Full-time employees may be reimbursed up to $300 per semester for college courses. The courses must relate to their job, must have a passing grade of at least a "C", and obtain Director approval. This benefit may be used after 6 months of employment.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

Provided by the city to help employees and their family members manage life's challenges by identifying options and making informed choices regarding Counseling Services, Legal Services, Financial Services, and Work/Life Wellness Resources.

PARK PASSES

Full-time and part-time regular employees receive a free year round park pass that can be used at Stewart Creek and Hidden Cove Park.