firefighter paramedic - West Covina

FLSA: · Non-Exempt · Probationary Period: 12 months & 6 months (Lateral) · Bargaining Unit: · Firefighters' Association · Job Summary · Under general supervision, responds to fire, rescue, medical emergency calls; provides basic and advanced life support to injured persons; maint ...

Job description

FLSA:
Non-Exempt

Probationary Period: 12 months & 6 months (Lateral)


Bargaining Unit:
Firefighters' Association

Job Summary

Under general supervision, responds to fire, rescue, medical emergency calls; provides basic and advanced life support to injured persons; maintains related response equipment and supplies including response unit and related devices; protects life and property endangered by fire or other hazards; assists in maintenance of stations and equipment; supports public relations; participates in drills and training related to fire suppression; and performs fire suppression duties as needed.

Tentative Recruitment Plan:
The following is the tentative exam schedule and plan for this recruitment. The City reserves the right to amend the recruitment plan as it deems necessary.

Week of 03/23/2- Oral Board Interview/Paramedic Skills Examination
Week of 04/06/2- Fire Chief Interview
Anticipated start date - May 18, 2026

Examples of Duties

Essential Functions

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.

The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

Responds to fire, rescue, and medical aid calls.
Provides basic and advanced life support and transportation to sick and injured persons.
Responds to alarms in a wide variety of emergency situations as a member of an assigned crew.

Fights fires as directed; ventilates buildings; lays hoses; directs streams of water; extricates endangered persons; climbs ladders; enters involved structures utilizing prescribed procedures.

Administers first aid; operates resuscitators; assists in providing medical treatment.
Assists in maintenance of fire vehicles, rescue units and other apparatus and equipment.
Inventory supplies on a regular basis and maintains an adequate number of necessary items needed for medical aid calls.

Attends drills and classes; studies technical periodicals and publications; and maintains all current certifications as required by the State of California.

Cleans up and performs salvage work after fires.

Inspects business establishments, residences, public buildings, warehouses, and other buildings in the enforcement of laws and regulations pertaining to fire prevention; prepares reports and maintains records of inspections.

Conducts public education activities.
Performs other related duties as required.

General Qualifications


Knowledge of:
Basic mathematics and principles of mechanics; understanding of elementary principles of chemistry and physics are desirable.
Basic and advanced life saving techniques.
Use and application of related rescue and medical first aid equipment is required.
Departmental rules and regulations.
Federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing fire prevention and safety.
The geography of the City, the location of water mains and fire hydrants.
Modern fire prevention and suppression methods.

Ability To

Read and understand technical materials relating to firefighting, prevention, and departmental regulations.
Apply elementary principles of chemistry and physics to firefighting problems.
Understand and follow written and verbal directions under both routine and stressful conditions.
Work effectively under emergency conditions and use sound judgment under hazardous circumstances.
Work independently and as a team member
Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Maintain cooperative working relations.
Work effectively and courteously with the public.
Physical endurance and agility.
Write simple reports.

Typical Qualifications


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training and Experience

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent is required.

Successful completion of an approved paramedic program certified by the State of California Board of Fire Services AND successful completion of an approved basic fire science academy certified by the State of California Board of Fire Services.

California Firefighter I Certificate satisfies successful completion of an approved basic fire science academy certified by the State of California Board of Fire Services.

Licenses/ Certifications/ Special Requirements

Must be 18 years of age at time of appointment.

Prior to hire, the individual shall be required to successfully pass a background investigation and a physical examination, including a drug screen.

A valid California Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record is required.
A valid Firefighter "F" Endorsement must be obtained within the first twelve (12) months of employment.
A valid EMT/Paramedic License.
American Red Cross or any other Fire Department approved accredited certification in CPR.
California Fire Academy Diploma.
California Firefighter I Certificate satisfies academy diploma requirement.

Candidate Physical Ability Test Certification (CPAT or Biddle), either certification is valid at time of application and at time of employment.

Laterals shall have completed 24 months (Full time) with a California Fire Department and poses a California State Firefighter I Certificate.

(Firefighter II highly desired)
Current active and valid status on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) list can substitute the following:
Physical ability requirements
Written test requirements (75% or higher is valid)
An accreditation as a Paramedic in Los Angeles County must be received prior to appointment.

Physical Requirements

This position is involved in active public safety duties, which include the safeguarding of individuals, public, and property. Incumbents engaging in moderate physical exertion, associated with the ability to lift, carry, push, pull or climb.

This position also requires extensive and repetitive physical activity involving the arms, wrists, and hands, including writing and using a keyboard.

It also requires physical abilities associated with the ability to read, write, and communicate in a work environment.


Weight:
In proportion to height

Vision: 20/20 uncorrected desirable; acceptable condition up to 20/70 uncorrected in each eye, correctable 20/30 in

each eye. Free from color blindness.


Hearing:
Normal, uncorrected

Physical Ability Test Information

It is the responsibility of the applicant to confirm the physical ability test dates and times, and to pre-register by contacting the testing locations directly.

Note:
Laterals shall provide proof of physical ability certification through the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) or Biddle.

Supplemental Information

Recruitment Examination Overview

Candidates will be required to successfully complete the following steps in the selection process:

Written Examination
Must have a current, active, and valid status on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) list.
Must have achieved a passing score of 75% or higher to be considered for the next steps.
Oral Board Interview and Paramedic Skills Evaluation
Candidates will participate in a structured interview to assess communication skills, problem-solving ability and job-related knowledge.
Candidates will demonstrate proficiency in essential paramedic skills through hands-on exercises.

• 
  Note: Failure to achieve the minimum passing score on any portion of the selection process will disqualify the candidate from further participation in establishing the Eligibility List.

The City of West Covina 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.

Employee Benefits - Firefighters' Association

HOLIDAYS- All Firefighter Association employees receive twelve (12) hours per month with no specific date designated.

VACATION- All Firefighter Association employees accrue 360 vacation hours per year, 10 hours per month, and at five years, they receive an additional 60 hours.

SICK LEAVE- Firefighter Association employees accrue eight (8) hours per month.

There is unlimited accumulation, and the City has an annual payoff plan for unused sick leave, plus a payoff plan upon termination (no cash out if discharged).

RETIREMENT – The employee pays the entire member contribution to the Public Employee's Retirement System. "Classic" CalPERS members enter at 3%@55. "New" CalPERS members enter at 2.7%@57. Options include single highest year, post-retirement survivor benefit, military buyback service credit and service credit for unused sick leave.

HEALTH INSURANCE - The City will provide up to the corresponding Kaiser rate per month (Employee only, Employee plus one, or Employee plus 2 or more (family)) towards health coverage through the Public Employees' Retirement Systems (PERS).

Employees covered by a health insurance plan outside of the City's plan will receive $600/month to cash out or deposit into a deferred compensation plan.

DENTAL PROGRAM- A dental program is offered to all employees at group rates. The City contributes up to $62.23 per month towards premiums.

VISION PROGRAM- A vision program is offered to all employees at group rates. The City contributes up to $45.42 per month towards premiums.

LIFE INSURANCE – The City provides one-half of annual salary for active employees, plus $100,000 accidental death while on duty, and $10,000 upon retirement.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION– The City shall match up to fifty dollars ($50.00) per month for those members that participate in a deferred compensation plan.

RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS PLAN (RHS) – A $200 City contribution and $50 employee contribution made per month toward a retiree health savings plan.

DISABILITY INCOME – The City pays 100% of the employee's salary up to one year if he/she becomes disabled as a result of a job-related injury.

FIRE SERVICE SENIORITY PAY - All sworn Fire personnel shall receive additional monthly compensation for years of service as follows:

Firefighters: 5 yrs = $133; 10 yrs = $266; 15 yrs = $333; 20 yrs = $433; 25 yrs = $599.

Firefighter/Paramedics and Fire Engineers: 5 yrs = $155; 10 yrs = $310; 15 yrs = $388; 20 yrs = $504; 25 yrs = $698.

Fire Captains: 5 yrs = $181; 10 yrs = $363; 15 yrs = $454; 20 yrs = $590; 25 yrs = $816

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT – The City provides a tuition reimbursement program for all regular full-time employees for continuing job-related education.

Education

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE – All sworn Fire personnel shall receive additional compensation per month for Firefighter Certifications and/or degrees received as follows and as outlined in the Fire MOU:

Firefighters:

AA degree = $185; AA degree plus FFII = $320; BA degree = $285; BA plus FFII = $420; MA degree = $385; MA degree plus FFII = $520.

Firefighter/Paramedics and Fire Engineers:
AA degree = $195; AA degree plus FFII = $340; BA degree = $295; BA plus FFII = $440; MA degree = $395; MA degree plus FFII = $540

Fire Captains:

AA degree = $218; AA degree plus FFII = $385; BA degree = $318; BA plus FFII = $485; MA degree = $485; MA degree plus FFII = $585.

UNIFORM ALLOWANCE- This position receives an annual uniform allowance of $1,000 per calendar year.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE – Up to three (3) shifts per occurrence may be granted.

BILINGUAL ALLOWANCE – Employees in public contact positions with bilingual skills shall receive $100 per month when they possess and are using a language skill necessary for effective communication within the community, are assigned by their Department Head, and certified by Human Resources.

SECTION 125 – The City has established a program consistent with Section 125 of the IRS Code, which enables employees to voluntarily use pre-tax earnings for medical, dental, and dependent care expenses.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP) – As an employee of The City of West Covina, you and your eligible dependents are entitled to receive EAP services.

01

Have you ever applied for the City of West Covina?

Yes
No

02

If you have applied for the City of West Covina, list the month, date & year:
03

Check the type of driver's license you possess


Note:

For out-of-state applicants, a valid driver's license is required and a valid California Class "C" driver's license must be obtained within ten (10) days of appointment (CA Vehicle Code 12505c).

Class C
Class B
Class A
Out of State
I have no driver's license, California or otherwise

04

Have you successfully completed an approved paramedic program certified by the State of California Board of Fire Services AND successfully completed an approved basic fire science academy certified by the State of California Board of Fire Services?

Yes
No

05

Which option below best describes your highest level of education? (


NOTE:
You will be required to verify your education level if you continue in the selection process.)

Some high school
High school or G.E.D.
Some College
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Doctorate degree
None

06

Have you completed 24 months with a California Fire Department and do you possess a California State Firefighter I Certificate?

Yes
No

07

Individuals selected for the position will serve a 12-month probation period or 6 month probation period (Lateral). Individuals serving a probation period may be terminated at any time during the 12-month or 6-month period. Are you able and willing to abide by these requirements?

Yes
No

08

All certifications must be attached at the time of filing, do you understand?

Yes
No

09

I hereby understand and declare that the statements on this supplemental questionnaire are true and complete to the best of my knowledge.

As applicable, I hereby authorize the City and/or designees to contact the references listed to verify the information I have supplied.

I hereby release from liability all persons and organizations furnishing such information.

I understand that the City reserves the right to validate information received on the supplemental questionnaire and that I will be subject to disqualification and/or termination if any statement in this supplemental questionnaire is found to be untrue or determined to be misleading.

Yes
No
Required Question