Firefighter/EMT-Advanced or Firefighter/Paramedic

Do you believe in serving your community? Want to be part of an outstanding and progressive team? Then consider joining the Amherst Fire Department! Our 40+ member fire department is seeking professional Fire Fighters/EMT Advanced or EMT Paramedics. The Amherst Fire Department serves the Town of Amherst, the University of Massachusetts, Amherst College, Hampshire College and also provides Emergency Medical Services to our neighboring communities of Leverett, Shutesbury and Pelham.

Amherst Fire Department provides:

1. Coverage of all EMS recertification costs including overtime and detailing from duty.

2. Annual educational incentive payment.

3. Annual EMT stipend.

4. Cutting edge equipment and training.

Major Duties

1. Performs firefighting activities including driving fire apparatus, operating pumps and related equipment, laying hose, and performing fire combat, containment and extinguishment tasks. Performs salvage operations such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris.

2. Serves as an emergency medical technician: In charge of or drives an ambulance to emergency calls to provide efficient and immediate care to the critically ill or injured; transports the patient to a medical facility using the most expeditions routes to and from; prepares all reports required; has a thorough knowledge of efficient use of EMS and extrication equipment; performs patient care to level of training; maintains all appropriate certifications.

3. Participates in fire drills, attends classes in firefighting, emergency medical, hazardous materials, and related subjects.

4. Operates radio and other communication equipment.

5. Participates in the inspection of buildings, hydrants, and other structures in fire prevention programs.

6. Maintains fire equipment, apparatus and facilities. Performs minor repairs to departmental equipment.

7. Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire facilities and equipment; cleans and washes walls and floors; cares for grounds around station; makes minor repairs; washes, hangs and dries hose; washes, cleans, polishes, maintains and tests apparatus and equipment.

8. Assists in the presentation of programs to the community on safety, medical, and fire prevention topics. Escorts visitors of tours of the station, explains functions of equipment, basic fire prevention and fire education, etc.

9. Performs other duties as directed.

Desired Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or GED equivalent. Working knowledge of driver safety; working knowledge of first aid. Ability to learn the operation of fire suppression and other emergency equipment; ability to learn to apply standard firefighting, emergency aid, hazardous materials, and fire prevention techniques. Ability to perform strenuous or peak physical effort during emergency, training or station maintenance activities for prolonged periods of time under conditions of extreme heights, intense heat, cold or smoke; ability to act effectively in emergency and stressful situations. Ability to f ollow verbal and written instructions; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the general public; ability to meet the special requirements listed below.

Special Requirements
Must be 18 years or older at the time of employment; must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid Massachusetts driver's license. Possess current certification as MA EMT-A or Paramedic or at least an EMT/B currently enrolled as a student in a Paramedic Certification program. Preferred certifications include the following: Paramedic, Certified Firefighter 2; graduate of Mass. Firefighting Academy Recruit Program and/or equivalent training and experience. Applicants must be high school graduate or equivalent; able to pass physical agility test; fitness, medical exams; and background investigation. Within one year of appointment, must reside within 15 miles of the limits of Amherst.