The hiring salary is based upon relevant education and experience at or beyond the minimum qualifications.
All salaries based on 2912 hours in a calendar year.
Fire Cadet: $11.75/hr, $34,216annually. Graduation from Academy: $12.35/hr, $35,963.20 annually.
Firefighter I: $12.35/hr, $35,963.20 annually. Graduation from Academy: $13.00/hr, $37,856 annually.
Firefighter II: $13.00/hr. Graduation from Academy: Collective Bargaining Agreement Step A rate.
Please note: Firefighter I and Firefighter II may attend a reduced academy. Upon graduation, the following incentives are available for those who hold the required certifications/licenses. Maximum of two incentives, excluding Instructor.
Paramedic: $2.90/hr.
HazMat: $1.15/hr.
IV Tech: $1.15/hr.
Technical Rescue: $1.15/hr.
Instructor: $1.15/teaching hr.
Fire Investigation: $1.15/hr
Minimum Qualifications:
•High School Diploma or GED.
•Must be eighteen years of age.
•Must be a United States Citizen.
•Successful passing of the LAFD examination related directly to the job duties by receiving satisfactory scores on an assessment of their abilities.
•Successful completion of an examination by a licensed physician and be free of any physical condition as listed in the LAFD Medical Standards.
•Be free of any mental or emotional condition, which might adversely affect performance. May be required to be examined by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist.
•Successful completion of the physical agility standard requirements of the LAFD and annually thereafter.
•Successful completion of mandatory drug screening and subsequent random drug and alcohol screenings.
•Successful completion of the background investigation, including FBI fingerprint check.
•Must not have been convicted of a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude.
•Must possess, or ability to obtain within first thirty days of employment, and maintain a valid New Mexico CDL-E driver’s license.
•Must possess, or must make application for a DOE “Q” clearance within thirty days of employment with ability to obtain, and maintain a DOE “Q” clearance and is subject to additional federal background investigation. Prior to issuance of the “Q” clearance, must be eligible at all times to be escorted into secured areas until such time as the initial investigation period has expired and a "Q" clearance is issued. Subsequently, should “Q” access authorization be under review, but not suspended or revoked, and employee remains eligible to be escorted into a secured area, a reasonable time for reinstatement shall be allowed.
•Must promote to Firefighter I within 16 months of employment.
•Must possess, or ability to obtain within probationary period, and maintain an EMT (B, I or P) license that qualifies for NMAC 27.2 Certification and Licensing requirements, and maintain positive Medical Direction status. If non-New Mexico EMT, including Paramedic, license, must pass New Mexico State licensing examination and achieve positive Medical Direction status before end of new hire probationary period.
Additional Minimum Qualifications for Firefighter I:
•One year of experience as a LAFD Fire Cadet, plus certification or equivalent for completion of all requirements of LAFD and the NFPA 1001 for Firefighter I OR two years experience with any paid fire department comparable LAFD` and certification or equivalent for completion of all NFPA 1001 requirements.
•Must promote to Firefighter II within 12 months of employment or within one year of promotion to Firefighter I.
•Must obtain ICS 100, 200, 700, 800B and 804 certifications or equivalents by the end of probation.
Additional Minimum Qualifications for Firefighter II:
•One year of experience as a LAFD Firefighter I, plus certification or equivalent for completion of all requirements of LAFD and the NFPA 1001 for Firefighter II OR three years experience with any paid fire department comparable to LAFD and certification or equivalent for completion of all NFPA 1001 requirements; (if not certified, must obtain Firefighter II certification within two years of employment or promotion).
•EMT (B, I or P) license and maintain positive Medical Direction status. If non-New Mexico EMT, including Paramedic, license, must pass New Mexico State licensing examination and achieve positive Medical Direction status before end of new hire probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications:
•Current Paramedic Certificate or License.
•Associate’s Degree in Fire Science or related field.
•Current DOE “Q” Clearance.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
•Knowledge of fire behavior and fire suppression principles, methods, techniques and practices.
•Skill in analyzing situations quickly and objectively, and determining the proper course of action.
•Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
•Ability to gain knowledge of County Uniform Fire Code, ordinances and practices.
•Ability to safely operate tools, apparatus, vehicles and equipment used in fire suppression, rescue and medical assistance operations.
•Ability to assess situations and take appropriate course of actions under extremely stressful and hazardous circumstances.
•Ability to work independently and meet strict time lines.
•Ability to become certified as a Firefighter and maintain license as an EMT-B.
•Ability to read, understand and follow specific instructions and procedures, maps, orders pre-fire plans, medical charts and study material.
•Ability to communicate effectively, both orally, in writing as well as by radio.
•Ability to be reached by telephone at all times.
•Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
•Ability to learn the proper operation and use of department equipment.
•Ability to function as a member of a team.
•Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities for Firefighter I:
•Knowledge of basic building construction, fire chemistry, physics and automotive mechanics.
•Knowledge of County Uniform Fire Code, ordinances and practices.
•Knowledge of common office functions, including copying, typing and use of basic computer software.
•Ability to don Fire Fighting PPE in less than one minute.
•Ability to don and use SCBA under regular and emergency conditions.
•Ability to hoist tools and equipment using fire department ropes and knots.
•Ability to accurately relay critical incident information.
•Ability to use good judgment in emergency or critical situations.
•Ability to write clear, concise and complete reports.
Additional Essential Duties & Responsibilities for Firefighter II:
•Responds to fire alarms and oversees that the crews perform duties in a manner to ensure the safety of the crew and the public.
•Serves as a fire apparatus driver-operator as required by supervisor.
•Participates in inspections of assigned facilities and assists in the preparation and update of pre-fire plans.
•May act as a Driver Engineer or Company Officer.
Position Summary Fire Cadet:
Under general supervision of the Company Officer, provides entry-level fire suppression, prevention and emergency response while training to become a Fire Fighter I. Performs public education, rescue and emergency medical services for the residents and visitors of Los Alamos County, the National Nuclear Security Administration and the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information.
Additional Position Summary for Firefighter I and Firefighter II:
Under general supervision of the Company Officer, controls and extinguishes fires or responds to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk.
The general level and nature of this position are described in the headings below. This is not an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this classification.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
•Undergoes classroom training and manipulative exercises and drills to develop an awareness of the functions and responsibilities of a Firefighter and how they relate to fire fighting operations.
•Responds to emergency calls, fire alarms and non-emergency calls for assistance as a member of the fire company.
•Operates EMS and fire rescue related equipment.
•Serves as a member of an ambulance crew to provide emergency transportation and emergency first aid to the sick and injured. Performs emergency medical services in accordance with the medical direction of the LAFD Medical Director.
•Operates emergency and/or non-emergency Fire Department vehicles as required by supervisor.
•Performs a full range of fire fighting duties, rescue and life-saving work.
•Responds to fire alarms, lays and connects hose lines; holds nozzles and directs water streams; raises and climbs ladders; enters burning buildings to remove persons from danger; uses portable extinguishers, axes, bars, hooks, lines, power-driven tools, radios and other equipment.
•Ventilates buildings to release heat and smoke. Places salvage covers to prevent water damage. Overhauls and cleans up after a fire. Checks for fire extension to prevent rekindling. May establish Wildland fire lines by cutting, hoeing, raking and shoveling.
•Returns company equipment to its proper place before leaving the emergency scene. On arrival at the fire station, cleans, services, and returns apparatus and equipment to emergency readiness.
•Cleans and maintains station quarters and grounds. Performs first-line preventive maintenance on automotive apparatus and reports repairs as required. Cleans, maintains and tests emergency equipment and participates in drills and training sessions.
•Studies and becomes familiar with streets, fire hydrants, building occupancy and contents and non-ambulatory citizens.
•Conducts fire inspections of commercial, industrial and other public buildings and multiple dwellings for compliance with fire regulations and ordinances, and reports all hazards to the Fire Prevention section.
•Develops pre-fire plans target hazards.
•Conducts station visits by schools and may participate in other public speaking presentations.
•Compiles and submits information on equipment, emergency runs, accidents, gas and oil use, apparatus inspections and tests, and fire inspections using conventional and computerized methods.
•Routinely uses radio communications equipment.
•Participates in classroom and drill yard training activities in all phases of fire suppression, protection, rescue and ambulance operation.
•Participates in LANL drills and exercises.
•Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information.
•Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
•Performs other duties as required.
Additional Essential Duties & Responsibilities for Firefighter II:
•Responds to fire alarms and oversees that the crews perform duties in a manner to ensure the safety of the crew and the public.
•Serves as a fire apparatus driver-operator as required by supervisor.
•Participates in inspections of assigned facilities and assists in the preparation and update of pre-fire plans.
•May act as a Driver Engineer or Company Officer.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 150 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus. The employee is regularly exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; extreme heat; risk of electrical shock; and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts.
Work Environment:
Work is performed in a fire house and outdoors setting with high noise level. Work involves potential exposure to radiation, high explosives, high voltages, toxic and exotic chemicals, fluid borne pathogens, smoke, heat, rugged terrain, confined spaces and human tragedy, under all weather conditions at any time of the day or night. Wildland Urban Interface firefighting and aircraft rescue firefighting conditions may also be experienced. Current tour of duty consists of 48 hours on duty, 96 hours off duty. Assignments may mandate a 40 hour workweek at the discretion of the Fire Chief. Must report to work when called out for emergency and non-emergency situations. Must work extended hours and various work schedules. May be deployed as part of a strike team responding to state and FEMA emergencies out of state.
Authorization to provide emergency medical services may be modified, suspended or terminated by the LAFD Medical Director. The Medical Director’s actions will not constitute discipline. Failure to be authorized to perform an essential job function may subject the employee to discipline.
This position requires mandatory and random drug and alcohol testing and screening; therefore, all applicable federal/state regulations or laws and county rules and policies covering random, post-accident, pre-hire, and return to duty testing will be conducted prior to and during employment.
Each and every county position requires the following professional skills and abilities as key and necessary elements of performance. Employees are required to:
•Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance;
•Work well with others and participate fully in a team oriented environment;
•Interface with other employees and customers in a courteous and respectful manner;
•Project positive support of their department and all county organizations at all times; and,
•Maintain and enhance the county’s commitment to customer service excellence.