Firefighter/Paramedic

Summary of Job

This employee provides general duty firefighting work in combating, extinguishing and preventing fires and operating firefighting apparatus.  An employee in this class is responsible for the protection of life and property through firefighting activities; rescue operations; fire prevention inspections and administration of emergency medical care in emergency situations.  An employee in this class may be required to perform duties under hazardous conditions, which involve extreme exertion, smoke and cramped surroundings.  Work may involve assignment as a driver of firefighting vehicles or rescue vehicles, and the operation of firefighting and medical equipment.  Work also involves inspection and maintenance of apparatus, equipment and facilities quarters and participation in supervised training and drills.  Provides emergency medical care to the sick and injured utilizing the skills, training and knowledge required of a certified Paramedic.  This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position.  Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Responds to a wide variety of emergency alarms with the assigned company.  Lays and connects hoses, holds nozzle and directs fire streams; raises ladders; operates fire extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines and other firefighting equipment. Respond to vehicle accidents which skills include vehicle extrication, stabilization and fire suppression.  Enters premises for firefighting, rescue and salvage operations.  Drives fire apparatus and rescue vehicles operate pumps, aerial ladders and auxiliary fire rescue equipment.  Performs salvage operations by deploying salvage covers, removing water and clearing debris.  Performs fire prevention inspections (if qualified). Participates in fire rescue training drills, attends classes in firefighting, emergency medical care and related subjects.  Attends public gatherings as assigned to ensure observance of fire safety regulations and requirements.  Performs general maintenance and minor repairs to fire department property, apparatus and quarters.  Provides emergency medical care to the sick and injured utilizing the skills, training and knowledge required of a certified Paramedic.  Generates and/or completes various records, reports, and checklists including medical records.

• Successful full-time applicants will be assigned to a standard 56-hour work week on a 24 on/48 off work schedule following their 200-hour (minimum) department orientation.

Qualifications

• All qualified candidates must possess a valid State of Wisconsin driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• The qualified candidate will be Wisconsin licensed as a Paramedic, AND Wisconsin certified as a Firefighter 1, or higher.
• Additional Fire certifications are desirable, (FF2, Driver Operator (MPO), Instructor 1, Fire Inspector).

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of modern firefighting techniques, fire suppression methods, and fire prevention principles. • Knowledge of emergency medical care practices and procedures. • Ability to handle and operate firefighting and medical equipment. • Ability to administer emergency medical care, including advanced life support if certified as a Paramedic. • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, particularly under stressful conditions. • Ability to operate radio and other communication equipment, receive and relay phone calls and fire alarm information. • Ability to work effectively in high-pressure situations, including extreme physical exertion and hazardous environments. • Perform duties requiring physical strength, agility, and endurance. • Maintain calm and composed demeanor during emergency situations. • Work collaboratively within a team and follow directives from supervisory personnel. • Must meet all department requirements for training and maintain certifications as required by the department, county, and state. • Ability to assist in the Administrative Division and assist in training new employees when asked to do so by a supervisor. • Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

Employees of the City of Elkhorn may select from a variety of benefits to meet their needs.

The following benefits are available to all  full-time employees.

Medical Insurance The City of Elkhorn health plan is self-funded and offers employees a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan.  Coverage is effective 30 days from your date of hire.  The City pays 100% of the premium for employee-only coverage. Employees enrolled in family coverage only contribute 1% of the premium cost.

Health Reimbursement Arrangement The purpose of the HRA program is to reimburse a portion of deductible expenses an Employee could incur within a calendar year.  The City provides an annual benefit of $500 for employees enrolled in the City's group health insurance plan. This amount is pro-rated for new employees.

Prescription Coverage Prescription coverage is available to those enrolled in the City medical insurance and includes the convenience of a mail-order option.

Dental Insurance The Delta Dental PPO program allows you to visit any dentist you wish. Coverage is effective 30 days from your date of hire.  The City currently pays for 100% of the premium (subject to change).

Voluntary Vision Plan Vision insurance is offered through Delta Vision. The voluntary vision plan provides participants with a comprehensive level of vision benefits.

Flexible Spending Accounts Flexible Spending Accounts allow you to set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for eligible health care expenses or dependent care costs.

Life and AD&D Insurance Employees are offered two life insurance coverage policies that are City-paid.  Employees may also elect to enroll in additional coverage and spouse and dependent coverage.

Disability Insurance City provides long-term disability insurance equal to 66 2/3% of income (up to $5,000) after a 90-day waiting period if totally disabled due to illness or injury.

Paid Time Off New employees (non-bargaining) may accrue up to 144 hours of PTO per year.  75% of the annual accrual amount may be rolled over to the following year, if not used. The PTO accrual rate shall increase with years of service in accordance with the City’s policy.

Medical Leave Bank On an employee’s employment anniversary, PTO hours may be rolled over into their Medical Leave Bank. This bank may be used for qualifying family and medical leave purposes. The City will match up to 24 hours contributed to the Medical Leave Bank.

Paid Holidays Eligible employees receive 10 paid holidays each year including New Year’s Eve and Day, the Friday before Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day. 

457(b) Deferred Compensation Employees may choose to enroll in a 457 deferred compensation plan with Wisconsin Deferred Compensation. This program allows members to save money directly from their paycheck for retirement, and offers tax benefits and different investment options. This is an employee-funded account. 

Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) The WRS Retirement Benefit is a pension that is intended to provide you with a lifetime retirement payment.WRS participation begins the 1st day of employment. The City and Employees share the required Employee Trust Fund (ETF) contribution.  For general employees the 2026 rate is 14.40%. The employer and employee shares equal 7.20% each.

Student Loan Forgiveness Working for the City of Elkhorn may allow you to participate in programs that forgive the balance of qualifying student loans. Information to help determine if you could qualify is available from the U.S. Department of Education.