Applications Open for Cal Fire Fire Apparatus Engineer (Paramedic)
Applications are now being accepted for the following open examination. Any applicant who meets the minimum qualifications may apply for these examinations, whether or not he/she is currently employed by the State of California. Click on the examination title to view the examination bulletin.
FIRE APPARATUS ENGINEER (PARAMEDIC)
Exam Code: 5FS02
Department(s): Department of Forestry & Fire Protection
Opening Date: 02/09/2015
Closing Date: 03/10/2015
Type of Recruitment: Open - Nonpromotional
Salary: Please see below for salary information
Employment Type:
Permanent Full-time
Permanent Part-time
Permanent Intermittent
Limited Term Full-time
Limited Term Part-Time
Limited Term Intermittent
Exam Type: Statewide
EEO
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
DRUG FREE STATEMENT
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free state work place. Any applicant for State employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective, because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the state, the rules governing civil service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications. This is an open-nonpromotional examination. Applications will NOT be accepted on a promotional basis.
FILING INSTRUCTIONS
Final Filing Date: March 10, 2015.
Examination/Employment Application (STD. 678) is available at the California Department of Human Resources’ website at: State Application. Examination/Employment Application (STD. 678) may be submitted by mail or delivered in person.
MAIL:
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Examination Unit – (Attention: Diana Valenciano)
P.O. Box 944246
Sacramento, CA 94244-2460
SUBMIT IN PERSON:
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Examination Unit – (Attention: Diana Valenciano)
1300 U Street
Sacramento, CA 95818
Note: Applications will not be accepted via e-mail
Applications postmarked or personally delivered after the final filing date, March 10, 2015, will not be accepted for any reason.
RECRUITMENT SURVEY
As part of the application process, please follow this web link to complete a recruitment survey. If you are viewing this in paper form, visit the following website at https://calfire.ca.gov/about/about_careers_exams.php.
SPECIAL TESTING ARRANGEMENTS
If you have a disability and need special testing arrangements, mark the appropriate box on the application and/or contact the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection at (916) 445-7824.
SALARY INFORMATION
$3,699.00 - $4,456.00
ELIGIBLE INFORMATION
A Departmental eligible list will be established for the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. This list will be abolished 12 months after it is established unless the needs of the service and conditions of the list warrant a change in this period.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMITTANCE TO THE EXAMINATION
All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements for this examination by March 10, 2015, the final filing date.
NOTE: Accepted applicants are required to bring either a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification to each phase of the examination.
All applications/resumes must include “from” and “to” employment dates (month/day/year), time base, and applicable civil service class titles. Applications/resumes received without this information will be rejected.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated include more than one pattern and are distinguished as "Either" I, "Or" II, "Or" III, etc. For example, candidates possessing qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern I, and additional experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern II, may be admitted to the examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.
Possession of a valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Applicants who do not possess the license will be admitted to the examination but must secure the license prior to appointment.
and
Possession of a current Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (EMT-P) certificate issued by a California County Health Officer or enrollment in an approved paramedic training program within five months of completion. (Proof of paramedic license applicable to the county of employment will be required prior to appointment.)
NOTE: APPLICANTS MUST ATTACH A COPY OF THEIR CURRENT EMT-P LICENSE/CERTIFICATE TO THE EXAMINATION/EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION (STD. 678). APPLICANTS CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN A PARAMEDIC TRAINING PROGRAM AND WHO ARE WITHIN FIVE MONTHS OF COMPLETION MUST INDICATE THE ENDING DATE OF HIS/HER TRAINING, INCLUDING FIELD INTERNSHIP, ON THE EXAMINATION/EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION (STD. 678).
Experience:
"Either" I
Eight months of firefighting experience. (Candidates who are within two months of satisfying the experience requirement under Pattern I above for this class will be admitted to the examination, but they must fully meet the experience requirement before being eligible for appointment.)
"Or" II
Enrollment in the California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee Preapprenticeship Outreach Program.
and
Eight months of firefighting experience.
"Or" III
Two years of experience as a certified volunteer fire fighter.
NOTE: Applicants applying under this pattern will be required to attach to the Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) a copy of one of the following documents:
- California State Fire Marshal (SFM) Volunteer Fire Fighter Certificate
- California SFM Fire Fighter I Certificate
- Copy of an application for a California SFM Fire Fighter I Certification or SFM Volunteer Fire Fighter Certification signed by the Fire Chief or designee
- A letter signed by the Fire Chief of your volunteer fire company stating that you have met all requirements necessary to receive either a California SFM Fire Fighter I certificate or a California SFM Volunteer Fire Fighter certificate
- California SFM Fire Fighter I accredited Fire Academy certificate or equivalent California Fire Fighter I Fire Academy certificate taught at a California College (approximately 200-300 hours)
- A letter on official letterhead signed by the dean, registrar, or designee certifying successful completion of a California SFM accredited Fire Fighter I Fire Academy
- Transcripts from a California college indicating completion of a SFM Fire Fighter I Academy
"Or" IV
Two years of experience as a Fire Prevention Specialist II and successful completion of the mandatory training courses prescribed for a Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire Fighter I.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Under general supervision, to operate fire apparatus during wildland and structural firefighting operations; to lead an assigned crew in the performance of firefighting duties; to maintain and make minor repairs on vehicles, equipment, and the fire stations; to perform fire prevention tasks; as part of a paramedic team, to perform paramedic duties in emergency medical situations; and to do other related work.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
Qualifications Appraisal Interview: It is anticipated that interviews will be held during May/June 2015.
The examination will consist of a qualifications appraisal interview weighted 100%. The interview will include a number of predetermined job-related questions. In order to obtain a position on the eligible list, a minimum rating of 70% must be attained. CANDIDATES WHO DO NOT APPEAR FOR THE INTERVIEW WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Scope:
Knowledge of:
1. The appropriate use and maintenance of firefighting tools and equipment
2. Building construction (e.g., single family, multi-story, balloon frame, bow-truss, roof construction) for fire suppression tactics and firefighter safety.
3. Causes, characteristics, and behavior of various types of fires.
4. Strategies and tactics (e.g., indirect, direct, combination) used to suppress various types of fires (e.g., vehicle, structure, wildland).
5. The radio call plan to effectively utilize communication devices.
6. The appropriate use, care, and inspection of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
7. Rescue, Exposure, Confinement, Extinguishment, Overhaul (RECEO) with salvage and ventilation procedures to effectively mitigate the situation.
8. Rapid intervention crew/team tactics for firefighter safety and rescue.
9. Proper ladder placement and use on emergency incidents and daily use.
10. Occupational Safety and Health Agency policies (e.g., two in – two out, accountability, lockout – tagout).
11. Mobile communication devices (e.g., cell phones, two-way radios) to effectively communicate.
12. Lookouts, Communication, Escape Routes, Safety Zones (LCES) to mitigate incidents safely.
13. Hazardous material incident operations (e.g., isolate and deny entry, turn off a valve, dike or dam the flow) to identify and recognize the appropriate response.
14. Hazard flagging policies (e.g., Three Stripes You’re Out) for firefighter safety.
15. Fuel, weather, and topography as they relate to wildland fire behavior.
16. Emergency operations (e.g., wildland, structural, vehicle fires, rescues, hazard material incidents).
17. Accepted command systems (e.g., Incident Command System, National Incident Management System) for proper organization and structure.
18. Spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure to ensure that written materials prepared and reviewed are complete, concise, and error-free.
19. Basic human anatomy for medical emergencies.
20. Medical receiving hospital capabilities, specialties, and locations.
21. Safety precautions (e.g., Personal Protective Equipment) to provide protection from communicable diseases.
22. Basic Life Support (BLS) airway adjuncts and techniques as used on patients in respiratory distress.
23. Patient vital signs and assessment to identify patient needs.
24. Pharmacology and protocols regarding pharmaceutical usage to properly administer the correct medication and dosage for treatment.
25. Advanced Life Support airway devices, adjuncts, and techniques used on patients with respiratory emergencies.
26. The protocols and procedures specific to the treatment of chemical and biological agents to ensure public safety.
27. Pathophysiology to better understand and identify disease processes and make appropriate diagnoses.
28. Paramedic level medical interventions to treat patients at the scene of incidents.
29. The maintenance and safe operation of department mobile equipment (e.g., utility vehicles, fire apparatus, boats, chippers, pumps).
30. Techniques used to decontaminate medical equipment following incidents.
31. Personal Protective Equipment and safety precautions to provide protection from communicable diseases and blood born pathogens.
32. Human anatomy and physiology to assist with patient assessment.
33. Local receiving hospitals and sub-specialty centers (e.g., burn, cardiac, trauma) to determine appropriate patient transport destination.
Skill to:
1. Drive and safely operate emergency equipment (e.g., utility vehicles, fire apparatus) through adverse conditions (e.g., mountainous/rough terrain, heavy traffic, long drives, poor visibility).
2. Carry, maneuver, raise, and lower various types of ladders (e.g. straight, extension).
3. Use bag valve mask on individuals having difficulty breathing or suffering respiratory arrest.
4. Operate cardiac monitors/defibrillators to assess and treat patients.
Ability to:
1. Perform preventative maintenance and minor repairs on mobile equipment.
2. Safely use and maintain firefighting tools and equipment.
3. Recognize the characteristics of smoke (e.g., color, volume, pressure, density).
4. Assign, direct, track, and evaluate operational resources and their effectiveness.
5. Analyze situations to develop and implement an effective course of action.
6. Analyze and evaluate problems related to projects, station management, and emergency incidents.
7. Interpret and follow directions from others (e.g., adjoining forces, crews, supervisors).
8. Communicate utilizing Incident Command System (ICS) terminology.
9. Communicate using medical terminology.
10. Read and interpret road maps, street signs, reference manuals, training materials, policies, procedures, reports, and correspondence.
11. Prepare clear and concise reports (e.g., fire, monthly budgets, Cal Card, personnel).
12. Instruct others (e.g., employees, public) for general educational purposes.
13. Effectively communicate with federal, State, local, and other agencies during multi-jurisdictional incidents.
14. Use mobile communication devices (e.g., cell phones, two-way radios).
15. Effectively communicate under stressful situations.
16. Effectively communicate in writing to a variety of audiences.
17. Effectively communicate verbally to a variety of audiences.
18. Lead a fire suppression crew during emergency incidents.
19. Analyze terrain and hazards to identify a safe landing zone.
20. Safely coordinate operations on the ground with air resources to maximize effective use of available resources.
21. Administer oxygen to medical and trauma patients as necessary.
22. Administer Basic Life Support (BLS) to sick and injured patients.
23. Check vital signs of patient to determine whether circulation and respiration are functional and adequate.
24. Administer Basic Life Support (BLS) medication appropriately.
25. Maintain and perform infrequently used techniques to complete various job tasks (e.g., needle decompression, needle cricothyrotomy, intraossious infusion) in accordance with local protocols.
26. Administer Cardiovascular Pulmonary Resuscitation and all levels of pre-hospital care up to the paramedic level of certification.
27. Administer Emergency Medical Treatment to patients suffering from illness and injury (e.g., respiratory, cardiac, medical).
28. Assess patient’s vital signs to determine whether circulation and respiration are functional and adequate.
29. Administer medications appropriately when necessary to treat patient condition.
30. Communicate patient’s condition with parties that are privy to the information exercising tact, compassion, and empathy.
31. Delegate tasks to others at the incident scene to ensure they are completed in the most efficient manner.
32. Properly operate Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipment assigned to the stations and apparatuses.
33. Select appropriate treatment facilities based upon analysis of patient disposition.
34. Differentiate transport priorities based on patient condition (e.g., code 2, code 3).
VETERANS PREFERENCE
Will be awarded in this examination, pursuant to Government Code Section 18973.1, effective January 1, 2014, as follows: 1) any veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran, who achieves a passing score in an entrance examination, shall be ranked in the top rank of the resulting eligibility list. Any veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released is not eligible for veterans’ preference, 2) An entrance examination is defined, under the law, as any open competitive examination, 3) Veterans’ Preference is not granted once a person achieves permanent civil service status.
CAREER CREDITS
Three career credits will be added to the final score of all competitors in this examination who qualify for the credits and attain a passing mark on the examination. (See “General Information” on this bulletin for information regarding career credits.)
SPECIAL PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Willingness to live and work in remote areas and on weekends and holidays, to remain on duty 24 hours a day, as required; distant visual acuity (Snellen) of not less than 20/100 without corrective lenses in each eye, separately corrected to not less than 20/40 in one eye with corrective lenses; distant binocular acuity (Snellen) of at least 20/40 in both eyes with or without corrective lenses; color vision adequate to successfully perform the job as measured by the Ishihara Pseudo-Chromatic Plate Test or for persons failing the Ishihara, the Farnsworth D-15 Arrangement Test; hearing adequately within speech frequencies (uncorrected); full use of both hands and both feet; physical strength and agility; weight in proportion to height; no more than a mild reaction to poison oak; emotional stability and sensitivity to needs of injured persons and their families; patience, tact, alertness and keenness of observation.
ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
P.O. Box 944246
Sacramento, California 94244-2460
(916) 445-7824
TDD is Telecommunications Device for the Deaf and is reachable only from phones
equipped with a TDD Device
1 (800) 735-2929 (TT/TDD) 1 (800) 735-2922 (Voice)
STS is Speech-to-Speech Service for persons with a speech disability and is reachable at
1 (800) 854-7784 (California) or 1 (800) 947-8642 (Nationwide)
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
JOINT APPRENTICESHIP COMMITEE PROGRAM
Eligibles selected for positions in this classification are placed in an apprenticeship program. Continued employment is conditional upon successful completion of the Fire Fighter and/or Company Officer Acedemies which are conducted at the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Academy.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION INFORMATION
Candidates selected for a appointment will be required to complete a Background Certification Statement regarding criminal convictions. A criminal conviction may preclude a candidate from employment; however, appointment commitments will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
A medical examination is conducted prior to employment. Tests include a basic clinical examination, including medical history, visual acuity test, audiometry, pulmonary function test, and other tests as may be determined necessary. Any limitation which restricts a person from safely performing the duties of the position may constitute basis for removal of the candidate's name from the eligible list.
CANDIDATE PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST
Prior to appointment, candidates will be required to successfully pass a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) administered by the California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (CFFJAC).
DISCLAIMER
Please go to the following website to review the official California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) class specification: https://www.calhr.ca.gov/state-hr-professionals/Pages/1756.aspx
For an examination with a written feature, it is the candidate's responsibility to contact the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, (916) 445-7824, three days prior to the written test date if he/she has not received his/her notice of appointment.
For an examination without a written feature, it is the candidate's responsibility to contact the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection three weeks after the final filing date if he/she has not received his/her notice.
If a candidate's notice of oral interview or performance test fails to reach him/her three days prior to their scheduled appointment due to a verified postal error, he/she will be rescheduled upon written request.
Examination Locations: When a written test is part of the examination, it will be given in such places in California as the number of candidates and conditions warrant. However, locations of interviews or performance evaluations may be limited or extended as conditions warrant.
Applications are available online at CalHR, local offices of the Employment Development Department and the testing Department on this job bulletin.
If you meet the requirements stated on this bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirement does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination will be compared with the performance of the others who take this test, and all candidates who pass will be ranked according to their scores.
The testing Department reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all competitors will be notified.
General Qualifications: Candidates must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, and ability to work cooperatively with others; and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the classification. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.
Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) Departmental promotional, 3) multi-Departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) Departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.
Promotional Examinations Only: Competition is limited to employees who have a permanent civil service appointment and military veterans that meet all the minimum qualifications. Under certain circumstances, other employees may be allowed to compete under provisions of Rules 234, 235, and 235.2. State Personnel Board Rules 233, 234, 235, 235.2, and 237 contain provisions regarding civil service status and eligibility for promotional examinations. These rules may be reviewed at Departmental personnel offices or www.jobs.ca.gov.
If High School Equivalence is Required: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Educational Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the candidate is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.
Veterans’ Preference: Effective January 1, 2014, in accordance with Government Codes 18973.1 and 18973.5, Veterans’ Preference will be awarded as follows: 1) Any veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran, who achieves a passing score in an entrance examination, shall be ranked in the top rank of the resulting eligibility list. Any veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released is not eligible for Veterans’ Preference. 2) An entrance examination is defined, under the law, as any open competitive examination. And 3) Veterans’ Preference is not granted once a person achieves permanent civil service status.
Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans’ Preference are on the Veterans’ Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at https://jobs.ca.gov/Job/VeteransInformation, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Career Credits: In open, non promotional examinations, career credits are granted to: 1) State employees with permanent civil service status, 2) full-time employees of the State who are exempt from State civil service pursuant to the provisions of Section 4 of Article VII of the California Constitution, and who meet all qualification requirement specified by the Board and have 12 consecutive months of service in an exempt position, and 3) individuals who have served one full year in, or are graduates of, the California Conservation Corps (eligibility shall expire 24 months after graduation from the California Conservation Corps). Three points are added to the final test score of those candidates who meet the above criteria, and who are successful in the examination. Such examinations cannot be for managerial positions described in Government Code Section 3513. Competitors not currently employed in State civil service who have mandatory reinstatement rights may also be eligible for career credits, but they must explain their service status in the appropriate section of the Examination/Employment Application. (STD. 678).
Felony Disqualification: You are disqualified from being employed as a peace officer if: 1) you have been convicted of a felony in California or any other State; 2) you have been convicted of any offense in any other State which would have been a felony if committed in California; 3) you have been charged with a felony and adjudged by a superior court to be mentally incompetent; 4) you have been adjudged addicted or in danger of becoming addicted to narcotics, convicted, and committed to a State institution. If you have been convicted of a felony, you may be allowed to participate in this examination if your conviction(s): 1) has/have been sealed under Penal Code Section 851.7, 851.8, 1203.45, or Health and Safety Code Section 11361.5; 2) has/have been expunged or is/are expugnable pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 11361.5 regarding marijuana offenses; 3) was/were stipulated or designated to be a lesser included offense of marijuana possession under Health and Safety Code Section 11557 or 11366.
Confidentiality and Security: Pursuant to Government Code Sections 19680(c) and 19681(b) it is unlawful to copy and/or furnish confidential examination material for the purpose of either improving or injuring the chances of any person or to obtain examination questions or other examination material before, during, or after an examination. Every person violating these provisions is guilty of a misdemeanor, and adverse action will be pursued. This may result in the person being barred from competition in future examinations, withheld from certification lists, or cancellation of eligibility for employment in State civil service.
