Firefighter Trainee

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Class Title
Firefighter Trainee
Class Code
4601
Salary
$52,966.42 - $83,239.52 Annually
DEFINITION

Learn to extinguish fires, perform rescue operations and maintain fire station facilities and equipment.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the entry level class in the Firefighter series.  This class is distinguished from the Firefighter in that entry level positions have not achieved successful completion of the city of Las Vegas Fire Training Academy.

Supervision Received

Receives immediate supervision from higher level supervisory staff and training instructors.

ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTIONS


Essential Functions:

  1. Participate in Fire Academy training program and in on-the-job training activities; drill with engine company members; attend special instruction sessions in firefighting, rescue and emergency medical procedures and techniques.
  2. Learn the proper procedures for responding to fire incidents, including laying lines of hose, directing streams of water, carrying and setting up ladders and other equipment, including motorized equipment, ventilating buildings, performing rescue work and cleaning up after fires to limit water damage.
  3. Learn the proper procedures and techniques for rendering first aid and emergency medical assistance.
  4. Learn to clean and service firefighting apparatus and equipment, including motorized equipment; test and wash hose; and other equipment.
  5. Learn and follow all applicable safety procedures.
  6. Meet the criteria established by the department for acceptable performance at each step or level of training in order to progress to the next level.
  7. May be required to drive city vehicles to pick up supplies and equipment or to drive to and from training exercises.

Marginal Functions:

  1. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS


Experience:

Some firefighting experience is desirable.

Education:

Equivalent to graduation from high school.  College level course work in fire science, fire administration or a related field is desirable.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license on the date of application, and maintenance thereafter.
 
Must be 18 years of age on the date of application.
 
Las Vegas Fire & Rescue is a full-service transport agency.  Operations personnel are required to complete both suppression and EMS certification trainings in an academy setting and maintain proficiency thereafter.  Possession of a current Nevada state OR National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (Basic-EMT) certificate and an Advanced-EMT (AEMT) certificate are desirable but not required at the time of application.  

As a condition of continued employment, employees will need to complete both Basic-EMT and Advanced EMT (AEMT) certification requirements prior to the completion of initial training, and maintenance will be required thereafter.
 
Please note:  The Clark County Health District will not issue an EMT certification to anyone under 18 years of age.
 
Must meet current physical condition requirements on the date of appointment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES


Knowledge of:

Basic mathematical principles.
Basic mechanical principles.
Spatial relationships.

Ability to:

Learn to understand and act in accordance with departmental policies, rules and instructions in the field of firefighting.
Work under strict discipline and follow orders.
Demonstrate mechanical aptitude as required in the operation of fire fighting equipment.
Demonstrate physical aptitude as required by essential functions.
Read, understand and retain the information in technical materials, rules, regulations and procedures related to firefighting.
Read street maps and navigate streets.
Learn to operate and perform basic service and troubleshooting on small motors.
Learn to operate all fire fighting equipment, both manually operated and motorized.
Learn to analyze emergency situations and quickly determine effective courses of action.
Learn the layout of the city's water main system and street numbering system.
Learn to read and interpret geographic information systems maps.
Learn to identify various hazardous materials.
Learn and follow all applicable safety procedures.
Retain presence of mind in emergency situations.
Observe the details of a situation and act accordingly.
Think and act quickly and effectively in emergencies.
Understand and follow oral and written directions promptly and accurately.
Operate and maintain voice radio equipment.
Work in adverse physical locations and conditions.
Perform heavy lifting and physical maneuvering.
Communicate clearly, concisely and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Maintain physical condition to perform essential duties as specified by firefighter certification.
Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:
 -- Performing life threatening firefighting activities in an emergency situation;
 -- Running, walking, crouching or crawling during emergency operations;
 -- Moving equipment and injured or deceased persons;
 -- Climbing stairs/ladders;
 -- Performing life-saving and rescue procedures;
 -- Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time; and
 -- Operating assigned equipment and vehicles.
Effectively deal with personal danger which may include exposure to:
 -- Fire encompassed surroundings;
 -- Dangerous persons;
 -- Dangerous animals;
 -- Hazards of emergency driving;
 -- Hazards associated with traffic control and working in and near traffic; and
 -- Natural and man-made disasters.
Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:
 -- Making observations;
 -- Communicating with others;
 -- Reading and writing; and
 -- Operating assigned equipment and vehicles.
Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of:
 -- Exercising sound judgment and rational thinking under dangerous circumstances;
 -- Evaluating various options and alternatives and choose an appropriate and reasonable course of action; and
 -- Demonstrating intellectual capabilities during training and testing processes.

Competencies:

Core Workforce Competencies

Professionalism – Demonstrates core values by being honest, respectful and positive.

Effective Communication – Expresses verbal and written thought in a clear and understandable manner.

Customer Focus – Demonstrates genuine concern and satisfies external and/or internal customers based on the CLV core purpose and values.

Adaptability – Able to effectively modify behavior to suit changing workforce demands.

Problem Solving – Solves problems by considering all causes, solutions and outcomes.

Productive Partnerships – Develops, maintains and strengthens partnerships with others.

Technical and Safety Expertise – Possesses a depth of knowledge, skill and ability in a technical (job) area.

WORKING CONDITIONS


Environmental Conditions:

Work in an emergency firefighting environment; work in medical emergency situations, including vehicle accidents, swift water rescues, and other types of medical and rescue emergencies; work in intense life-threatening conditions; exposure to fire, smoke, bodily fluids, swift water, heights and noise.

Physical Conditions:

Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for running, walking, crawling, climbing, stooping and heavy lifting while wearing heavy protective equipment; work in inclement weather conditions for prolonged periods of time.

APPROVED ON

Non-exempt
CSB 6/14/23

 

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        CITY OF LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
       IAFF Compensation and Benefits - 2024
 

COMPENSATION

  • Negotiated as part of the collective bargaining process.
  • Step (Merit) Increase – typically awarded on the anniversary date of hire, up to range maximum
  • Number of Steps:
    • Tier 1 – 10 steps
    • Tier 2 – 11 steps
       

BENEFITS

Uniform Allowance

  • The City initially provides employees with uniforms. Thereafter, quarterly uniform maintenance allowance is currently $450.


Tool/Equipment Allowance

  • City provides required tools, equipment and personal protective equipment.


Retirement (PERS)

  • Eligible employees participate in the Public Employees' Retirement System of Nevada (PERS). PERS, a statewide defined benefit plan, calculates retirement benefits based on 2.5 percent (current percentage for employees hired 1/1/10 and after) for each year of service, applied to the
    employee's highest consecutive 36-month average salary. PERS also requires that employees share 50 percent of the PERS contribution, which is implemented by reducing the City's salary ranges. The highest consecutive 36-month average salary is increased commensurate with the
    salary range reductions required by PERS.


Deferred Compensation

  • The city offers a 457(b) Plan which is a government deferred compensation plan similar to a 401(k) plan. It offers both pre-tax and after-tax savings and investment options.


Medical, Dental and Vision Health Insurance

  • Health insurance is currently provided by Las Vegas Firefighters Health & Welfare Trust. The City makes a contribution per employee per pay period to the health and welfare trust. Insurance start dates and premium rates are determined by the trust.


Voluntary Life Insurance: Available for purchase.


Shift Differential: Available for some classifications.


Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program


VACATION (Hours/Year, for 56-hour personnel)

  • Year 1:  120 hours
  • Years 2-4: 192 hours
  • Years 5-10: 264 hours
  • Years 11-15: 288 hours
  • Year 16 and Over: 312 hours
  • Maximum Accrual: 2 times accrual rate if hired after 7/1/13.
  • Sell-Back: Up to 10 shifts each year.

HOLIDAY
  • City provides 12 paid holidays plus a birthday holiday.

SICK LEAVE (for 56- hour personnel)
  • Sick Leave: 288 hours per year.
  • Maximum Accrual: 1920 hours; hired after 07/01/2013.
  • Sick Leave Bonus: Negotiated sick leave bonus available.
  • Payout at Separation: see contract


 

NOTE: Benefits subject to change
Revised 01/2024