Job Description
Be part of the team that helps make the City of Boca Raton one of the best places to live, work and play! We provide world class services, parks, beaches, and public safety. This can only happen when the best, brightest, and most committed individuals come to work for our City. We encourage like-minded individuals to apply and be part of our team! Come join us #WorkforBoca
THE CITY OF BOCA RATON, FIRE RESCUE SERVICES DIVISION IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC.
ANNUAL SALARY: $81,123.42
(This includes base salary of $69,336.26 plus 17% paramedic certification pay)
May be eligible to receive incentive pay of $2,674.26 annually for up to two certification incentives for the following
- Fire Safety Inspector - certification from the State of Florida as a certified Fire Safety Inspector I or II
- Fire Officer - certification from the State of Florida as a certified Fire Officer I, II, Ill or IV
- Instructor (Fire Service) - certification from the State of Florida as a certified Instructor Ill
- Technical Rescue Technician ("TRT") - completion of the following four courses:
- FLUSAR Confined Space Rescue Technician
- FLUSAR Rope Rescue Technician
- FLUSAR Vehicle & Machinery Rescue Technician
- FLUSAR Trench Rescue Technician
- Hazardous Material Technician - Must be certified by the State of Florida and must meet and maintain the departmental standards for a Hazardous Material Technician.
Those who meet the requirements for Hazardous Material Technician as defined above may receive a third incentive pay of $2,674.26 annually.
Total available incentives for the certifications listed above is $8,022.78 annually.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY.
TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION YOU MUST MEET ONE (1) OF THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:
A. Certified as a State of Florida Firefighter
AND Certified as a State of Florida Paramedic
*
OR
B. Certified as a State of Florida Paramedic
AND Enrolled in Firefighter School (proof of anticipated graduation date must be provided and must be April 15, 2025, or sooner)
**
OR
C. Certified as a State of Florida Firefighter
AND Enrolled in Paramedic School (proof of anticipated graduation date must be provided and must be April 15, 2025, or sooner)
**
Notes
- All copies of certifications (Firefighter, Paramedic, Basic Life Support) and IS-level courses must be attached and submitted with your application.
- If you meet either Requirement B or C from above, in addition to attaching a copy of the certification that you DO possess; you will be required to provide documentation from the school that you are attending indicating your anticipated graduation date. This documentation must be on school letterhead and included with your application. We do not accept transcripts or class schedule as proof of enrollment or anticipated graduation date. Dual certification in both State of Florida Firefighter AND Paramedic is required before the extension of an employment offer will be made.
- Failure to provide copies of all documentation will result in your application not being forwarded for consideration.
IN ADDITION TO MEETING ONE (1) OF THE ABOVE; CANDIDATES MUST ALSO:
- Take the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) from a certified agency as approved by the IAFF. The CPAT is valid for one (1) year. The City of Boca Raton only accepts CPAT results from Palm Beach State College or another agency in the National Testing Network.
- Possess a current BLS for the Healthcare Provider Certification from American Heart Association. We do not accept BLS from any other agency other than American Heart Association.
- Possess a valid State of Florida driver's license.
IF YOU ARE AN OUT-OF-STATE APPLICANT, PLEASE DEFER TO THE STATE OF FLORIDA FOR THE FLORIDA FIREFIGHTER EQUIVALENCY REQUIREMENTS AT https://myfloridacfo.com/division/sfm/bfst; OR FOR FLORIDA PARAMEDIC http://bit.ly/2kuOD5J
About The Firefighter/Paramedic Application Process
To be considered for employment with the City of Boca Raton, applicants must provide at least ten (10) years of continuous employment history, if applicable. In the event the applicant has not been employed for ten (10) continuous years, all time for the ten (10) year period prior to the date of application must be accounted for including periods of school, unemployment and retirement.
Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; EMS Exam; Fire Exam, swim test, interview; polygraph examination; psychological evaluation; employment record review, and background check including complete driving record history; medical examination; and drug screen.
General Definition Of Work
Performs a variety of firefighter/paramedic duties under the general supervision of the company officer. Work is performed under the guidance of the departmental medical protocols, rules, regulations, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and/or standard operating guidelines (SOGs).
Essential Functions
- Responds to emergency and nonemergency incidents
- Performs fire suppression activities
- Operates hoses lines
- Performs ventilation activities
- Operates fire extinguishers
- Administers medical treatment
- Performs salvage operations
- Operates emergency vehicles
- Performs cleaning and maintenance of departmental buildings and apparatus
- Performs hydrant testing
- Performs building and area surveys
Related Tasks
- Participates in training evolutions scheduled by the Training and Safety Section
- Inspects equipment, tools, and apparatus; reports maintenance issues through the chain of command
- Shall be expected to perform advanced medical delivery skills as defined by the current medical protocols
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
- Must be a State of Florida Certified Firefighter and perform the illustrated duties as outlined in NFPA 1001 for Firefighter I and II
- Must be a State of Florida certified Paramedic and perform the duties and responsibilities as outlined in Florida State Statute and Florida Administrative Code
- Knowledge of street locations, geography, and types of construction within the City of Boca Raton
- Knowledge of the various types of fire hazards in the city
- Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions
- Ability to perform work under adverse conditions
- Knowledge of laws, regulations, and local ordinances that regulate the delivery of emergency services
- Knowledge of the local hospital system and their specialties
- Knowledge of the National Incident Management System (NIMS)
- Knowledge of the mass causality incident management system (MCI)
- Knowledge of department mutual aid procedures, medical protocols, SOPs, SOGs, TAPIRS, and the collective bargaining agreement
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Basic computer knowledge - email, internet, and word processing skills
- Knowledge of modern firefighting principles, practices, and procedures
- Knowledge of hose streams and water flow calculations
- Knowledge and skills in the operation and maintenance of various types of apparatus and equipment used in firefighting activities
- Requisite knowledge and skills in emergency medical principles
Minimum And Preferred Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Must be a State of Florida Certified Firefighter
- Must be a State of Florida Certified Paramedic
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a diploma from high school or equivalency
- Must have completed IS-700 National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction
- Must have completed IS-800 National Response Framework, An Introduction
- Must have completed IS-100 Introduction to Incident Command System
- Must have completed IS-200 ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
If any of the above courses are no longer offered and/or available, a substitute course will be allowed in its place. A substitute course list will be provided by the Fire Chief or his/her designee.
- All copies of certifications (Firefighter, Paramedic, Basic Life Support) and IS-level courses must be attached and submitted with your application.
Medical Requirements
- Must comply with the current Edition of NFPA 1582 Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments
- Exceptions: NFPA 1582 shall not apply where it is in conflict with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and/or in Conflict with any Federal or State Laws or Regulations
Special Requirements
- Must possess a valid State of Florida Driver's license
- Effective for all employees hired on or after 10/01/1990: The employee must not use any form of tobacco for at least one (1) year prior to application and agree to remain tobacco free on and off duty during employment/application process and for the duration of their employment with the City of Boca Raton.
Physical Demands
- Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate in English
- Must be able to interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone, radio and personal contact
- Must be able to see, read, speak, hear, handle or feel objects and controls
- Physically capable to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to telephones, mobile/portable radios, personal computers, calculators, copy machines, and fax machines
- Must have the physical capability to bend, stoop, stretch, climb (including ladders), and crawl into confined spaces while wearing protective clothing and equipment
- Must have the ability to perform tasks requiring balance, motor-coordination and dexterity
- Must have correct color vision and depth perception
- Must successfully pass The Candidate Physical Ability Test© based on the current edition of The Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative
- Must be able to wear/use a hard hat/helmet, face-shield, safety glasses, goggles, safety belt, respirator, self-contained breathing apparatus, safety shoes/boots, coveralls, gloves, bunker gear, and other body substance isolation gear (BSI)
- Must be able to endure exposure to extreme temperatures and weather conditions.
Must be able to work safely around energized electrical equipment, heights, noise, moving mechanical parts, confined spaces, vibration, radiation, dust, vapors, fumes, toxic metals, sensitizers, poisons, animals/insects, mist, gases, smoke, irritants, asphyxiants, and blood-borne pathogens utilizing necessary safety equipment
Background Requirements
The background check process for this position may include:
- Criminal Background Check
- Employment Verification
- Reference Checks
- Motor Vehicles Report (MVR) Check
- Workers' Compensation
- Certification/License Verification
- Credit Check
- Polygraph
- Neighborhood Check
- Psychological Examination
- Physical
- Drug and Alcohol Screen
- Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
The City of Boca Raton is an Equal Opportunity, Inclusive, Veteran's Preference Employer and Drug Free Workplace. It is the policy of the City of Boca Raton to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
BENEFITS - Firefighter - I.A.F.F.
ANNUAL LEAVE: Eligible one year from date of employment. Maximum accruals: 40-Hour Employees 360 hrs. - Shift 380 hrs.
40-Hour Employees
Shift Employees
0 through 5 full years98-hrs/yr.103 hrs/yr.
5 to 10 full years122-hrs/yr.128 hrs/yr.
10 to 15 full years146-hrs/yr.153 hrs/yr.
15 years and over170 hrs/yr.178-hrs/yr.
SICK LEAVE: Shift Employees: Accrual of 101 hours per calendar year (8.42 hrs. per calendar month)
40-Hour Employees: Accrual of 96 hours per calendar year (8 hrs. per calendar month) Maximum accrual of 1,092 hours. Excess paid annually: 25% - 75%, determined by sick leave hours used in the preceding fiscal year. City contribution to the Firefighters of Boca Raton Retiree Insurance Trust Fund upon final separation or upon death: 75% of accumulated sick leave.
HEALTH INSURANCE: Employee Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits. Dependent Medical, Dental & Vision paid by employee.
CONTINUOUS SERVICE BENEFIT: As of December 1 each year - Paid during the month of December.
5 through 10 full years
$ 600 annually
10 through 15 full years
$ 800 annually
15 full years and over
$1,000 annually
WORKER'S COMPENSATION/DISABILITY LEAVE: Disability leave at regular rate of pay for 18 months following injury; if receiving Worker’s Compensation, employer pays the difference between benefits & regular rate of pay.
ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT: Maintained by the City - $25,000. Wrongful Death- $75,000.
PENSION PLAN: Required: Defined Benefit Plan upon hire. Vested after 10 years. Retirement eligibility: 20 years of service or age 55 with 10 years of service. Benefit = 3.4% x service x earnings averaged over 2 years; maximum is 100%. Annual 2.5% COLA after third year of retirement or, if later, after age 52. Plan also provides for disability and death benefits, 7-year Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) and retirement supplement of $10.50
/month for each year of service. Mandatory employee contribution: 10.2%. City contributes actuarially determined amount.
Optional: 457 Deferred Compensation Saving Plan is available.
VOLUNTARY EMPLOYEE BENEFIT ASSOCIATION (VEBA): The City contributes 3.0% per year per bargaining unit employee to a VEBA. The percentage is based only on pensionable income. The expressed purpose of a VEBA is to assist in the Health Insurance premium payments for bargaining unit members who retire.
INCENTIVE PAY: Paramedic, EMT, Haz-Mat Tech and
Inspector pay received in accordance with Article 36 of the IAFF Contract.
HOLIDAYS: 40-Hour Employees: 12 recognized holidays, plus 3 floating holidays.
Shift: Work on holidays as part of regular tour of duty with choice of the following paid annually at the end of September: an additional 55 hours of accrued annual leave and an allowance equal to 55 hours of pay at regular rate
OR 110 hours of pay at regular rate of pay
OR 110 hours of annual leave provided annual leave does not exceed the maximum. Option made and credited by the last regular pay day in September.
FUNERAL LEAVE: Up to 3 calendar days - In State / Up to 5 calendar days - Out of State
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Eligible after 12 months of employment, subject to available department funds. Must be approved prior to enrollment. Grade earned: A=100%, B=75%, C=50%. A “Pass” in Pass/Fail courses = 100% Paid at State of Florida tuition rate.
EDUCATIONAL DIFFERENTIAL: $15 for each 3 credit hours. Payment for required core courses completed as of July 15, not to exceed $720, paid on or about August 15, and related to Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Administration, or Fire Prevention.
UNIFORM MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE: $25 per month for uniforms and $5 per month for linens - paid semiannually.
SAFETY SHOE ALLOWANCE: $145 per year, paid annually.
MILITARY LEAVE: Members in military reserve units to attend annual training. Not to exceed 30 days each calendar year.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: Employees will receive an annual performance evaluation on their anniversary date of employment or last promotion. Provided the evaluation is “Meets Expectations” or above, the employee’s salary shall be moved up to the next applicable step on Step-In-Grade system.
This summary is an overview of information contained in the City of Boca Raton Ordinances, Policies, Procedures, and IAFF collective bargaining agreement. Please refer to the appropriate document for specific, detailed explanation.
01
Each applicant must complete these supplemental questions as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?
02
The City's hiring process will include a background check that is job-related and consistent with business necessity. This includes a drug test, medical examination, polygraph, psychological exam, SSN Trace, Criminal search, Sex Offender Registry search, Global Homeland Security Watchlist search, employment verification, reference checks and a Driver History Report. Any discrepancies between the information provided within this application, and the results of the background will be considered untruthful and will be cause for immediate disqualification. Do you understand the requirements and affirm that the answers contained in this application and questionnaire are honest and correct?
03
Are you at least 18 years of age and do you possess a High School Diploma or GED?
04
Do you possess a valid driver's license?
05
Are you available to work 24-hour shift assignments that include working weekends and holidays?
06
I acknowledge that if I am hired for this position, I understand that I will be classified as an Essential Employee and may be required to report to work for the preparation and/or continuation of emergency operations or for special work detail.
07
I acknowledge that I must be dual certified as a State of Florida Firefighter and a State of Florida Paramedic to work for Boca Raton Fire Rescue. I currently meet the following qualifications below. Please select as applicable.
- A. I am certified as a State of Florida Firefighter AND Certified as a State of Florida Paramedic
- B. I am certified as a State of Florida Firefighter AND Enrolled in Paramedic School with an Anticipated Graduation Date of April 15, 2025, or sooner
- C. I am certified as a State of Florida Paramedic AND Enrolled in Firefighter School with an Anticipated Graduation Date of April 15, 2025, or sooner
- D. I do not meet any of these qualifications
08
If you meet either requirement B or C from previous question, in addition to attaching a copy of the certification that you possess; you will be required to provide proof of enrollment and your anticipated graduation date of April 15, 2025, or sooner. This documentation must be on school letterhead. Did you remember to attach this documentation?
- Yes
- No
- This questions does not apply to me
09
The CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) is valid for one (1) year. Applicants are required to take the CPAT from a certified agency as approved by the IAFF. Have you taken and passed the CPAT in the last twelve (12) months? (Required to upload and attach with application).
10
Please list all (if any) of the traffic citations you have received within the last seven (7) years. Please include nature of infraction, date issued and case disposition.
11
Have you ever illegally possessed, distributed, used, or sold controlled or illegal substances?
12
If you answered yes to the question above, provide the name of the drug(s) and the last date of usage below.
13
The City of Boca Raton is a Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace. Employees cannot use marijuana and/or derivatives. This includes prescribed use. If you have you used marijuana and/or derivatives within the last three (3) years, provide the date of the last occurrence.
14
Section 633.34 of the Florida Statutes states that any person applying for employment as a firefighter must "be a nonuser of tobacco or tobacco products for at least 1 year immediately preceding application, as evidenced by the sworn affidavit of the applicant." Do you affirm that you have been a nonuser of tobacco or tobacco products for at least one year prior to the date of this application?
