Keller Fire Rescue Hiring Process
Lateral Entry Opportunities for Experienced Firefighter/Paramedics
Hiring Firefighter/Paramedic or Paramedics
Starting Annual Pay: $71,868 annually plus applicable FLSA Overtime
Applicant Requirements _______________________________________________________
Keller Fire Rescue is hiring Firefighter/Paramedics or Paramedics. Applicants must meet one (1) of the two (2) requirements listed below:
- Possess a Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) Paramedic certification, AND Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Firefighter certification, OR
- Possess a Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) Paramedic certification (Applicants within three (3) months of completing a Paramedic certification are encouraged to apply. Proof of enrollment required.) Upon employment, candidates who possess only a Paramedic certification will be required to attend and successfully complete a Fire Academy at the City’s expense.
A National Registry Certification only for Paramedic does not meet minimum requirements to apply. To legally practice as a Paramedic or EMT in the State of Texas you have to be certified or Licensed by TDSHS. Preference may be given to candidates who hold both Firefighter and Paramedic certifications.
Hiring Incentives for Certified Firefighter/Paramedics or Paramedics _________________
Applicants who hold both Paramedic and Firefighter certifications are eligible for:
- A $5,000 sign-on Incentive
- A $2,500 relocation stipend for living further than 150 miles from Keller Town Hall
Applicants who hold a Paramedic certification are eligible for:
- A $2,500 sign-on Incentive
Lateral Entry for Experienced Certified Firefighter/Paramedics _________________________
In addition to the hiring incentives listed above, experienced candidates who currently hold a Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) Paramedic certification and Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Firefighter certification are eligible for lateral entry and placement on the City of Keller’s Fire Department Step Plan up to Step 9. Placement on the Step Plan will be based on years of experience as a certified Firefighter/Paramedic at a paid Fire Department.
Fire Rescue Operations 48/96 Positions: Fire Department non-exempt (hourly) positions are eligible for overtime pay. Bi-weekly wages are based on 24-hour shifts averaging 56-hours per week, or 2912 hours worked per year. In accordance with the provisions of Section 142.0015 (b) of the Texas Local Government Code, hours worked in excess of 212 hours in each 28-day work period are paid at the appropriate overtime rate. Earnings are based on actual number of hours worked and other employment related pay.
Hiring Process _______________________________________________________________
Step 1 is required as part of the initial application process for all qualified candidates. Candidates will be informed if they have met the necessary requirements to move forward to the following steps in the application process.
Step 1 City Application: Candidates must apply on the City of Keller’s website www.cityofkeller.com/jobs and submit proof of their certifications. Applicants must attach Texas Commission on Fire Protection Firefighter certification (if applicable) and Texas Department of State Health Services Paramedic certification to their application. Equivalent licenses for out state candidates may be submitted.
Step 2 Written Examination: Candidates must complete a written examination and pass with a score of 70 or above. Multiple written examination dates will be scheduled. Candidates will be notified of their scheduled test date by email.
Step 3 Physical Agility Test: Candidates who successfully complete the written exam will be scheduled for a Physical Agility Test (PAT). Candidates must successfully pass a Physical Agility Test (PAT). Details about the PAT are included below.
- Attire: Applicants must be prepared to take physical agility examination on their assigned testing date and should wear appropriate athletic clothing for physical testing conditions.
- Physical Agility Test will include the following:
- Station 1: Blackout Drill
- Station 2: Aerial Ladder Climb
- Station 3: Fire-ground Evolution (This event consists of five separate stages:
- Tool Carry
- Ventilation Simulator
- Victim Drag
- Ladder Raise
View the Physical Agility Test Video for more information on testing requirements.
Multiple Physical Agility Test (PAT) dates will be scheduled. Candidates will be notified of their scheduled test date by email
Step 4 Personal History Statement/Pre-liminary Interview Form: Candidates who successfully complete Steps 1-3 will complete a Personal History Statement (PHS) and Pre-liminary Interview Form. The forms will be sent by email to the candidate with instructions.
Step 5 Panel Interview: Candidates who successfully complete a review of their Personal History Statement (PHS) and Pre-liminary Interview Form will be scheduled for a Panel interview.
Step 6 Fire Chief Interview: Candidates must pass an interview with the Fire Chief.
Step 7 Conditional Job Offer with Pending Assessments: Following a conditional job offer, the candidate must successfully pass all of the following:
Step 8 Background investigation
Step 9 Polygraph examination
Step 10 Psychological evaluation
Step 11 Fit-for-duty physical, ergonomic physical, & drug screen
Eligibility List ________________________________________________________________
An eligibility list will be created as a result of this exam. The recruitment list will be in effect for a period of one (1) year from the date of the exam unless exhausted earlier.
Re-Application Period: All candidates are welcome to apply for any currently posted job opportunity at any time.
Keller FD Schedule and Pay Plan _______________________________________________
Keller Firefighters work 48 hours on/96 hours off schedule. The annual salaries displayed on the Pay Plan are based on 2,912 work hours during the year. In compliance with the Texas Local Government Code and Fair Labor Standards Act overtime rates apply for hours worked in excess of 212 hours in each 28-day work period.
The current Step Plan for Keller Fire Rescue is available: https://www.cityofkeller.com/services/human-resources/employment/firefighter-employment
Equal Opportunity Employer _____________________________________________
It is our policy to afford equal opportunity in employment to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability status, national origin, or any protected classification under Federal or state law.
JOB SUMMARY:
Under direct supervision of a Fire Captain or other higher-ranking officer, the incumbent performs fire suppression and prevention, emergency medical services, rescue, and salvage duties. Incumbent must work within the guidelines set forth in the departmental standard operating procedures (SOP's), regulations, and medical protocols, while working on routine assignments and emergency incidents.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. Answer fire, rescue, medical, and other emergency calls.
2. Perform all tasks associated with basic firefighting which include, but are not limited to: carrying hoses and connecting to water supplies, setting up and climbing ladders, applying water and chemical streams, ventilating buildings, participating in salvage operations, performing rescue duties on the fire ground and accident scene, and administering basic life support.
3. Take charge of patient care in emergency medical situations requiring paramedic training and communication with medical experts.
4. Perform maintenance on the fire station, fire apparatus and equipment.
5. Maintain and upgrade certifications by attending various training courses.
6. Memorize district and facilities within district, streets, hydrants, sprinkler connections, and Fire Department Key Boxes.
7. Prepare various written reports.
8. Participate in physical fitness training exercises to meet and maintain required fitness for the job as established by the department.
9. Receive training to drive and operate fire apparatus and equipment.
10. Drive ambulance and fire apparatus, as needed and if qualified.
OTHER FUNCTIONS:
1. Conduct public education programs, fire inspections, and pre-fire planning activities.
2. Clean and care for fire station house and supplies by making daily equipment checks, testing fire hydrants and hoses, conducting water flow analyses, maintaining files and records, and performing other related tasks.
3. Assume duties of the next higher rank in the absence of the immediate supervisor.
4. Perform other duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. High school diploma or G.E.D. certificate
2. Basic Firefighter certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
3. Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic certification or license from the Texas Department of State Heath Services.
4. Maintain Paramedic Certification with the Texas Department of State Health Services, as a condition of continued employment.
5. Establish and maintain good working relationships with fellow employees, superiors, and citizens.
6. Pass all entrance examinations and pre-employment tests.
7. Valid Texas Drivers’ License and a safe driving record in accordance with the current policy in affect with the City of Keller.
8. Good vision - Per the medical requirements established by the current edition of National Fire Protection Association Standard 1582.
9. Meet the other requirements as described in the document titled, "Firefighters Minimum Physical Requirements for Essential Job Tasks," as established and maintained by the City of Keller Human Resources Department.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Incumbent may be exposed to serious physical dangers and all weather and temperature extremes. May work under stressful conditions demanding a great deal of physical strength and agility and mental alertness and concentration. When not engaged in emergency operations, incumbent works under more normal conditions. Firefighter is required to wear and use prescribed safety gear and follow department safety regulations and policies. Incumbent normally assigned to a rotating shift of 48 hours on duty followed by 96 hours off duty, however some overtime may be required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to grasp, handle, lift and carry up to 30 pounds constantly, 65 pounds frequently. Employee may occasionally be required to grasp, handle, lift, carry and/or drag in excess of 200 pounds.
