Firefighter/ Emergency Medical Technician MASON VALLEY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT FIREFIGHTER/EMT APPLICATION AND TESTING PROCESS INFORMATION BOOK GENERAL OVERVIEW Thank you for your interest in a Firefighter/EMT career with the Mason Valley Fire Protection District. If selected, you will join a progressive Fire Department, working together as a team to provide the very best in fire safety service. Firefighting is a challenging and rewarding career. Athletic people, who enjoy helping others and serving the community, should explore the Firefighting profession. Among the benefits, Firefighting is a career that encourages on the job physical conditioning. In addition to the starting wage of $13.6464 per hour, plus an excellent benefit package, the traditional Firefighter s work schedule allows time to pursue other interests. If you become an employee of the Mason Valley Fire Protection District, your contribution will be a significant one. We encourage you to consider a career in being a firefighter/emt and come join our team. This handbook is designed to explain our application process, and testing procedures. It will help you prepare for our selection process. We wish you success in your career venture. The Mason Valley Fire Protection District is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
FIREFIGHTER/EMT JOB DESCRIPTION ANNOUNCEMENT The Mason Valley Fire Protection is currently accepting applications for the hiring of one (1) Firefighter/EMT. GENERAL INFORMATION The Firefighter/EMT will train and respond to emergency and non-emergency calls within the Mason Valley Fire Protection District and City of Yerington, for the purpose of emergency medical services, combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires, rescue emergencies, hazardous materials response, and other related incidents. The position does not fall under or report to the Yerington Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. The position is a non-classified, hourly position and falls within the guidelines of the Lyon County Personnel Ordinance as adopted by the Mason Valley Fire Protection District. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES The Firefighter/EMT, in addition to emergency responses, works under the direction of the District Chief or his designee, for the day-to-day operations of the physical plant, buildings, and all equipment, and other duties as assigned. The Firefighter/EMT will maintain all proper logs, records, and inspections on all district apparatus/equipment, fire hydrants, inspections, and pre-fire suppression plans. CHAIN OF COMMAND The Firefighter/EMT reports directly to the District Chief or his designee. Employee works with and accepts orders or recommendations from the District Chief or his designee on work, training, maintenance, or any other items which need attention. The Firefighter/EMT will follow the chain of command as set forth by the Yerington Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. at any emergency incident. FIREFIGHTER/EMT EXAMINATION PROCESS (The following outline is given as an example. The actual order of the various elements of the examination process is subject to change.) Application Filing Period Opens August 17th, 2012 0800hours and closes August 28th th, 2012 1700hours. Written and Physical Agility Testing August 30 th, 2012 0830hours Chief s Interview August 30 th, 2012 1300hours
Offer of Employment Immediately following Chief s Interview Start Date ASAP SUGGESTED WRITTEN EXAM PREPARATION MATERIAL The following books are optional aids that may be helpful in preparing for the written examination. Reading these books will not assure a higher score on the written examination, but will expose the reader to the type of questions which appear on the written examination. The books are available at local libraries and bookstores. TITLE IFSTA Essentials, 5 th Edition Emergency Medical Technician, Basic, 2 nd Edition PUBLISHED BY Oklahoma State University Mosby s WRITTEN TESTING The test usually last 2 hours and is designed to measure the skills and abilities needed to be a Firefighter/EMT. Some areas that will be assessed are: - reading comprehension - reasoning and problem solving - basic emergency medical care - basic firefighting knowledge PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST In order to prepare for the physical agility examination, you should start conditioning early. Begin an exercise routine now if you do not work out regularly. It is suggested that you engage in some physical training such as aerobics, running or weight lifting. The physical agility test is strenuous. If you have had a recent illness, surgery, or are under medication, consult your doctor before you attempt any physical training or the test. The test is designed to measure the physical skills necessary to successfully perform the duties of a firefighter. It is designed to test strength, agility, and endurance associated with the physical demands that Firefighters must possess in the course of work. The course will include, but is not limited to: - Fire related physical fitness course
INTERVIEWING Be early for the interview, but be prepared to wait. Try to relax and be yourself. Be honest and open during the interview. The interview will last approximately 30 minutes. You will be demonstrating your communication skills, so take time to think about each question before answering. Make sure you are answering the question that was asked and answering it completely. Prepare for the interview by reviewing the job qualifications, assessing your strengths and weaknesses, and your applicable experience. THE MASON VALLEY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT The Mason Valley Fire Protection District was established in 1948 under Nevada revised Statute 474. The Mason Valley Fire Protection District is one of four fire protection districts within Lyon County and includes over 400 square miles of area. The fire protection district provides all basic services normally associated with a fire department, including emergency medical services. The district responded to over 1200 incidents per year. The Mason Valley Fire Protection District operates one main facility with an annex adjacent to it, located in the City of Yerington. The fire district operates seventeen (20) pieces of apparatus, including, four (4) engines, two (2) tenders, two (4) wildland units, one (2) rescue unit, three (3) ILS Ambulances, one (1) Mass Casualty Support Unit, one (1) Hazardous Materials Unit (Operations Level) and two (2) other support units. The fire protection district provides superior emergency medical services at an intermediate life support level, including cardiac defibrillation. The district operates three ILS equipped ambulances. The proximity of an acute care hospital within the fire district, use of both fixed wing and rotary winged medical aircraft, and the intermediate life support services, form an impressive emergency medical system for the area. The Mason Valley Fire Protection District employs five career staff members plus once clerical staff position. The fire district is administered by a paid District Chief and elected board of directors. The majority of fire suppression and emergency medical services are provided by the Yerington Volunteer Fire Department. The volunteer department is composed of 35 men and women who are supported by the career staff members of the fire protection district. The fire protection district maintains several mutual aid agreements with surrounding fire agencies, including the Nevada Division of Forestry, U.S. Forest Service, and the BLM. The Mason Valley Fire Protection District is also a member of the Sierra Front Wildfire Cooperative, and is an active participant in the four county hazardous materials response group, Quad County Hazardous Materials Response Team. The Mason Valley Fire Protection District prides itself in being a very progressive and responsive fire agency, providing service to over 10,000 residents and maintaining an Insurance Services Organization (ISO) fire protection class of 4/8.
QUALIFICATIONS / EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE The applicant must be certified as a Nevada State Firefighter-I and Nevada Emergency Medical Technician at time of employment. Intermediate Life Support certification must be achieved within six (6) months of employment and as provided by the fire protection district. The applicant must obtain CPR Instructor Certification within one (1) year of employment, wildland red card certified, and Nevada F-endorsement within six (6) months. The applicant must have graduated from high school or equivalent. The applicant shall have basic knowledge and ability to perform limited mechanical work related to maintaining fire apparatus, equipment, and facilities. The applicant must have a thorough knowledge of modern principles of firefighting, fire inspection and pre-suppression planning, rescue, and hazardous materials response. Firefighter I and II certification or equivalent, Hazardous Materials Operations Level Training, and three (3) years experience is preferred. The applicant must be able to maintain a positive attitude and work closely with the volunteer fire service personnel on a daily basis. The applicant must posses or be able to obtain a valid Nevada Driver s License necessary to operate all district apparatus. SHIFT ASSIGNMENTS / AVAILABILITY This position is subject to shift assignment, which may include work assignments on weekends and holidays. Shift assignment and scheduling is subject to change to meet the needs of the fire protection district and public service requirements and demands. The Firefighter/EMT must remain within five minute response time during on-call evenings.
BENEFITS The following are just a sample of the benefits you would receive as a Mason Valley Fire Protection District employee. WAGE VACATION HOLIDAYS $13.6464 per hour Employees earn approximately 3 weeks per year. Vacation cannot be taken while on probation until six months employment with the District has been completed. 15 days of paid leave per year after the first year of employment. There are 11 paid holidays per year which include: New Year s Day Nevada Day M.L. King, Jr. Birthday Veterans Day Washington s Birthday Thanksgiving Day Memorial Day Day after Thanksgiving Independence Day Christmas Day Labor Day SICK LEAVE 15 days of sick leave per year. (Available after 1 year of employment.) MEDICAL Employer paid health insurance for employee only. Annual physical exam and other medical testing/screening as required by OSHA/Workman Comp. RETIREMENT AVAILABLE FUNDS/ PROGRAMS UNIFORM ALLOWANCE Contributions for employee membership in the Public Employees Retirement System is paid 100% by the fire district. Access to Benevolence, Burn and Dependent Scholarship Funds (through state fire service associations). Firefighters are paid $1000 initial uniform allowance and $700 per year for maintenance of uniforms The Mason Valley Fire Protection District offers an excellent benefit package - - just one more reason to consider employment with us.