Current Employment Opportunities with the City of Meridian:

Job Title: Probationary Firefighter (Lateral)
Department: Fire
Reports To: Fire Captain
Open Date: May 10, 2023
Close Date: Open Until Filled, First Review: June 16, 2023
Salary: $19.25 per hour

Meridian Fire is accepting application for both Lateral Firefighter EMT and Lateral Firefighter Paramedics. (Lateral Firefighter Paramedics are compensated with an additional Paramedic Incentive pay of $2.24 an hour, per the current CLA.) Applicants will be screened and processed to allow for Meridian Fire Department to establish an eligibility list to be utilized for future department vacancies. Vacancies will be dependent on attrition and upcoming new station plans over the next 24 months.

When applying, please be sure to upload a copy of your Medic/EMT Certification and proof of Firefighter I Certification.

Job Summary:

This is an entry-level fire suppression position. The primary function of a firefighter is directed towards service to and interaction with the citizens of The Meridian City & Rural Districts. An employee in this class operates varied fire equipment during responses to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials and other emergency and non-emergency situations. The work does involve an element of personal danger and an employee in this class must be able to react quickly and appropriately in emergency situations. Other responsibilities include performing various staff support assignments. The work is performed under the direct supervision of the Fire Captain; however, the employee is empowered to act within the mission of the department as outlined in the department’s guiding principles.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Maintains good relationships with department staff, elected officials, and members of the public;

In a fire emergency lays, connects, charges and uses supply lines and various water appliances to control and extinguish fires. Performs ventilation and forcible entry duties. May use foam and chemical extinguishers for extinguishment;

Searches for and rescues victims from building, motor vehicles and other locations, utilizing special equipment as necessary;

Provides medical emergency response at the emergency medical technician level;

Works closely with other emergency medical staff, public safety and fire personnel from other agencies, depending upon response situation;

Learns to operate and maintain a variety of fire vehicles, apparatus, and equipment;

Communicates with others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations;

Maintains equipment in a clean and operable condition; reports the need for repair;

Participates in clean-up, salvage and overhaul operations;

Uses appropriate firefighting safety apparel and equipment, including personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus; follows appropriate safety procedures;

Performs basic maintenance of station and facilities;

Works with the community in a variety of educational, public relations and service programs;

Participates in Public Education and Fire Prevention Activities;

May assist with fire investigation duties;

May utilize defensive control tactics to contain, isolate and minimize hazardous materials spills;

Maintains awareness of and abides by all current department policies.

Job Specifications:

High School Diploma required;

College graduate from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors or Associates Degree in fire science, public administration or Emergency Medical Services preferred;

Two (2) years of experience as a career full time paid Firefighter EMT/ Paramedic with a Municipal Fire Department or District.


Knowledge of:

Principles and techniques of fire and rescue operations;

Principles and practices of providing emergency medical care;

Local, state and federal laws, codes, ordinances and regulations required for work performance;

Safety practices and precautions pertaining to fire rescue operations;

Techniques for effectively interacting with people from various socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds in a variety of settings or situations;

Basic computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite products;

Mission, vision, and guiding principles of the Meridian Fire Department;

General knowledge of the City of Meridian.

Ability To:

Operate as an effective member of a team as outlined in the department’s chain of command;

Perform fire suppression activities in an effective and efficient manner;

Maintain professional composure, make sound decisions, and respond appropriately in emergency situations;

Render emergency medical care at the level of licensure;

Follow oral and written directions;

Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports and other written materials;

Communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and the public in a respectful and courteous manner;

Must display an attitude of cooperation and the ability to work well with others;

Read, write, and speak in an articulate and professional manner.

Tools and Equipment Used:

Ability to use standard office equipment, including a computer;

Use of tools and equipment that pertain to fire fighting, medical and rescue situations.

Licensing and Certification:

Possess a valid Idaho Class D driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 60 days of conditional offer;

Possess and maintain the following at time of application:

Current Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advance EMT, or Paramedic license;

Current National Registry (NR) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), NR Advanced EMT, or NR Paramedic certification. Applications for candidates working on their NR will be accepted. A current NR must be held by the time a conditional offer of employment is made;

Establish (within one year) car seat technician certification, and maintain certification until the rank of Engineer is achieved.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

Work is primarily performed outside of an office environment, in varying weather and environment conditions. The duties are performed in scheduled and rotating 24 hour shifts for coverage seven (7) days a week. Work shifts as specified by the fire dept;

Requires passing an initial medical fit for duty evaluation by a department designated physician and shall participate in ongoing mandatory physicals found within the current Collective Labor Agreement between the City and Local 4627;

Shall maintain a level of fitness and health at all times to safely and effectively complete essential firefighter job tasks, outlined in NFPA 1582, as supervised and determined by the fire departments Health and Safety division in coordination with the department’s designated physician;

Frequently requires riding in fire apparatus and other motor vehicles;

Requires visual acuity to read printed materials;

Ability to hear spoken word to communicate in person, over the telephone, or through a two-way radio system;

Requires strength and stamina to respond to emergency situations; the duties can be very physically demanding depending on the circumstances an employee may find themselves in;

Requires mobility and physical reflexes, which permit the employee to function in a variety of situations to accomplish tasks;

Being awakened in the nighttime to respond to emergency situations;

Regularly requires lifting in excess of 25 lbs;

There is a potential for exposure chemical and biological hazards Requires the wearing of a work uniform including proper personal protective equipment utilized for fire and EMS work.

Travel Requirements:

Travels by car or air to classes and seminars, sometimes driving fire department vehicles.

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