Lateral Firefighter w/ EMT Basic

Position Title:

Lateral Firefighter - w/

EMT Basic Department:

Fire FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt Salaried Salary:

Grade:

H Starting:

$19.25

Supervision:

Battalion Chief Last Reviewed:

4/8/26 Protect Lives. Build Trust. Serve with Purpose. Join a department that values professionalism, training, and doing the job the right way. As a Credentialed Firefighter with La Vergne Fire & Rescue, you'll be part of a team committed to protecting the community, supporting one another, and maintaining the highest standards of safety and service. This role offers more than a position. It's an opportunity to make a real impact while working in a culture that prioritizes both performance and people. We offer stability, opportunity, and benefits that truly set the City of La Vergne apart: 100% Paid Insurance for you and your family — including health, dental, vision, life, disability, and Lasik coverage

Secure Retirement:

401(a) with 4.5% city contribution plus a 457 plan with matching up to 3.5%, vested immediately

Generous Paid Time Off:

vacation, sick, personal days, 12 holidays, and your birthday off

Longevity Pay & Professional Growth:

annual service bonuses and full support for continued education, certifications, and leadership development

Culture of Care:

a mission-driven organization that values integrity, teamwork, and employee wellbeing

JOB SUMMARY

Under close supervision, performs fire suppression and fire prevention duties to protect life and property; provides emergency rescue and basic medical treatment as required; utilizes various tools and power equipment in rescue operations; maintains department equipment, vehicles, and facilities; and performs related duties as assigned.

THIS IS A SAFETY-SENSITIVE POSITION ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responds to fire alarms with the assigned company; lays and connects hose; maintains pumping apparatus; holds nozzles and directs water streams; raises and climbs ladders; assists in freeing victims from situations in which they are physically trapped; utilizes and maintains self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Operates all types of firefighting and rescue equipment, such as portable fire extinguishers, power tools, hand tools, and related equipment, such as smoke ejectors, forcible entry tools, pike poles, and axes. Administers first aid; assists paramedics/EMTs at medical emergencies; applies techniques for the control of bleeding; utilizes immobilization techniques to stabilize patient; performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Participates in fire and life safety inspection and other fire prevention and public education activities as assigned. Maintains appropriate records and files. Attends training sessions that include firefighting techniques, emergency medical care, and the proper use of all equipment and related tools. Performs various duties in the maintenance of station facilities and auxiliary equipment. Washes, dries, polishes, and cleans fire department apparatus and equipment. Inspects fire equipment to ensure proper operation. Assumes roles and responsibilities as driver of emergency vehicles as directed by the Assistant Chief and/or Fire Chief.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma or GED required. Must be at least 18 years old. No felony convictions or misdemeanors involving moral turpitude are required. Tennessee Fire Commission Firefighter II certification (IFSAC or ProBoard), or the ability to obtain reciprocity required. Completion of a recognized 400-hour recruit academy or a minimum of three (3) years' experience with a paid career fire department required. Tennessee Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-Basic) required, or the ability to obtain reciprocity. Must possess a valid Tennessee Drivers' License or could obtain one in a reasonable period.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) or Paramedic. Additional fire service certifications and advanced credentials (will be evaluated upon submission)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of modern firefighting. Knowledge of fire apparatus, equipment, tools, devices, facilities, and the proper use and maintenance. Knowledge of Fire Departments SOG's and SOP's Knowledge of principles and practices of emergency medical procedures such as advanced first aid, CPR, and other medical assistance techniques. Knowledge of decontamination procedures. Skill in basic firefighting techniques. Skill in operating and maintaining voice radio equipment. Skill in analyzing fire and emergencies and providing effective action. Skill in effectively dealing with people under stress. Skill in effective interpersonal communication and in dealing with the public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Ability to pass reasonable fitness and physical standards to perform work as determined by City Physician safely: sufficient vision and hearing acuity, normal or corrected to read, write, and hear to operate tools and equipment safely. Ability to lift and carry average-sized individuals and objects of about 75 pounds, though greater weights may sometimes be lifted, carried, and/or placed. Dexterity and fitness are sufficient to grasp, crawl, crouch, bend, stoop, climb, stretch, walk, run, and otherwise perform the physical functions of the assignment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Varied Emergency Scenes:

Firefighters respond to a wide range of emergencies, including structural fires, vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, hazardous material incidents, and natural disasters. Each type of emergency presents unique challenges and requires quick, effective action in potentially hazardous conditions.

Physically Demanding Tasks:

The role of a Firefighter is physically strenuous, involving tasks such as carrying heavy equipment, climbing ladders, forcible entry, search and rescue operations, and extinguishing fires. Firefighters must maintain a high level of physical fitness to perform these duties safely and effectively.

Teamwork and Communication:

Firefighting is a team effort that relies on clear communication, coordination, and camaraderie among crew members. Firefighters work closely with their team and under the command of fire officers to execute emergency operations and ensure the safety of the public and their colleagues.

Training and Continuous Learning:

Ongoing training is a critical component of the Firefighter's work environment. This includes participating in drills, attending educational sessions on fire tactics, medical procedures, and specialized rescue techniques, and staying updated on the latest fire service practices and technologies.

High-Risk and High-Stress Situations:

Firefighters routinely work in high-risk environments that require confronting dangerous conditions, making quick decisions under pressure, and managing the stress associated with emergency response and life-saving activities.

Shift Work and Long Hours:

This position is not remote. Firefighters typically work in shifts, which can include nights, weekends, and holidays. Shifts are 48 hours in length, requiring firefighters to eat, sleep, and live at the fire station for the duration of their shift to maintain readiness for immediate response.

Community Engagement:

Beyond emergency response, firefighters engage in community service activities, including fire safety education, station tours, and participation in public events. These interactions are important for building trust and promoting fire safety awareness within the community. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

THE CITY OF LA VERGNE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, SEX, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, OR VETERAN STATUS IN EMPLOYMENT

OPPORTUNITIES.