COOKEVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Depending on qualifications, this position may begin as a Firefighter Trainee, a Firefighter I, or a Reserve Driver/Engineer.
All applicants will be invited to sit for a written exam; details to follow via email once application is received. (If you are currently a Certified Firefighter (must have Firefighter I and AEMT), please contact Battalion Chief Snyder at (931)520-5252 for additional information. Applicants who successfully complete, or are exempted from, the written exam will undergo the physical agility course and should bring appropriate clothing for strenuous physical activity on the date scheduled. Details regarding the pre-employment exam and the physical agility exam will be sent via email once application is received.
Top applicants who successfully pass the exam and agility course will be scheduled for a formal, structured interview.
The following forms must be completed and notarized (as required) and brought with you to the testing site. These forms may be found in a fillable format online at:Cookeville Fire Department Careers | Cookeville, TN (cookeville-tn.gov)
PAY RANGE:
Firefighter Trainee: Beginning Salary- $42,579.46
Firefighter: Beginning Salary- $45,118.46
Reserve Driver/Engineer: Beginning Salary- $47,336.45
AEMT Pay Increase - $1200
Paramedic Stipend - $300/per pay period
FIREFIGHTER
Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required, and subject to change as approved by the City Manager.
JOB SUMMARY:
Employees in this class are under general supervision, typically by a Lieutenant. Work is performed in controlling and extinguishing fires, engaging in search and rescue, responding to medical emergencies and treating ill or injured individuals, responds to other emergency calls to protect life and property as directed and performs appropriate actions up to level of training.
Examples of work performed: Controls and extinguishes fires; performs forcible entry, search, rescue, and vehicle extrication; treats ill or injured persons; responds to hazardous materials incidents; performs station and equipment maintenance; responds to alarms; participates in fire prevention and training activities; operates all emergency equipment as qualifications permit; performs daily equipment checks and upkeep tasks; keeps all equipment in a state of readiness; participates in pre-fire planning, and assigned training; maintains and flows fire hydrants; may make public presentations or conduct station tours on occasion; participate in the (Cookeville Community Response) CCR program; uses computer to enter data and generate reports; performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge possessed by a Firefighter trainee
Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations and to determine proper courses of action
Ability to pass an annual physical agility test and medical surveillance
Ability to complete general recruit training as approved by the Tennessee Commission on Firefighting Personnel Standards and Education
Ability to learn to operate a variety of firefighting, hazardous materials, and emergency medical equipment
Ability to teach CPR/AED classes
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing
Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the public and co-workers
Ability to obtain State of Tennessee or National Registry Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) licensure
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
High School diploma or equivalent
Valid Tennessee driver's license
Must be a Tennessee resident within 4 months of hire date and at least eighteen years of age
Must be able to pass a criminal background check and a pre-employment physical and drug screen.
POST HIRE REQUIREMENTS:
Refer to SOP 1.12.1 Firefighter Progression for required certifications and licensing timeframes.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Physical:
Physical strength and ability to perform very heavy labor and strenuous work for extended periods of time under extremely dangerous and uncomfortable conditions, while wearing bulky protective gear, including self-contained breathing apparatus weighing in excess of sixty pounds. Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds frequently. Pulls and drags hose. Forces entry, performs ventilation, climbs ladders, works from aerial equipment, performs rescue, endures heat, cold, smoke, and hazardous materials. Must be able to pass an annual physical agility and medical surveillance test. Must be able to work a twenty-four hour shift. Requires fast response or reaction time. Requires good hand-eye coordination to operate equipment.
Environmental:
Routinely exposed to varied and often extreme environmental conditions while performing their duties. Work may occur in all types of weather, including extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, ice, and high winds, both day and night. Firefighters will be exposed to smoke, fire, hazardous materials, toxic fumes, dust, bloodborne pathogens, and other airborne, gas or liquid contaminants. The work environment can include high noise levels, poor visibility, confined or elevated spaces, uneven terrain, and areas with limited lighting. Firefighters may also encounter extreme temperatures, rapidly changing environmental conditions, and physically hazardous settings that require the use of specialized protective equipment to reduce risk of injury or illness. May encounter people with emotional stress disorders, trauma, or contagious diseases.
FULL TIME BENEFITS SUMMARY:
Medical
Dental
Vision
Paid Life Insurance
Health Savings Account
Flexible Spending Account
Voluntary Benefits
Pension and 401k Retirement Savings
Paid Holidays
Paid Sick time – 8 hours/month
Paid Vacation time – 8 hours/month
City of Cookeville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Hiring decisions are administered without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
Qualified individuals with known disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact the Human Resources department at (931) 520-5256.