Firefighter/Paramedic

Job Title: Firefighter/Paramedic

Department: Fire

Location: Central and Ashdod Fire Stations

Contract/Grade: Duxbury Permanent Firefighter Association Collective Bargaining Agreement, Grade 7

Compensation: $36.46 - $42.27 per hour, in four steps

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: Full-time, benefit eligible, 42 hours per week on average, variable schedule

Reports to: Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Captains

Number of Openings: 2

Internal and External Posting Period: 8/3/2026 – 8/17/2026

Special Requirements:  Firefighter I/II and valid Massachusetts Paramedic certification preferred, or if applying as a current Paramedic student must provide proof of enrollment and successfully attain MA OEMS Paramedic Certification during probationary employment period. Following conditional employment offer, must successfully complete background checks, Massachusetts HRD Fire Physical Ability Test (PAT), HRD physical exam and psychological screening.

1. Nature of Work: This is skilled firefighting work in combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires; in answering emergency calls, and in operation and maintenance of fire department equipment, apparatus, and quarters. Work involves training for and participating in duties of protecting life and property by fire fighting and rescue activities, usually under close supervision. Employees of this class are required to learn and participate in the operation of apparatus and the performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions which may require strenuous exertion under such handicaps as smoke and cramped surroundings. Although firefighting and rescue work are the most difficult and responsible areas of activity; the major portion of time is spent drilling and studying methods, techniques, and organization, and in routine duties in the care and maintenance of fire department property and equipment. Specific orders and directions are given by superior officers; but the work requires initiative and a thorough individual understanding of firefighting methods.

2. Supervision Required: Under the direct supervision of the Captains and under the general direction of the Fire Chief and Deputy Chief. The employee carries out the regular work in accordance with standard practices and previous training. Work is generally reviewed only for technical adequacy, appropriateness of actions or decisions, and conformance with policy or other requirements.

3. Supervisory Responsibility: Employee does not, as a regular or continuing part of the job, have supervisory responsibilities over other employees, with the exception of emergency response situations and in keeping with the Incident Command System.

4. Confidentiality: Has regular access at the departmental level to a wide variety of confidential information, including client records, criminal investigations, and court records. Confidentiality must be maintained with regard to this information in accordance with Departmental Policy and the Public Records Act.

5. Judgment: The work requires examining, analyzing, and evaluating facts and circumstances surrounding work assignments and determining actions to be taken within the limits of standard or accepted practice. Guidelines include a large body of policies, practices, and precedents that may be complex. Judgment is used in analyzing specific situations to determine appropriate actions.

6. Complexity: The work consists of the practical application of a variety of concepts, practices, and specialized techniques. Assignments typically involve evaluation and interpretation of factors, conditions, or unusual circumstances, and determining the methods to accomplish the work.

7. Nature and Purpose of Public Contact: Relationships are constantly with co-workers, the public, and the Town Departments.

8. Essential Functions: Attends training courses; reads and studies assigned material related to fire fighting and prevention. Responds to fire alarms; operates pumps, aerial ladders, and auxiliary equipment; lays and connects hose; holds nozzles, directs fog or water streams; raises and climbs ladders; uses chemical extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines and other equipment.

Ventilates burning buildings by opening windows and skylights, or by chopping holes in roofs and floors; removes persons from danger; administers first-aid to injured persons; takes part in emergency rescue; performs salvage operations such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris.

Participates in fire drills and attends classes in firefighting and first aid.

Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire department property; cleans and washes walls and floors; makes minor repairs to property and equipment; washes, hangs and dries hoses; washes, cleans, polishes and tests apparatus.

Relays instructions, orders, and information; gives location of alarms received from dispatcher.

May perform assigned fire inspections, checking fire escape building exits, and related structures and appurtenances for compliance with fire prevention ordinances.

Performs related work as required and as further specified in the rules and regulations of the Fire Department.

9. Minimum Qualifications

Graduate of High School, vocational school, ACLS or equivalent; valid Massachusetts Driver's License, MA OEMS Paramedic and CPR certifications.

10. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge: Some knowledge of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 148, CMR Fire Prevention Regulations and State Building Code; knowledge of departmental regulations and procedures; knowledge of the approved methods and procedures or modern medical rescue techniques; and firefighting principles.

Abilities: Ability to establish and maintain harmonious and productive working relationships with Town Department heads, fire service officials and the general public.

Skill: Proficient oral and written communication skills; and basic computer skills.

11. Occupational Risk: Duties regularly involve present potential risk of injuries from fire burns, burns from chemicals, steam, severe muscular strains, falls from heights in excess of three feet and illness from exposure to communicable diseases, smoke, and chemicals. Special safety precautions, training, and protective clothing helmet, gowns, coats, gloves, glasses and boots are required in accordance with Departmental Policy.

12. Physical Demands: Work requires physical strength and effort daily in fighting fires, lifting, carrying, pulling, pushing equipment, hoses, or other heavy objects. Bending, standing, and walking may be required for extensive time periods. Exposure to extreme weather conditions and adverse or life-threatening conditions occur in the position.

13. Motor Skills: Duties involve a high degree of intense mental concentration together with hand and eye coordination and visual attention for long periods of time in performing work assignments.

14. Visual Demands: Visual demands include use of computer, reading documents, review of instrumentation, and there is a need for color vision.

All applicants must provide a cover letter, resume, and fully completed Town of Duxbury online employment application, in the Get/Hired system.