Join Our Team - Los Alamos County

Los Alamos Fire Stations and Facilities Fire Administration 195 East Road Suite 101 Los Alamos, NM 87544 505‐662‐8301 Fire Station # 1 TA 03 SM 41 Los Alamos, NM 87544 505‐667‐7026 // 505‐667‐7355 Fire Station # 2 132 DP Road Los Alamos, NM 87544 505‐662‐8406 // 505‐662‐8410 Fire Station # 3 129 State Road 4 Los Alamos, NM 87544 505‐663‐1843 // 505‐663‐1832 Fire Station # 4 4401 Diamond Drive Los Alamos, NM 87544 505‐667‐7350 // 505‐662‐2265 Fire Station # 5 TA 16 Bldg. 180 Los Alamos, NM 87544 505‐667‐7354 // 505‐667‐4014 Fire Station # 6 457 East Road Los Alamos, NM 87544 505‐665‐6617 // 505‐665‐6618 Los Alamos Fire Department Join Our Team About Us Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) is the third largest career fire department in the state of New Mexico. The Department provides a multi‐disciplined, multi‐dimensional mission of fire, rescue, emergency medical, public education and life safety services to the citizens and visitors of Los Alamos County. Included in the services LAFD provides are the protection of the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), a large nuclear research and development complex; protection of the communities of Los Alamos and White Rock; and assistance in the provision of emergency response for an extensive urban wildland interface. LAFD was organized under the Manhattan Project in April of 1943. At that time, it consisted of 7 civilian firefighters and 25 volunteer firefighters. In September of 1943, the firefighter functions were taken over by the military. The Fire Department was governed by the US Atomic Energy Commission and the US Department of Energy (DOE) until the Incorporated County of Los Alamos took it over in September of 1989. Today, LAFD operates 6 fire stations with 150 budgeted positions, including 139 shift firefighters and 3 shift Battalion Chiefs, 6 Chief and Staff Officers assigned to days and 11 civilian support staff. LAFD MISSION “We, the Los Alamos County Fire Department, are committed to the safety and welfare of everyone in our diverse community. We promise exceptional services in the preservation of life, the environment, and property.” LAFD CORE VALUES Los Alamos County Fire Department members are the most valuable resource and we support the mission with PRIDE: Positive Attitude We value trust, fairness, pride, respect, dedication, integrity, honesty, and well‐being. Readiness We value preparedness, training and education, safety and wellness, dedication and an understanding that lives are more valuable than property. Involvement We value the free exchange of ideas, a commitment to excellence, and a shared vision with one voice through unity. Discipline We value a professional attitude with high moral work ethic that can enhance our team. Excellence We value the evaluation of efficiencies, effectiveness and economy, courtesy, fostering customer faith and building trust, quality care and customer services and dedication with empathy and continuous improvement. Fire Cadets serve a new hire probationary period of one (1) year as required by the Los Alamos County Personnel Rules and Regulations stated in Rule 411.1. Cadets are eligible for promotion to Firefighter I after successful completion and certification of a one‐year probationary period. Once promoted to a Firefighter I a probationary period of one year is required. Upon successful review and certifications at the completion of the one‐year period, there is eligibility to be promoted to a Firefighter II. At this point there is a new one‐year probationary period as a Firefighter II. (The total probationary time from a Fire Cadet through a Firefighter II is three years.) Firefighter II can test for Driver Engineer after four years of service and test for Lieutenant and Captain after five years of service. After each successful promotion the individual has a probation period of one year. Overtime is paid for any hours worked over 182 hours in a 24 day period pay cycle for shift personnel. The LAFD has a paid incentive program, after employees have successfully completed new hire probation. New hire employees that are certified as either an EMT‐Intermediate or Paramedic receive the paid incentive when assigned to shift. Firefighters are eligible to test for specialties in the field if prerequisites are met. These include, but are not limited to: *EMT‐Intermediate *Hazardous Materials Team *EMT‐Paramedic *Fire Investigations *Technical Rescue Team *Instructor in a discipline Selection Process The candidate’s first step begins with the application process. Candidates are qualified from their application for employment and not a résumé. Ensure all appropriate fields are filled out and you are truthful. Once the application has been approved, the candidate’s will be notified of the test dates. All testing occurs in Los Alamos, NM. The candidate will begin the recruitment process with a written exam. The written test is a comprehensive reading, writing and mathematics test. If the candidates passes, they may take the physical fitness tests as scheduled. The physical fitness exams consist of the following:  1.5 mile run in 13:20 minutes at an altitude of 7,300  Criterion Task Test (CTT). Must complete the test in 6:59 to pass. The CTT is comprised of five stations simulating fire ground activities. Visit www.firefighterchallenge.com to gain useful information on what to expect.  After successful completion of the written and physical tests, the candidate will be scheduled for an oral interview. While the candidate is not graded on appearance, please dress appropriately.  Applicants that have met the pre‐requisites for Firefighter I and Firefighter II will have to take a Firefighter specific written exam in addition to the initial written exam. Passing or failing this test effects the candidate placement and pay within the academy if selected. If a candidate fails this written exam, they are not out of the process. The candidate may be offered a position as a Firefighter I or Cadet.  Applicants that are successful and have been selected are given a conditional offer of employment contingent upon passing the following: * background check *drug and alcohol test *medical examination * psychiatric evaluation Successful applicants will receive a letter in the mail with a formal offer of employment. Upon accepting employment with LAFD, the candidate will receive a packet outlining the Academy start date and instructions regarding the Academy. The Academy Days at the Academy can be long and difficult. Many who attempt the school do not complete it and before making application, candidates should ask themselves if they have the drive, dedication and physical ability for success. The academy is run in a military fashion and will prove to be the most demanding 22 weeks of your life. Prepare yourself mentally and physically. Recruits are expected to give 100% each day. Prepare for physical fitness training now. Start jogging and begin weight training – don’t wait until the last minute. The LAFD is internationally accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (Center for Public Safety Excellence), recognized for achieving excellence, providing customer service beyond expectation, and striving for continuous quality improvement. LAFD is also an ISO Class 1 Fire Department. Accordingly, we demand professionalism from each Recruit. As a member of this Department, recruits will be held to a very high standard as you progress through the Academy and throughout your career. Recruits will start your mornings at 0700 and finish by 1730. You will be paid a 56 hour a week wage (standard shift wage) and thus required to work those hours. A 24‐hour day is worked every other week to ensure the hours are captured and to give the recruit an idea of life in the firehouse. While at the Academy, recruits will be required to participate in rigorous physical activities that include regular exercise and running activities as well as intensive Firefighting tactics training. Recruits will be participating in an exercise program with Wellness staff members 2‐3 times per week along with recovery/location runs (2‐5 miles) and overall conditioning (i.e. push‐ups, pull‐ups, etc.). The Academy is an intensive learning environment. Recruits will learn the basics of all firefighting work including but not limited to: *Incident Command *Emergency Medicine *Firefighting Tactics *Ventilation Techniques *Vehicle Extrication *Technical Rescue *Communications *Vehicle Operations *Hazardous Materials *Fire Investigations *Forcible Entry *Search and Rescue *Fire Suppression *Firefighter Survival *Rescue How to Apply The Los Alamos County Human Resources Division requests that you submit an application with an original signature when you apply to be a firefighter. Because of the high volume of applications that they receive, please observe the following requirements: *Application for employment must be submitted on a County application form; *Signed application may be mailed, faxed, or hand‐delivered; *Application form must be complete and it must be signed; *The information on your application form will be used to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position you are applying for; *Please identify on the application any certifications that you currently hold and attach a copy; *You may attach a copy of your resume to your completed County application form. However, any information from your resume will not be used to determine if minimum qualifications are met. To apply for a job opening, please submit your completed County application form to: Human Resources Division 2451 Central Ave – Suite B Los Alamos NM 87544 Fax (505) 662‐8000 County application forms may be obtained by printing a copy from the County web page or by calling the HR Division office at (505) 662‐8040. Los Alamos County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualifications Minimum qualifications for a Fire Cadet, Firefighter I and Firefighter II are extensive. For the complete list, you may access the job posting information at: http://www.losalamosnm.us/jobs/Pages/default.aspx However; some of the major requirements include: *Successful completion of background investigation, including FBI fingerprint check. *Must not have been convicted of a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude. *Must poses, or ability to obtain within first thirty days of employment, and maintain a valid New Mexico CDL‐E driver’s license. *Must possess, or must make application for, a DOE “Q” clearance within thirty days of employment with ability to obtain, and maintain a DOE “Q” clearance and is subject to additional federal background investigation. Prior to issuance of the “Q” clearance, must be eligible at all times to be escorted into secured areas until such time as the initial investigation period has expired and a “Q” clearance issued. Subsequently, should “Q” access authorization be under review, but not suspended or revoked, and employee remains eligible to be escorted into a secured area, a reasonable time for reinstatement shall be allowed. *Must promote to Firefighter I within 16 months of employment. *Must possess, or ability to obtain within probationary period, and maintain an EMT (B, I or P) license that qualifies for NMAC 27.2 certification and licensing requirements and maintain positive Medical Direction status. If non‐New Mexico EMT, including Paramedic, license, must pass New Mexico State licensing examination and achieve positive Medical Direction status before end of new hire probationary period. *Must obtain ICS 100, 200, 700, 800B and 804 certifications or equivalents by the end of probation. *Be free of any mental or emotional condition which might adversely affect performance. Will be required to successfully complete an examination by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. *Successful completion of an examination by a licensed physician must be free of any physical condition as listed in the LAFD Medical Standards per NFPA 1582. Benefits Schedule Vacation 48/96. Once on shift, your normal work schedule will be two days on duty followed by four days off. On the average, this equates to five round trips to your duty station a month. 0‐5 years with LAFD 167.7 hours/year (accrued at 6.45 hours/pay period); 5‐10 years with LAFD 235.04 hours/year (accrued at 9.04 hours/pay period); 10 + years with LAFD 268.58 hours/year (accrued at 10.33 hours/pay period) Sick Leave 134.42 hours per year (accrued at 5.17 hours/pay period) Holiday Pay An average of 88 hours per year (11 paid holidays) Shift Trades 10 Shift Trades per year after New Hire Probation (one year) Uniforms and equipment All supplied by LAFD Tuition Assistance Program After New Hire Probation (one year) ‐ Up to $100.00 per credit hour for undergraduate courses and up to $225.00 per credit hour for graduate courses. Maximum of 15 credit hours per year. Retirement Plan (under PERA) 70% of salary with 20 years of service and 80% of salary with 22 years and 11 months of service LAC Employee Pension Plan: Available to regular LAC employees only. This is a supplemental retirement plan, similar to a 401k, with contributions from the employee and LAC. LAC contributes 9% and the employee contributes 1%. Employees are automatically vested in 4% of LAC contribution. Vesting for the remaining 5% is based on years of service with LAC. Regular employees do not contribute to Social Security 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Voluntary Retirement Plan – Employee contributes 100% Health Insurance Benefits Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance ‐ County currently pays 80% of the monthly premium Long Term Disability If employee is unable to work for three months and condition qualifies, benefit pays 60% of base wages for duration of disability Special Team and Incentive Pay EMT Intermediate $1.17/ hour $3,407.04/annually EMT Paramedic $2.96/hour $8,619.52/ annually Hazardous Materials Team $1.17/hour $3,407.04/ annually Fire Investigation Team $1.17/hour $3,407.04/ annually Technical Rescue Team $1.17/hour $3,407.04 annually Ability to Earn: *Overtime *Compensatory Time (in lieu of overtime) *Travel and Per Diem when on approved travel Salaries Fire Cadet $12.34/hr. or $35,934 annually. Assignment to Shift: $12.97/hr. or $37,768 annually Fire Fighter I $12.97/hr. or $37,768 annually. Assignment to Shift: $13.65/hr. or $39,749 annually Fire Fighter II $13.65/hr. or $39,749 annually. Assignment to Shift: Collective Bargaining Agreement Step A rate. The following pay rates are based on a 56 hour work week/2912 hours per year as established by the Collective Bargaining Agreement and do not include special team or incentive pay. Minimum Maximum Firefighter II $41,059 annually $52,066 annually $14.10 per hr. $17.88 per hr. Driver Engineer $45,339 annually $57,512 annually $15.57 per hr. $19.75 per hr. Lieutenant $50,290 annually $63,773 annually $17.27 per $21.90 per hr. Captain $58,298 annually $73,965 annually $20.02 per hr. $25.40 per hr.