Your Home Port. The Premier Community on the Great Lakes.

Port Washington is known for offering “a touch of New England charm combined with Midwestern friendliness” and has been named by Midwest Living to their Top 100 Best Midwest Small Town Getaways. Port Washington, today, is a tourist destination with a vibrant downtown and community events.

The City’s population is 12,353 resides within seven square miles including 4 miles of waterfront. The City provides full-city services including Public Safety (Police, Fire, EMS), Engineering, Public Works, Water and Sewer utilities, Building Inspections, Community Development, Parks and Recreation, Marina, Senior Life Enrichment, Library, Finance, Clerk and Administration. We are a welcoming destination for living, working, and visiting that – combined with our core values of accountability, innovation, trust, industriousness, and friendship – create an environment with opportunities to make a positive impact for our community. 

THE ROLE:

The Port Washington Fire Department is seeking three enthusiastic and driven Firefighter/Paramedics committed to helping others and contributing to the success of our growing organization. Reporting to the shift Captain or Lieutenant, Firefighter/Paramedics serve in a range of emergency and non-emergency roles, including fire protection, advanced emergency medical care, hazardous materials response, and community risk reduction. They also ensure that equipment and facilities are always in a state of readiness.  This dynamic role involves close collaboration with a dedicated team of part-time and full-time personnel in a supportive, close-knit environment. Opportunities will be available to lead training, develop quality improvement initiatives, and organize public outreach programs.  Firefighter/Paramedics work rotating 24-hour shifts to provide continuous emergency response coverage, responding to approximately 1,800 emergency calls for service each year.  As a 911-based service, the department delivers advanced life support to the citizens of Port Washington and offers ALS intercepts to much of Northern Ozaukee County. The department also features specialized teams for Rescue Task Force, Technical/Low Angle Rescue, Surface Water Rescue, and Dive operations.  With progressive, evidence-based protocols, Firefighter/Paramedics function at the top of their licensure. Essentials duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Comply with all department policies and procedures. Understand and apply concepts identified with the Port Washington Fire Department’s vision, mission and values.
• Perform firefighting activities such as fire containment and extinguishment, laying hose, conducting technical rescues, operating power equipment, and driving fire apparatus when properly trained.
• Provide advanced emergency medical care and transport as a licensed EMT-Paramedic, in accordance with the standards set by the Medical Director and the State of Wisconsin.
• Create and maintain thorough and accurate patient care records, using written or digital formats as required by the department and other agencies.
• Engage in both didactic and practical training on firefighting, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, and related subjects.
• Participate in building inspections, hydrant checks, fire prevention programs, and other community risk reduction activities.
• Maintain fire equipment, apparatus, and facilities, performing minor repairs as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

What does it take to succeed in this role? We’re looking for self-motivated individuals with strong leadership skills and a willingness to learn. You should also have:

• Wisconsin Driver’s License
• Wisconsin Firefighter I (or reciprocity with IFSAC) certification
• EMT-Paramedic (or reciprocity with NREMT) certification within 6 months of hire.

Ideal candidates would also have Wisconsin Firefighter II and Driver-Operator certifications.  If not already completed at the time of hire, these certifications are expected to be obtained within 18 months.  Throughout the application process, candidates must complete an assessment center evaluation, participate in oral interviews, undergo drug screening, and pass both a physical examination and a background check.

WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER

The position offers a starting salary of $65,000, based on 2,912 annual work hours, along with a highly competitive benefits package. Firefighter/Paramedics work a California shift schedule, with additional opportunities for overtime and paid training. Benefits include enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System, comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance, as well as paid sick leave and vacation.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)

The City is committed to building a culture where difference is valued and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We believe that every person brings a unique perspective and lived experience that advances our mission and vision to be the Premier Community on the Great Lakes. We commit to centering Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in our community, our workforce, and our decision-making. These are more than just words. They are guiding principles that shine a path forward to foster a culture based on mutual respect and passion for the community we serve.