JOB SUMMARY: The Fire Cadet Program includes a blend of training and academics to prepare Cadets for a firefighting career with the Columbia Fire Department. Candidates must pass a background check, drug screen and pre-employment physical prior to being accepted into the program. Once hired, Cadets will work a variable 28-hour week. During the program, Cadets will be mentored by full-time Firefighters, EMT’s and Paramedics.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Cadets are required to complete the components of a given semester in order to maintain employment and progress in the program. 

• Cadets will receive a blend of training designed to prepare for academic, emotional and physical rigors required to be successful as a Columbia Firefighter.
• During the first year of training Cadets should complete the EMT certification and Firefighter I course.
• Additional training is provided on nutrition, fitness and medical personnel.
• Upon successful completion of the Fire Cadet Program and passing a physical agility test, Cadets may be promoted to the rank of Firefighter and placed in the next open position.
• Assist daily fire crews with all station functions (Cleaning, Mowing, Apparatus Checks, Public Educations and etc.)

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:  

• Performs other related duties as required.
• Upon successful completion of the Fire Cadet Program and passing a physical agility test, cadets may work in the capacity of a firefighter.

SUPERVISORY FUNCTIONS: None

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

• You must be 18 years of age;
• Maintain a GPA of 2.0; 
• A High School graduate prior to July 1, 2017;  
• Pass a background check, drug screen and pre-employment physical;
• Admitted to college or university and enrolled in an EMT course; 
• United States citizen or authorized to work in the United States.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:  

REQUIRED EDUCATION/OR EXPERIENCE:

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS: Cadets should commit to staying in outstanding physical condition to maintain the stamina to perform the necessary firefighting tasks. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly required to lift and/or move, push or pull up to 25 pounds and occasionally required to lift and/or move, push or pull up to 50 pounds without assistance and up to 100 pounds or more with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and peripheral vision.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in office environment; some assignments are performed in the field with exposure to variations in temperature and humidity; continuous contact with other staff and the public.

OTHER:

• Cadets will have a onetime option to sign a promissory note agreement to pay for EMT training to obtain State of Tennessee EMT license.
• EMT School clinicals shall be done without compensation from the City of Columbia, TN.