ENTRANCE EXAMINATION: SEPTEMBER 29, 2025

A firefighter shall perform duties as directed by higher-ranking officers of the Weslaco Fire Department. A Firefighter shall participate in emergency and non-emergency service delivery, fire prevention and fire safety education programs, and routine activities and duties as defined by Fire Department standard operating guidelines or as assigned by a higher-ranking officer. A Firefighter assigned to the Suppression Division will work a standard 24-hour shift schedule.
Probationary
Employee will be responsible to become certified by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP). While attending the academy, employee is expected to wear the department uniform, have a neat appearance, and maintain a grade point average of 80 or above and meet the physical fitness requirements and demands of the course. After completing and successfully becoming firefighter certified through the Texas Commission of Fire Protection, employee will also be required to attend a paramedic class, successfully complete it, and become certified through the Texas Department of State Health Service.
Completion of Probation
Under direct supervision, performs general firefighting work in combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires, and in the maintenance of fire department equipment and quarters. Also responsible for the protection of life and property through firefighting activities with and without supervision. Performs hazardous tasks under emergency conditions which may require strenuous exertion under such handicaps as smoke and cramped surroundings. Specific orders and directions are given by a superior officer, but the work requires knowledge and understanding of firefighting methods which is gained by experience and training. A large portion of the time is spent in routine house duties, in the cleaning and care of equipment, quarters, fire apparatus, and in the study of firefighting techniques.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen by birth or naturalization.
• Be at least 18 years of age but not 36 years of age or older.
• Be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an equivalency certificate; transcripts must be provided as proof of completion.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record.
• Birth Certificate
• Social Security Card
• Be able to read and write the English language fluently.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment criminal background check and drug screen at City’s expense.
• An additional five points shall be added to the examination grade of an applicant who served in the United States armed forces, received an honorable discharge, and made a passing grade on the examination.

REQUIREMENTS PRIOR TO APPOINTMENT TO A BEGINNING POSITION:

• Certification issued by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, or certifiable.
• Or evidence of eligibility for certification (i.e., grading sheet from Texas Commission on Fire Protection indicating a passing score on written and practical examinations for basic firefighter certification).
• Or evidence of current enrollment in a basic recruit fire training academy approved by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
• An EMT Basic/Paramedic, EMT Intermediate, or Emergency Medical Technician
  certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services,
  Or National Registry.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of certificate in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation from the American Heart Association (upon completion of Academy).
• Possession of certification as an Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic from the Texas Department of State Health Services (before completion of 12 months from hire date)
• Meet the requirements of Chapter 143, Texas Local Government Code for appointment (upon entry).
• Possess and maintain a Texas Operator’s Class-B exempt Driver’s License, have 1 year to acquire, if you do not have one.
• Possess TCFP Basic Fire Fighter Certification (upon completion of Academy).

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, & ABILITIES

• Operation, maintenance and use of modern firefighting apparatus and equipment.
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Emergency Medical Technology First Aide procedures.
• Methods, techniques, and equipment used in providing Emergency Medical Services to level of EMS certification attained.
• Technical of fire suppression and emergency medical services.
• Knowledge of pertinent state and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Principals, practices, methods and techniques of modern fire and life safety and fire suppression and emergency medical activities.
• The geography of the city and surrounding area.
• Various building construction techniques and the consequence of each type of fire suppression and prevention activities.
• Safe work practices and procedures.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Business letter writing and repost preparation.
• Assembling and preparing data for report presentations.
• Using fire suppression techniques and other related emergency respondent procedures.
• Using specialized emergency medical equipment appropriate to level of EMS certification attained.
• Work under stress and use good judgment in emergency situations.
• Oversee and assist in resolving a variety of situations characterized by conflict or danger.
• Operate specialized emergency communications equipment.
• Participate in providing the full range of emergency medical services and in a variety of specialized medical equipment to level of EMS certification attained.
• Prepare and safely operate department vehicles, apparatus, and other emergency equipment.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Interpret and apply state and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Work irregular hours including weekends, holidays and extended hours in emergency, disaster or other situations influenced by workload or staffing difficulties.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Pass a medical examination and all other examinations and tests required for employment.
• Demonstrate the application of defensive driving theory and principles and maintain familiarity with all State and local laws, including City and Department rules and regulations governing safe driving practices and operation of all Fire Department vehicles.
• Demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge and awareness for fire apparatus and equipment operating principles, practices, and procedures in support of fire suppression, rescue, and EMS services delivery needs.
• Possess basic knowledge of the principals, practices, and techniques of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), modem fire suppression, emergency medical services and fire prevention.
• Possess a thorough knowledge of the rules, regulations and standard operating guidelines of the Fire Department and Civil Service Rules and regulations.
• Apply the principals, practices, and techniques of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), modem fire suppression, emergency medical services.
• Provide effective leadership in applying the Fire Department Civil Service Rules and regulations.
• Speak and deal tactfully and respectfully with the public, other municipality officials and the private sector when representing the fire Department and the City of Weslaco.
• Demonstrate competence at basic computer operations including word processing, desktop publishing and spreadsheets.
• Understand the basic principles and application of fire protection systems, and building construction, and possess the ability to properly read and interpret construction and engineering blueprints and plans.
• Understand the basic of fire cause and origin investigation, the application of state, the local laws and regulations governing the maintenance and release of evidence and records associated with fire investigations.
• Tactfully respond to requests and inquiries from the public.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including City and other government officials, community groups and the public.
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of current literature, research, and advancement in the fields of (NIMS), firefighting, fire apparatus and equipment.

• Work requires employee physically present, and on time, as scheduled.
• Participating in fire suppression activities
• Running, walking, crouching, or crawling during emergency operations.
• Moving equipment and injured/deceased persons of up to 185 lbs. and sometimes more.
• Climbing stairs/ladders sometimes excessively.
• Walking, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time.
• Performing lifesaving and rescue procedures.
• Operating assigned equipment.
• Wearing assigned protective clothing and equipment