Data is as of 6/15/2025.
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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Fire Cadet
FLSA: Fire Cadet EEO Category: (40) Protect/Svc
Class Code: 13990 Salary Grade: F01
Approved: March 24, 2002 Last Revised: January 30, 2025

Purpose:
 

Under close supervision, this position participates in assigned training and formal academic programs of instruction designed to qualify for certification as a Firefighter in accordance with Chapter 143.023 of the Texas State Statutes.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
  Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
  1. Attends and successfully completes Fire Department classes and other formal fire training programs to qualify for certification as a Firefighter and an Emergency Medical Technician (Basic).
  2. Participates in mandatory physical training to include running 1 ½ to 6 miles, uphill running, calisthenics, hose and dummy drags, grass drills, and weight training.
  3. Participates in drills, demonstrations, firefighting training evolutions, and courses in hydraulics, pump operation and maintenance, and firefighting techniques.
  4. Trains in the operation of rescue tools.
  5. Trains in the administration of emergency medical care to fire or accident victims and assists EMS personnel as needed.
  6. Trains in the locating, controlling, and extinguishing of fires using applicable extinguishing agents
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
  None.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
  • Skill in operating and maintaining fire apparatus and equipment.
  • Skill in operating various hand and power tools to create openings in structures and vehicles for smoke ventilation, forcible entry, and rescue.
  • Skill in performing life support techniques and emergency medical care.
  • Skill in maintaining accurate records and preparing reports.
  • Ability to become knowledgeable of city geography, streets, and highways in Austin/Travis County.
  • Ability to become knowledgeable of fire fighting principles and techniques, hydraulics, hydrants, and location/operation of sprinkler and house line systems.
  • Ability to become knowledgeable of departmental policy, practice, and procedure, emergency medical techniques, and good safety practice in the use of equipment.
  • Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other city employees and the public.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in stressful and /or hazardous environments.
  • Ability to perform strenuous work under all weather conditions including emergency situations.
  • Ability to read, write, comprehend, and speak English.
Minimum Qualifications:
 
  • Graduation from High School or equivalent
  • Must be at least 18 years of age, and not to exceed age 35, on the date of written exam
  • Meet the requirements of Local Government Code, Title 5 Chapter 143
  • Meet the requirements for certification by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection Standards and Education
  • Meet the requirements of the Texas Department of State Health Services for certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (Basic)
  • Meet the requirements set forth in NFPA 1582, Latest Edition, Standard on Medical Requirements for Firefighters
  • Two (2) years of service with any US Military Branch, including Reserves or National Guard may substitute for the required education 
Licenses and Certifications Required:
 
  • Valid Class C Driver License.
Physical Requirements:
 
  • Must be able to quickly respond to fire apparatus and be capable of entry and/or exit of any AFD vehicle
  • Must be able to quickly respond to fire apparatus and be capable of entry and/or exit of any AFD vehicle without assistance.
  • Must be able to climb multiple flights of stairs while carrying firefighting equipment.
  • Must be able to climb aerial ladders to a height of 100 feet.
  • Must be able to carry and/or drag hose for the purpose of fire extinguishment.
  • Must be able to carry, set, and climb ladders to accomplish firefighting and rescue evolutions.
  • Must be able to crawl and kneel, wearing personal protective equipment and SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus), in extreme weather conditions, high environmental temperature and humidity,   and confined, dark, or visually obscured environments.
  • Must be able to perform strenuous physical activity for 20 continuous minutes.
  • Must be able to perform CPR, lifting and moving of equipment and patients in a variety of environmental conditions.
  • Must be comfortable in the water using a personal flotation device.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.