Firefighter/Paramedic

Firefighter/Paramedics work the 48/96 work schedule under general direction of the Fire Lieutenant. Firefighter/Paramedics are on a reoccurring cycle working 48 hours and then being off for 96 hours.  This is a highly responsible professional position that performs a combination of both duties in the areas of firefighting and emergency medical services.  View Watauga Fire Department Recruitment Flyer.
IN ADDITION TO BASE SALARY IS FLSA/OT PAY.  IT MAY ADDITIONALLY INCLUDE CERT AND EDUCATION PAY.  

ALL APPLICANTS MUST HAVE REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS IN ORDER TO TEST. 
Minimum Requirements for Fire Department Applicants


IMPORTANT:
A Fire Department Entrance Examination will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 8:00 AM. It will be held at Watauga Fire Department 5909 Hightower Dr. Watauga, TX 76148.  The Physical Ability Test will be held at a later date. Please arrive early to allow time for parking and check-in.  

Deadline to apply is Friday, November 13, 2026, by 12:00 PM.

Applicants should download the Notice of Fire Department Entrance Examination and Fire Department Applicant Requirements for more information on testing procedures and requirements.

Applicants must complete a Personal History Statement. Bring your Personal History Statement completed with you on exam day. Personal History Statements are due on Friday, November 20, 2026,  5:00 PM.  It is highly encouraged for applicants to bring their completed Personal History Statements on the date of the exam.  Pending items, such as transcripts, can be turned in upon their arrival. All certifications and/or letter from school as proof of enrollment must be brought on the date of the exam.

STUDY GUIDE (Optional):
Applicants may order the practice "Comprehensive Examination Battery, CEB Candidate Orientation Guide" by clicking the following link:  http://www.fpsi.com/product/ceb-candidate-orientation-guide/.  The CEB Candidate Orientation Guide is a helpful tool to prepare for the exam and can be downloaded as a PDF file and saved or printed. Please read through the disclaimer on the order page in order to have a successful download. Payments will be submitted through PayPal via an account or credit/debit card. Once payment is submitted, PayPal automatically redirects you back to the FPSI site where access to the download link will be located on the Order Details-Checkout Status page.  Applicants must pay close attention to ALL instructions on both FPSI and PayPal's websites in order to access the instant download successfully. 

Physical Ability Exam

The overall purpose of this physical ability test is to assess the applicant’s ability to perform common fireground related activities and to gauge the overall physical ability of the applicant. For safety purposes, applicants are required to wear closed toe shoes or boots to complete the test.

Applicants are also required to wear a Helmet, disposable gloves, and a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) throughout the physical ability testing. This equipment will be provided for the applicant. Items will be disinfected between use. The SCBA will consist of the backpack with frame, shoulder and waist straps, and air cylinder of the current in-service model. Items will be disinfected between applicants. 

We intend to conduct the PAT following the written examination on November 17, weather permitting. Depending on weather conditions or the number of candidates, additional PAT dates may be scheduled to accommodate testing within our timeline. PAT details and requirements will be provided to candidates before the examination date.

The details on the PAT test will be provided by the Fire Department along with practice date and times.

• Assists in the removal of victims from dangerous situations.
• Provides basic and/or advanced life support and fire fighting work in the treatment of the sick or injured and fire fighting duties in preventing, combating, and extinguishing fires along with water and other rescue related duties. 
• Provides fire fighting, rescue, first aid and basic and/or advanced life support at emergency scenes.
• Prepares complete records and reports related to fire, emergency medical care and vehicle operations provided during operational periods.
• Participates in the exchange of information between off-going and on-coming shifts and in crew meetings as necessary.
• Checks all personal gear, assigned vehicles, equipment and tools to ensure safe and effective operation.
• Responds to alarms of fire or other emergencies; lays, connects and uses hose and nozzles to direct fog or water stream.
• Raises and climbs ladders, uses fire extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines, pike poles, halogens, drills, saws, extrication tools and appliances and other equipment safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Operates engines, trucks, ambulances, and rescue units safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Maintains familiarity with box maps and related road networks within the fire district area and within those areas with Automatic Aid Response Agreements.
• Participates in all scheduled and assigned training classes.
• Communicates among assigned personnel, other employees throughout the city, upper management and the general public as necessitated by the position.
• Performs other job-related duties consistent with assigned division responsibilities.

Must be 18 years of age and have not reached the age of 40 before the date of testing.
Must hold a valid Texas Driver's License.
Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
Must meet at least one (1) of the following bulleted certification requirements:

• a Basic Structural Firefighter Certificate issued by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection AND a current Texas Paramedic License/Certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services; or 
• a current Texas Paramedic License/Certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services; or
• a current Texas EMT certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services AND currently be enrolled in a CAAHEP-accredited Paramedic education program, in good standing with a class completion date within six – months of testing date; or  
• a current Basic Structural Firefighter Certificate issued by the Texas Commission of Fire Protection AND possess a current Texas EMT certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

**Notice to applicants missing only one certification** 
Applicants who do not possess a Texas Department of State Health Service Paramedic Certification will be required to successfully complete a CAAHEP-accredited Paramedic education program. The program will be chosen by the City and must be completed within (14) Months of employment at the City’s expense. An extension may be granted by the Fire Chief, if warranted, due to class availability.
 
Applicants who do not possess a Basic Structural Firefighter Certificate will be required to successfully complete a Texas Commission on Fire Protection Approved Structural Firefighter Certification Program chosen by the City within one (1) year of employment at the City’s expense.  

• Knowledge of pre-hospital patient-care for advanced and basic life support. Knowledge of fire suppression and prevention methods, procedures and techniques.
• Ability to learn and efficiently operate fire fighting equipment.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing, ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with employees and management.
• Ability to think clearly and use independent judgement in routine and non-routine situations which may occur. Good physical condition and the ability to perform job functions.
• Ability to work in emergency conditions that may involve extreme danger and exertion under hazardous conditions to include but not limited to flames, smoke, hazardous materials, cramped conditions, charged or oxygen deficient atmospheres, downed power lines, victims with severe injuries/death and inclement weather.
• Ability to wear all assigned bunker gear and perform related emergency scene duties effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to frequently lift and carry heavy weights, climb, walk, run, drive vehicles, crawl, stoop, push, pull, jump, grasp hoses, grasp and manipulate small objects, work on unsteady footing and use other emergency and fire fighting equipment as required. 
• Ability to use basic swimming techniques for water rescues. 
• Skilled in life saving and firefighting techniques and methods.

License and Certification Requirements 

Applicant must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions.