Job Description

Candidate Testing Procedures

CPAT Video

CPAT Orientation Guide

CPAT Dates

A Firefighter (Paramedic) has the potential to earn $55,452.80 - $88,691.20 annually.

This position responds to fire and other emergency incidents to suppress fires, rescue victims, provide emergency medical care, and perform other duties as required.

• Responds to fire calls and uses firefighting skills to evaluate and carry out actions to most efficiently control the emergency at hand; assists with the fighting of structural fires and other fires of various types and nature.
• Operates a variety of pumps, ladders, hoses, and other equipment at the scene of fire, rescue, and other emergency incidents.
• Provides emergency medical care at emergency and non-emergency scenes.
• Completes required reports detailing fire, emergency medical, and other incident responses.
• Completes required training and maintains required certifications.
• Inspects equipment to ensure it is in proper working order; washes and cleans equipment on a regular basis; repairs and performs routine maintenance on equipment; ensures the proper functioning of all equipment and vehicles.
• Maintains an adequate inventory of supplies aboard vehicles; conducts regular inspections.
• Provides fire prevention information to the public; assists in teaching fire safety classes; provides tours of the fire station.
• Performs housekeeping, grounds keeping, and building maintenance duties.
• Participates in public education events.
• Conducts pre-incident planning on commercial and residential structures as requested.
• Inspects and services fire hydrants.
• Assists with fire investigations to determine cause and origin of fires.
• Performs related duties.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required By The Position

• Knowledge of the operation of all apparatus and equipment and methods used in combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires.
• Knowledge of firefighting standards, practices, strategies, tactics, and equipment.
• Knowledge of emergency medical standards, practices, strategies, tactics, and equipment.
• Knowledge of rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures of the department.
• Knowledge of equipment maintenance principles.
• Knowledge of hydrant locations, water systems and water mains.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal fire codes.
• Knowledge of hazardous materials.
• Skill in the operation of all firefighting, rescue, and other equipment, including motor vehicles.
• Skill in extrication techniques.
• Skill in the use of a computer and a records management system.
• Skill in the use of radios and communication equipment.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Fire Captain assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include local, state, and federal laws and regulations; medical protocols; and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related fire suppression, emergency medical, and other emergency response duties. The variety of emergency situations encountered contributes to the complexity of the work.
• The purpose of this position is to protect lives and property through fire prevention and suppression, emergency medical, and other activities. Successful performance helps ensure the safety of lives and property in the community.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, representatives of other emergency response agencies, local business owners, and the public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, provide services, and educate the public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed intermittently sitting, standing, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.
• The work is often performed outside unless in classroom based training or special event. The employee may be exposed to machinery with moving parts, irritating chemicals, extreme temperatures, hazardous situations, and inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective clothing and devices.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

• Graduation from a standard senior-high school or GED equivalent, as recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) completed by the end of the Spring 2026 school year (June 1, 2026); and
• Successful completion of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), in the state of Alabama, within the past six (6) months (dated between October 29, 2025 and April 29, 2026) by the closing date of the advertisement. This certificate must be submitted and maintained as a valid Alabama Fire College Form (AFC Form 031). NOTE: Refer to “CPAT Dates” at the top of the posting for opportunities to obtain your CPAT; and
• Must be at least 18 years of age by August 30, 2026.

Prefer: Current Certification as:

• Alabama Firefighter I and II

NOTE: Certified Alabama Firefighters do not have to take the CPAT or written exam.

Prefer: Current National Registration as:

• Paramedic
• Advanced – Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

During The Probationary Period The Firefighter Must

• Successfully complete the 420-hour Fire Fighter I/II Certification School.
• Complete and pass the Emergency Medical Technician Basic course.
• Possess or obtain a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician License.
• Complete required Hazardous Materials Training.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT/PROMOTION/DEMOTION/TRANSFER

The City of Dothan will administer a polygraph examination to anyone hired/promoted/transferred into the Fire Department. The examination, which will be administered by the Dothan Police Department, will be a question and answer test that covers areas of your background, including but not limited to completeness of your employment application, correctness of application, your involvement in criminal activity, such as thefts and domestic violence, drug and alcohol usage and participation in the distribution of illegal and legal prescription medications. NOTE: Selected candidates under the age of 18 will be required to provide a parent/guardian consent form prior to completing the polygraph.

Necessary Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid operator driver's license and an acceptable driving record (PBA 09/10/01).
• In an emergency and/or standby situation, an employee in this position must be able to report to his/her regular workstation in a maximum of 30 minutes from the time of notification. (Sec. 2-30. (2) / PBA 1/9/95) This requirement must be met within six (6) months of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer.
• Any applicant under the age of 18 will be required to provide a parent/guardian consent form prior to completing the CPAT.
• An applicant for this position is subject to various background investigations up to and including a criminal, credit, past employment, and reference checks.
• Employees are required to submit to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with the City of Dothan policy, which includes pre-employment and random tests for the duration of employment in this position. (PBA 08/13/12).
• Must meet the City of Dothan's employment physical standard, which includes drug/alcohol testing.

Online examination for the position of Firefighter (Uncertified) is scheduled for May 13, 2026 . This evaluation will comprise 50% of the final grade. The written exam will comprise the other 50% of the final grade.

Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications will receive an email notification to self-schedule for the online exam. You MUST self-schedule online or you will not be allowed to take the test.

The content areas of the online examination, for the position of Firefighter (Uncertified), include the following:

Reading Comprehension

Mathematical Ability

Mechanical Reasoning

Teamwork, Public Relations, and Community Living

You will be allowed two (2) hours and thirty (30) minutes for completion of the examination. Once the examination begins, you will not be allowed to leave the room until you have completed the examination.

NOTE: An applicant on vacation is responsible for attending the examination on the date scheduled. An applicant falling under federally protected leave (i.e., FMLA, USERRA) is responsible for notifying the Personnel Department in writing no later than the closing date by emailing ***email_hidden***.

Please advise us at the time of application if you will need assistance and/or accommodation to take this examination by emailing ***email_hidden***.

An Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer

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