by Martin Goldberg | Nov 13, 2024 | News
Competitive Entry Level Exam Announcement for:
Firefighter Paramedic and Lateral Firefighter Paramedic
(Continuous Recruitment/ Open Until Filled)
The Lake Valley Fire Protection District is a local government agency created and operated pursuant to California State Law; by the Fire Protection Law of 1987 – Health and Safety Code, Section 13801 through 13999. It provides 24-hour emergency fire, rescue, emergency medical services and other safety activities. The District’s policies are set by a 5-member elected Board of Directors.
Lake Valley Fire Protection District serves the residents of El Dorado County in the Lake Tahoe Basin area. Our jurisdiction extends north to include Emerald Bay on Hwy 89, west to Twin Bridges on Hwy 50, south to the intersection of Hwy 88 and Hwy 89 in Alpine County, and east to the Nevada State line not including the City of South Lake Tahoe.
Job Description: This is a full time position working as a firefighter/paramedic. This is a position represented by the current Memorandum of Understanding with the Lake Valley Professional Firefighters Association. The official job description is available on our website.
This job has a probationary period of twelve (12) months from the “date of hire”. During the probationary period, the employee must receive satisfactory evaluations and complete the Lake Valley Firefighter/ Paramedic Step Test Program. A probationary employee is an “at will” employee and may be terminated without cause.
The Firefighter/ Paramedic engages directly in fire suppression, fire prevention education, rescue, hazardous materials, and advanced emergency medical services. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Firefighter by the possession and maintenance of a state of California Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic License with El Dorado County Accreditation.
Wage and Benefits:
Salary Range: The current base salary step range for firefighter paramedic is $7,488.30 to $8,734.36 per month. The current base salary step range for lateral firefighter paramedic is $9,113.08 to 10,101.95 per month
Benefit Package: The benefit package is detailed in the Memorandum of Understanding with the Lake Valley Professional Firefighters Association. Benefits include vacation time, sick leave, compensatory time, retirement, educational and insurance incentives.
Minimum Qualifications: All proof of minimum qualifications must be turned in with application by the application closing date.
- Minimum 18 years of age
- *Current California Class C driver’s license or equivalent
- *High School Diploma or equivalent
- *Current CPR certification to the Health Care Provider level
- *Current CPAT Card (Candidate Physical Ability Test) Valid for 12 months from pass date
- *Current California State Paramedic License or National Registered Paramedic (California Licensed and local accreditation required within 60 days of appointment)
- *California State Firefighter I or Certificate of Completion from an accredited fire academy
- *Current Fire Department ID, if applicable
* Must be provided with application
Desired Qualifications:
- Local/El Dorado County Experience
- CTESOA experience
Lateral Firefighter/Paramedic Qualifications:
- Minimum of one year experience as a professional Firefighter/Paramedic with a fire department
- Lateral FF/P candidate not required to participate in Firefighter Written Examination and Skills Assessment or Paramedic Written Exam and Skills Assessment. *Oral interview required
- Lateral FF/P may be hired at appropriate step wage based on experience, Fire Chief discretion
Paramedic Qualifications:
- Current: California Paramedic License or National Registry Paramedic at time of appointment with no pending or open disciplinary actions, suspensions or revocation, etc. by the application deadline.
- Must complete El Dorado County EMS Accreditation process within 60 days from “start date”
Application Process:
Applications are available at the Fire Station #7 Business Office located at 2211 Keetak St., South Lake Tahoe or online at www.lakevalleyfire.org. Completed applications and proof of the above listed qualifications are being accepted on a continuous/ open until filled basis. Applications and proof of the above listed qualifications must be delivered to the on-duty Battalion Chief at the Station #7 Business Office, 2211 Keetak Street, South Lake Tahoe, California. All applicants meeting the “minimum qualifications” listed above will be notified by e-mail and given further details to participate in the testing process.
Testing Process: TBD- Continuous Recruitment/ Open until Filled
Physical Ability Test
- Current CPAT card required, no physical ability test will be conducted by the Lake Valley Fire Protection District. CPAT certification i valid for 12-months from date of successful completion.
Firefighter Written Examination and Skill Assessment
- The written exam will be a timed, multiple-choice test from IFSTA Firefighter Essentials,6th ed. (Emphasis on chapters 5, 8, 12-17)
- Applicants must pass the written exam with a minimum score of 70% to advance ● Firefighter skills will be based on California State Fire Training Firefighter 1A skill sheets
Paramedic Written Exam and Skills Assessment
- The written exam will be a timed, multiple-choice test based on current National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians standards National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (nremt.org) ● Applicants must pass the written exam with a minimum score of 70% to advance ● Paramedic skills/scenarios testing based on National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians ALS psychomotor certification standards ● Applicants must pass all of the Pass/Fail skills/scenarios testing stations to advance
Oral Interview
- The oral interview will be a series of questions relating to the knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant to perform the duties of a Firefighter/Paramedic.
- Applicants must pass the oral interview with an overall average score of 70% to advance
Hiring Process:
After testing has been completed, applicants will receive written notice of eligibility/ineligibility from the fire district by mail. Eligible candidates will be placed on an “Eligibility List”. The eligibility list will be valid for two years from the date the list is established. When the fire district needs to fill a FF/PM position, the Fire Chief may select candidates from the eligibility list and conduct a Fire Chief’s Interview.
Following the formal offer of employment by the Fire Chief, the applicant must pass a drug test, comprehensive medical exam, psychological exam, and criminal background check. After successfully completing this final screening process, the Fire Chief will notify the applicant of their “date of hire”. Probationary Firefighter/ Paramedics will receive training and orientation for the position prior to assignment. Job related training will continue throughout the probationary term and beyond.
Respect, Integrity, Dedication, Positive Attitude and Teamwork
2211 Keetak St., So. Lake Tahoe, CA. 96150 ∙ (530) 577-3737 ∙
by Martin Goldberg | Oct 1, 2024 | News
Competitive Entry Level Exam Announcement for:
Firefighter/ EMT
The Lake Valley Fire Protection District is a local government agency created and operated pursuant to California State Law; by the Fire Protection Law of 1987 – Health and Safety Code, Section 13801 through 13999. It provides 24-hour emergency fire, rescue, emergency medical services and other safety activities. A 5-member elected Board of Directors sets the District’s policies.
Lake Valley Fire Protection District serves the residents of El Dorado County in the Lake Tahoe Basin area. Our jurisdiction extends north to include Emerald Bay on Hwy 89, west to Twin Bridges on Hwy 50, south to the intersection of Hwy 88 and Hwy 89 in Alpine County, and east to the Nevada State line not including the City of South Lake Tahoe.
Job Description: This is a full time position working as a firefighter. This is a position represented by the current Memorandum of Understanding with the Lake Valley Professional Firefighters Association. The official job description is available on our website.
This job has a probationary period of twelve (12) months from the “date of hire.” During the probationary period, the employee must receive satisfactory evaluations and complete the “California State Firefighter 1 Certification” process. A probationary employee is an “at will” employee and may be terminated without cause.
The Firefighter engages directly in fire suppression, fire prevention education, rescue, hazardous materials, and advanced emergency medical services. Employees within this class are required to maintain a valid State of California Emergency Medical Technician License with El Dorado County Accreditation.
Wage and Benefits:
Salary Range: The current base salary step range is $6,099.26 to $7,157.68 per month.
Benefit Package: The benefit package is detailed in the Memorandum of Understanding with the Lake Valley Professional Firefighters Association. Benefits include vacation time, sick leave, compensatory time, retirement, and educational and insurance incentives.
Minimum Qualifications: All proof of minimum qualifications must be turned in with application by the application closing date.
- *Minimum 18 years of age
- *Current California Class C driver’s license or equivalent
- *High School Diploma or equivalent
- *Current CPR certification to the Health Care Provider level
- *CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) completed after June 1st, 2022
- *Current California or National Registry EMT
- *California State Firefighter I or Certificate of Completion from an accredited fire academy
- Proof of these documents must be provided with application
Desired Qualifications:
- Local/El Dorado County Experience
- CTESOA experience
- Enrolment in an Accredited Paramedic Program
Application Process:
Applications are available at the Fire Station #7 Business Office located at 2211 Keetak St., South Lake Tahoe or online at www.lakevalleyfire.org. Completed applications with resume, cover letter and proof of the above listed qualifications can be submitted via mail or delivered to the on-duty Battalion Chief at Fire Station #7 Business Office, 2211 Keetak Street, South Lake Tahoe, California, 96150 between 0900-1700 Hrs. All applicants meeting the “minimum qualifications” listed above will be notified by e-mail or telephone and given further details to participate in the testing process.
Testing Process: This is an open- continuous recruitment. The District will conduct testing on an as needed basis. Qualified applicants will be notified of testing information. Positions will remain open until filled.
Firefighter Written Examination and Skill Assessment
- The written exam will be a timed, multiple-choice test from IFSTA Firefighter Essentials,6th ed. (Emphasis on chapters 5, 8, 12-17)
- Applicants must pass the written exam with a minimum score of 70% to advance ● Firefighter skills will be based on California State Fire Training Firefighter 1A skill sheets
EMT Written Exam and Skills Assessment
- The written exam will be a timed, multiple-choice test based on current National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians standards National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (nremt.org) ● Applicants must pass the written exam with a minimum score of 70% to advance ● EMT skills/scenarios testing based on National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians psychomotor certification standards ● Applicants must pass all of the Pass/Fail skills/scenarios testing stations to advance
Oral Interview
- The oral interview will be a series of questions relating to the knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant to perform the duties of a Firefighter/EMT.
- Applicants must pass the oral interview with an overall average score of 70% to advance
Note: Applicants must successfully pass ALL sections of the exam process to be placed on the “Eligibility List.”
Hiring Process:
Lake Valley Fire District is committed to providing the highest-level of service to all customers we serve. We achieve this by staffing Advanced Life Support (ALS) fire engines and ambulances with El Dorado County Accredited Paramedics 24/7. Therefore, it is expected anyone hired under the Firefighter/ EMT job classification be enrolled in an accredited paramedic program within two (2) years of his or her “hire date.”
After testing has been completed, applicants will receive written notice of eligibility/ineligibility from the fire district. Eligible candidates will be placed on an “Eligibility List”. The eligibility list will be valid for two years from the date the list is established. When the fire district needs to fill a Firefighter position, the Fire Chief may select candidates from the eligibility list and conduct a Fire Chief’s Interview.
Following the formal offer of employment by the Fire Chief, the applicant must pass a drug test, comprehensive medical exam, psychological exam, and criminal background check. After successfully completing this final screening process, the Fire Chief will notify the applicant of their “date of hire.” Probationary Firefighters will receive training and orientation for the position prior to assignment. Job related training will continue throughout the probationary period and beyond.
Respect, Integrity, Dedication, Positive Attitude and Teamwork
2211 Keetak St., So. Lake Tahoe, CA. 96150 ∙ (530) 577-3737 ∙ Fax (530) 577-3739 ∙ www.lakevalleyfire.org
by Martin Goldberg | Sep 30, 2024 | News
Lake Valley Fire Protection District Notice of Vacancy and Intent to Appoint Director
The community served by the Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) is hereby notified pursuant to Government Code §1780 that there is a vacancy on the Lake Valley Fire Protection District Board due to the resignation of a Board Member. The appointee will represent the community served by the Lake Valley Fire Protection District as a Board Director. The position to be filled is a 4-year term beginning December 2024 and ending December 2028.
To apply, candidates must submit a letter of intent along with a current resume to the Lake Valley Fire Protection District at 2211 Keetak St, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, attention Chad Stephen by Friday, November 1, 2024 by 5:00 PM.
Eligibility:
Any person who is 18 years of age or older, a registered voter and resident of the Lake Valley Fire Protection District, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding office, is eligible to be appointed a member of the Board of Directors.
Interviews:
The Board of Directors will interview prospective candidates on at the special board meeting to be held Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 4:00, and will accept oral or written public input at that time, and select the appointee by a majority vote.
by Martin Goldberg | Sep 18, 2024 | News
(Lake Tahoe, CA and NV) – A new Lake Tahoe Regional Evacuation Plan was developed by the cooperative efforts of the Lake Tahoe Fire Chiefs, Lake Tahoe Law Enforcement Agencies, and Emergency Management Personnel following experiences gained during past major wildfires. The Plan is a “living document” intended to provide the public with critical information related to evacuations and will be updated from time to time.
The Plan pulled together a diverse team of experts from two different states and five different counties which all have jurisdictional responsibilities around Lake Tahoe. The efforts resulted in a robust and critically needed Regional Evacuation Plan.
The plan is currently located at: laketahoeregionalevacuationplan.pdf (ca.gov). The plan is organized so that the evacuation information in the front of the plan is applicable to ALL parts of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Then there are seven annexes in the back of the plan that allows for more specific information which is only pertinent to the specific areas.
The Plan emphasizes regional cooperation and collaboration in event of a large wildfire that may occur in the future. Local emergency experts recognize that planning for a large wildfire that will require evacuations is a reality for the Tahoe Basin. Fire, Law, and Emergency Management partners are more prepared to manage these events as a result of this new Plan.
The Plan is a “living document” and is open for a sixty-day comment period ending on November 20, 2024. Submit your comments by emailing Captain Martin Goldberg at [email protected].
by Martin Goldberg | Jul 1, 2024 | News
Notice of Consolidated Districts Election will be held on
Tuesday November 5, 2024
Three Full Terms to be elected will expire 12/06/2024 (Incumbents) John Rice, Leona Allen and (Appointed) Tim Cain
The community served by the Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) is hereby notified pursuant to California Code, Election Code §12112 that there are three (3) open seats on the Lake Valley Fire Protection District Board due to the expiration of current member seats on 12/06/2024. The elected will represent the community served by the Lake Valley Fire Protection District as a Board Director. The position to be filled is a 4-year term beginning December 2024 and ending December 2028.
Declaration of candidacy forms for eligible candidates desiring to file for any of the elective offices may be obtained from the Elections Department at 3883 Ponderosa Road, Shingle Springs, CA. Forms shall be available commencing on July 15, 2024, before the election, and shall be filed with the Elections Department, in person no later than 5:00 p.m, August 9, 2024, before the election.
For more information, visit https://www.eldoradocounty.ca.gov/County-Government/Elections or call (530) 621-7490. You may also contact Fire Chief Chad Stephen by email at [email protected] or call (530) 577-3737 Ext 6.
Eligibility:
Any person who is 18 years of age or older, a registered voter and resident of the Lake Valley Fire Protection District, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding office, is eligible to be appointed a member of the Board of Directors.
by Martin Goldberg | Jun 17, 2024 | News
The State of California suspended Burn Permits in Alpine, Amador, El Dorado, Eastern Sacramento, and North-Eastern San Joaquin Counties as June 17, 2024. Per Lake Valley Fire local ordinance No. 2022-01, the District prohibits open burning on all lands within the District boundaries within 24 hours of the State restrictions.
Please see Ordinance Section 307.4.4 “Open Burning Restrictions” and Section 202 “Definition of Open Burning”.
Section 307.4.4 Open Burning Restrictions. Open burning on all lands within the jurisdiction of the LAKE VALLEY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT (LVFPD), including the Local Response Area (LRA), is prohibited when the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) issues a burn suspension in the State Responsibility Area (SRA). This prohibition shall be made effective 24-hours following its commencement in the SRA.
Open burning is also prohibited on all lands within the jurisdiction of LVFPD at any time the fire code official that atmospheric conditions or other local circumstances make such fires hazardous, including factors such as high winds, low fuel moisture, fire weather, the issuance of red flag warnings, the severe threat of wildland fire, or present risk of destruction by wildfire to life, wildlife, property, or natural resources.
SECTION 202 “OPEN BURNING”
OPEN BURNING. The burning of materials wherein products of combustion are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney from an enclosed chamber. Open burning does not include road flares, smudge-pots and similar devices associated with safety or occupational uses typically considered open flames. For the purpose of this definition, a chamber shall be regarded as enclosed when, during the time combustion occurs, only apertures, ducts, stacks, flues or chimneys necessary to provide combustion air and permit the escape of exhaust gas are open.
Open burning shall also include campfires, bonfires, portable outdoor fireplaces, ceremonial fires, and recreational fire as defined in the Fire Code.
Exception:
- UL or ASMI listed LPG or natural gas outdoor flame devices, such as gas BBQ’s or gas fire pits that comply with the Fire Code.
- For one-or two-family dwellings, fixed or portable outdoor flame devices that meet the following:
- Devices shall comply with the Fire Code.
- Devices shall be used per the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Minimum 10-foot clearance from device to all flammable material and vegetation.
- No burning shall be conducted during high or extreme fire weather conditions (e.g., National Weather Service Red Flag Warnings).
- Campfires on private lands. Where required by the fire code official, a permit shall be issued by the fire code official.
- Ceremonial and/or religious burning with the following safety measures:
-
- Maximum 4-foot x 4-foot burn area.
- Minimum 10-foot clearance from the edge of the burn area to all flammable material and vegetation.
- An approved water supply is located within 500 feet of the burn area.
- The burn area is located no less than 30 feet from adjoining property lines.
- An adult is present with a shovel until the fire is extinguished.
- No burning shall be conducted during high or extreme fire weather conditions (e.g., National Weather Service Red Flag Warnings).
