Fire Cadet

Nature of Work

Participates in assigned training and formal academic programs of instruction designed to qualify for certification as a Firefighter or Emergency Medical Technician in accordance with Las Cruces Fire Department and State of New Mexico requirements. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
Fire Cadet is the entry level position within the Fire Department. It is the first level of a three-level series. Progression continues to Firefighter Trainee (level 2) upon successful completion of the Fire Academy and Firefighter (level 3) upon completion of a one-year probationary period. 

Environmental Factors
Cadet training functions indoors (60%) and outdoors (40%) in all types of weather conditions and is exposed to traffic noises, electrical hazards, burns, mechanical hazards, explosives, and biohazards such as bodily fluids, debris, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, and poor ventilation. Protective clothing/devices included helmet with ear flaps, face shield, Nomex hood, turnout coat and pants, firefighting boots, firefighting gloves, PASS device, SCBA, hearing protection, biochemical and biological hazard protection (safety goggles, face mask, latex gloves).
Physical Factors
Physical demands in field operations are substantial involving balancing, bending, stooping, climbing in and out of vehicles, crouching, kneeling, squatting, and reaching above, below, and at shoulder height. Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, carry tools weighing up to 75 pounds, and push/pull a body weighing an average of 165 pounds. Requires hand coordination, motor skills, talking, hearing, and visual acuity sufficient to perform essential job functions. Required to pass the department Physical Performance Assessment. 
Work Situation Factors
Position is subject to extended work hours when necessary. Position Involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, strict deadlines, making sound judgements and decisions responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

Temporary, full-time, non-exempt position.

Progression to a full-time, regular position upon successful completion of the Fire Academy. Depending on the number of vacancies, some academy graduates may not be hired immediately but will be placed on a waiting list.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Attends and successfully completes Fire Academy and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) classes and other formal fire training programs to qualify for certification as a Firefighter and an Emergency Medical Technician (Basic) if required.
• Participates in mandatory physical training; participates in running, calisthenics, hose and dummy drags, and weight training.
• Participate in drills, demonstrations, firefighting training evolutions, and courses in maintenance and firefighting techniques.
• Train in the operation of rescue tools, fire apparatus, emergency medical protocols, and other fire equipment management.
• Learns to administer and participates in emergency medical care procedures and practices.
• Train in the locating, controlling, and extinguishing of fires using applicable extinguishing agents and equipment. 
• Participates in training for other aspects of incident management, hazardous material, technical rescue, and aircraft rescue and firefighting.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent. Age 18 by the start of the Fire Academy. No other work experience required at time of hire. Must maintain a level of physical fitness to meet department standards.

Licenses/Certification(s)
Valid driver's license required.  Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy. Minimum of NM Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic graduate license required upon completion of the Fire Academy. Must maintain a minimum of NM EMT Basic licensure throughout the period of employment.

The position has a preference for a New Mexico Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic, Intermediate, or Paramedic license. A copy of your New Mexico license is required prior to preference being applied and must be attached to your application or submitted when you report for the scheduled physical ability test.

The position has a preference for Firefighter II IFSAC certification.  A copy of your IFSAC Firefighter II certificate is required prior to preference being applied and must be attached to your application or submitted when you report for the scheduled physical ability test.

The position has a preference for a degree or a minimum of 65 college credit hours. A copy of your transcripts or diploma is required prior to preference being applied and must be attached to your application or submitted when you report for the scheduled physical ability test.

MUST PASS: 

• Written exam (no study guide is provided)
• Video Interview
• Assessment Board
• Upon offer of employment:
  • Physical Ability Test (PAT) or submittal of valid CPAT within the previous 6 months
  • Acrophobia test
  • Background investigation
  • Medical examination (includes drug screening and eye detect test). 

$45,136.00 annually while attending the Fire Academy (based on 40 hours/week), plus optional benefits.

Written Exam/Video Interview: applicants must create an account through Public Safety Answers to participate in Written Exam and Video Interview steps. Link to the exam will be provided to eligible applicants via email. 

The tentative Fire Academy start date is scheduled for August 31, 2026. 

For further information, contact the Las Cruces Fire Academy at (575) 528-4250 or visit the website: The City of Las Cruces.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:  principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; CLC Fire Department/academy policies and procedures, nationally recognized codes and standards, National Incident Management System (NIMS), firefighting and emergency services techniques and procedures, modern emergency response principles, practices, methods, techniques and equipment;  current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position. 
Ability to:  perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.  
Skills in: Operation and maintenance of firefighting, rescue, EMS equipment and tools required by the position; life support techniques and emergency medical care; working knowledge of personal computer with emergency reporting software; reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working  independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.