Looking for a job and advice

Currently I have 2 active applications at home in Shreveport, LA and one out in Mesquite, TX. I have national and Louisiana certification as an EMT-B and should be starting paramedic classes in August if I don't get hired. I've been on a few ride outs with both medic and fire units trying to learn the ropes. Iv looked into volunteer work but I keep hearing that once you get in you never get out (plus I have to get paid somehow). I've been working in a teaching hospital for quite a while (OR and rehab) and have over 100 hours of college credit with >3.0 GPA. I know a lot of guys in the Bossier City dept but Bossier has a hiring freeze at the moment (supposed to be lifted because of understaffing and a new Chief). I'm willing to relocate but would prefer to stay in the south. Any advice would be very helpful.

There are other cities, counties and places that may be taking applications for career departments, other than those two places you mentioned.

Look in the Hiring Section thread and seek them out.


You may will have to move to get hired.

Thanks. Right now relocating is kind of hard since it takes money to get to the location and take all the tests. What's worse is I have a min wage job at the moment, still living at home, and a family that is so intent on me spending my life in their bubble that they are unwilling to help in any way unless it's local (within 15 min driving distance). Do you know of any good websites that post regularly on openings?

http://www.tcfp.state.tx.us/employment.asp


Check almost weekly

Get your paramedic first and that will help

Get tx ff cert and that will also help

Tx ff cert online with two weeks onsite::::

http://www.trainingdivision.com/Academy.asp

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Originally Posted by zethra09

Thanks. Right now relocating is kind of hard since it takes money to get to the location and take all the tests. What's worse is I have a min wage job at the moment, still living at home, and a family that is so intent on me spending my life in their bubble that they are unwilling to help in any way unless it's local (within 15 min driving distance). Do you know of any good websites that post regularly on openings?

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www.indeed.com

It searches throughout several other job search engines. Its great. If you're limited to a 15 min radius it's going to be a tough process. Get advice in the hiring and employment thread. There's some good info in there and regular listings for departments hiring. Save your pennies and travel and test. Usually when you apply you'll have quite an extensive timeline for testing so you can budget your money.

Good luck

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zethra09

Currently I have 2 active applications at home in Shreveport, LA and one out in Mesquite, TX. I have national and Louisiana certification as an EMT-B and should be starting paramedic classes in August if I don't get hired. I've been on a few ride outs with both medic and fire units trying to learn the ropes. Iv looked into volunteer work but I keep hearing that once you get in you never get out (plus I have to get paid somehow). I've been working in a teaching hospital for quite a while (OR and rehab) and have over 100 hours of college credit with >3.0 GPA. I know a lot of guys in the Bossier City dept but Bossier has a hiring freeze at the moment (supposed to be lifted because of understaffing and a new Chief). I'm willing to relocate but would prefer to stay in the south. Any advice would be very helpful.

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Shreveport recently mailed packets out to those who they have selected for testing. If you haven't received a packet by now, it's unlikely you will this go around.

As far as Bossier City, don't hold your breath as all of the firefighters laid off in the past 2 years will be offered jobs first per state civil service law.They are understaffed but we haven't heard any word about hiring new firefighters as the city's finances are still an issue.

Try some of the smaller firs districts in south LA, especially near Baton Rouge such as St. George and Gonzales, as the economy there is strong and population is growing with the flight out of NO.

I have a couple of thoughts as I read your post. First, your statement of you never get out once you get in does not make any sense. You become a volunteer (or reserve) firefighter to gain practical experience and to learn about the fire service. Why would I hire someone who has absolutely NO experience? So you have a few ride alongs. You are not allowed to do anything on them. The truth of the matter is having a ride along is inconvenient to the crew. It's like having a house guest.

You need to go to school, take fire science courses, take your EMT course, and gain some volunteer experience. A paramedic license will absolutely help, but without ANY fire background you are simply a paramedic. Being able to hire someone who has background makes it easier for me to believe you will fit in. It means that you are not afraid of fire or heights, and that you have some type of ability to learn to couple hose and throw ladders.

New chief in Bossier City was announced yesterday.

During the announcement they also talked about the possibility of dropping to a Class 2 from a Class 1 as one of his "challenges", so that pretty much tells you that they won't be hiring to bring their staffing up anytime soon.

911hotjobs.com & governmentjobs.com. Once you create a profile on governmentjobs, all you have to do is update every once in a while and submit it to any openings that you qualify for.

You mentioned you were living at home and working min wage. Why don't you pick up another job and save your money so you can travel to test.