• 108 square miles of coverage area
• Respond to approximately 6,000 incidents annually
• Currently 54 sworn personnel
• 3 staffed stations comprising 3 engine companies, 2 ALS ambulance units, and a Battalion Chief
• Crews work a 48/96 work schedule
• Modern primary response units with ongoing fleet replacement plan

Critical infrastructure that we protect includes:

• International General Aviation Airport
• BNSF Refueling Depot
• Three major Railways, providing North/South interstate commerce
• Three major state highways with an average daily traffic flow of an additional 70,000 vehicles
• Two large lakes

Population: Approximately 63,000 residents

Northern Lakes Fire District (NLFD) was founded in 2001 through the merger of Hayden Lake and Rathdrum Rural Fire Districts. Over the last 20 years we have seen a 300% population growth, as well as a 700% increase in call volume. The District is actively pursuing a growth plan that projects at least 2 more staffed stations over the next decade with ample professional development and promotional opportunities for staff. The District, through partnership with Kootenai County EMS, provides fire-based EMS and ambulance transport including NET transports. Due to the diverse geography, patient populations, and seasonal weather you can expect to respond to a wide variety of incident types.

North Idaho has an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities year round, and Kootenai County is one of the most desirable places to live according to several recent national studies. There are several notable ski resorts within 2 hours of Kootenai County, and ample hiking, mountain and dirt biking opportunities in the summer months. North Idaho has several large lakes providing excellent boating, hunting, and fishing options, as well as an expansive forest service road system open to 4x4 and off-highway vehicles.

General Statement of Duties

A Firefighter performs skilled firefighting and other emergency response services for the Northern Lakes Fire District;

performs related work as required.

Classification Summary

The principal function of an employee in this class is to protect the community from disaster/emergency situations,

including Fires, medical emergencies, rescues, etc., and promote an environment of public safety within the Northern

Lakes Fire District response area. This position also participates in equipment and quarters maintenance, and

training dealing with all phases of fire suppression, prevention, inspection, rescue and emergency operation. The

work is performed under the direct supervision of the Fire Captain, but some leeway is granted for the exercise of

independent judgment and initiative. The principal duties of this class are performed in a work environment in which

the employee functions as part of a team and may be subject to potential personal danger on incidents involving a

threat to public and personal safety.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Examples of Work (Illustrative only)

1. Responds to fire alarms and extinguishes fire.

2. Responds to calls for emergency medical services.

3. Responds to and renders assistance in emergency cases.

4. Cleans and inspects equipment and apparatus after returning from a fire.

5. Inspects equipment and apparatus and notifies supervisor of any defects.

6. Keeps fire station, equipment and grounds in a clean and orderly condition.

7. Participates in training activities and instruction sessions.

8. Performs various public information or education tasks.

9. Instructs fire department personnel in various specialized areas.

10. Operates personal computer and associated applications software.

11. Prepares and writes reports.

12. Performs assigned duties by ranking officers, such as preparing grant proposals, working with juvenile fire

setters, maintaining hydrants, etc.

13. Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with District policies, guidelines and safety practices.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

1. Responds to occasional requests to staff back when off duty.

2. Reviews EMS reports for content and completeness.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

1. Basic mathematical and skills to learn and apply firefighting techniques;

2. Comprehensive use of English language for report writing and training sessions.

Ability to:

1. Learn about specialized fire fighting vehicles and equipment, strategies for various types of fire containment such

as wild-land, commercial, residential, etc. and emergency response procedures and methods.

2. Work within a command structure requiring strict adherence to the following of orders and use of the chain of

command.

3. Study and learn Emergency Medical Technician skills and techniques sufficient enough to pass an EMT

certification test within the first year of employment.

4. Quickly learn the geography of the Northern Lakes Fire Protection District, including the streets system, hydrant

locations, the layout and location of public utilities and potentially hazardous materials or substances.

5. Make determinations as to the best course of action for fighting fires or responding to other related emergency

situations.

6. Work under extremely stressful situations, day and night, which result from a fire and other emergencies,

including the responsibility for remaining calm and carrying out all duties with the recognition of the threat to life and property.

7. Successfully meet the Idaho Department of Labor and Industrial Services Minimum Medical and Health

Standards for Firefighters and pass entry exams.

8. Work within a command structure requiring strict adherence to the following of orders.

9. Work in a team environment under extremely stressful situations.

10. Quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or

technology.

11. Learn and correctly apply routine division and department policies and procedures.

12. Read, comprehend, and follow simple oral and written instructions; and to understand and apply available

guidelines to varied operational requirements.

13. Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-

sensitive deadlines.

14. Demonstrate integrity, ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

15. Maintain a positive attitude and ensure the highest level of customer service is provided to the District’s

stakeholders. Represent the Fire District in a professional and positive manner at all times, on and off-duty.

16. Operate a personal computer using program applications appropriate to assigned duties.

17. Assume responsibilities of Fire Engineer upon request.

18. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with the public and other employees and supervisors.

Northern Lakes Fire District - Firefighter/EMT or Firefighter/Paramedic has 2 vacancies.

The deadline to test for the next hiring cycle is February 14, 2025.

The District offers a generous benefits package including:

• Holiday Pay
• Longevity Pay
• Vacation leave accrual to 576 hours (buy out cap of 336 hours)
• Sick leave accrual up to 1440 hours
• Bereavement leave
• Medical/Dental/Vision
  • 100% premium coverage for employee and all dependents
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
  • Tax exempt HRA funded for out of pocket deductible, co-payment, etc.
• Retirement Plans
  • Participation in the Public Employees Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI)
  • Matching contributions to PERSI Choice 401(k)
  • Participation in the State of Idaho Deferred Compensation Plan 457(b)/457 Roth
• Life Insurance
• 24 hour AD&D
• Line of Duty AD&D
• Employee Assistance Plans (EAP)
• Long Term Disability

Short Term Disability