Houston Fire Department Transfer Guidelines (I-05)

Flashcards covering the Houston Fire Department I-05 Transfer guidelines, including definitions of transfer types, vacancy classifications, and requirements for specialized units.

Administrative Transfer

A transfer granted for administrative purposes or initiated by the administration, usually to assign members to a special assignment or temporary position.

Credentialed

An EMT or Paramedic authorized by the Medical Director to function in a specific medical capacity within the Houston Fire Department.

Lock-In Transfer

A personal transfer that secures a desired position based on seniority while the member completes their present assignment, typically involving a $1$ year eligibility freeze.

New Vacancy

A permanent position caused by promotion, demotion, personal or administrative transfer, separation, or the creation of a position approved by City Council.

Old Vacancy

A permanent position which remained open after a posting period has concluded.

Personal Transfer

A transfer requested by a member based primarily on seniority in rank or mutual agreement; once granted, the member is ineligible for another transfer for $1$ year.

Personnel Assignment Office (PAO)

The office responsible for receiving transfer requests, generating transfer orders, maintaining vacancy records, and balancing manpower.

Point System

A selection process used for ARFF, TRT, and HMRT based on assignment points and seniority in rank, with a combined maximum of $10$ points.

Posting Period

A minimum of $4$ annual events where job openings are advertised; periods close within $15$ calendar days from the initial posting.

Temporary Vacancy

A new vacancy available between posting periods, often caused by military deployment, FMLA, lock-ins, injury, or illness.

Transfer Request

An application for a change in work assignment; members are prohibited from submitting these for the purpose of changing a Debit-Day.

Performance Improvement Plan (PIP)

A program that, if active, will delay a member's granted transfer until the process is successfully completed.

Incident Command Technician (ICT)

An administrative position falling under the authority of the Fire Chief, assigned to assist a District Chief; Engineer Operators in this role serve a minimum $1$ year commitment.

Mutual Swaps

Personal transfers involving two members who agree to exchange positions, provided they are not retiring, resigning, or on a promotional list within $1$ year.

Assignment Points

Points accrued in the specialty selection process; members receive $1$ point for every completed year of service in the applicable specialty, up to a maximum of $5$ points.

Seniority in Rank Points

Points used in the Special Operations selection process; members receive $1$ point for each complete year in rank, up to a maximum of $5$ points.

Special Operations Internship

A three-phase program required for members transferring into HMRT, ARFF, or TRT; failure results in removal from applying to that division for $3$ years.

Safety Officer Requirements

Requires the Rank of requested position, TCFP Instructor I Certification, and completion of the TCFP Incident Safety Officer course.

ARFF

Airport Rescue Fire Fighting; requires current TCFP Basic ARFF and EMT certifications.

TRT

Technical Rescue Team; requires current TRO certification from HFD Rescue Command and EMT certification.

HMRT

Hazardous Materials Response Team; requires current TCFP Hazardous Materials Technician and EMT certifications.

Debit Day Balance

A responsibility of the PAO for suppression shifts and the EMS District Chief ($1100$) for paramedics to ensure staffing levels remain balanced.