Firefighter

Job Purpose

The Firefighter, under general supervision, responds to fires or fire and rescue related emergencies to protect life, property, and the environment; carries out the full range of interior and exterior tasks including raising ladders, advancing hose, establishing water supply, using forcible entry equipment for buildings and vehicles, direct fire streams and extinguish fires; participates in public education, station, equipment, apparatus maintenance, and continual training activities.

Other work as related.

The Firefighter is expected to perform a wide variety of technical tasks and functions in support of department operations. The Firefighter must have the ability to work as a member of a team and maintain good relationships with internal and external customers. The Firefighter needs to be physically fit as the job requires lifting heavy equipment in the accomplishments of their tasks.

Needs to be self‑motivated, hardworking, and follow direction. The Firefighter must have a high level of awareness of their surroundings and anticipate what is needed.

Other characteristics the position should model are excellence, professionalism, integrity, community, and service.

This position serves under the direction of the Fire Officer. This position requires that the individual be able perform within their areas of responsibility with minimal supervision. Work outlined below will be performed to the highest legal and moral standards of Palmer Fire & Rescue, the City of Palmer, and the State of Alaska.

• Respond to emergencies with assigned equipment, lay and connect hose lines, hold nozzles and direct water streams, utilize chemical extinguishers, and utilize any other equipment as may be required on fire and rescue emergency incidents.
• Identify hazards and hazardous material incidents.
• Perform rescue, ventilation, extinguishment, salvage and overhaul to the policies and procedures of Palmer Fire & Rescue.
• Communicate with Department members, as well as outside agencies through various communication systems.
• Prepare and complete pre‑incident and pre‑fire plan surveys.
• Perform preventative maintenance, inspections, and testing of apparatus and equipment.
• Perform minor maintenance and cleaning of fire stations, grounds, fire apparatus, and equipment.
• Record activities consistent with City of Palmer and Palmer Fire & Rescue policies.
• Assist with Department public education programs and events.
• Assure established Department policies and standards within their area of responsibilities are followed and enforced.
• Perform personnel recruiting and retention.
• Drive fire apparatus, rescue vehicles, and other department vehicles.
• When off duty, respond to emergency calls such as motor vehicle accidents with reported entrapment or multiple injuries, structure fires with visible flame or smoke, multiple zone fire alarms, re‑pages on any other calls, or any other time when requested.
• Perform related work as requested.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The duties does not exclude them from the similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Applicants will be scored using a point‑based system for education, experience, testing, and interviews.

• At least 18 years of age.
• High school graduate or state recognized equivalent.
• Minimum two years of experience in fire suppression.
• Valid Alaska driver’s license within 30 days from time of employment.
• Current CPR and First Aid credentials, or obtain within 30 days from time of employment.
• State of Alaska or IFSAC Firefighter I certification.
• State of Alaska Emergency Medical Technician I or higher certification within one year of employment.
• State of Alaska Fire Instructor I preferred.
• State of Alaska Fire Apparatus Driver Operator preferred.
• ICS‑100, ICS‑200, ICS‑700 and ICS‑800 certification.
• Experienced and knowledgeable in computer use, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and the Internet.
• Ability to clearly articulate both orally and in writing.
• Fire apparatus driver/operator within 6 months from time of employment.

Supervision Exercised:
None.