Firefighter

Overview

The purpose of this classification is to perform as a team member technical and specialized work functions associated with preparing for and responding to fire, rescue, and disaster emergency calls, with protecting life and property, and with supporting fire safety, prevention, and equipment maintenance activities.

The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions within this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.

• Ensures all safety equipment is functional; recognizes that safety is the first priority.
• Maintains knowledge of and is familiar with all city fire codes and ordinances and state fire and emergency medical service laws and regulations in order to protect life and property; complies with all rules, orders, and instructions issued by superior officer.
• Establishes and maintains good working relations with the public; meets with merchants, community/civic organizations, citizens, elected officials, officers, employees, and individuals and responds to questions, complaints, and requests for information; makes presentations and public speeches; promotes and teaches fire prevention and safety.
• Responds to emergency calls involving fires, medical, hazardous materials, vehicle accidents, and emergency situations with a company; evaluates scene upon arrival; directs traffic and control crowds.
• Monitors and communicates effectively and coherently over radio channels; exchanges information with dispatchers, medical professionals, and other department employees.
• Selects and properly operates fire service tools and equipment to include fire hoses, nozzles, appliances, and the components of sprinkler and standpipe systems.
• Provides or assists with emergency medical care as a first responder, E.M.T., or paramedic, as licensed/certified; provides rehabilitation support during emergency scene activities.
• Provides control of fire situation to include suppression and extinguishment, forcible entry, ventilation, search and rescue of victims, salvage and overhaul; recognizes and preserves evidence of arson.
• Locates water source; lays and connects hose, acts as nozzle or backup person in the direction of water streams, uses chemical fire extinguishers, and raises and climbs ladders.
• Identifies dangerous building conditions, electrical emergencies, hazardous materials, and ancillary health hazards; takes/applies appropriate precautions and procedures; informs and/or evacuates individuals and implements appropriate medical protocols.
• Implements emergency techniques when trapped or disoriented; assists fellow firefighters and guides new recruits; maintains and wears protective clothing and self contained breathing apparatus as designed.
• Assists in the conduction of familiarization surveys building inspections and notifies concerned parties of fire hazards; prepares pre-fire plans including layout of building and hydrant locations; checks fire hydrants for proper function.
• Performs rescue operations as assigned to include extrications of individuals from structures or vehicles, search for possible drowning victims, and/or search and rescue of fallen victims in high angle rescue situations where rappelling is necessary; maintains knowledge of rope rescue equipment and latest techniques.
• Assists with emergencies or incidents involving aircraft as assigned; performs tasks associated with aircraft crises to include rescue, fire extinguishment, first responder medical assistance, spilled fuel containment, runway preparation, and wreckage removal.
• Maintains a current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws/regulations including current manuals, policy and procedures manuals, employee handbooks, and area maps.
• Attends meetings, seminars, and training sessions to remain knowledgeable of departmental and city operations and abreast of current medical and rescue techniques and to promote improved job performance.
• Composes and prepares forms, logs, requests, records, reports, correspondence, and documents associated with daily responsibilities of this position.
• Cooperates with federal, state, and local law enforcement/investigating agencies and its officers or representatives when their activities or investigations are related to on-going investigations within city jurisdiction.
• Prepares, inspects, inventories, repairs, and/or maintains fire equipment, apparatus, hoses, tools, materials, turnout gear, first aid equipment, and vehicles for safe operation; tests equipment on a regular basis.
• Performs the following duties: conducting fire station tours, securing station facilities, preparing meals, general housekeeping and station cleaning, and grounds maintenance.
• Answers the telephone; provides information,…