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Job Description

FIREFIGHTER

JOB CODE 61010

Effective Date:	06/95X

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to protect life and property through firefighting and EMS activities often performed under conditions which require strenuous physical exertion. Major elements of a Firefighter's work are the participation in code enforcement activities performed by fire companies, supervised drills, and training in firefighting and EMS skills. Some time is spent in special and routine maintenance of equipment and apparatus and routine care of buildings and grounds, as well as public education activities. Work at the fire station and scenes of fires, is normally performed under close supervision in accordance with well defined procedures, and is inspected in process and upon completion by a Fire Captain. Occasionally, employees in this class may be required to relieve an officer of higher rank and when so assigned, are responsible for the management of all company programs and the supervision of assigned fire companies and equipment at the scene of the fire until relieved of command by an officer of higher rank. Firefighters may be assigned to work on special assignments which call for special abilities and knowledge attained through experience and training.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lays and connects hose, holds nozzles and directs water streams, raises and climbs ladders and uses chemical extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines and other equipment at the scenes of fires;
• Performs salvage operations;
• Administers EMS to injured persons, frequently using advance techniques to restore cardio-pulminary functions;
• Participates in fire drills and attends classes in firefighting, EMS and related duties;
• Performs general maintenance work in the up-keep of the Fire Department property;
• Inspects building and premises for compliance with fire laws, checks on complaints and aids in the investigation of arson cases;
• Inspects commercial and noncommercial buildings;
• Signs citations and gives testimony in court in connection with fire code enforcement activities;
• Organizes fire brigades and conducts fire drills in institutions and commercial establishments;
• Attends public gatherings to ensure observance of fire safety requirements;
• Participates in station radio tests;
• Conducts tours of station houses for scout, civic and other interested groups;
• Operates Computer Aided Dispatch equipment;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Fire fighting principles and practices.
• Emergency Medical techniques.
• Fire salvage and overhaul operations.

Ability to:

• Work cooperatively with other City employees and the public.
• Work at heights greater than ten feet.
• Operate power driven machinery such as lawn mowers and Hurst tools.
• Move objects between 20-50 pounds short distances (20 feet or more).
• Observe or monitor people's behavior to assess patient condition.
• Communicate orally with customers, clients or the public in face-to-face one-on-one settings.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions in the English language.
• Perceive red, yellow, and blue colors to recognize hazards identified by fire diamonds.
• Tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing job duties.
• Work for long periods of time, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration.
• Rely on sense of sight and hearing to help determine the nature of an emergency and make operational decisions.
• Make life and death decisions during emergency situations.
• Comprehend and make inferences from written material in the English language.
• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the outdoor elements.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.
• Make fine, highly controlled muscular movements to adjust the position of control mechanisms such as operating levers, pedals, and valves.
• Learn job related material through structured lecture and reading and through oral instruction and observation. This learning takes place in both a classroom setting and in an on-the-job training setting.
• Observe or monitor objects to determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards.
• Bend or stoop repeatedly or continually over time to perform emergency medical services, or perform duties on the fire ground.
• Perform duties requiring frequent pulling of 40 pounds or more, such as removing hose from apparatus, pulling ceilings, starting power equipment, and opening doors on the apparatus.
• Lift arms above shoulder level to cut vent holes with an axe or to force entry into automobiles using specialized tools.
• Use Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus and protective clothing to prevent exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases.

Additional Requirements:

• Must attend the required ten hours of annual training required to maintain certifications of Emergency Medical Technician Basic.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment, or shift.
• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Ability to read and comprehend material at a level appropriate for the class.