City of Orangeburg, South Carolina

Classification Specification

FIRE ENGINEER

Pay and Grade: DOQ

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to perform specialized work driving and operating heavy duty and/or specialized motorized vehicles for fire suppression operations. Incumbents in this classification staff department fire stations on a full time basis and serve as the primary apparatus operator for an assigned fire station. This is an entry-level position with incumbents focusing on routine fire engineering duties but working toward learning all facets of fire operations.Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the 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.

Confers with supervisor to obtain direction regarding work assignments and priorities: organizes tasks in order to complete assigned work; and assists with training and instructing new recruits regarding fire operational procedures and proper use of equipment.

Drives, operates, and monitors a variety of fire and emergency vehicles and apparatus; determines best route to reach location of emergency scenes; performs safe driving functions in various weather conditions; transports equipment to emergency scenes; and positions apparatus and equipment for optimal use of equipment and hoses.

Stays informed regarding hydrants, mains, buildings, sprinkler and standpipe connections, and other information needed to respond to alarms effectively for assigned area.

Provides protection of life and property: in emergency situations may perform the duties of a fire fighter; suppresses, controls and extinguishes fires; performs search, rescue, extrication of victims, and forcible entries; assists individuals from burning structures; establishes openings in buildings for entrance, ventilation, or salvage; ventilates smoke and gas from buildings; performs salvage operations such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris; assists with cleanup activities; and exercises control of emergency situations until relieved by a superior officer.

Maintains a state of readiness/preparation for emergency response: checks/maintains stock of equipment and supplies on fire vehicles and in fire station; re-loads equipment and apparatus following response to emergency calls; assists in preparing apparatus for subsequent emergencies and in testing personal equipment, hoses/pumps, and other tools and apparatus; and ensures the emergency medical service equipment is properly stocked and operational.

Participates in fire prevention, pre-fire planning and other fire education activities: conducts fire safety programs, apparatus displays and skills demonstrations; conducts tours of fire station and fire trucks; conducts safety inspections at schools and businesses; and participates in community events and fund raisers.

Performs general maintenance tasks necessary to keep vehicles, buildings, quarters, apparatus, equipment and tools in operable condition, which may include inspecting/testing equipment, replacing fluids, greasing equipment, replacing parts, washing/cleaning equipment, cleaning quarters, or grounds maintenance: monitors equipment operations to maintain efficiency and safety; and reports faulty equipment for necessary maintenance work.

Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures: maintains an awareness of new equipment, procedures, trends and advances in the profession; participates in physical fitness training, training drills and other continuing education activities; and attends meetings, workshops and seminars as appropriate.

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.

Operates or uses various equipment associated with fire suppression in order to complete work assignments: operates and maintains fire and emergency vehicles and apparatus, hose lines, extrication tools, emergency equipment, radio/communications equipment and other fire suppression tools and equipment.

Communicates with supervisor, other employees, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Additional Functions:

Performs other related duties as required.Minimum Qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED required; supplemented by one year of work experience that shows an ability to maintain steady employment in any field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid South Carolina driver’s license. Must possess (or obtain) and maintain valid Firefighter and Emergency Vehicle Driver certifications. May be required to obtain and maintain additional licenses and certifications as deemed necessary.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all City or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

Performance Aptitudes:

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data. Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to work with and apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others to coordinate programs or activities of a project, and resolve typical problems associated with the responsibilities of the job.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver, and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials requiring complex and/or rapid adjustments

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information, such as equipment logs, incident reports, maintenance reports, etc.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.

ADA Compliance:

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and prolonged standing, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (25-50 pounds).

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, smoke, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials, fire, unsafe structures, heights, confined spaces, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, animal/wildlife attacks, animal/human bites, explosives, firearms, water hazards, violence, disease, pathogenic substances, or rude/irate customers.

The City of Orangeburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. THE CITY OF ORGANGEBURG IS AN AT-WILL EMPLOYER.