Starting salary is $54,000 with AEMT License and $58,320 with Paramedic License.

The City of Portsmouth is actively recruiting men and women for full-time Firefighter openings! Being a Firefighter can be a very rewarding experience, with opportunities for career advancement.

The City offers a generous compensation and benefits package that includes retirement, paid time off including vacation, holidays, medical & dental insurance, flexible spending account, professional development, career growth, longevity incentives, and more!

Please visit Work with us | City of Portsmouth for more information.

Candidates for this position must deliver independently and as part of a team, to coordinate fire suppression, emergency medical, rescue, hazmat, public education and other emergency related services under general and specific direction during duty tours and as otherwise required.

NATURE OF WORK
The purposes of this position are to deliver independently and as part of a team coordinated fire suppression, emergency medical, rescue, hazmat, public education and other emergency related services under general and specific direction during duty tours and as otherwise required. This requires preparing for and being able to deliver immediate and capable service responses to all emergencies and other services involving the Portsmouth fire service. Emergency fire service responses and other work is to be performed effectively and efficiently according to Department standards, operating policies, procedures and practices and with apparatus, equipment, supplies, facilities and other available resources under Department direction and control. Additionally, he/she is assigned specific responsibilities for one or several tactical or functional areas depending upon training, acquired skills and expertise. Work is subject to review according to the City's personnel plan through observation, reports and the results achieved.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to, or extension of, the position.

1. Actively participates in and completes routine weekly work schedules and tasks at an assigned station or training location. Performs general maintenance and completes other work assignments to prepare the station, apparatus, equipment, supplies, equipment, one's self and the fire service team to respond to fires, rescue, hazardous materials and other emergency services incidents involving the Portsmouth fire service.

2. Responds to alarms, requests for emergency medical services (EMS), hazardous materials incidents and other fire service emergencies consistent with department policy. He/she may be the incident commander until incident command responsibilities are transferred to a more senior firefighter or an officer. A firefighter maintains control over assigned tactical operations within an established chain of command and/or under the direction of the incident commander.

3. Drives and/or operates apparatus, equipment and uses specialized tools, supplies and equipment for training and in the performance of emergency services and other duties. Keeps informed about department activities and status. He/she is responsible for the organization and maintenance of facilities, apparatus, equipment, supplies, and records and administrative, information and communication systems placed in his/her care.

4. Delivers fire service emergency responses including evaluating fire, EMS, hazmat and other emergency conditions to implement the appropriate response. Under general and specific direction implements individually and as part of a team operations and procedures to protect life and property and to control incidents. Works with assigned personnel, equipment and other resources to implement the delivery of emergency fire services. Prepares and completes all reports as required in hard copy and/or electronically on Department computer systems and other Department office equipment.

5. Makes certain that duties and responsibilities are performed completely, effectively and efficiently and that he/she is properly clothed, protected and equipped.

6. Assists in preplanning, risk management and public education activities.

7. Regularly participates in training activities in all areas of department responsibility.

8. Whenever necessary, takes appropriate life saving measures to prolong the life of any victim of an accident, injury or assault and continues such efforts until proper medical assistance is available.

EXAMPLES OF OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Performs all aspects of fire service general maintenance including the care, cleaning and organization of station facilities, apparatus, equipment, and supplies to ensure that all are available, clean, neatly organized and fit for service. Should deficiencies occur he/she takes appropriate corrective actions and notifies the appropriate officers so the apparatus and/or equipment can be returned to a full service condition as soon as possible.

2. Assists people requesting or needing assistance or provides information as appropriate.

3. Secures, receives and properly transports all property coming into his/her custody.

4. Maintains protective clothing and equipment in a functional and presentable condition.

5. Performs other duties as may he assigned by the Fire Chief; his/her deputies and/or other officers.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES

An incumbent in this position consistently demonstrates:

1. A working knowledge of how the Department utilizes reports, computers and their related applications to prepare and maintain incident records, preplans, emergency command and control operations, equipment maintenance and correspondence suitable for customer use.

2. The physical and intellectual conditioning necessary to efficiently and effectively understand and implement emergency fire service operations including but not limited to receiving, following and implementing orders and instructions to achieve intended results, to effectively apply fire suppression and other emergency response strategies and tactics, perform as the incident commander until relieved, climb ladders, crawl into limited access areas, read and understand technical specifications, certificates of inspection and work with commonly available equipment associated with the work and working conditions.

3. Have the physical conditioning and personal stamina to endure long periods of intense physical activity associated with firefighting, controlling hazmat incidents and providing emergency medical and rescue services in all weather conditions by performing tasks such as advancing charged hose lines up multiple flight of stairs, carrying patients up and/or down stairs, operating heavy power equipment, carrying ladders and ho and using hand tools.

4. A working knowledge of fire detection and extinguishing systems and hazardous materials or how to obtain the information. Strong skills in the use of modern firefighting methods and equipment, emergency medical aid, the operation of fire apparatus and equipment and a working knowledge of the community, its geography, water supply and distribution characteristics.

5. An ability to effectively communicate with individuals and groups orally, in writing and by listening in the activities of teaching, discussions, receiving and executing orders, instruction and requests, providing direction or instructions to others, giving testimony, providing explanations and informal conversation.

6. Ability to communicate effectively with the general public, City staff, and government officials at all levels and maintain an understanding of racial equity, inclusion, and belonging.

ENVIRONMENT, WORKING CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFORT
Most preparatory work is performed in average indoor and outside environmental conditions for the season. When conducting training exercises and fire services operations the working environment ranges from average indoor conditions to extremes of heat and cold and all weather conditions which occur in New England. The job involves recurring exposure to body fluids, infectious pathogens, fire, toxic materials and fumes and hazardous electrical, mechanical and other devices. Work is performed at extreme heights, below grade level, in very confined and fully exposed spaces or locations and requires wearing the appropriate protective clothing and gear. A firefighter must be able to lift and carry unassisted up to 100lbs when dressed in full bunker and SCBA gear. The work is equally physically and intellectually demanding because of the requirements to know appropriate responses and methods for protecting life, property and containing a wide variety of incidents and to implement the appropriate tactics and tasks and responses personally and concurrently to orders and/or directions using the available resources.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
To be considered for this position a candidate must have:

1. High School diploma or GED

2. Be at least 18 years of age

3. Certification as a Pro Board Firefighter One, and a nationally registered EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic.

4. Possession of or ability to obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of New Hampshire for the type of vehicle operated. (CDL-B with air brake and tank endorsement)

5. Possess a valid New Hampshire CPAT card. (Candidate physical ability test)

6. Pass a criminal and driving background check.

7. Pass a NFPA 1582 pre-employment physical.

8. Completion of the State of New Hampshire Administrative rules, 701.01 (d), 701.02, 702.01, 702.02 or a lateral transfer that meets rule 703.01

9. Ability to pass an acrophobia test

(The above descriptions are illustrative. They are intended as guides for personnel actions and are not complete itemizations of all facets of any job.)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $54,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Pro board firefighter One (Preferred)
• EMT, AEMT or Paramedic (Preferred)
• New Hampshire CPAT (Preferred)
• CDL B (Preferred)

Work Location: In person