This job description identifies the requirement and expectations for both Attack and Support Volunteers, generally referred to as Volunteer Firefighter.

The Volunteer Firefighter serves the County and communities by responding to a wide variety of situations, ranging from emergencies that immediately threaten life or property to routine citizen requests for information or assistance. They perform within the scope and policies and procedures of Elko County Fire Protection District, and they perform their duties in the following general categories: fire suppression, emergency medical aid or rescue, hazardous material responses, training, public education, and other activities associated with the District and/or assigned Volunteer Department, including station and equipment maintenance. 

The Volunteer Firefighter is required to attend regularly scheduled training in order to maintain the level of knowledge, skill and ability necessary to function safely and effectively as a firefighter in accordance with state law, county protocols and standard operating procedures.

The work performance of a Volunteer Firefighter is continuously evaluated for general knowledge, skill proficiency, and ability to work as part of a team. Any deficiencies are corrected through remedial training. 

The Volunteer Firefighter is a non-compensated position. Volunteers are not normally assigned shifts, but are expected to respond from home or work (as permitted) to District calls.

Individuals fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of a Volunteer Firefighter will at all times present themselves in a courteous, professional and responsible manner. 

Support Firefighter:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid Nevada Drivers License
• Valid CPR certification

Attack Firefighter:

• All minimum qualifications for Support Firefighter
• State of Nevada Emergency Medical Responder Certification (or higher)
• Firefighter I Certification
• NWCG Basic Wildland Firefighter

Must successfully complete the following:

• Criminal history and background check
• Physical exam, including respirator clearance fit test
• Physical agility test

• Drives or rides in an emergency vehicle in response to fire, rescue, and emergency medical events, hazardous materials response/mitigation, and routing requests for assistance.
• Responds to medical emergencies; ability to size up the situation, render aid based on personal level of certification, training, and Fire District service levels and document events in written report.
• Responds to fire emergencies; ability to operate engine and pump, and firefighting equipment, perform fire ground operations, establish an incident command system, evaluation the situation, and document events in incident reports based on level of certification and training. 
• Responds to hazardous materials emergencies; ability to identify potential hazardous material solutions and determine appropriate actions based on personal level of certification and training and Fire District service level and document events in written reports.
• Performs rescue efforts; ability to determine tactics to use and ensures the safety of all rescue personnel and observers. Participates in search parties enters hazardous environments, and administers appropriate techniques to accomplish rescues, based on personal level of certification training. 
• Maintains equipment, apparatus, and fire station; ensures that all equipment is in a state of readiness at all times, checks equipment according to schedule, cleans and maintains the station in accordance with District policies and standards.
• Participate in training; ability to read and follow District policy and procedures, trade journals and fire science literature. Attends mandatory training classes, and participates in onsite training sessions.

Knowledge of:

• Modern fire service principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.
• Applicable district policies and procedures.
• Fire protection systems, evacuation considerations, and building construction regulations for fire safety.

Ability to:

• Work with a combination fire district, which utilizes volunteer and paid firefighters on a daily basis.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions using the English language.
• Perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Solve practical problems with limited resources.
• Maintain physical conditioning necessary to perform efficiently in emergency situations; meet medical and physical agility standards as established.
• Learn the geography of the District, including street systems.
• Participate in training drills; attend classes on firefighting, hydraulics, first aid and emergency medicine, fire equipment and apparatus, and other classes associated deemed appropriate by the Volunteer Department or District.
• Learn and apply technical information pertaining to the volunteer work.
• Assist District in performing protective inspections of structure and businesses in the community for fire hazards and pre-incident surveys for tactical planning.
• Assist in conducting fire-safety education classes.
• Analyze and cope with a variety of emergency situations, including confrontation, calmly, but effectively and to react quickly to secure accurate and precise information on location, extent of nature of fires and emergency aid.
• Sustain heavy physical labor during periods of intense activity in emergency situations.
• Work within a para-military organization and readily respond to directives.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-volunteers and chiefs, District staff, supervisors, and the general public; to work effectively as a team member.
• Assist in updating map book for new additions, streets and complexes for use in emergencies.
• Service and operate all equipment and apparatus.
• Perform necessary maintenance, testing and care of fire hoses, trucks and auxiliary equipment and apparatus.
• Prevent waste and damage of materials, supplies and equipment.
• Perform general maintenance and minor repairs to statin factilities; perform assigned janitorial and minor maintenance and painting.
• Perform community service activities.
• Maintain necessary records and reports, incident forms, and daily shift operation logs, including computer data entry.

Work is performed primarily in the fire station, then on emergency medical scenes, mass casualty, fire scenes, and extraordinary events as they occur. Performing tasks under emergency conditions may require strenuous exertion. Exposure to death, emotional stress, patients with contagious diseases, and terminal illness can be expected. Must be able to list and move up to 50 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 150 lbs.

While performing the duties of this position, the volunteer will regularly be required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information, and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or skills; and interact with fire district members, other organizations, and the public. 

Physical hazard from fire, equipment, traffic, smoke inhalation, and falling objects at emergency scenes, and exposure to health risks may occur. Performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions may require strenuous exertion under such handicaps as limited visibility, exposure to hazardous or toxic chemicals and gasses, extremes in temperatures, cramped surroundings, and contact with death, emotional stress, contagious diseases, and terminal illnesses.