• Manages fire response to alarmed and declared Airport emergencies in accordance with Federal guidelines outlined by the Federal Aviation Regulation Part 139 (FAR Part 139) and other applicable federal regulations; interprets and applies all information from FAA Advisory Circulars.

• Ensures safety of Airport for aviation users by observing runway and airport conditions, familiarization in commercial and general aviation aircraft, to ensure safe and timely response to airfield incidents.

• First responder with full responsibility to manage aircraft alerts, emergencies, accidents, and hazardous materials incidents in the capacity of ARFF on scene.

• Implements Airport Emergency Plan and coordinates mutual aid response with prescribed procedures.

• Dons and employs full personal protective equipment. Performs initial fire suppression on and in the area of burning aircraft. Enters crashed or burning aircraft and/or surrounding areas to rescue victims, effecting entry by normal and emergency means with or without rescue equipment.

• Operates specialized equipment to apply various types of fire-extinguishing agents. Drives, positions, and operates large Airport fire apparatus in established response areas.

• Facilitates and maintains fuel farm and fuel truck inspections on a scheduled basis to ensure facility and equipment meet local, state, and federal standards.

• Complies with rigorous ARFF training standards, protocols, and expectations; performs daily inspection of ARFF apparatus and fire compliant personal protective equipment.

• Ensures fire code adherence via TSA line management.

• Performs snow removal duties including, but not limited to, clearing snow from Airport roadways, pedestrian walkways, runways, taxiways and aprons, operating snow removal equipment and cleaning/maintaining snow removal equipment.

• Supports the relationship between Pitkin County government and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and County staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and County information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

This position follows a sequence:

• Level I - Aircraft Rescue Firefighter:

  • Minimum 1 year of previous structural or aircraft rescue firefighting experience.

  • 0-3 years of aircraft rescue firefighting experience

  • IFSAC*/ProBoard/Colorado Firefighter 1.

  • IFSAC/ProBoard/Colorado HAZMAT Operations.

  • NREMT or Colorado EMT (NREMT transferred to Colorado within one month).

  • ARFF 40-hour certificate within first two months of hire.

  • Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver’s License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.

• Level II - Senior Aircraft Rescue Firefighter (in addition to Level I):

  • 3-6 years of aircraft rescue firefighting experience.

  • IFSAC/ProBoard/Colorado Firefighter II.

• Level III - Master Aircraft Rescue Firefighter (in addition to Level II):

  • 6 years of aircraft rescue firefighting experience.

  • Minimum 3 years of service with the Sardy Field Fire Department.

  • AAAE Airport Master Firefighter certificate.

  • ARFF Driver/Operator certification.

*International Fire Service Accreditation Congress

Knowledge Of:

• County policies and procedures.

• State and federal laws and regulations governing work performed.

• Record keeping and records management rules and standards.

Skill In:

• Applying governing rules and regulations.

• Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations.

• Interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.

• Following and effectively communicating verbal and written instructions.

• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers and other regional agencies.

• Utilizing standard personal computer software programs and specialized State and County software.

• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

• Work environment is dictated by the activities at the Airport. Extended periods in difficult work environments may occur as a result of emergency conditions or inclement weather. Work is frequently performed outdoors with potential exposure to dangerous tools, equipment, machinery, inclement weather conditions, and fumes. The position is subject to work outside traditional hours, emergency callout, holidays, nights and extended operating days. The position occasionally involves working in a hazardous environment. There is some travel required for mandatory training. 

• Physical Requirements: Firefighting is a demanding and dynamic job that requires the ability to perform physically demanding work. Firefighters will be required to:

  • Operate equipment and machinery requiring complex and rapid adjustments.

  • Pull, charge, relocate and effectively employ hand lines and supply lines up to 5” in diameter.

  • Perform strenuous activity with the ability to occasionally lift and transport 75 pounds.

  • Transport a 170 pound person one-hundred feet or more by dragging, carrying or other manual means.

  • Transport extrication tools and other fire and rescue equipment weighing 75 pounds 100 feet or more.

  • Coordinate hands, eyes, feet, and limbs in performing skilled movements.

  • Exert required physical effort to perform moderate to heavy work typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling.

  • Recognizing and identifying similarities or differences between colors, shapes, sounds, odors, and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.

Residency Requirement

In times of emergency and when deemed operationally necessary by the Aircraft Rescue Captain or Airport leadership, firefighters may be recalled for duty at any time. Within sixty days of hire, firefighters must maintain a primary residence within a two-hour response time of Sardy Field Fire Dept. Station 71.

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.