FIREFIGHTER

GRADE: Firefighter Level 1, Step 1 (Probationary)

JOB TYPE: Full-Time

LOCATION: Martinsburg, WV

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Fire Department

REPORTS TO: Fire Chief

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:
Skilled position providing a full range of firefighting/HAZMAT services including firefighting, swift water rescue and HAZMAT response, as well as routine non-emergency assignments. This work is performed at a professional level in the fields of fire prevention, suppression, rescue, training, and public fire safety education. While supervision and direction are provided by the Fire Chief and department officers, firefighters are expected to exercise independent judgment and discretion regularly.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

• Respond to emergency calls for assistance within Berkeley County and surrounding mutual aid areas.
• Respond to alarms according to the Department Standard Operating Guidelines, lay and connect hose, maneuver nozzles, and direct fire streams, raise and climb ladders, use extinguishers, protective clothing, breathing apparatus, and forcible entry tools.
• Ventilate buildings in accordance with training and approved practices.
• Safely operate emergency equipment and apparatus as instructed and trained.
• Perform rescue operations in a team setting.
• Perform salvage operations by placing salvage covers, controlling water damage, and removing debris.
• Participate in department drills and attend outside courses in fire prevention, suppression, and rescue techniques.
• Relay instructions, orders, and information; know response routes and location of major structures.
• Perform general maintenance work in the upkeep of Fire Department apparatus, equipment, and property.
• Perform assigned inspection duties
• Drive and operate fire apparatus under special instructions and limited qualifying conditions.
• Perform assigned public relations and education duties.
• Learn new skills necessary to perform additional duties or new services when implemented by the fire department.
• Attend training courses, read and study assigned materials related to fire prevention, suppression, and rescue.
• Maintain First Aid and CPR certifications.
• Other requirements assigned by the Chief or department officer.
• Pass a yearly SCBA fit test in compliance with NFPA.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other members of the Department, community officials, and the general public.
• Ability to learn the location of streets, the nature and location of hazardous premises, principal buildings, fire alarm reporting equipment and fire hydrant or other water source locations.
• Ability to climb ladders and work at considerable heights.
• Ability to learn a wide variety of firefighting duties and skills within a reasonable working period.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Skill in operating large, heavy fire apparatus and fire pumps under emergency conditions.
• Knowledge and appropriate application of Department Standard Operating Guidelines.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Physical requirements include the ability to lift 100 pounds; to respond to the spontaneous demands of comprehensive fire and HAZMAT duties, all of which may require standing walking, crawling, lifting, bending, stooping, driving, climbing stairs and ladders, working at extreme heights while operating in an IDLH atmosphere. Physical requirements necessitate that facial hair is maintained to properly wear SCBA full- and half-piece air purifying respirators and other job specific safety equipment, and pass SCBA fit test throughout employment. Ability to perform various functions under emergency conditions including moderate to severe weather and atmospheric conditions including operating in IDLH environments with appropriate personal protective equipment.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must supply electronic copy of all the following upon application:

• Possession of valid driver’s license.
• West Virginia Firefighter I. (or equivalent)
• Hazmat Awareness and Operations
• First Aid and CPR certifications.
• NIMS 100 and NIMS 700.
• High school diploma or GED

PROBATION:
At the end of year 1, probationary firefighters are required to have completed the following:

• Must complete training academy (approx. 20 wks.).
• Complete probationary packet and skills testing.
• Receive a positive evaluation from the Fire Chief.

The probationary Testing will be based off the list of required classes for firefighter level 2. This time frame may be extended at the discretion of the Chief and also may be shortened to a minimum of 6 months. If the probationary period is shortened, the employee still won’t be eligible for Firefighter Level 2 until 12 months of service are completed.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
The Berkeley County Commission provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $56,939.00 per year (Academy)
Pay: From $62,551.00 (After successful completion of academy)

Shift:

• Rotating shift (24/48 No Kelly Day) after completion of 40 hr. per week training academy.