Certified Firefighter/EMT

About us: 
The Burlington Fire Department strives to develop a safety-oriented community. The Department is made up of three divisions: Emergency Response, Community Risk Reduction, and Support Services Divisions. 

What you will do:
An employee in this role is primarily responsible for firefighting, medical, and emergency response tasks. Duties include responding to emergency medical calls, providing medical services, participating in training, and maintaining fire equipment and the station. The work is often conducted under emergency conditions, involving personal risk. While established procedures guide the role, significant independence and judgment are required during emergencies.Emergency Response and Firefighting Duties:

• Responds to emergency scenes using an emergency vehicle and performs basic firefighting tasks.
• Connects hoses to hydrants and operates them to apply water or chemicals to fires.
• Uses portable fire extinguishers for small fires and forces entry into burning structures to search for and rescue occupants.
• Provides basic life support, CPR, and first aid during emergencies.

Post-Fire Operations and Equipment Maintenance:

• Participates in post-fire operations, including cleaning, salvage, and minimizing water damage by covering furniture and mopping up water.
• Assists in retrieving, cleaning, and replacing firefighting equipment.
• Maintains fire station cleanliness and equipment, including washing trucks, checking fuel, oil, and batteries, and inspecting hoses.

Training and Skill Development:

• Participates in ongoing training to maintain proficiency in firefighting techniques and equipment operation.
• Attends lectures, studies manuals, and engages in fire drills to stay updated on modern fire suppression strategies.
• Participates in pre-fire planning, including creating scale drawings and firefighting strategies.

Fire Prevention and Public Education:

• Conducts fire prevention education by demonstrating fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.
• Assists in developing escape plans for buildings and communities.

Routine Maintenance and Hydrant Inspections:

• Engages in routine maintenance of firefighting equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus and truck servicing.
• Checks and flushes city fire hydrants to ensure proper water flow and pressure.

Community Engagement and Fire Station Operations:

• Conducts fire station tours for the public.
• Performs additional tasks as required to support department operations.

Physical and Health Standards:

• Must be physically capable of passing the Job-Related Physical Ability Test (JRPAT).
• Successful completion of a thorough medical examination, drug screening, and background check is required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum age requirement: 18 years or older.
• High school diploma or GED certificate.
• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License.
• Certification as an NC Firefighter I and II required (Out-of-state applicants must hold a current equivalent, recognized by IFSAC or Pro-Board).

Special Requirements:

• Must possess or be able to obtain NC EMT Basic certification through reciprocity.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• This position involves heavy physical work, requiring the ability to exert over 100 pounds of force occasionally, 50 pounds frequently, and 20 pounds constantly to move objects.
• Visual acuity is essential for operating trucks and equipment.
• The role exposes the employee to both indoor and outdoor environments, including extreme heat and cold, as well as noise, vibration, and hazards such as moving machinery, electrical currents, high places, chemicals, and oils.
• Respiratory protection through a respirator is required due to atmospheric conditions.
• Work may involve confined spaces, potential claustrophobia, and exposure to blood during emergency medical services.

Salary : $42,608 - $66,061