Fire Department: Career Firefighter

Position Summary

The Firefighter is responsible for performing, maintaining, and updating a wide range of technical skills relating to fire prevention, suppression, rescue, emergency medical services, hazardous materials operations, and related activities. Firefighters respond to emergency and non-emergency calls, working in physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging environments. They must be prepared to operate in extreme conditions, often with protective gear weighing over 50 pounds, and assume command when appropriate within the Incident Command System.

Essential Job Functions

• Respond to alarms of fire and other emergencies.
• Operate, drive, and maintain fire apparatus and equipment in a state of readiness.
• Perform fire suppression activities including laying hose lines, directing water streams, climbing ladders, and using extinguishers and rescue tools.
• Conduct rescue operations and provide emergency medical services at the minimum EMT-B (or First Responder) level.
• Participate in fire prevention inspections, pre-fire planning, and public fire safety education.
• Prepare reports, maintain records, and complete departmental documentation.
• Assist with training, instruction, and supervision of subordinates when assigned.
• Maintain firefighting gear, protective clothing, and equipment in proper working condition.
• Perform facility and apparatus checks, basic troubleshooting, and routine station maintenance.
• Support community safety through hazard identification, reporting, and correction.
• Carry out other related duties as assigned.
  
  

Peripheral Duties

• Participate in committee assignments and department projects.
• Attend City Council meetings as requested.
• Provide supervision or assume command when the senior firefighter on scene.
• Perform the duties of subordinate personnel as needed.
• Recommend improvements to equipment, facilities, or operations.
  
  

Desired Minimum Qualifications

• Education & Experience: High school graduate or equivalent.
• Must pass the New Hampshire Fire Standards and Training entrance exam, including written and physical ability testing.
• Must complete a pre-employment physical.
• Must obtain a valid CDL driver's license within three months of hire.
• Must complete NH Certified Firefighter Level II within one year of hire.
• Minimum certification as a First Responder (EMT-B if hired after March 30, 1992).
• Additional certifications required: Hazardous Materials Operations, Apparatus Operator (Aerial & Pumps).
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of modern firefighting methods, equipment, and emergency medical procedures.
• Ability to operate motorized fire apparatus, tools, and rescue equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and knowledge of equipment maintenance.
• Knowledge of building construction, codes, hazardous occupancies, and hydrant systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to react calmly and quickly under stressful and hazardous conditions.
• Physical ability to lift and carry heavy equipment, climb ladders, and work in extreme weather, reduced visibility, and confined spaces.
• Superior interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact respectfully with the public, team members, and partner agencies.
  
  

Work Environment

Firefighters work both indoors and outdoors, often in hazardous and extreme conditions including high heat, cold, toxic environments, reduced visibility, and confined spaces. Protective gear is required and may weigh over 50 pounds. Work involves exposure to infectious diseases, hazardous chemicals, physical strain, and stressful emergency situations.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a résumé to

City of Claremont - Human Resources

58 Opera House Square

Claremont, NH 03743

Email: HR@claremontnh.com

Or directly to

Fire Chief James Chamberlain, chief@claremontnh.com