FIREFIGHTER

This position is responsible for assisting with the operation of a variety of fire fighting apparatus, performing basic firefighting and assisting with emergency medical care procedures in accordance with NFPA (National Fire protection Association) 1001 standards.

Major Duties

• Responds to fire alarms and other emergency calls, extinguishes, controls fires and protects property from smoke damage;

• Responds as part of team when incident occurs; operates assigned equipment at fire scenes, involving laying and connecting hoses; holding nozzles and detecting fire streams; raising and climbing ladders; using chemical extinguishers, lines and other equipment;
• Provides emergency medical assistance at incidents, as required;
• Places equipment, lays and connects hose, operates high-capacity pumps and directs water streams; raises and climbs ladders; uses safety belts, lines and hooks;
• Assists in fire investigations;
• Assists with loading equipment on apparatus; cleans and maintains equipment, fire station and fire hydrants;
• Performs daily equipment check as assigned;
• Cleans equipment or tools after each use and on a regular basis;
• Participates in daily routine involving cooking meals, cleaning the dorm area and cleaning the station grounds;
• Provides operating and procedural information to the public and school groups; performs incident activity data entry in computers. Responds to hazardous materials incidents, provides necessary support activities; performs related work as required;
• Assists with servicing and maintaining motorized equipment;
• Assists with documenting pre-fire plans of designated establishments;
• Participates in and helps set up community activities;
• Actively participates in department drills, demonstrations and courses in hydraulics, pump operations and firefighting techniques;
• Demonstrates fire prevention and safety techniques for schools, clubs, etc.;
• Attends required training programs; reads necessary manuals, books, etc.; practices skills and techniques; completes required proficiency tests; learns equipment operation and use; learns geography of City;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent; prefer Associate’s degree or related college coursework; must possess valid State of Georgia driver’s license; certification as State of Georgia Firefighter; equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge Required by the Position

• Knowledge of City Fire Codes and related ordinances;
• Knowledge of modern firefighting principals, practices and methods;
• Knowledge of firefighting equipment including personal protective equipment;
• Knowledge of hazard identification and correction including escape route planning;
• Knowledge of behavior and mechanics of various types of fire;
• Knowledge of principles of hydraulics applied to fire suppression;

• Knowledge of the street system and physical layout of the city;
• Knowledge of emergency care methods, techniques and equipment;
• Knowledge of the Incident Management System;
• Skill in operating heavy emergency equipment;
• Skill in the use of tools, equipment and apparatus to fight fires, rescue or provide emergency medical care;
• Skill in effective and efficient oral and written communication;
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions;
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with fellow employees and the public;
• Ability to perform duties in a safe and effective manner under stressful situations and conditions;
• Ability to perform fire prevention building inspections and building familiarization activities;
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor.

Guidelines: Guidelines include local, state and federal fire safety rules, regulations, policies, procedures and standards and Georgia Basic Firefighter course curriculum for Firefighter I.

Complexity: Work requires analysis and judgment in accomplishing diversified duties. Work requires the exercise of independent thinking within the limits of guidelines, policies, standards and precedents.

Scope and Effect: The purpose of this position is to protect lives and property through fire suppression activities, fire prevention and safety activities, and education. Successful performance results in increased public safety and decreased property loss.

Personal Contacts: Contacts are typically with co-workers, fire and emergency victims, other emergency personnel and the general public.

Purpose of Contacts: Contacts are typically to give and exchange information, resolve problems and provide services.

Physical Demands: The work is typically performed while standing, walking, bending, crouching and stooping. The employee must frequently lift light and heavy objects, climb ladders, use tools and equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity and be able to distinguish between shades of color.

Work Environment: Most Firefighter work is performed in various indoor settings including living quarters and office areas. Varying work schedules are required. Hazardous tasks performed under emergency conditions may require strenuous exertion under such handicaps such as limited visibility, exposure to hazardous or toxic chemicals or gases, extremes in temperature, cramped surroundings and contact with death, emotional stress, trauma, contagious disease and terminal illnesses. Firefighters are also exposed to extreme heat, contaminated environments, emotionally upset people, noise, physical hazards from traffic, fire and falling objects and atmospheric conditions such as smoke, fumes, odors and gases. May be required to wear a hard hat, safety glasses, ear plugs, respirator, rubber or plastic gloves and rubber boots.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility: None.