Volunteer Firefighter

The Volunteer Firefighter responds to fire, rescue, medical, and other emergency incidents to protect life, property, and the environment. Under the direction of fire department officers, this position performs firefighting, emergency medical response, rescue operations, fire prevention activities, public education, and routine station duties. Volunteer Firefighters participate in required training, maintain equipment and apparatus, and remain prepared to respond to emergencies in a safe, professional, and effective manner. This role requires a commitment to public service, teamwork, physical fitness, and the ability to perform under stressful and potentially hazardous conditionsThe following list is ILLUSTRATIVE only and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by the incumbent of this class. Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Comply with all Sandpoint Fire Department policies and City of Sandpoint policies and procedures, operational procedures, training requirements, and safety standards applicable to volunteer personnel.

• By act, manner, attitude, promote understanding of all procedures essential to effective organizational control.
• Strive to create and maintain positive attitudes and respect among personnel; personally, sets a good example.
• Perform all the functions of a Firefighter.
• Responsible for notifying supervisor of any noted maintenance and repair needs of all firefighting equipment. 
• Participate in emergency rescue procedures.
• Maintain a cooperative working relationship with other Fire agencies in the area.
• Participate in fire prevention education programs the Department is directed to perform.

Knowledge of:

• Modern firefighting and prevention methods and equipment. 
• Geography, building conditions and major fire hazards throughout the Department. 
• Current trends regarding the administration of firefighting and fire prevention activities.

Abilities:

• Operate a variety of firefighting equipment apparatus. 
• Maintain certification levels that result in ability to perform firefighting and emergency response duties.  
• Maintain discipline and promote morale within the Department.
• Exercise initiative, resourcefulness, dependability and sound judgment in emergencies.
• Make sound decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations and established policies.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrate effective customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Follow written and oral instruction.
• Evaluate and analyze customer needs to provide exceptional customer service.
• Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.
• Perform multiple tasks simultaneously, including handling interruptions, and return to and complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Use logical and creative thought processes to develop reasonable solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions.
• Work independently, with minimal supervision, and make appropriate decisions in the absence of a supervisor.
• Work well under pressure and maintain a calm and professional demeanor under stressful or adversarial conditions.
• Demonstrate patience, integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

Physical Demands:

• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to perform repetitive motions in fingering and hand/wrist/arm movements.
• Lifting or moving up to 25 pounds frequently and occasionally lifting or moving up to 65 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Sufficient body mobility, flexibility, stamina, and balance to perform operational and maintenance tasks which require driving, extensive standing and walking, stooping, pushing, pulling, climbing and working on ladders, and working in enclosed and confined spaces.
• Sufficient visual acuity, close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions, work orders, technical and operational documents and blueprints. 
• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions, communication with other employees and the public, and discern warning or emergency alarms, including vehicle backup warnings.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed primarily outdoors with frequent exposure to adverse weather conditions, pollen, dirt and dust.
• The incumbent's typical working conditions are frequently loud, and may include exposure to light machinery noise.

Education and Experience:

• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must Complete Volunteer Orientation Program (VOP)
• Must Complete FF1 Academy.