Firefighter

General Description

Performs protective service work performing tasks at a variety of public safety emergencies, participating in the maintenance, servicing, repair, and operation of apparatus, equipment, and facilities, participating in continuing training, assisting with the maintenance of reports and records, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the close to moderate supervision of a Fire Captain consistent with an incumbent’s level of knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Essential Functions

• Performs a variety of skilled tasks at fires, rescue incidents, medical emergencies, and hazardous material releases.
• Provides assistance with instruction in fire and life safety education topics targeted to citizens, organizations, and industry.
• Assists with the delivery of company level training particularly in the operation of fire apparatus and equipment.
• Participates in the maintenance and upkeep of the department’s facilities and grounds.
• Assists with building inspections, enforcement of fire codes, and in the preparation of pre-fire planning of buildings.
• May function as a Fire Engineer or Fire Captain in an acting or interim capacity consistent with individual qualification as directed by the fire battalion chief.
• Participates in the department’s continuing education program, attends professional coursework, and obtains certifications as necessary to maintain proficiency.

Typical Qualifications

High school diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Possession of NFPA 1403 related professional coursework upon hire. Obtain appropriate fire and rescue professional certifications and credentialing including Firefighter I-II, EMT-B, Rescue Technician, and Hazardous Materials Responder within three years of hire. Must meet and maintain all department training and certification requirements for position. Valid driver's license in the State of North Carolina. Out of state applicants must obtain North Carolina reciprocity for certifications and credentials.

Some knowledge of firefighting techniques and procedures as applied to fire suppression; some knowledge of emergency medical techniques and procedures; general knowledge of the street system and physical layout of the City; some knowledge of hazardous materials and accident extrication principles and technical rescue techniques; some knowledge of basic life support principles and techniques; ability to learn technical firefighting principles and techniques and principles of hydraulics as applied to fire suppression; ability to work at heights and in confined spaces; ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; ability to prepare detailed written and/or electronic reports; possession of physical endurance and agility; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, academy instructors and recruits, law enforcement personnel, medical personnel, other fire/ems agencies, and the general public.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force, frequent exertion of up to 50 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 100 pounds of force; work regularly requires standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms, frequently requires using hands to finger, handle or feel, pushing or pulling, lifting and repetitive motions and occasionally requires speaking or hearing, climbing or balancing and tasting or smelling; work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception, night vision and peripheral vision; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, assembly or fabrication of parts within arm’s length, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work regularly requires exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to outdoor weather conditions, wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus and exposure to blood borne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment, frequently requires exposure to wet, humid conditions (non-weather), working near moving mechanical parts, working in high, precarious places, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, exposure to extreme cold (non-weather), exposure to extreme heat (non-weather) and exposure to vibration and occasionally requires exposure to the risk of electrical shock and working with explosives; work is generally in a loud noise location (e.g. grounds maintenance, heavy traffic).