Volunteer Firefighter

Volunteer Firefighters serve as part of Riley County Fire District #1 (RCFD1) by responding to a wide variety of situations, ranging from emergencies that immediately threaten life or property to routine citizen requests for assistance. Volunteer Firefighters perform within the scope of the policies and guidelines of RCFD#1 and Riley County and perform duties in the following general categories: Fire suppression, emergency medical service, rescue, hazardous material responses, training and public education. The Volunteer Firefighter operates under the supervision of an officer(s) and is expected to function effectively as part of a highly trained team.

Volunteer Firefighters support the department in all activities including emergency response, training, maintenance, and other activities. Volunteer Firefighters are expected to respond from home or work to emergency calls when available.

• Must live locally to volunteer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Respond to alarms of fire or other emergencies in accordance with department policies and guidelines
• Place equipment, stretch and connect hoselines, and use a variety of hand tools
• Direct water streams and fire extinguishers
• Raise and climb ladders
• Operate rescue and extrication equipment
• Donn and doff firefighting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
• Safely drive emergency vehicles and operate fire pumps
• Work in inclement weather and terrain during daytime and nighttime operations
• Study and learn the geography of nearby response area, location of important buildings, fire hydrants and the county addressing system
• Attend training as assigned

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

• Required to complete RCFD#1 orientation and probationary period prior to actively responding to emergencies
• Required to complete department driver/operator training and obtain station officer approval prior to driving any emergency vehicle
• Performs other duties as assigned

Education:

High School graduate or GED equivalent

Required to attend scheduled training to maintain a high level of knowledge, skill and ability necessary to function safely and effectively as a firefighter.

Preferred (but not required) Certifications include:

• Firefighter I, II
• EMT/EMR
• Hazardous Materials
• CPR/AED

Skills:

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions using the English language

Physical Demand/Effort:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and smell. The employee occasionally lifts/pushes/pulls 50 lbs, frequently lifts up of 25-50lbs and constant lift of up to 25lbs and during emergency situations lift and/or move up to 150 pounds.
• Once approved, Volunteer Firefighter may drive County vehicles long distances, across the county, on paved an unmaintained surface. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Movements over rough terrain and stooping and crawling in close quarters may result in extreme physical exertion. Must be able to pass an annual physical. Must be able to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) according to NFPA standards.