Fire Sergeant

The purpose of the Fire Sergeant (Shift) is to respond on a fire apparatus, within a double company station as part of an emergency crew, actively participate in the mitigation of various types of emergencies and provide guidance and oversight to subordinate personnel who are engaged in emergency response operations of varying magnitude and complexity. Additionally, this position endeavors to protect life and property by enforcing existing state and local codes, ordinances, laws and regulations pertinent to the Fire Departments areas of responsibility. Duties and responsibilities include planning, conducting, participating, and documenting Fire/EMS training within an assigned battalion, at an assigned station enforcing policies and adherence to procedures, composing, reviewing and completing various reports within an assigned battalion or station, supervising assigned personnel in both emergency and non-emergency situations at an assigned station. Assign and participate in daily activities. Additional duties include utilizing the incident command system at emergency scenes, ride-up in the capacity of a Sergeant as needed, monitoring personnel at emergency scenes, operating at emergency scenes, and delivering appropriate emergency medical treatment to victims of accidents, illnesses, and life-threatening situations.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are regular functions of the Fire Sergeant and are not to be considered all-inclusive. Other duties assigned may be required.

• Supervises, directs and evaluates assigned staff, handles employee concerns and problems, directs work activities, counsels, refers, disciplines and completes employee performance appraisals and administer policies, procedures, plans and activities and to monitor performance of subordinates against measured established goals.
• Assumes duties of a Captain when assigned.
• Renders emergency and life-saving medical assistance to those in need.
• Conducts training programs to identify personnel needs and to provide an environment of learning whereby new or current individuals can grow and mature within the organization.
• It shall be the duty of the first arriving Fire Sergeant (Shift) on-scene to assume an operational role at emergency scenes within the Incident Command System (ICS) until relieved by a higher-ranking officer.
• It shall be the duty of the Fire Sergeant (Shift) to ensure that the assigned personnel are reviewing and completing necessary patient care and fire reports from within their assigned station. It shall also be the duty of the Fire Sergeant (Shift) to review all major incidents and work structure fires.
• It shall be the duty of the Fire Sergeant (Shift) to complete any assigned duties delegated by their Captain or command staff.
• It shall be the duty of Fire Sergeant (Shift) to act and/or resolve operational issues in the absence of any command staff personnel.
• Responds to routine, life threatening, fire, and emergency medical incidents.
• Supervises an assigned station, which includes providing direction and guidance to subordinate personnel, deals with members of the public regarding complaints, assures that vehicles and equipment are in proper operating condition.
• Supervises and directs Firefighters, Paramedics, EMT’s, Firefighter/EMTs, Firefighter/Paramedics, at emergency scenes, on the training ground, and at the station.
• Has a thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of departmental operations and functions.
• Has a thorough knowledge of management, fire and emergency medical practices, policies and procedures necessary for the completion of daily responsibilities.
• Utilizes the ability and knowledge of all applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the job.
• Effectively communicates and interacts with subordinates, elected officials, management, employees, members of the public and all other groups involved in the activities of the department.
• Can assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner.
• Formulates, organizes, implements, and participates in battalion wide training and oversees its completion.
• Informs the Captain of risk management issues, assists with mitigating incidents, and any unusual problems or situations occurring on assigned shift.
• Ensure that stations and grounds are properly maintained at their assigned station.
• Ensures the proper functioning of all emergency equipment. Both fire and medical through regular checks and inspections.
• Supervises and assists subordinate personnel with routine station duties.
• Maintains current state certification through continuing education.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Knowledge of basic emergency medical and life-sustaining techniques including cardiac care, trauma and shock care, ventilation and other CPR techniques.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Knowledge of state and Gilmer County fire fighting and life rescue procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of the geography of Gilmer County and the road system.
• Knowledge of County personnel policies.
• Skill in supervision.
• Skill in driving, emergency and otherwise.
• Skill in the administration of emergency medical techniques.
• Skill in extrication techniques.
• Skill in patient assessment.
• Skill in dealing with emergencies and victims of trauma.
• Skill in performing general mechanical maintenance.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in the use and operation of emergency vehicles and equipment, such as specialized medical, fire, and life rescue equipment.
• Skill in training, instruction and development of personnel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must have minimum of eight (3) years of full-time experience in a career Fire/EMS transport Department. Experience must be verified.
• Georgia Certification as an EMT-A / EMT-I, or Paramedic.     
• Meet current requirements set forth by the National Fire Protection Association as a Firefighter 2, Pump Operator, Fire Officer I, Incident Safety Officer and meet the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Act.
• Must complete Aerial Operator provided inhouse class within first year.
• Must have a valid driver’s class F or above license.

Guidelines: Guidelines include state laws pertaining to emergency medical treatment, established procedures, medical protocol, state and county fire fighting procedures, IFSTA manual, county codes and ordinances, county personnel policies, and verbal and written standard operating procedures. Guidelines include state laws pertaining to emergency medical treatment, established procedures, medical protocol, state and county fire fighting procedures, IFSTA manual, county codes and ordinances, county personnel policies, and verbal and written standard operating procedures. Guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require interpretation in application to specific situations.

Complexity: This position is primarily responsible for supervising personnel assigned to a station, directing the activities of subordinates, directing routine activities, responding to and administering aid at emergency sites. Additional responsibilities include determining needs and appropriate medical and emergency procedures for a wide variety of situations, applying guidelines, and eliminating the danger to the public make this position difficult. Difficulty also occurs because of the diversity of duties and because of the emotional stress of dealing with life and death situations.

Scope and Effect: The purpose of this position is to provide supervision and direction to subordinates as well as to provide emergency medical and rescue services to the county. Performance directly affects the health and well-being of citizens. Errors could result in legal liability for the county and could damage the public's perception of the county and the fire department.

Personal Contacts: Contacts include co-workers, police personnel, local and state public safety officers, hospital personnel including doctors and nurses, fire and accident victims and their families, and other members of the public.

ADA Requirements: Individuals applying for the posted position must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Physical Requirements: Participate in physical fitness programs and comply with Fire Department fit-for-duty policy requirements. Tasks require the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of heavy weight (50-200 pounds).

Work Environment: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to outside weather conditions and with ammunition. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places, and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock. Work is performed in both daylight and at night and may be required to travel speeds more than posted limits through areas of varying population densities and traffic congestion, and inclement weather conditions. Work involves exposure to personal danger and psychological stress.

Salary : $21 - $23