Firefighter

Distinguishing Characteristics: 

Under general supervision and administrative direction, has the primary responsibility to protect life, property, and aircraft from the effects of fire, perform firefighting, rescue, emergency medical, and fire prevention functions for the Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) at Tucson International Airport (TUS) and Ryan Airfield (RYN); provide emergency and non-emergency response to individuals and entities that request or require support services; understand and adhere to department and TAA policies; and, maintain apparatus and equipment.

Essential Functions:  

The following functions and all other functions not included in this job description are to be performed in the best interests and for the greater good of TAA.

• Support and advocate for TAA's Mission, Vision, Guiding Principles and act as a champion and role model of TAA's Cultural Fundamentals.
• Perform firefighting and rescue operations as mandated by Federal Aviation Regulations Part 139, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF); be familiar with aircraft types.
• Respond to calls for assistance; monitor, receive, record and disseminate information during routine or emergency situations; maintain daily logs and prepare other required reports.
• Fight, control, extinguish aircraft, structural, natural cover, and miscellaneous fires including performance of rescue operations.
• Drive and operate aircraft crash rescue and structural firefighting apparatus.
• Perform hose lays, ladder and pump operations, salvage and overhaul operations.
• Respond to fuel spills, hazardous material incidents, and conduct standby operations.
• Assist in the fuel operations inspection process.
• Ensure vehicles and equipment are operational for emergency response.
• Operate and effectively perform radio communication functions, including use of multi-jurisdictional frequencies, for emergency and non-emergency events; communication may involve TAA departments, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT), Transportation Security Administration (TSA); and other airport operators.
• Utilize Incident Management System (ICS)/National Incident Management System (NIMS) protocols and procedures; coordinate and/or participate in after-action emergency de-briefing with appropriate departments and stakeholders.
• Protect life and property and provide public safety within departmental policies and guidelines.
• Perform fire prevention duties:

• Perform building inspections.
• Test fire hydrants and fire protection systems.          
• Develop, implement, and maintain fire prevention programs.
• Maintain appropriate records.
• Respond to citizen calls for assistance in prevention and inspection matters.
• Develop a working knowledge of tenant leases and airport rules and regulations.
• Issue work permits for use of open flame.
• Issue confined space permits.
• Conduct quarterly sprinkler testing for TAA buildings.
• Conduct extinguisher training for airport employees.
• Develop evacuation plans for all TAA owned and occupied buildings.
• Inspect and maintain portable fire extinguishers.

• Ensure that all responsibilities of the department are carried out according to department policies.
• Maintain station facilities. 
• Participate in TAA activities/meetings.  
• Maintain a positive, high profile within the airport community.
• Engage in public relations activities; conduct tours.
• Be responsive to airport security and other emergencies and situations that may involve loss of human life or property; emergencies may include operations, police, fire and emergency medical services. 

The above listed functions are not necessarily all the essential functions.  Job duties and functions may be expanded or reduced by management based on future changing needs and job requirements.

Position Requirements:  

A minimum high school diploma or equivalent is required, U.S. Citizenship, be at least 18 years of age, a minimum of one year experience in Firefighting and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT); must have current Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), Firefighter I and II, Valid Arizona Driver’s license.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) FAR Part 139, Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting. 
• Fire systems, hydrants, sprinkler riser, fire alarms, conductivity meters, refractometers, and combustible gas meters, and the Exposure Control Plan.
• National Incident Management Systems (NIMS)/Incident Command Structure (ICS), and all other pertinent local, state, and federal codes, regulations and standards.
• TAA jurisdiction and Mutual Aid, TAA airport geography and TAA departments.

Skill in:

• Organization, oral and written communications, proofreading, critical thinking and multi-tasking skills.
• Taking initiative and being a self-starter.

Ability to:

Environmental Requirements

• Work in high-noise environment; extreme seasonal weather, (i.e., heat, cold, wind, or rain), when necessary.

Mental Requirements

• Interpret and analyze complex technical data and information for decision-making and reporting purposes, including decision-making in stressful situations.
• Remain focused and decisive in stressful situations; use sound and effective judgment.
• Perform tasks with a high degree of accuracy, maintain confidentiality, attention to detail, with mature judgment, to function in compelling, high stress, fast-paced work environment, with deadlines and multiple projects; to initiate and organize responsibilities without supervision, and to take independent action relative to work problems requiring immediate solutions.
• Research information and organize data in meaningful form, make sound judgments, draw accurate conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.

      Physical Requirements

• Communicate in English via telephone, radio, and cellular telephone, in a high noise environment, with sufficient clarity to be understood by others. 
• Distinguish colors by a practical test in all lighting conditions of standard airport lighting system colors and Air Traffic Control Tower light-gun signals, identify fuel grade color code markings, and actual samples of various fuels.
• Hear and understand through both ears, sounds coming through a radio, a standard telephone receiver, or other outside sound sources.
• Read, write, and speak the English language in an articulate, fluent manner, ability to speak Spanish or another second language is helpful, but is not required.

General

• Work all shifts of a 24-hour per day period, including evenings/weekends/holidays, and be on-call.
• Be sensitive and aware of actions and reactions of employees, tenants, and outside agencies, and inform supervisor of appropriate concerns.
• Establish and maintain effective and positive working relationships with department personnel, other TAA personnel, and outside agencies.
• Exercise effective customer service and public relations practices and procedures.
• Maintain discreet and professional sense of confidentiality; understand that dissemination of information outside of job requirements is based on "need-to-know" and will subject employee to loss of employment.
• Engage in self-improvement activities and training, as directed.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

• Valid Arizona Driver’s license. 
• Meet requirements of NFPA 1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications; 1003, Standard for Airport Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications; 1031.
• Meet and maintain the ability to drive airport vehicles and obtain authorization to access the Non-Movement Area and Movement Area on the Air Operations Area (AOA), including aircraft crash/rescue and structural firefighting apparatus.
• Must obtain and maintain access to the Security Identification Display Area (SIDA). 
• Must successfully complete the National Incident Management System (NIMS) 100, 200, 700, 800, course requirements and certification within the first year of assuming the position.

• Must successfully complete 24-hour Hazardous Material First Responder training and the comprehensive Fire Fighter I/II training course.
• Maintain state Emergency Medical Technician certification.
• Must complete AAAE Airport Master Fire Fighter certification within five years of assuming the position.
• Must have the ability to pass an annual respirator fit test.
• As an employee, you are deemed to be essential personnel as part of TAA’s emergency response, and must respond to airport incidents, as requested/required.

Salary : $62,400 - $93,248