FIREFIGHTER
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General Statement of Duties
Performs firefighting work by combating fires and maintaining fire vehicles and related equipment.
Distinguishing Features of the Class
This position participates in the 24-hour operation of fire suppression and operations at the fire station subject to call-back response. Work involves preparing equipment for the support of fire suppression, fire preventions, hazardous materials, emergency medical assistance, equipment and vehicle maintenance. Work is performed under stressful emergency conditions and frequently involves personal hazards.Essential Duties and Tasks
• Respond to fire alarms with a company; lays and connects hose; holds nozzles and directs water streams; climbs ladders; uses chemical fire extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines and other equipment
• Ventilates burning buildings by opening windows and skylights or by cutting holes in roofs and floors
• Provides medical assistance to fire victims or as fire responders to emergency situations, until arrival of county medical unit
• Performs salvage operations such as applying salvage covers, sweeping water and removing debris
• Participates in fire drills and attends training classes in apparatus operation, firefighting, emergency medical and related subjects; studies assigned materials relating to firefighting and fire prevention
• Inspects buildings and premises for familiarization; checks for fire hazards; participates in the inspection and maintenance of fire hydrants
• Operates fire apparatus and assumes command of a fire company on an occasional basis when a company officer or captain supervisor is unavailable
• Performs general maintenance and cleaning work in the upkeep of departmental apparatus, equipment, and structures; cleans kitchen, sleeping quarters, walls, and floors; washes, hang and dries hose; washes, cleans and polishes apparatus
• Participates in a variety of fire prevention operations, activities and programs including: training, participation in activities and operations in response to natural disasters, major accidents, incidents involving hazardous materials and other emergency situations.
• Use departmental computer equipment to input, review and access records, information and other various data
• Give tours of fire station facilities, demonstrate fire equipment and apparatus, and participate in other educational programs for various groups and general public pertaining to a variety of life safety topics
• Perform inspection and maintenance on fire hydrants in accordance with internal standard operating proceduresKnowledge, Skills and Abilities
General knowledge of the operations of firefighting equipment; working knowledge of modern firefighting principles, practices, and procedures; working knowledge of geography of the Town; ability to exercise sound judgement in routine and emergency situations; ability to accept firefighting discipline and operational routine; ability to maintain vehicles, equipment and facilities; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public; ability to maintain physical fitness standards as required to perform assigned work.
Minimum Education and Experience
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent; valid Class B North Carolina driver’s license or valid Class E South Carolina driver’s license; IFSAC / Pro Board Firefighter Certification; North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician and must meet the medical requirements set forth in NFPA 1582 Chapter 6: Medical Evaluations of Candidates
Preferred Requirements
IFSAC / Pro Board Driver Operator – Pumps and Aerials; IFSAC / Pro Board Technical Rescuer and two years of career firefighting experience
Physical Requirements
Must have the agility and physical strength to do prolonged and arduous work under adverse conditions. The includes but is not limited to the ability to lift, move and maintain position on items (e.g. charged hoses) up to 100 pounds; push objects up to 50 pounds; pull objects from 25 to 50 pounds, and lift or pull victims weighing more than 150 pounds.
Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, hearing and perform repetitive motions.
Must posses the visual acuity to operate trucks and other equipment, to observe the color, the volume, and extent of fire involvement, and to prepare manual and computerized records.