JOB SUMMARY:
Under immediate training supervision, performs a variety of public safety training functions in preparation to protect life and/or property from the dangers of fire, medical emergency, accident, natural disaster, etc., using a variety of firefighting, first aid, and emergency techniques and equipment.

Incumbents are expected to learn the basics of fire suppression, equipment usage, first aid, emergency procedures, fire inspection activities, and will participate in classroom and field training activities during a significant part of the first year of employment. Work is observed and reviewed during performance and upon completion.

This position is flexibly staffed to the Firefighter IV/III/II/I position. Incumbents will be reclassified to the appropriate qualifying Firefighter classification upon completion of Fire Academy.

(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

As a Recruit: learns the basics of Thornton's fire suppression, equipment usage, first aid, emergency procedures, fire inspection activities, and will participate in classroom and field training activities.

Successfully completes the designated Fire Academy within 6-8 weeks. Once Academy has been completed incumbents will be reclassified into the appropriate level based on previous career Fire experience and perform the following Essential Functions:

Performs emergency medical care relating to all major body systems including the neurological system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, skeletal system, etc., as necessary to treat first aid cases, accident victims, medical emergency situations, etc.

Responds to fire and medical emergency calls as a member of an engine company, aerial/truck company, specialty company or a rescue company.

Performs a variety of technical and manual labor duties that are required to locate, control and extinguish fires, including: catching fire hydrants; connecting hoses and nozzles; laying in supply and attack hoses; using visual, sensory and judgmental criteria to locate fire sources; application of fire streams, including water, chemical, and/or portable extinguishers, on fire sources; carrying, positioning and raising ground ladders; and using a variety of handheld and powered tools, including axes, pike poles, saws, etc., necessary to locate doors, windows and vents.

Performs forcible entry operations to gain access into structures using a variety of tools.

Performs salvage operations to prevent damage to property not involved in fire and/or emergency situations, including the placement of covers, removing property from danger, removing water, smoke, and heat from structures, etc.

Performs tasks to extricate individuals safely from wrecked vehicles, structures, earth cave-ins, etc., using a variety of tools/equipment, including power saws, hydraulic jacks, pry bars, etc.

Performs search and rescue operations to locate and remove individuals and victims from Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) environments, which may involve fire and other emergency situations.

Performs emergency medical care to victims of fire and other emergencies; assists paramedic(s) in applying medical/first aid procedures.

Examines patients and victims to determine probable or possible injury or medical disorder.

Takes and records vital signs, including pulse, blood pressure, respiration, reflexes, etc., and transmits necessary data to hospital emergency room personnel.

Receives orders from hospital medical personnel and/or follows standard procedures to treat victims.

Performs procedures necessary to immobilize victim(s) and/or portions of the body or extremities using splints, braces, collars, etc.

Continues medical procedures and monitoring during transit of victims to medical care facilities.

Maintains records of medical activities for departmental and medical care facility records.

Maintains supplies and equipment, including I.V. solutions and oxygen on an assigned company vehicle.

Attends continuing and required training and work sessions to maintain and extend medical knowledge and skills.

Provides in-service training to departmental personnel on first aid techniques and procedures.

Inspects commercial and public property as assigned, in part to ensure compliance with Fire and Life Safety Codes; locate and assure proper storage of hazardous materials; become familiar with structures; inform persons of the need for fire prevention, etc.

Maintains, cleans, services, inspects and loads firefighting and/or emergency equipment, tools, etc., on company apparatus. Maintains, performs minor repairs and cleans assigned fire station quarters, apparatus rooms, etc.

Assists in developing and providing a public education program and a training program for the department.

Participates in training classes and drills to maintain and increase firefighting and emergency techniques and responses.

Participates in hazardous material response and prevention programs.

Performs work that requires the use of specified respiratory equipment that guards against exposure to airborne hazards. Complies with all Municipal, State, and Federal physical requirements as per respiratory protection standards and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) guidelines.

Works a varying schedule and/or shift.

May prepare departmental reports as needed.

May serve in an out-of-class role of an assigned company after being deemed qualified by the Fire Chief or his/her designee.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience:
High school diploma or GED. Must be at least 18 years of age.

Firefighter IV:
At least one year full-time recent career fire experience (preferably within the past 12 months).

Firefighter III:

At least two years full-time recent career firefighter experience (preferably not longer than 12 months ago).

Firefighter II:

At least three years full-time recent career firefighter experience (preferably not longer than 12 months ago).

Licensing/Certification Requirements:
Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record.

Firefighter III:

In addition to previous licensing/certification requirements:

State of Colorado Firefighter I or higher level of certification. Completion of an International Fire Service Accreditation (IFSAC) or Pro Board accredited academy or equivalent fire academy. Equivalent certifications may be considered.

Firefighter II/I:

In addition to previous licensing/certification requirements:

State of Colorado Firefighter II or higher-level certification. May need to obtain State of Colorado Driver Operator (Pumper) Certification within one year. Completion of an International Fire Service Accreditation (IFSAC) or Pro Board accredited academy or equivalent fire academy. Equivalent certifications may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the city of Thornton and the Thornton Fire Department.

Knowledge in emergency medical procedures and techniques used to stabilize, maintain, and/or restore basic life functions.

Knowledge in usage and application of a variety of medical supplies, drugs, and equipment used for medical emergency and rescue situations.

Skill in learning a wide variety of emergency medical duties, methods and procedures.

Skill in learning the uses of a wide variety of apparatus, medical equipment and supplies, etc., used for medical emergencies and rescue situations.

Skill in learning a wide variety of firefighting duties, methods and procedures, as well as a wide variety of apparatus, equipment, tools, supplies, etc.

Skill in the safe and lawful operation emergency vehicles during emergency response operations.

Skill in conducting fire public education to all age groups.

Skill in physical ability and endurance to efficiently and effectively perform strenuous physical labor in threatening and stressful conditions.

Ability to obtain State of Colorado Basic EMT certification by the end of the designated Fire Academy.

Ability to successfully complete all medical and fit testing as required for the use of personal protective respiratory equipment.

Ability to wear respiratory protective equipment including but not limited to SCBA gear. Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with a variety of audiences.

Ability to work and function effectively in a team environment.

Ability to use standard office equipment, personal computer and job-related computer applications including electronic mail and other software programs.

Ability to work a varying schedule and shifts.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, City boards and commissions, other agencies, the business community, and the public.

Firefighter III:

In addition to previous requirements:

Knowledge of the boundaries, streets, neighborhoods, and business areas of the city of Thornton.

Knowledge of the uses, maintenance requirements, and location of all firefighting and emergency equipment, tools and apparatus used by the Thornton Fire Department.

Skill in working at heights and under threatening and stressful conditions.

Ability to apply departmental policies and procedures to firefighter duties.

Ability to physically protect oneself and others in dangerous situations.

Ability to respond with tact, composure and courtesy when dealing with difficult situations.

Ability to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities of a Firefighter III within one year.

Firefighter II:

In addition to previous requirements:

Knowledge of all firefighting and emergency techniques and procedures authorized by the city of Thornton.

Knowledge of fire chemistry, building construction and fire and building codes, and the ability to apply this knowledge to specific fire and emergency situations and inspection activities.

Knowledge of basic hydraulics and aerial placement and operation when required.

Skill in salvage operations to prevent damage to property.

Skill in the operation of major apparatus when required.

Ability to meet the requirements for State Firefighter II certifications.

Physical and Mental Requirements:
Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources.

Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration.

As a condition of employment, the City of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.