Firefighter

General Statement of Duties

Performs responsible fire suppression work in combating fires, vehicle extrication, emergency medical assistance, maintaining fire vehicles, equipment, and facilities.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class is responsible for performing general fire suppression work at the scene of a fire. Work involves preparing equipment for responding to fire calls, fighting fires, performing rescue operations, and equipment and vehicle maintenance. Work may involve driving a fire department vehicle to a scene or for work assignments. Work is often performed under stressful emergency conditions and frequently involves personal hazards. Work standards and procedures are generally established and understood. The employees are subject to hazards associated with firefighting and emergency care including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as exposure to high heat, exposure to chemicals, and in the proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, and working in high places. Employees may also be exposed to atmospheric conditions and may be required to work in close quarters. Work is reviewed through observation and discussions concerning the quality and effectiveness of fire and rescue efforts and through evaluation of the completion of training activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Tasks:

• Responds to fire and emergency calls by completing fire suppression activities for residential and commercial structures, vehicles, rubbish and grass areas, operating apparatus, removing hazards from emergency scenes, rescuing persons from fire and emergency scenes, utilizing fire extinguishing and extraction equipment to suppress fires and documenting actions when appropriate.
• Provides basic emergency medical services by responding to emergency site, assessing the medical needs of patients, determining best immediate basic treatment, administering life support, utilizing trained medical skills, operating life-saving equipment, lifting and moving patients and extricating patients as necessary, assisting patients to emergency centers, completing medical reports, stocking medical supplies and documenting all services provided.
• Maintains firefighting equipment and fire station property by performing preventive maintenance on equipment and machinery, ensuring apparatus is operating properly and safely, determining if problematic or faulty parts exist, replacing faulty parts.
• Educate the community about fire safety by responding to citizen inquires and questions on fire safety, presenting fire safety tips to local schools and businesses, demonstrating appropriate personal actions during fires or emergencies, illustrating proper fire extinguisher use and first aid procedures and assisting with public tours of the fire station when necessary.
• Maintain current medical and firefighting certifications by participating in continuing education related to medical, firefighting, driving and computer skills. Also completing appropriate paperwork for training received.
• Maintains fire station property by performing interior and exterior building maintenance such as mowing lawn, assisting with fire station activities and documenting maintenance actions when appropriate.

Additional Job Duties:

• Performs related duties as required by the Fire Chief or his/her designee

Requirements for Firefighter Position:

• At least 18 years of age
• High School diploma or GED
• Valid NC Driver’s License
• *Must obtain a Class B License within 6 months of hire*
• NC Firefighter Certification
• Minimum NC Technical Rescuer Certification
• Hazardous Material Operation Level
• NIMS 100,200,700, and 800
• Emergency Medical Technician

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing.
• Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 150 + pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Must possess visual acuity to size up the color, volume, and extent of fire involvement in structures, to operate heavy fire apparatus in emergency situations, and to prepare records and reports.

Special Note:

• Employee shall be classified as a non-exempt employee.