Firefighter/Operator
General Description of the Position
The position of Firefighter/Operator comprises entrance level positions in the fire suppression division of fire department operations. Employees of this position receive training in and
perform firefighting and fire suppression tasks such as controlling and extinguishing fires, performing rescue work, driving, operating fire apparatus and equipment, maintaining fire department vehicles and equipment, and provide emergency medical care to the sick or injured at an emergency scene. Once exiting the fire truck and prior to entering the fire scene, all firefighters and operators must have a minimum of fire boots and bunker pants donned on. Employees of this position receive specific instructions for most duties but have the authority to work independently in certain designated areas and are directly supervised by a Battalion Chief.
EXAMPLES OF WORK
Examples listed below are illustrative only. They are not intended to include all duties which may be assigned, neither are they intended to exclude other duties which may be logical assignments to this position.
· Trains for, performs, and maintains proficiency in firefighting and rescue tasks such as connecting, carrying, and operating hose lines; directing fire streams; forcible entry; ventilation; and using portable breathing apparatus or air pack, ladders, lines, and other equipment to aid in fighting fires or removing fire and accident victims to safety.
· Cuts or pries open vehicles or machinery to free persons trapped.
· Examines victims for signs of injury and administers first aid to treat minor injuries, as well as emergency care to victims of fires, accidents, drowning, poisoning, drug overdose and other emergencies.
· Notifies dispatcher for additional medical help when needed.
· Maintains limited crowd and traffic control as needed.
· Operates fire apparatus to and from fire or emergency scene.
· Communicates with dispatcher and fire vehicles using two-way radio.
· Ensures a timely response to the emergency scene by taking the shortest route available using resources of maps or memory.
· Positions apparatus and connects hose lines to water supply source.
· Determines the number of required hose lines necessary for fire suppression.
· Operates pumper to supply adequate pressure to the nozzle.
· Calculates required water flow, friction loss, and discharge pressures necessary for fire suppression.
· Operates and controls portable, fixed, or large caliber water streams.
· Locates and extinguishes hidden fires and hot spots.
· Performs salvage operations necessary to protect property, using covers, tarps, or other materials.
· Carries or removes burning items to reduce fire and smoke damage.
· Picks up water after the fire is extinguished using an appropriate method.
· Constructs catch-all to trap and dispose of water.
· Removes debris and charred waste.
· Shores up or tears down weak and dangerous structural components.
· Recognizes, notes, and preserves evidence of arson.
· Observes spectators for suspicious behavior. Informs officer in charge of suspected arson. Questions witnesses to determine fire cause.
· Before leaving a scene, make sure all equipment is returned to apparatus.
· Draws preplanning maps and diagrams.
· Updates hydrant maps and vital building books.
· Inspects hydrants for defects and flushes periodically as needed.
· Conducts fire drills in schools and businesses.
· Upon request, inspects private residences or other buildings for fire hazards and compliance.
· Inspects smoke and heat detector devices in public and private properties.
· Studies and maintains proficiency in the procedures for special emergencies.
· Reads and recognizes HAZMAT symbols to identify flammable or hazardous materials.
· Acts to contain hazardous material spill or control spread.
· Locates and operates shut-off valves for gas, electricity, oil, and water in buildings to reduce hazard.
· Removes containers of flammable or hazardous materials at the fire scene under direction of a superior officer.
· Reads and studies assigned materials including firefighting training materials, technical firefighting manuals, and basic laws and regulations or updates related to performance of work.
· Learns and maintains proficiency in firefighting operations including adverse conditions, firefighting formulas, safety procedures, and structural components of buildings.
· Practices with apparatus and equipment under supervision to increase and maintain proficiency.
· Studies direct routes, structures of commercial and industrial buildings, location of streets, water mains, and hydrants in the response area.
· Monitors and gathers information of conditions affecting station zone of response.
· Cleans, dries, tests, inspects, and properly secures any assigned firefighting equipment such as fire apparatus, communications equipment, hoses, hand tools, portable breathing apparatus, turn-out equipment, ladders, or related equipment.
· Performs periodic tests of apparatus pumping capacity and pressure.
· Inspects tools for damage or to determine if any tools are missing and makes report.
· Completes minor repairs to equipment and tools.
· Maintains inventory of tools and equipment on apparatus using checklist or knowledge of equipment.
· Performs tasks necessary for the proper maintenance and function of the station and grounds such as cleaning floors and windows, emptying trash cans, cutting grass, cleaning kitchen area, and performing other minor maintenance duties.
· Provides for the security of the station by locking station doors and securing valuable items.
· Inspects fire station and notifies officer in charge of needed repairs.
· Performs public relations duties such as calming excited citizens at emergency scenes, receiving, and responding to questions and complaints from the public, and providing information to the public concerning the work of the fire department.
· Receives telephone calls and provides necessary information or directions.
· Refers calls to appropriate personnel or agency.
· Assists visitors at the station.
· Conducts fire station tours and explains fire equipment and firefighting techniques to visiting public.
· Works with local youth groups and other community groups, delivering lectures or demonstrations on fire prevention principles, including fire hazards and appropriate safeguards.
· Completes any forms, records, or reports as required.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Pay: $12.00 - $16.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
- What firefighting certifications do you have?
Experience:
- Firefighting: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
