Job Summary
Firefighter-Recruit is a trainee class used to prepare incumbents for performing fire safety work involving the protection of life and property through controlling and extinguishing fires, providing emergency medical services, rescue services, and participating in fire prevention activities. A Firefighter-Recruit must demonstrate the ability to use fire suppression and emergency medical service skills in accordance with Port Wentworth Fire Department standards, as well as engage in fire code enforcement, public education, and station/equipment maintenance prior to academy graduation.
Major Duties
Under the supervision of Fire Chief, Fire Captain, and Training Officer respond to emergency calls involving medical emergencies, fires, natural disasters, and hazardous materials incidents.
Participates in the department's fire prevention operations.
Operates heavy firefighting and mechanical equipment on an assigned watch; lays out lines; operates pump to provide correct suppressant flows; operates generators, aerial ladders, elevated platforms, and related mechanical equipment.
Performs search and rescue, extrication, evacuation, suppression, ventilation, salvage, overhaul, and other operations as needed.
Responds to non-emergency call to assist the public.
Inspects, tests, and cleans assigned vehicles and equipment; reports any hazards or maintenance issues to station Officer.
Adheres to and enforces City and Department rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Participates in the cleaning and maintenance of quarters and station facilities.
Participates in live fire drills and training classes as required.
Knowledge/Abilities Required by the Position
(Knowledge and skills are obtained through the successful completion of the Port Wentworth Firefighter-Recruit Training Academy.)
Knowledge of current principles, practices and techniques used in fire and emergency medical operations.
Knowledge of Uniform Fire Code and the procedures involved in inspections.
Emergency medical methods and procedures.
Knowledge of all the fire suppression and equipment and its placement on vehicles.
Skill in understanding and following oral and written instructions.
Skill in communicating and interacting effectively with co-workers, other city employees and the general Public.
Ability to learn a variety of methods and tasks in firefighting, fire prevention, and related activities.
Ability to learn to operate heavy motorized firefighting equipment.
Ability to function effectively in emergency situations.
Ability to engage in moderate to strenuous physical activity and work long hours under emotional stress during emergency situations.
Ability to participate in EMS and fire drills.
Ability to participate in physical fitness programs and comply with department medical and fitness requirements.
Ability to learn city streets and geographical area.
Supervisory Controls
The Fire Chief, Fire Captain and Training Officer assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.
Guidelines
Guidelines include department standard operating procedures, city ordinances, NFPA recommended standards, and Local, State and Federal laws. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.
Complexity/Scope of Work
The work consists of related emergency response, fire suppression and fire prevention duties. The variety of tasks to be performed contributes to the complexity of the position.
The purpose of this position is to participate in the work of a fire company in the response to emergency and non-emergency calls for service. Success in this position contributes to safety of life and property.
Contacts
Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, representatives of other fire departments, law enforcement personnel, and members of the general public.
Contacts are typically to provide services, to give or exchange information, to resolve problems, or to motivate or influence persons.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, bending, crouching, or walking. The employee frequently lifts heavy objects and uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.
The work is typically performed in an office and at emergency and fire scenes. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.
Minimum Qualifications
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Must be at least 18 years of age
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Knowledge and level of competency are commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
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Pass an extensive background check, a physical which includes a drug test, psychological test, including a polygraph voice test and a physical abilities test.
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Ability to obtain a class F Georgia driver's license.
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Ability to meet current requirements set forth by the National Fire Protection Association and the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Act.
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Firefighter-Recruits who are accepted in training at Port Wentworth Fire Department are expected to maintain a professional and courteous demeanor. Failure to abide by the policies may result in disciplinary action including the Recruits dismissal from employment.
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Firefighter-Recruit may miss scheduled class activities only in the event of illness, emergencies, or business-related reasons. The Fire Chief, Fire Captain, and Training Officer should be notified of planned absences. The course requires 90% attendance while some basic portions require 95%. Failure to maintain these can result in your immediate dismissal.
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The decision to allow a Recruit to continue in the course, make up missed training, or be terminated as a result of missing too much course training results solely with the Fire Chief, with input from the Fire Captain and Training Officer of the department. All Decisions are final.
