Per-Diem Firefighter

Position Summary Fire and Emergency Medical Services are provided to the Town of Harpswell by three independent nonprofit volunteer fire departments in established geographic service areas. The Town of Harpswell supplements these fire and rescue services with municipal emergency services personnel by employing Full-time, Part Time and Per-Diem Firefighters that assist and support the town's volunteer fire departments in fire suppression, emergency medical, training, and community risk- reduction activities. This position requires a strong commitment to customer service, teamwork, professional conduct, operational readiness, and effective collaboration with volunteer personnel. Supervision and Command The Per-Diem Firefighter reports directly to the Harpswell Fire Administrator and, in the Fire Administrator's absence, to the Town Administrator or other designated supervisor. During emergency incidents, the Per-Diem Firefighter reports through the established incident command structure to the Fire Chief, Incident Commander, or designee in charge of the operation. Schedule and Hours The regular schedule for this position is 12 consecutive hours on duty, 6am to 6pm, at one of the fire station in town, subject to operational needs, approved leave, training requirements, emergency call-backs, shift coverage, and applicable town policies.  The employee must report for duty on time and remain available and fit for duty throughout the assigned 12-hour shift. Exceptions may occur with concurrence of the Fire Administrator.  The employee may be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, emergency call-backs, mandatory training, and additional shifts when necessary to maintain minimum staffing levels or respond to emergencies.  During each shift, the employee performs emergency response, station duties, training, inspections, public education, equipment checks, documentation, and other assigned work. Page 1 of 6 Town of Harpswell · Per-Diem Firefighter Essential Duties and Responsibilities  Responds to fires, medical emergencies, rescues, hazardous conditions, public-assistance calls, and other service calls, whether emergency or non-emergency in nature.  Performs structural and wildland firefighting, fire suppression, ventilation, forcible entry, salvage, overhaul, exposure protection, and related operations.  Provides emergency medical care at the level authorized by the employee's current Maine EMS license and applicable protocols.  Performs search and rescue, patient movement, vehicle extrication, water and marine support, and other rescue operations.  Uses all assigned apparatus, tools, communications equipment, and personal protective equipment safely and effectively, including self-contained breathing apparatus.  Drives and operates emergency vehicles and apparatus, including pump operations, in accordance with law, training, policy, and safe-operating practices.  Maintains apparatus, medical equipment, firefighting equipment, tools, protective equipment, and supplies in a clean, ready, and fully operational condition.  Performs or assists with apparatus and equipment inspections, testing, preventive maintenance, inventory, cleaning, and repairs.  Completes patient-care reports, incident reports, inspection records, maintenance records, training records, and other required documentation accurately and promptly.  Maintains all required certifications, licenses, endorsements, and competencies throughout employment unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Fire Administrator.  Participates in all assigned training and may develop, coordinate, or lead training for municipal and volunteer personnel as assigned.  Conducts or assists with public education, fire prevention, community outreach, station tours, and other public-engagement activities.  Assists with Fire Warden, inspections, permit investigations, and related enforcement or education activities as assigned and authorized.  Performs general housekeeping, cleaning, inspection, and routine maintenance of assigned stations, facilities, and grounds.  Works cooperatively with volunteer fire associations and supports their operational readiness, training, professionalism, and effective participation in the Town's emergency- service system. Page 2 of 6 Town of Harpswell · Per-Diem Firefighter  Works safely, identifies and reports unsafe conditions or activities, and follows all Town and departmental safety policies, operating guidelines, and reporting requirements.  Maintains the confidentiality of protected, privileged, and personal information, including information governed by HIPAA and Maine law.  Performs other duties and responsibilities assigned by the Fire Administrator, Town Administrator, Incident Commander, or authorized designee. Program and Support Assignments The Per-Diem Firefighter may assist with, one or more of the following areas, depending on qualifications and departmental needs:  Pre-incident planning and target-hazard documentation.  Fire, rescue, and emergency medical services training.  Rural water supply planning and operations.  Grant research, application, administration, and execution.  Marine logistics, training, equipment, and liaison activities.  Website, social media, and public-information support.  Fire prevention, code-related activities, inspections, and public education.  Apparatus, equipment, facilities, communications, scheduling, or other departmental programs. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities  Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, stressful, hazardous, and physically demanding environment.  Ability to work within a command structure and follow lawful orders, policies, procedures, protocols, and operational guidelines.  Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, orally and in writing, with patients, members of the public, coworkers, volunteers, partner agencies, and Town officials.  Ability to function as part of a team under routine and extreme conditions while maintaining situational awareness, discipline, and accountability.  Knowledge of emergency vehicle operation, pump operation, firefighting tools, medical equipment, radios, and related apparatus appropriate to the position. Page 3 of 6 Town of Harpswell · Per-Diem Firefighter  Understanding of disciplined radio communications, including the proper transmission of a Mayday emergency call.  Working knowledge of the policies and guidelines of the department and Town and familiarity with the operations of Harpswell's volunteer fire departments.  Awareness of hazardous materials and the ability to recognize when an incident requires personnel with higher levels of training or specialized resources.  Understanding of the Incident Command System and the roles, responsibilities, and limits of assigned positions.  Basic proficiency with email, electronic records, incident reporting systems, and other information technology used by the department.  Knowledge of Harpswell's geography, coastline, roads, waterways, and major islands, and the ability to use maps, navigation tools, and other resources when needed.  Basic proficiency in mathematics and science and knowledge of building construction as it relates to firefighter safety; knowledge of fire codes is helpful.  Ability to make sound, timely decisions within the scope of training, authority, protocols, and available information. Professional and Personal Characteristics  Commitment to positive, proactive, and respectful engagement with residents, visitors, patients, coworkers, volunteers, and community partners.  Strong commitment to internal and external customer service.  Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with volunteer firefighters and support their role, standing, and professionalism.  Disciplined work ethic, self-motivation, reliability, sound judgment, and an appropriate sense of humor.  Strong personal integrity, ethical conduct, accountability, and respect for confidentiality.  Commitment to continuous learning, self-improvement, organizational improvement, and maintaining job-related fitness.  Resilience, adaptability, initiative, and the ability to solve problems in changing conditions. Page 4 of 6 Town of Harpswell · Per-Diem Firefighter Essential Physical Abilities and Working Conditions The Per-Diem Firefighter must be able to perform the essential functions of the position in emergency and non-emergency settings. Duties may expose the employee to fire, smoke, hazardous materials, infectious disease, severe weather, marine environments, traffic, uneven terrain, confined spaces, heights, noise, emotional stress, and other hazards.  Communicate effectively, especially during emergency situations.  Possess sufficient manual dexterity, vision, hearing, observation, mobility, coordination, and reflexes to perform assigned duties and operate required equipment safely.  Perform prolonged firefighting and rescue tasks under extreme conditions while wearing protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus.  Walk, run, stoop, crouch, crawl, kneel, bend, twist, reach, pull, push, climb, balance, and work in confined or hazardous environments.  Operate radios, medical equipment, pneumatic tools, power tools, hand tools, firefighting equipment, emergency vehicles, and heavy apparatus, including vehicles over 26,000 pounds when properly authorized.  Lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and move heavier patients, equipment, hose, ladders, and other loads with assistance or mechanical devices as appropriate. Minimum Requirements  Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.  High school diploma or State-approved GED.  Valid and current State of Maine driver's license and the ability to meet Town driving requirements.  State of Maine Basic Fire School Certification. Hazardous Materials Operations certification.  Emergency Vehicle Operator Course certification and Basic Pump Operations.  NIMS/ICS 100, 200, and 700, consistent with current state or departmental requirements.  Ability to make competent decisions on an emergency scene within the individual's training, assignment, and authority.  Successful completion of a physical examination by a Town-authorized medical provider, using NFPA 1582 as a guideline. Page 5 of 6 Town of Harpswell · Per-Diem Firefighter  Successful completion of all required background, driving-record, reference, and other pre- employment checks.  A current Maine Emergency Medical Technician license must be maintained throughout employment. An applicant who does not hold a Maine EMT license at the time of hire must obtain the license within 24 months of the date of hire. Extensions may be granted by management for documented administrative delays or extenuating circumstances beyond the employee's control.  Must meet all Town-approved education, testing, and progress requirements during that period. Failure to obtain or maintain the required license may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination, subject to applicable law and Town policy. (See Repayment Agreement). Preferred Qualifications  Firefighter II certification.  Current Maine EMT license at the time of hire.  Previous career, per-diem, combination-department, or volunteer firefighting experience. General Statement This position description is intended to illustrate the general nature, types, and standards of work required for successful performance. It is not an exhaustive list of every duty, responsibility, qualification, or working condition associated with the position. Duties not specifically listed may be assigned when they are similar to, related to, or a logical extension of the position. The Town may revise this position description as operational or organizational needs change.