Volunteer Firefighter

A volunteer in this class is responsible for general firefighting, rescue, and driving vehicles to the fire scene. Work also includes preparing the fire vehicle, lines and equipment for use by other firefighters. Work is often performed under stressful emergency conditions and frequently involves personal hazards. Work standards and procedures are generally established and understood; however considerable independence and judgment is required during fire calls and emergency calls. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Lieutenant, Fire Captains, and Chiefs through observation and reports.

Examples of Duties:
Receives and responds to fires and emergency calls
Participates in hazardous material response and prevention programs
Responds to alarms and assists in the suppression of fire including rescue, entry, and ventilation and salvage work
Rides fire apparatus to fire scene; connects hoses to hydrants and uses hoses to apply water or chemicals to fire, forces entry into burning structures and searches for and rescues occupants.
Inspects, maintains, and makes minor repairs to apparatus and loads to ensure the presence, cleanliness, and serviceability of necessary firefighting and emergency equipment, tools and supplies
Performs testing and routine maintenance on vehicles, tests fire hydrants
Maintains, performs minor repairs and cleans assigned fire station quarters and grounds
Presents programs and classes in schools
Participates in training to assure proficiency in all firefighting techniques, trains for knowledge of all equipment and apparatus as well as their operations; conducts residential and business fire prevention inspections, inspects and prepares scale drawings and pre-plan firefighting strategies, maintains knowledge of sprinkled buildings and hydrants locations.
Participates in routine maintenance and servicing of equipment including checking and filling self-contained breathing apparatus, washing and waxing trucks, checking fuel and oil levels, cleaning and drying hose and inspecting hose and hose connections for damage and wear, sweeps, mops, paints, and washing windows of fire station.
Checks and flushes city fire hydrants for flow and pressure
Performs related work as needed
Volunteers are utilized on an on-call basis for fire and emergency calls
Volunteers can also ride along with career staff during normal shifts

Physical Requirements:
Work in this position is heavy manual work requiring exertion of in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Volunteer must have the visual acuity to be the operator of a truck and other equipment. Volunteer is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions, including extreme heat and extreme cold. Volunteer is subject to noise, vibration, and hazards and physical conditions such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, working in high places, exposure to high heat, chemicals, subject to oils and greases, and may be exposed to blood when providing emergency medical services. Volunteer is subject to atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system of the skin and is required to wear a respirator. Volunteer is frequently in close quarters and areas which could cause claustrophobia.

Work occurs in both inside and outside environmental conditions including extreme heat and cold. Volunteer is subject to noise which requires the worker to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level or other noises created in a vehicle maintenance facility. Volunteer is subject to vibration such as oscillating movements of the extremities whole body, work place hazards including operating mechanical equipment, and atmospheric conditions due to exposure to fumes, odors, dusts, hot metal exhausts, and greases and oils. Volunteer is required to wear a respirator when required. Volunteer may work in close quarters, crawl spaces, under or on top of large vehicles, and other areas which could cause claustrophobia or dizziness from heights.

Requirements: High school diploma or GED equivalency, at least 18 years of age, must pass physical, background check, and drug screening. Training in firefighting techniques, equipment operation, and safety procedures will be provided.

Salary: $0.00 Annually