Firefighter

Under general supervision of the Engineer or higher ranking Fire personnel, the incumbent that serves in the Fire Fighter classification, performing a full range of technical, firefighting, and emergency medical services work. The incumbent performs duties to prevent, combat and extinguish fires, protect lives and properties, maintain firefighting equipment, respond to other emergencies, keep equipment and personnel in a state of readiness for such emergencies. He or She is expected to exercise good judgment, independence, initiative, and professional expertise in conducting day-to-day operations. All work duties and activities must be performed in accordance with Charleston County Government's safety rules and operating regulations, policies and procedures as well as federal, state, and local regulations. An individual in this classification must also have the ability to work effectively as part of a unit during emergencies; represent the Department professionally at public service/education events; interact cooperatively with other County and allied agency personnel.

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $45,495 to $49,953 (Estimated Annual Salary)

OPEN UNTIL FILLED – APPLICATION REVIEW BEGINS IMMEDIATELY

Duties and Responsibilities:

Performs all of the duties of a Firefighter/EMR/EMT and participates in all phases of fire company operations as assigned; Responds to fire, emergency medical, and other emergency services calls as needed. Controls and extinguishes fires by selection of appropriate diameter hoses and nozzles, advancing these appliances to the seat of the blaze, and directing extinguishing agents thereto; Removes people from dangerous or hazardous situations through an approved means, administering basic life support functions, and performing key fire suppression responsibilities; While wearing a personal protective ensemble (PPE), including SCBA, performs aggressive search and rescue operations in heated and smoke-filled environments, usually with minimal to no visibility; Participates in After Action Reviews for the benefit of the affected company members and the entire organization; Utilizes various forms of firefighting equipment in fire suppression and/or rescue operations. Examples include the use of halyards on extension ladders to reach windows, balconies, and roofs of fire structures and heavy hydraulic actuated tools and hand tools in vehicle extrication; Removes victims of hazardous environments from structures, sometimes requiring climbing and use of ladders; Reduces fire loss by the removal of personal property and by overhaul and complete extinguishment of all flaming materials; Performs minor preventative maintenance and vehicle inventory in accordance with Department policies and procedures, including maintenance of accurate, up-to-date records and logs and the writing of reports; Informs appropriate personnel of apparatus/equipment status and/or maintenance issues; Performs fire hazard inspections and pre-incident surveys of residential, commercial and industrial structures. Further assists with public education efforts as needed to include giving station tours and representing the District in meetings with the public; Provides emergency medical care including, but not limited to, all aspects of pre-hospital basic life support; Rescues trapped civilians or fellow firefighters by breaching wood or masonry through the use of sledgehammers, fire axes or other appropriate methods. In certain situations, crawls through reduced diameter openings and works within confined spaces to complete emergency searches or to free victims or other firefighters from a spreading fire; Drags or carries victims (or other firefighters) within a hazardous atmosphere to safety in the most efficient and expedient manner; Searches concealed spaces in ceilings and walls by penetrating, both with pike poles and other tools. Performs salvage and clean-up operations during emergency and nonemergency situations; Cleans, performs basic repairs, and maintains equipment and apparatus in the field and at an assigned station. Performs and assists with maintenance of fire station and surrounding grounds; Participates in training exercises as required; Attends continuing training to maintain certifications, to learn new techniques and protocols, and to become proficient in new equipment, tools, and apparatus. Studies fire prevention, fire protection, firefighting, emergency medical and rescue techniques, and other subjects that may be required or deemed necessary; Maintains a current level of knowledge at all times related to the provision of basic emergency medical care; Learns how to operate and drive apparatus in routine and emergency situations and how to properly care for equipment, tools, and vehicles; Communicates with the established command structure via two-way radio, voice, hand signals, or other verbal or visual cues; Performs community service and public education activities as necessary; Acts as a courteous and professional Department liaison to the public when answering questions, performing demonstrations, or hosting station visits; Participates in daily physical training. Follows orders and directives from supervisors and performs other firefighting and appropriate duties as assigned.

Benefits:

Charleston County offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including but not limited to: Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance; Optional Life and Disability Insurance; Optional Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts; Annual and Sick Leave; Fourteen (14) recognized Holidays; South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) State Retirement Plan; Police Officers Retirement System (PORS - as applicable); Optional Deferred Compensation Program; Longevity and Merit Pay Increases; Leadership, Professional and Skill Development Training; Employee Assistance Program; Employee Well-being Program

Requirements: Technical and firefighting knowledge, emergency medical services certification, good judgment and professional expertise

Salary: $45,495.00 - $49,953.00 Annually