Entry-Level Firefighter

This is general duty firefighting work performing emergency and non-emergency tasks in the areas of fire suppression, hazardous materials, technical rescue, fire prevention, emergency or disaster preparedness, as well as responding to emergency medical calls and performing skilled Basic Life Support (BLS).

Under the supervision of a Company Officer, Firefighters are responsible for responding to various fire calls involving firefighting, fire prevention, and emergency medical assistance. The work also involves responding to and dealing with manmade and natural disasters that pose a threat to public safety. Incumbents often work in unpleasant, stressful, and hazardous conditions that require strenuous physical exertion for extended periods. Workplace hazards may include emergency driving situations, exposure to chemicals, bloodborne and airborne pathogens, smoke, fumes, gases, extreme heat, working on ladders, and working in fire-induced weakened structures.

Firefighters may also spend substantial amounts of time engaged in the routine inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of equipment, apparatus, and quarters and in supervised firefighting, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or other related training. The work is performed according to detailed oral and/or written instructions, and to specified policies, procedures, and practices learned on the job. Work methods and results are subject to continual inspection for accuracy and conformance to established departmental policies, procedures, and certification requirements. Field performance reviews may be required.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Perform skilled firefighting work.
Respond to the actual, possible, or potential occurrence of fire, explosion, uncontained contamination (e.g. hazardous or volatile materials, chemical spills, etc.), or other property and/or life-threatening emergency conditions; to suppress, control, remove, contain, or otherwise mitigate the hazardous situation or materials.
When required, lay fire hose; operate pumpers, hoses, hooks, fans, pumps, and auxiliary equipment such as saws, rope lines, portable extinguishers, breathing apparatus, and hose nozzles; raise and climb ladders; perform ventilation work in burning buildings; combat and extinguish fires.
Perform non-emergency, routine duties such as cleaning and servicing assigned apparatus to ensure constant readiness for emergency response; conduct inventories of associated tools, equipment, and accessories, etc.; submit written reports and inform superiors of actual or potential equipment deterioration, malfunction, or failure. Perform salvage tasks such as covering furnishings, removing debris, pumping, sweeping, and vacuuming water.
Perform rescue work such as surface water rescue, freeing victims from automobiles, burning buildings, and other hazardous situations; render emergency first-aid services within the scope of practice for an EMT.
Participate in continuous training, fire drills, and classes in firefighting, technical rescue, surface water rescue, disaster response, hydraulics, medical EMT training, hazardous materials, and fire equipment maintenance and operation.
Perform general maintenance work on fire suppression equipment and facilities; clean, polish, and perform minor repairs of apparatus and accessories; test equipment. Clean and wash walls, floors, and windows; wash, hang, and dry fire hose; check and replenish disposable supplies.
Safely operate and maintain firefighting equipment, including hoses, ladders, safety equipment, air-packs, hand and power tools, smoke ejectors, and other related ventilation equipment.
Perform non-emergency routine duties such as fire prevention inspections and review of geographic location reviews of businesses, schools, and buildings.
Operate radio communication equipment.
Maintain records of activities; prepare and submit accurate reports as designated or required.
Respond to emergency medical incidents to provide BLS, identify the extent of the illness or injury, and initiate and administer continuous medical treatment and emergency care at the scene and during transport and delivery, utilizing department Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and King County EMS Protocols.
Some in this classification may perform wildland fire suppression. Perform related work as assigned.

Requirements: EMT certification, Basic Life Support (BLS), fire suppression training

Salary: $84,798 to $121,911 Annually

Application Deadline: Continuous