Firefighter

Primary Purpose:

Under general supervision, protects life and property, drives and operates apparatus in response to an emergency incident; performs fire suppression and related work as required.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Clear and valid Texas driver's license, Class B obtained within 6 mos. of hire

High School diploma, G.E.D.

U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization 

At least 18 years of age but not over 35 years of age at time of hire

Texas Basic Firefighter License or currently attending a Texas Fire Academy 

Must obtain EMT Basic License within first year of hire

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously

Ability to understand and follow detailed written or verbal instructions

Perform duties acceptably after long hours (over 24) without sleep during emergency situations

Ability to communicate effectively with others

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Ability to correctly prioritize workload

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality

Experience:

None

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Personal Conduct:

• Arrive at work on time; work in assigned area; 
• Behave in manner conducive to high morals; express enthusiasm for work assignments, environment, personnel, and management; 
• Attend training seminars when scheduled to be in attendance; 
• Assist other divisions within the Department as may be needed; 
• Make ethical decisions that conform to applicable laws Departmental Policy, regulations, etc., without supervision when appropriate;
• Work well with the public and co-workers daily, communicating effectively, maintaining alertness, composure, helpful attitude and professionalism in all circumstances, including stress, verbal abuse, criticism and/or other adverse conditions; 
• Follow a chain of command and instruction, receptive to supervision.

Firefighter Duties (condensed):

• Respond to fire, medical, rescue alarms and other emergency calls; 
• Responsible for the operations of assigned apparatus including pump and/or ladder operations; 
• Perform fire suppression functions including rescue, deploying and operating hoses, ventilating roofs, performing salvage work after fires, and other related tasks associated with fire suppression; 
• Inspects, cleans, and maintains apparatus equipment, quarters, and grounds; 
• Studies technical materials on equipment operations, fire suppression, and fire prevention to improve or maintain an effective level of performance; 
• Performs related duties such as physical training each shift and studying maps to learn the assigned district as necessary; 
• Communicate effectively via radio, telephone and in person, with citizens, co-workers, supervisor, and instructors, including persons of diverse backgrounds, without bias or prejudice; 
• Display self-confidence and authoritative manner, with conduct reflecting favorably on the Department; 
• Must not pose a threat to the health and safety of self or others;
• Participates in and occasionally conducts fire training classes and drills;
• Participates in fire prevention & life safety educational programs;
• Be acquainted with the physical conditions, street names, block numbers, locations of fire hydrants, and other matters affecting response to emergency incidents.
• Maintain physical endurance and agility

Supervisory Duties:

N/A

Full-time employees receive: 

• Paid medical, dental & life insurance for employee;
• Low-cost vision plan; 
• Retirement plan: Member contribution rate 5% matching ratio (City to Member) 2 : 1, years required for vesting 5, retirement eligibility (Age/Service) 60/5, 0/20
• Employee assistance program; 
• 12 paid holidays per year; 
• Vacation (80 hrs of vacation a year for less than 5 yrs of service, 120 hrs of vacation a year for 5 yrs + of service;
• 80 hours of sick leave a year; 
• 2 personal days a year

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Handheld radio, cellphone, assigned PPE, fire truck and emergency vehicles, first aid equipment, hoses, ladders

Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent bending/stooping, kneeling, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking, occasional running, jumping, sprinting, frequent climbing 

Lifting: Frequent lifting and carrying (less than 60 pounds), less frequent lifting /dragging up 100 lbs.

Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours, any day of the week for multiple days consecutively, risk of electric shock, risk of inhalation of toxic gasses or fumes, frequent wet and humid conditions, extreme temperatures, loud noises, precarious heights, vibrations, exposure to fast moving mechanical parts and vehicles

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional stability under pressure; work with frequent interruption; may be subject to adverse confrontations and other negative conditions, work around mentally disturbed, inebriated/ under the influence, hostile, and violent individuals, make rapid, competent judgment call in negative situations.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. Duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.