Job Title: Firefighter and Firefighter/Paramedic
Department: Fire
Reports to: Fire Lieutenant
Direct Reports: None
Employment Status: Full-Time/Non-Exempt
Grade: F10
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The purpose of this position is to prepare for and respond to fire, rescue, EMS, and disaster calls to protect life and property.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
1. Responds to emergency calls involving fire scenes, emergency medical incidents, hazardous materials incidents, man-made and natural disasters, technical rescue operations, and other emergency situations.
2. Provides or assists with emergency medical care as a first responder, EMT or paramedic, as licensed/certified.
3. Assists in fire suppression activities including fire combat, containment, and extinguishment of fires; evacuates individuals; lays and connects water hoses; holds nozzles and water streams operates pumps; carries, raises, and climbs ladders; uses forcible entry; takes necessary safety precautions.
4. Performs search and rescue operations including vehicle extrication, swift water rescue, and high-angle rescue.
5. Monitors and communicates effectively and coherently over radio channels; receives and shares information with dispatchers, medical professionals, and other department employees.
6. Follows safety procedures and utilizes proper safety equipment; continually monitors work environment to ensure safety of self and others.
7. Attends meetings, seminars, and training sessions to learn and practice firefighting and ems techniques and best practices to improve job knowledge and performance.
8. Inspects fire apparatus, gear, and equipment each shift and reports any deficiencies to the officer in charge; performs routine maintenance/repairs on apparatus and equipment as needed.
9. Participates in health-related fitness programs in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.
10. Maintains fire hydrants throughout the City: tests, paints, and weeds around hydrants.
11. Prepares pre-incident plans of businesses within the City to acquire structural layouts and current contact information.
12. Performs general housekeeping, cleaning, grounds maintenance and other station related duties.
13. Provides a variety of community outreach activities related to fire prevention and safety.
14. Composes, prepares, or enters information into forms, logs, reports, and other types of documentation electronically and on paper.
15. Communicates with the public concerning problems, complaints, or emergency situations related to department activities.
16. Communicates with supervisor, co-workers, other departments, city officials, citizens, local/state/federal agencies, vendors/suppliers, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
17. May assume duties of Apparatus Operator as needed.
Essential Job Duties are intended to be examples of duties and are not intended to be all inclusive. There will be other duties as assigned. All incumbents may not perform all job duties listed, and some incumbents may perform duties which are not listed.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
• Knowledge of firefighting practices and techniques
• Knowledge of emergency medical techniques and protocols
• Knowledge of department and city policies and procedures, and relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations
• Knowledge of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and International Fire code
• Knowledge of the layout of the City and streets
• Knowledge of computers and other job-related software programs
• Skill in the use and care of fire apparatus and equipment
• Skill in administering first aid and medical treatment
• Skill in operating radios and communication equipment
• Skill in verbal and written communication
• Ability to work on a team
• Ability to stay calm and maintain composure in times of crises
• Ability to think critically and solve problems
• Ability to exercise sound judgment within the scope of responsibility
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and the public
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Must be able to meet regular attendance requirements and work a rotating 24-hour shift including weekends and holidays
• Must be able to be on-call and respond to emergency situations
• Must be able to perform strenuous physical work for prolonged periods of time under conditions of extreme heights, intense heat, cold, or smoke.
• Must be able to use a self-contained breathing apparatus
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum age 18. High school diploma or GED required. Must meet all minimum requirements set forth by the Alabama Fire College including physical testing and requirements to become a firefighter and medical first responder. Must complete and maintain Firefighter I/II certification requirements. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Alabama driver license. A paramedic license is strongly preferred. May be required to complete EMT I, II, or III certification. May be required to be certified in technical rescue specialties.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical activities required for this position involve: Sitting, standing, walking, reaching, stooping, crouching, kneeling, climbing, smelling, talking and hearing.
This position requires lifting: Up to and over 100 pounds frequently.
This position has the following special vision requirements: Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must meet NFPA minimum vision requirements.
ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
The following environmental conditions and hazards may be encountered while working in this position: Extreme heat and cold, outdoor weather conditions, loud noise, vibration, electrical hazards, confined spaces, hazardous fumes, toxic chemicals, and infectious diseases. This position is required to frequently work alongside moving machinery/equipment and alongside moving traffic on roads.