Recruitment

Firefighter Statement of Duties

Performs responsible fire suppression work in combating fires and maintaining fire vehicles and related equipment.

Distinguishing Features

An employee in this class is responsible for performing general fire suppression work at the scene of a fire. Work involves preparing equipment for responding to fire calls, fighting fires, fire salvage, and equipment and vehicle maintenance. Work may involve driving a fire engine to the fire scene and performing the duties of a Fire Engineer at the scene of a fire. Work is often performed under stressful emergency conditions and frequently involves personal hazards. Work standards and procedures are generally established and understood.

The employees are subject to call-back requirements and hazards associated with firefighting and emergency care including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as exposure to high heat, exposure to chemicals, and in the proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, and working in high places. Employees are also exposed to atmospheric conditions and subject to OSHA requirements on bloodborne pathogens, and may be required to work in close quarters. Work is reviewed through observation and discussions concerning the quality and effectiveness of fire and rescue efforts and through evaluation of the completion of training activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provides responses 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, ventilation and salvage work; connects hoses to hydrants; uses hoses to apply water or chemicals to fire; forces entry into burning structures; searches for and rescues occupants.
Performs routine maintenance and servicing of equipment including washing and waxing trucks, checking batteries, checking fuel and oil levels, cleaning and drying hoses, inspecting hose and hose connections for damage and wear.
Participates in continuing education training programs; serves in the absence of the Fire Engineer once trained.
Maintains equipment, performs minor repairs, and cleans assigned fire station quarters, apparatus room and grounds.
Reports facility maintenance, radio, vehicle and equipment problems to appropriate level of authority.
Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

General knowledge of the operation of firefighting equipment.
Working knowledge of modern firefighting principles, practices, and procedures.
Working knowledge of the geography of the Town.
Skill in the use of firefighting equipment.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
Ability to accept firefighting discipline and operational routine.
Ability to maintain vehicles, equipment and facilities.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public and to maintain excellent physical condition.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and perform repetitive motions.
Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly.
Must possess the visual acuity to operate trucks and other equipment, to observe the color, volume, and extent of fire involvement, and to prepare manual and computerized records.

Desirable Education and Experience

Completion of high school and supplemented by training in firefighting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid North Carolina class B driver's license.
Ability to obtain Firefighter I certification within one year.
Ability to obtain EMS Medical Responder certification within one year.

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