General Statement of Duties

Responsible for fire suppression and incident response activities, including operating fire apparatuses and participating in firefighting.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class participates in the operations of fire suppression and incident response personnel and operations at the fire station.   The employee participates in incident response, including emergency medical service, operation of fire apparatus, firefighting, technical rescue, hazardous materials response/mitigation, and equipment and facilities maintenance.  The employee also participates in incident response and fire suppression training.  Work requires the employee to stay abreast of state-of-the-art fire suppression and rescue procedures, techniques, and equipment and to incorporate the necessary changes into in-service training.  The ability to make effective decisions under pressure is required in all aspects of work, particularly in operating apparatus during the fire response.  The employee is subject to the hazards associated with incidence response work, including working in inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold temperatures, loud noise, vibration, moving parts, high heat, chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, gases, poor ventilation, oils, wearing respirators, and working in close quarters.  The employee is also subject to the final OSHA standards on blood-borne pathogens.  Work is performed under regular supervision and is evaluated through observation, conferences, and written reports concerning the quality and effectiveness of work completed.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Tasks

Responds to alarms and participates in incident response, including firefighting operations and the operation of fire apparatus and other equipment as required; responds and participates in remediation activities of chemical spills, hazardous materials, and other related incidents; responds to emergency medical incidents and provides EMT first responder services; responds and provides technical rescue services.

Drives aerial or pumper apparatus to the incident scene; appropriately places apparatus to establish water supply or other needs; ensures proper operation and pressure of hoses; issues equipment and monitors radio traffic for necessary response; returns fire apparatus and related equipment to service after incident response.

Inspects station and equipment for proper appearance and condition.

Performs maintenance and cleaning of fire apparatus, equipment, station building, hydrants, hose lines, and related facilities, equipment, and supplies.

Assists with preparing fire reports; participates in special projects as required.

Participates in in-service training programs.

Participates in fire prevention and public education programming, inspections, and pre-incident surveys.

Participates in mechanical maintenance and repair of apparatus and other equipment.

May perform special assignments or projects requiring the leadership or coordination of others, such as SCBA maintenance and repair, radio equipment maintenance and repair, building maintenance, hydrant maintenance, hose line testing, etc.

Additional Job Duties

Performs related duties as required.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of firefighting techniques, procedures, and principles.

Considerable knowledge of the use and operation of emergency equipment and apparatus used by the Town.

Considerable knowledge of incident response, including response to hazardous materials spills, technical rescue, and emergency medical service calls.

Considerable knowledge of departmental rules and regulations.

Some knowledge of the application of information technology to the work.

Some knowledge of fire prevention and education programming, pre-incident planning, and fire prevention inspections.

Thorough knowledge of Town streets and layout.

Skill in collaborative conflict resolution, teamwork, and customer service excellence.

Skill in the driving and operation of fire apparatus.

Ability to operate all department equipment and apparatus.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, volunteers, officials, and members of the public.

Ability to present public education programming to all ages.

Ability to make sound judgments in emergency situations.

Ability to prepare and maintain records of work activities.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to physically perform the basic life functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing.

Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Must possess visual acuity to size up the color, volume, and extent of fire involvement at fire scenes, operate heavy fire apparatus in emergencies, and prepare records and reports.

Desirable Education and Experience

Completing courses and seminars in fire service and having considerable experience in a fire service or an equivalent combination of experience and education supplement high school graduation.

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid class B North Carolina driver’s license.

Possession of NFPA Firefighter II and Driver/Operator/Pumps certification.

Possession of Emergency Vehicle Driver certification.

Possession of EMT certification.

Possession of Haz-Mat operations level certification.