Job Title: Engineer   

Date: September 2026                                                                           

District: Middleton Rural Fire District / Star Fire Protection District            

Reports To:      Fire Captain                            

Job Summary:

Operates all fire apparatus and equipment.  Responds to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials and other emergency and non-emergency situations and takes appropriate action.  Performs various staff support assignments in addition to normal emergency response activities. This is an advanced level in fire suppression, where the individual is fully qualified to operate any apparatus, vehicles, and equipment in addition to performing all normal fire, medical, hazardous material, and other emergency response duties.  May be assigned to drive and operate an engine, or other apparatus.  This class will be called upon to provide fire ground supervision, in cases where the crew must be split into functional units or assigned with another crew when the Fire Captain must fulfill a command role or function. The Engineer must be able to act as Fire Captain in the absence of such position (Step – Up Fire Captain). This position is included in the collective bargaining agreement.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

•       Drives fire apparatus to the scene of an emergency, positions apparatus and places it in operation as directed by Fire Captain, standard operating guidelines or, incident command staff;

•       Operates engines and associated fire pumps.  Calculates and monitors hydraulic conditions to develop required fire flows.

•       Establishes appropriate water supplies as needed from static and pressurized sources. Keeps Fire Captain or incident commander updated on water supply status as needed.

•       Troubleshoots apparatus and equipment problems that occur while on an incident, and that are needed to continue operations.

•       Operates various auxiliary equipment such as lighting, power generators, hydraulic pumps, etc.

•       Works closely with other emergency medical staff, public safety and fire personnel from other agencies, depending upon the response situation;

•       Cleans, services and ensures operational readiness of vehicles, apparatus, hoses and equipment; troubleshoots equipment as required; Coordinates maintenance and repairs with MSFD Maintenance Division:

•       Participates in specialized emergency operations such as hazardous materials containment and spill minimization, traffic accidents and technical rescues;

•       Participates in clean-up, salvage and overhaul operations;

•       Uses appropriate firefighting and chemical safety apparel and equipment, including Quturn-out gear, helmets, hoods and self-contained breathing apparatus; follows appropriate safety procedures;

•       Assists with the maintenance of station and facilities; works with the community in a variety of educational, public relations and service programs;

•       Performs all the normal duties of a Firefighter/EMT.

•       May assist with fire investigation, inspection and code enforcement duties;

•       Communicate with others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations;

•       Provides mentorship to subordinates;

•       Steps- up into the role of Shift Captain after finishing the task book titled Step-Up Shift Captain or having NFPA Fire Officer 1 certification and all other courses outlined in the Treasure Valley Officer Development Program.

•       Understand and familiar with the Shift Captain job description.

Other Duties & Responsibilities:

Performs related work as assigned

Knowledge of (in no particular order):

•       Principles, practices, techniques and apparatus required for fire suppression, rescue and salvage;

•       Principles and techniques of fire apparatus hydraulics and operation;

•       Principles and practices of providing emergency medical care at their licensed level.

•       Properties of hazardous materials and appropriate containment and clean-up techniques;

•       Maintenance practices and methods for a variety of fire apparatus and equipment;

•       Local, state and federal laws, codes, ordinances and regulations required for work performance;

•       Safety practices and precautions pertaining to the work;

•       Geographical layout of the Middleton and Star Fire Districts, including normal first-due mutual aid areas of responsibility. Driver operations, fire inspection, fire investigation, hazardous materials awareness, hazardous material operations, technical rescue, safety, fire suppression techniques, building construction, incident command, rapid intervention, wildland fire suppression;

•       Requirements for continued EMS licensure at their current level.

•       Techniques for dealing effectively with people from various socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds in difficult or emergency situations;

•       Basic operational and maintenance practices and methods for a variety of fire apparatus and equipment;

•       Basic computer applications related to the work, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint), ESO, Target Solutions, CrewSense Staffing, MDT functions, and Inform Browser;

Qualifications

Ability to:

•       Drive and operate varied fire apparatus in a safe and effective manner;

•       Maintain and adjust such apparatus to ensure appropriate operation;

•       Remain calm, make sound decisions, and respond appropriately in emergency situations;

•       Deal with hazardous materials situations safely and effectively;

•       Render emergency medical care at their licensed level;

•       Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports and other written materials;

•       Deal effectively with varied individuals in a non-confrontational, difficult and/or emergency situations;

•       Must display an attitude of cooperation and the ability to work well with others;

•       Show respect to fellow employees and customers;

•       Step – Up to Fire Captain in their absence as needed.

Soft Skills:

•       Full understanding of Fire District’s Vision, Core Values & Communication Behavior Agreement

•       Must have proven skill in organizational/time management, decision making, and problem solving; Must have the ability to be adaptable/flexible, have a positive attitude, proactively engage with customers, employees and co-workers and identify enhancement opportunities;

•       Ability to collaborate and effectively communicate and engage with others, ability to effectively resolve conflict, effectively deal with both internal and external customers and work effectively within a team environment;

Tools and Equipment Used:

•       Standard office equipment, including a computer, in the course of work;

•       Use of all tools and equipment that pertains to firefighting, medical and rescue situations.

• Valid IdahoClass D Driver’s License
•  High School Diploma or GED Equivalency
• Idaho Emergency Medical Technician(EMT Certifiction  
• Any combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work
• State or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification. (within 90 days of hire)
• IFSAC or Pro Board Firefighter II certification (or equivalent)
• IFSAC or Pro Board Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator (Pumper) certification or NFPA 1002 equivalent.
• Current CPR/Healthcare Provider certification.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

•       The employee in this class is frequently subject to inside and outside environment conditions;

•       Constantly requires riding in or driving motor vehicles;

•       Constantly requires clear vision to read printed materials and hearing speech to communicate in person, over the telephone, over a M.D.T. or through a two-way radio system;

•       Constantly requires strength and stamina to respond to emergency situations;

•       Constantly requires mobility and physical reflexes, which permit the employee to function in an office environment and emergency situations to accomplish tasks;

•       Work shifts as specified by the fire District.;

•       Being awakened in the night time to respond to emergency situations;

Travel Requirements:

•       Travels by car to classes and seminars, sometimes driving fire department vehicles

Disclaimer:

Incumbent must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation efficiently and accurately without causing a significant safety threat to self or others. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skill required of all personnel so classified. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

To comply with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), the Districts may make reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential job functions.

 Minimum Qualifications for Lateral Fire Apparatus Engineer

Applicants must meet one of the following two qualifying experience pathways, alongside all mandatory licensing, certifications, and operational capabilities:

• Pathway 1 (Experienced Engineer): Minimum of one (1) year of full-time, paid experience as a Fire Apparatus Engineer (or equivalent rank), including possession of all required apparatus driver/operator licensing and certifications.

• Pathway 2 (Experienced Firefighter with Apparatus Experience): Minimum of two (2) years of full-time, paid experience as a Firefighter, complete with all required licensing, certifications, and verified operational experience and abilities related to driving and operating fire apparatus.

Required Licensing and Certifications

• Valid state driver's license with appropriate commercial or emergency vehicle endorsements as required by state law.

• State or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification. (within 90 days of hire)

• IFSAC or Pro Board Firefighter II certification or equivalent.

• IFSAC or Pro Board Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator (Pumper) certification or NFPA 1002 equivalent.

• Current CPR/Healthcare Provider certification.

Required Core Competencies

• Thorough knowledge of hydraulic calculations, fire pump operations, and water supply systems.

• Proficiency in safe emergency vehicle operations (EVO) under varying traffic and weather conditions.

• Demonstrated ability to perform routine daily apparatus checks, preventative maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of mechanical systems.

Written Examination

Applicants must pass the written examination based on the IFSTA Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook 3^rd Edition.  Applicant must pass written examination in order to proceed to the next phase of the process.

Practical Assessment Center 

The assessment center is intended to test the candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities as they relate to the Engineer’s responsibility for driving and operation of all fire apparatus including Aerial Apparatus.  Applicant must pass practical assessment in order to proceed to the next phase of the process. Critical fails will be considered grounds for an immediate failure and the applicants test will be stopped.