REPORTS TO:                       Fire Captain

  FLSA:                                     Non-Exempt

PAY GRADE:                         304

WORK OBJECTIVE

This job is responsible for maintaining readiness for emergency call response; responding to fire, medical, and related emergency calls when dispatched and taking proper action; performing routine apparatus and facility maintenance and performing other tasks related to City and Fire Department activities. The employee works within the scope of established Fire Department rules, regulations and procedures; however, is expected to exercise considerable judgment and initiative, in emergency situations. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.

 §   Maintains readiness for emergency response calls. Responds to fire emergencies, emergency medical calls, hazardous material response, and other emergency calls. Assesses emergency situations upon arrival to determine appropriate response activities.

§   Rescues victims from fire, vehicles, drowning, accidents and other harmful conditions; performs duties in compliance with all lifesaving policies and procedures as they apply to the Emergency Medical Technician.

§   Administers first-aid to injured or afflicted persons; stabilizes patients for transport; performs Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR); administers spinal and cervical immobilization; verifies vital signs; evaluates patient status.

§   Stabilizes patients; follows State rules, regulations and service Medical Director's standards for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) level medical care.

§   Provides medical treatment, e.g., medication, fluid administration, intubation, electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring, defibrillation and external pacemaker.

§   At the direction of, or in the absence of, a higher-ranking officer, assume the responsibilities, activities and duties of a higher rank until relieved. Prepares and submits routine records and reports.

§   Performs salvage operations after emergency situation is controlled and/or suppressed.

§   Drives, operates and inspects Fire Department vehicles; operates, utilizes and maintains Fire Department equipment and gear; operates, tests and maintains pumps and hydrants.

§   Suppresses and extinguishes fires; performs duties in compliance with all proper fire equipment and extinguishing procedures; calculates proper fire hose pressures; monitors fire suppression and rescue equipment.

§   Inspects, tests, and/or maintains emergency, fire and ambulance equipment to ensure efficient operating condition and readiness. Cleans and maintains equipment after completion of emergency response operations. Performs minor equipment repairs as needed. Maintains fire station facilities and grounds. Inventories, orders and restocks supplies.

§   Performs and participates in physical training activities to maintain strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health.

§  Provides customer support by answering phones and inquiries. Prepares, maintains and reviews activity/incident reports and correspondence.

§   Participates in training sessions related to fire suppression and equipment techniques, emergency medical care, hazardous material containment, and other related topics. As assigned, provides fire/safety education to public and staff.

§   Performs custodial duties at the station; cleans and maintains Fire Station facilities and equipment; inspects fire equipment for necessary repairs.

§   Prepares and submits routine records and reports.

§   Participates in public education and community outreach programs.

§   Interacts professionally and respectfully with the public, coworkers and others in the course of daily work.

§   Regular and timely attendance are required for this position.

§   Must report to work for duty outside normally scheduled work hours in response to natural disasters, emergencies or critical incidents as determined by City Administration.

ADDITIONAL POSITION FUNCTIONS

Performs related duties as directed when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 §  Requires High School diploma or GED equivalent supplemented by one (1) year of experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

§   Must possess and maintain a valid State of Texas Driver’s License with appropriate class designation.

§   Requires Basic EMT Certification from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

§   Requires Firefighter Basic certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

§   The work of this classification entails the performance of heavy physical labor involving fire suppression and rescue activities which requires strength and agility. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee frequently is required to stand, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit and taste or smell. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to perform very heavy work that involves exerting more than 120 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis, loading and unloading, moving, lifting, fabricating and installing very large or very heavy equipment.

§   While performing the essential functions of this position, there will be routine and frequent exposure to:

 -       Bright/dim light

-        Dusts and pollen

-        Extreme heat and/or cold

-        Wet or humid conditions

-        Extreme noise levels

-        Animals/wildlife

-        Vibration

-        Fumes and/or noxious odors

-        Traffic

-        Moving machinery

-        Electrical shock

-        Heights

-        Radiation

-        Disease/pathogens

-        Toxic/caustic chemicals

-        Explosives

-        Violence

-        Other extreme hazards not listed above

§   Safety equipment such as fire boots, firefighting equipment, fire gloves and fire hoods are provided and must be worn as required by department procedures and good safety practices.