SUMMARY:  Performs responsible protective service work in fire suppression, emergency medical services and hazardous materials; does related work as required.  Work is often performed under emergency and non-emergency conditions and frequently involves considerable personal hazards.  Work is performed under regular supervision of a Lieutenant.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and maintain a satisfactory performance.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Other duties may also be assigned.

·       Responds to emergency incidents;

·       Drives and operates emergency apparatus as approved and assists in the suppression of fires, conducts rescue, hazardous materials response, entry, ventilation, salvage, and overhaul work and administers EMS care to patients, as prescribed by protocol;

·       Assists in maintaining and cleaning fire and rescue apparatus and equipment along with cleaning the fire and rescue stations and grounds as prescribed;

·       Assists with fire prevention inspections within fire districts as directed;

·       Participates in continuing training programs by individual study of technical material and attendance at scheduled drills and classes;

·       Assist with public safety programs and tours of fire and rescue stations and grounds as required;

·       Communicates and coordinates with volunteer members and volunteer officers;

·       Performs special projects as assigned;

·       Contributes to a positive work environment

NOTE:  This classification specification is not intended to be all-inclusive.  An employee will also perform other reasonably-related job responsibilities as assigned and required by management.  City of Winchester reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises.  Moreover, management reserves the right to change job descriptions, job duties or working schedules based on their duty to accommodate individuals with disabilities.  This classification specification does not constitute a written contract of employment. 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education and/or Experience: Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) is required.  Must be 18 years of age.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:  Possession of a valid and appropriate driver’s license.  Possess, obtain, and maintains valid and appropriate certificates for the following: Firefighter Level I, Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (Level II), Mayday Firefighter Down and Hazardous Material Operations.  Certificates must be available and recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia.  In addition: Emergency Medical Technician as recognized by the VA Office of Emergency Medical Services.  Requirements specified in the NIMS compliance manual.  Participate in and maintain good physical condition as prescribed in the Department’s Physical Conditioning and Wellness Program.

Language Skills: Ability to read and comprehend. Ability to write using proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Ability to speak and communicate effectively using correct English. 

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Some knowledge of elementary physics, physiology, chemistry, and mechanics.  Ability to learn technical firefighting, hazardous materials, rescue principles and techniques, and principles of hydraulics applied to fire suppression.  Ability to perform emergency medical services as required.  Ability to stay alert for potential problems.  Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.  Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with fellow employees, volunteers and public.  Ability to keep records and prepare reports.  Ability to utilize data processing equipment for the preparation of reports.  Mechanical aptitude.  Safe driving skills.  Reading and studying skills.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Employee is to be a non-tobacco user.

Required Physical Activities: Requires considerable physical effort working continuously with average and frequently heavy weight or frequent requirements for long periods of, but not limited to climbing, balancing, flexing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, walking, running, jumping, crawling, lifting, pushing and hoisting.

Vision Requirements: Minimum requirements set by the Division of Motor Vehicles. 

Environmental Conditions: Work is performed inside and outside, in all weather conditions.  Additionally, work is performed during emergency conditions and in environments with immediate danger to life and health, requiring the utilization of various personal protective devices.

EQUIPMENT ESSENTIAL TO DO THE JOB: Fire and Rescue Apparatus (Pumpers, Aerial Devices, Specialized Apparatus, and EMS Transport Units) Ladders, Fire Hoses, Nozzles, Defibrillators, SCBA, PPE, Compressors, Power Equipment, Data Processing, and other various office equipment.