GENERAL SUMMARY

The Firefighter prevents the loss of life and property by performing highly skilled work in fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, technical rescue, fire and life safety public education, and fire prevention. Firefighters will work under direct supervision of a Fire Captain in the Fire Department and within standard operating procedures, but some leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES0

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

·       Performs fire-fighting tasks (e.g., hose line operations, extensive crawling, lifting and carrying heavy objects, ventilating roofs or walls using power or hand tools, forcible entry), rescue operations, and other emergency response actions under stressful conditions while wearing personal protective ensembles and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), including working in extremely hot or cold environments for prolonged time periods.

·       Wears a SCBA, which includes a demand valve– type positive-pressure face piece or HEPA filter masks, which requires the ability to tolerate increased respiratory workloads

·       Climbs six or more flights of stairs while wearing fire protective ensemble weighing at least 50 lb. (22.6 kg) or more and carries equipment/tools weighing an additional 20 to 40 lb. (9 to 18 kg).

·       Wears fire protective ensemble that is encapsulating and insulated, which will result in significant fluid loss that frequently progresses to clinical dehydration and can elevate core temperature to levels exceeding 102.2°F (39°C).

·       Searches, finds, and rescues-drags or carries victims ranging from newborns up to adults weighing over 200 lb. (90 kg) to safety despite hazardous conditions and low visibility.

·       Advances water-filled hose lines up to 21⁄2 in. (65 mm) in diameter from fire apparatus to occupancy [approximately 150 ft (50 m)], which can involve negotiating multiple flights of stairs, ladders, and other obstacles.

·       Climbs ladders, operates from heights, walks or crawls in the dark along narrow and uneven surfaces, and operates in proximity to electrical power lines and/or other hazards.

·       Operates fire apparatus or other vehicles in an emergency mode with emergency lights and sirens.

·       Critical, time-sensitive, complex problem solving during physical exertion in stressful, hazardous environments, including hot, dark, tightly enclosed spaces that is further aggravated by fatigue, flashing lights, sirens, and other distractions.

·       Ability to communicate (give and comprehend verbal orders) while wearing personal protective ensembles and SCBA under conditions of high background noise, poor visibility, and drenching from hose lines and/or fixed protection systems (sprinklers).

·       Functions as an integral component of a team, where sudden incapacitation of a member can result in mission failure or in risk of injury or death to civilians or other team members.

·       Assists in overhauling, salvage and clean-up operations.

·       Participates in drills and classes pertaining to emergency medical services, fire suppression, hazardous materials, technical rescue, emergency preparedness, fie investigation and fire prevention.

·       Participates in public education and community relation activities including school visits and fire station tours.

·       Performs cleaning, repair and maintenance of firefighting equipment, apparatus and facilities.

·       May respond to emergency calls for specialized service such as hazardous materials, confined spaces rescue, extrication and technical rescues that include high angle, below grade, swift water, trench and collapse rescues.

·       May act as Fire Engineer or Fire Captain as assigned.

·       Administers emergency medical care utilizing accepted guidelines of basic and paramedic support procedures in treating the sick and injured; examines victims and communicates physical assessment of findings to base hospital physician.

·       Performs cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and endotracheal intubation; applies different types of splints, backboards and cervical collars.

·       Administers various intravenous solutions and parenteral drug injections; inventories and requests necessary medical and drug supplies.

·       Operates a variety of medical equipment including suction units, pulse oximeters, laryngoscopes, cardiac monitors, defibrillators, oxygen administration equipment, pneumatic anti-shock garment (PASG) and glucose monitors.

·       Conducts Emergency Medical Service training classes for Fire Department personnel. 

·       Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience 

·       Must be at least 18 years of age or older at the time of applying.

·       Must possess a high school diploma, GED or equivalency.

·       Must possess a valid Arizona driver’s license.

·       Must be legally eligible to work in the United States.

·      Must possess a valid Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate at the time of hire.

·      Must possess a current Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) certification at the time of hire.

• The EMT certificate is not required to participate in the preselection process, such as written examination, interviews, etc., but will be required before an offer of employment is made.
• CPAT must be obtained within the prior 12 months of hire date.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

·       Military experience with honorable discharge.

·       Associates Degree in Fire Science.

·       Previous Firefighting experience.

Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job, may be substituted for Preferred Qualifications at the discretion of the hiring authority.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

·       Principles, practices and procedures of modern firefighting.

·       Purpose, operation and maintenance of firefighting vehicles, equipment and apparatus.

·       Departmental policies, rules and instructions for firefighting and rescue activities.

·       Fire prevention principles and practices.

·       Extrication and the use of extrication tools.

·       Emergency Medical Technician basic life support procedures and paramedic support procedures.

·       Basic mathematical and science skills.

·       Principles and practices of safe motor vehicle operation and maintenance.

·       Traffic laws, ordinances and rules involved in motor vehicle operation.

·       Geographical layout of the City of Maricopa and automatic response areas, street names and numbers and location of hydrants.

·       Microsoft Office suite.

Ability to:

·       Apply firefighting techniques and procedures.

·       Deal effectively with people under stressful situations, establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors and the general public.

·       To think critically in a time-sensitive manner while solving complex problems during physical exertion in stressful, hazardous environments, including hot, dark, tightly enclosed spaces, that is further aggravated by fatigue, flashing lights, sirens, and other distractions.

·       Read maps and provide travel directions.

·       Select and use appropriate equipment and apparatus for emergency situations.

·       Understand and follow oral and written directions promptly and accurately while communicating both verbally and in writing with all levels of the organization using clearly organized thoughts, proper sentence construction, punctuation and grammar.

·       Provide superior customer service for both internal and external customers.

·       Listen and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people.

·       Proficiently perform computerized word processing, comprehension, summarizing and writing/editing.

·       Make mathematical calculations.

·       Operate a variety of standard office equipment including a computer terminal.

·       Complete required OSHA/Safety Training as required.

·       Administer emergency medical care utilizing accepted guidelines of basic life support procedures in treating the sick and injured.

·       Perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and apply different types of splints, backboards and cervical collars.

·       Operate all types of portable fire extinguishers, power tools, hand tools and related equipment such as smoke ejectors, forcible entry tools, pike poles and axes.

·       Operate a variety of medical equipment including suction units, pulse oximeters, , cardiac monitors, oxygen administration equipment, and glucose monitors.

·       Lift arms above shoulder level to cut vent holes with an axe or to force entry into automobiles using specialized tools.

·       Operate the full range of fire apparatus and equipment used by the department in a safe and effective manner including a motor vehicle, emergency response vehicle, SCBA, radios, pager, audio-visual equipment, printer, mechanics’ tools, hand tools, fire extinguishers, power tools, hand tools and related equipment such as smoke ejectors, forcible entry tools, pike poles and axes, thermal imaging camera or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.

·       Demonstrate physical endurance, agility, strength and stamina under emergency situations.

·       After a member returns to full duty from a debilitating injury, illness, or any other extended leave, under the direction of the department’s physician or other attending health care professional, participate in an exercise and fitness training program designed by the health and fitness coordinator, in order to facilitate restoration of the member’s fitness to an optimal level.

·       When appropriate and or designated, the employee must provide a fit for duty certification based on the essential function of NFPA 1582


PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and environmental characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

·       Physical Ability:  Physical agility for sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving climbing balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds).  Bend or stoop repeatedly or continually over time to perform emergency medical services or perform duties on the fire ground. Perform duties requiring frequent pulling of 40 pounds or more, such as removing hose from apparatus, pulling ceilings, starting power equipment and opening doors on the apparatus.

·       Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials:  Tasks require use of the following:  Computer terminal, basic office equipment, telephone and two-way radio; measuring devices, MCT, power tools, hand tools, chain saws, shovels, brooms, ladders, and exhaust fans; car, fire truck, and ambulance; patient restraints, first aid equipment, oxygen, electronics test equipment, general medical equipment, and patient lifting devices; breathing apparatus, steel toe boots, hearing and eye protection firefighting turn-out clothing, and hazardous chemical clothing.

·       Environmental Factors:  Exposure to hazardous conditions such as mechanical, electrical, chemical, burns, explosives, heights, physical injury, and fast-moving vehicles.  Exposure to toxic fumes, irritants, particulates, biological (infectious) and non-biological hazards, and/or heated gases, despite the use of personal protective ensembles and SCBA.  Unpredictable emergency requirements for prolonged periods of extreme physical exertion without benefit of warm-up, scheduled rest periods, meals, access to medication(s), or hydration.  Exposure to dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials, fire, unsafe structures, heights, confined spaces, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, explosives, firearms, water hazard, violence, disease and pathogenic substances.  Travel to/from various City locations.  

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.