Job Summary:

This is an entry level position. This position works under the direct supervision of a Training Captain, or Training Academy Cadre while participating in a designated recruit training academy. This position serves in a learning capacity and is not assigned to a position that requires them to respond to emergency situations or interact with the public in the capacity of a Firefighter. However, the training environment does involve an element of personal danger and an employee in this class must be able to react quickly and appropriately. The expectation is to act within the mission of the department as outlined in the department’s guiding principles. Work schedule for this position is 40 hr/week, and is covered under the Collective Labor Agreement. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

·       Maintains good relationships with department staff, elected officials, and members of the public;

·       Participates in assigned recruit training academy which will include, but is not limited to:

• Learn to lay, connect, charge and use supply lines and various water appliances to control and extinguish fires;
• Learn to perform ventilation and forcible entry duties. Use foam and chemical extinguishers for extinguishment;
• Learn to search for and rescue victims from buildings, motor vehicles and other locations, utilizing special equipment as necessary;
• Learn to provide emergency medical care;
• Learn to operate and maintain a variety of fire vehicles, apparatus, and equipment;
• Learn to communicate with others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations;
• Learn to maintains equipment in a clean and operable condition; report the need for repairs;
• Learn clean-up, salvage and overhaul operations;
• Learn to utilize defensive control tactics to contain, isolate and minimize hazardous materials spills;
• Learn to use appropriate firefighting safety apparel and equipment, including personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus;
• Learn to follow appropriate safety procedures;
• Learn to perform basic maintenance of stations and facilities;
• Learn to work with the community in a variety of educational, public relations and service programs;
• Learn Basic EMT Training;

·       Works closely with other staff from other fire and public safety agencies;

·       Maintains awareness of and abides by all current City and Department policies;

·       Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Specifications:

·       High School Diploma or equivalent required;

·       Minimum age of 18 years old by the time of hire;

·       College graduate from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors or Associates Degree in fire science, public administration or Emergency Medical Services, preferred;

·       Successful completion the recruit academy physical fitness test within the allotted time limit, not to exceed 12 months.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

·       Knowledge of firefighting principles, practices, safety precautions and occupational hazards related to the work;

·       Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, with the ability to learn other data base applications used by the Department and the City;

·       Ability to use of tools and equipment that pertain to firefighting, medical and rescue situations.

·       Ability to make sound decisions quickly under pressure with ability to focus on a task and ignore distractions;

·       Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;

·       Ability to interpret, apply and explain applicable standards;

·       Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials;

·       Ability to maintain accurate records and files;

·       Ability to use initiative and independent judgment within general policy guidelines;

·       Ability to provide excellent customer service internal and external in accordance with Department Mission and Vision;

·       Ability to work in a team environment as a team player.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

The following essential job tasks should serve as a general guide to the physical demands, and environments anticipated during the course of the assigned recruit academy.  (As outlined in NFPA 1582 Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Programs for Fire Departments.)

·       While wearing personal protective ensembles and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), performing firefighting 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 including working in extremely hot or cold environments for prolonged time periods;

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

·       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;

·       Climbing six or more flights of stairs while wearing a fire protective ensemble, including SCBA, weighing at least 50 lb. (22.6 kg) or more and carrying equipment/tools weighing an additional 20 to 40 lb. (9 to 18 kg);

·       Wearing a fire protective ensemble, including SCBA, 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);

·       While wearing personal protective ensembles and SCBA, searching, finding, and rescue-dragging or carrying victims ranging from newborns to adults weighing over 200 lb. (90 kg) to safety despite hazardous conditions and low visibility;

·       While wearing personal protective ensembles and SCBA, advancing water-filled hose lines up to 21⁄2 in. (65 mm) in diameter from fire apparatus to occupancy [approximately150 ft. (50 m)], which can involve negotiating multiple flights of stairs, ladders, and other obstacles;

·       While wearing personal protective ensembles and SCBA, climbing ladders, operating from heights, walking or crawling in the dark along narrow and uneven surfaces that might be wet or icy, and operating in proximity to electrical power lines or other hazards;

·       Prolonged periods of extreme physical exertion without benefit of warm-up;

·       Riding in 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 hoselines and/or fixed protection systems (sprinklers);

·       Functioning 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.

Travel Requirements:

·       Local travel may be required.

Licensing and Certification:

·    Possess a valid driver’s license;

·  Possess a valid Emergency Medical Technician, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic license at the time of application submission;

·  Possess and maintain a State of Idaho Emergency Medical Technician, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic license or ability to obtain State of Idaho Basic Emergency Medical Technician License required within 12 months of hire.