GENERAL PURPOSE:   Performs fire fighting, rescue, and emergency medical duties as required to protect the lives and property of the City residents; maintains Longview Fire Department (LFD) equipment and facilities.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Inspects and maintains LFD facilities, vehicles, equipment, apparatus, tools, supplies and hydrants; inspects, tests, evaluates and repairs equipment after use; notifies supervisors of equipment problems beyond the scope of authority or skills.
• Inspects and maintains personal protective equipment and assures that all firefighting equipment is in a state of readiness and available for immediate use.
• Responds to emergency alarms and calls for service, and performs fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical duties as required to control emergency incidents; follows orders under stressful conditions, and relays orders, instructions and information on team actions.
• Operates emergency, fire, rescue, medical and life saving tools and equipment; assists and coordinates with law enforcement personnel and other responders; extracts victims from accident sites and hazardous situations; enters burning buildings to extinguish fires and rescue victims.
• Preserves property and mitigates hazards, emergency situations and hazardous materials incidents; performs salvage and clean-up activities at fire and emergency scenes.
• Maintains LFD station and living quarters in clean and orderly condition; operates, inspects and maintains ambulance and other fire equipment; performs minor repairs on apparatus and equipment inside and outside of facilities; orders replacement supplies as needed.
• Studies City geography, traffic patterns, streets, landmarks, building locations, and special hazards of designated facilities, in order to perform duties in a fast and effective manner.
• Prepares and maintains departmental records; may assist with inspection of buildings for fire hazards and compliance with fire prevention ordinances.
• Conducts public education sessions for a wide variety of audiences; participates in fire prevention, pre-fire planning and safety programs; assists with training of citizens and volunteer staff as assigned.
• Attends training programs to continuously update work skills and knowledge.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 18 years old at time of hire
• Must have a high school diploma or GED
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Must have a Paramedic Certification or be able to obtain certification with the Texas DSHS

• Must be 18 years old at time of hire
• Must have a high school diploma or GED
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Must have a Paramedic Certification or be able to obtain certification with the Texas DSHS
• Must have, or be ablel to obtain TCFP Basic Certification or equivalent

Required Knowledge of:

·       City policies and procedures.

·       Fire Department policies and procedures.

·       Principles and practices of modern fire suppression and prevention.

·       Procedures and equipment used in modern fire fighting and emergency medical response.

·       Methods and techniques of handling hazardous materials.

·       City geography, traffic patterns, and the location of all streets, landmarks and buildings.

·       Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations governing fire safety.

Required Skill in:

·       Providing firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical services under emergency conditions.

·       Observing and following safe fire fighting practices.

·       Following orders under stressful conditions.

·       Recognizing the construction, contents and occupancy of buildings in order to apply appropriate firefighting techniques.

·       Assessing emergency medical needs, stabilizing patient, and providing emergency medical care.

·       Operating and maintaining fire suppression apparatus, tools and equipment.

·       Performing maintenance and repair of firefighting vehicles, facilities and equipment.

·       Operating and maintaining computer and communications equipment.

·       Communicating clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.

·       Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers.

Physical Demands / Work Environment: 

·       Work is performed outdoors and indoors at emergency incident sites, and in fire station facilities; requires strenuous physical efforts and ability to lift and move items weighing up to one hundred (100) pounds; may be exposed to environmental fumes, hazardous chemicals, communicable diseases and potential physical harm.

·       Must be able to work during weekdays, weekends, and holidays on any assigned shift.

·       Must maintain a level of physical fitness to meet Department standards.