The base annual wage is generated from a base hourly rate of $16.34 per hour under the standard shift schedule of 48 hours worked and 96 hours off. Built in overtime is paid at 1.5 times the hourly rate for all hours worked in excess of 106 hours in a 14 day pay cycle. Therefore, the base annual wage is $49,542.88. Additional overtime opportunities for shift coverage may be available per departmental policy. These opportunities would provide pay in excess of the base annual wage. 

The purpose of the class is to perform general firefighting work, respond to calls for emergency service and to perform related work as required. This position is also known as “Chauffeur,” “Apparatus Operator (AO),” “Fire Equipment Operator (FEO)” and other terms. The class consists of technical work in the prevention, control, and suppression of structural and non-structural fires; responds to fire and rescue calls; suppresses fires; renders emergency medical assistance while on scene; and operates fire rescue equipment. This class reports to the Fire Captain of their shift and supervises the daily operations and functions of a shift working 48 hours on and 96 hours off in the Dorchester County Fire Department. This class works within a general outline of work to be performed and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision. 

• Prepares/inspects issued firefighting gear for shift. Checks the apparatus and equipment to make sure all is working.
• Drives the apparatus to emergency and non-emergency calls; operates the fire pump or aerial ladder; and adjusts pressures and truck as needed.
• Coordinates and participates in the work of an assigned fire station.
• Communicates with oncoming shifts about issues with the truck and equipment. 
• Performs firefighting activities including laying hose; performs fire combat; contains and extinguishes fires; and creates openings in buildings for ventilation and entrance. 
• Protects property from smoke and water damage using positive pressure ventilation, salvage covers, smoke ejectors and deodorants.
• Administers emergency aid activities including first aid and artificial respiration to injured persons and those overcome by fire and smoke. 
• Participates in drills, demonstrations and courses in hydraulics and firefighting techniques.
• May supervise assigned staff. Supervisory duties include instructing; assigning, reviewing and planning work of others; maintaining standards; coordinating activities; selecting new employees; acting on employee problems; recommending and approving employee discipline; and recommending discharge as appropriate.
• May review the work of assigned staff for completeness and accuracy; may offer training, advice and assistance as needed. 
• Adheres to station policies and procedures; ensures compliance with all federal and state regulations. Must attend required training and meetings as deemed appropriate.
• Maintains/upkeeps station interior (bay, bunk rooms, common rooms, admin areas, bathrooms, etc.), including cleaning and minor repairs such as simple repair of drywall, painting, or plumbing fixes. Reports moderate to major problems to command staff.
• Maintains/upkeeps station exterior, including cleaning and minor repairs such as lawn care/landscaping, simple repair of siding and painting. Reports moderate to major problems to command staff. 
• Assists with pre-fire planning and prevention.
• Conducts related hydrant and building inspections.
• Performs duties in a manner consistent with safe practices and policies.
• May train firefighters.
• Operates a fire engine and motor vehicle; utilizes fire suppression equipment, hand and power tools, grounds keeping and housekeeping equipment, first aid supplies and various office machines. 
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individual such as the Fire Chief, other fire departments, other emergency response agencies, law enforcement agencies, co-workers, volunteers, and the general public.
• Keeps physically fit.
• May perform public relations by attending public events.

• Performs other related job duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or GED.

Requires at least three (3) years of experience as a Firefighter II or equivalent.

Special Qualifications:

Must possess a valid state Class E, Class B CDL or equivalent driver’s license.

International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Firefighter I and II or equivalent South Carolina Fire Academy (SCFA) Pump Operator I or equivalent

SCFA Auto Extrication or equivalent. 

SCFA Basic Aerial Operator or equivalent. 

SCFA Rapid Intervention Team or equivalent. 

SCFA Emergency Vehicle Drivers Training or equivalent.

Hazardous Materials Operations Level. 

National Incident Management System (NIMS-ICS) Incident Command training or equivalent including Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 300, 700 and 800.

Traffic Incident Management, 

SCFA Rescuing the Rescuer; and 

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/Automated External Defibrillator(AED) First Aid or greater.

Must obtain within one (1) year of hire:

Pump Operator II
Incident Command System (ICS) 400.
SCFA Preparation for Initial Company Operations
SCFA Technical Rescuer or equivalent
EMR (Emergency Medical Responder or higher)
and any other education deemed necessary.