Firefighter (Entry Level or Lateral)

SUMMARY

Firefighters are responsible for responding to emergency situations including fires, accidents, and natural disasters, with the primary goal of protecting life, property, and the environment. They perform fire suppression, rescue operations, hazardous material response, and emergency medical services as needed. Firefighters also conduct routine equipment checks, maintain firefighting apparatus, clean and maintain fire department facilities and participate in ongoing training to remain prepared for a variety of emergency scenarios. Additionally, they engage in fire prevention efforts such as public education, building inspections, and safety drills. The role requires physical fitness, teamwork, quick decision-making, and a commitment to serving the community under high-stress conditions.

PAY PREMIUMS

• EMS License
  • Advanced EMT - 2%
  • EMT Intermediate - 5%
  • Paramedic - 8%
• Bilingual Pay - 5%
• Hazardous Materials Team Member - 2.5%
• Stability pay beginning at 5 years of service - 2-6%
• Semi-annual fitness incentives: $200 for competent or $300 for distinguished rating
• Tuition Reimbursement

PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Firefighters have the opportunity to promote to Driver/Engineer as soon as they meet the experience and certification requirements.

SCHEDULE

Modified Detroit Schedule working three 24-hour shifts (0800 to 0800) every nine days with an average of 56 hours per week.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Responds to fire and other emergency calls which include laying hose and connecting to hydrants; directing streams of water or chemicals onto fires; ventilating structures; searching buildings; and rescuing individuals from buildings or other hazardous situations.
• Provides emergency medical services at a minimum level of basic life support (BLS).
• Performs routine housekeeping and maintenance of facilities and grounds to maintain a clean, safe living and working environment.
• Trains and drills on fire and emergency medical related subjects, procedures and techniques to be fully trained in routine and new processes.
• Conducts or assists in training of other personnel, interns and volunteer firefighters.
• Drives fire apparatus and operates fire pump in the absence of the Driver/Engineer.
• Performs specialized fire and safety functions as assigned and trained (e.g. hazardous materials, technical rescue and marine/shipboard firefighting).
• Performs fire inspections as part of company inspection program; performs and prepares fire plans using department computer programs.
• Presents fire prevention/safety information to schools, organizations, businesses, etc., conducts fire station tours.
• Maintains punctual, regular and predictable attendance.
• Works collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation.
• Respectfully takes direction from Lieutenant, Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Chief and works within the chain of command.
• Displays excellent communication skills including presentation, persuasion, and negotiation skills required in working with co-workers and the public, including the ability to communicate effectively and remain calm and courteous under pressure.
• Follows all safety rules and procedures established for various work areas.
• Follows policies, procedures, and guidelines as described in the City of Astoria Personnel Manual and other documentation related to this position.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of fire suppression and prevention principles and practices; the operation and maintenance of fire apparatus; driving laws and how they relate to emergency vehicle operation; hydraulics; water systems; hydrant locations and familiarity with city streets; emergency medical procedures and extrication; hazardous materials; instructional methods; national incident command system and disaster preparedness; physics, chemistry and mechanics; firefighting hydraulics as applied to fire suppression.
• Ability to make good judgments and act effectively in emergency situations.
• Ability to perform strenuous activities under hazardous and dangerous circumstances.
• Ability to accurately recall street, address and hydrant locations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, volunteers and the general public.
• Possess and maintain physical strength and agility sufficient to perform the work of this classification as established by the department.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; understand and follow oral and written instructions; prepare complete and accurate reports or records.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities but provides leadership and mentorship to Student Intern Firefighters and Volunteer Firefighters during training and events.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of employee or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Two year degree in a fire-related field with 2 years progressively responsible experience in firefighting or possession of NFPA certifications of Firefighter 2, Pumper/Operator (NFPA Apparatus Equipped w/ Fire Pump), Hazardous Materials Operational Responder, Instructor 1, Wildland Firefighter Type 2.
• Two years of progressively responsible experience in firefighting which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the above described duties.
• Oregon EMT or National Registry EMT certification.
• Valid driver's license with a safe driving record.
• Proof of successful completion of the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) within the last 12 months. Please upload your CPAT card with your application.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Fire Administration and/or Paramedicine
• EMS License as EMT Intermediate, EMT Advanced, or Paramedic
• Proficiency in a second language
• Pumper Operator (NFPA Apparatus Equipped with Fire Pump)
• NFPA Apparatus Equipped with an Aerial Device
• Wildland Firefighter type 2
• NFPA Firefighter II
• Hazardous Materials Technician
• NFPA Instructor I
• NFPA Fire Officer I
• NFPA Confined Space Rescue
• NFPA Machinery Rescue
• Marine Firefighter I
• Maritime Operator
• Lateral Transfer (Career firefighter experience)
• Five or more years structural firefighter experience (Career or volunteer)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT

Firefighters are required to live within 50 driving miles of the Astoria city limits.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to perform the physical abilities required for the essential functions which include, but are not limited to, regular walking, sitting, and standing; the ability to intermittently lift, carry, push, and/or pull over 150 lbs., climb ladders and stairs, crawl, bend, stretch, twist, run, balance, crouch, stoop, twist, turn, pivot, and otherwise be mobile; and all other physical activities as required in the performance of the essential functions. Employee must have the ability and willingness to work in both open and confined work spaces as well as in adverse environmental conditions for extended periods of time with little or no rest. (Due to the nature of the job, no specific time requirements are placed on the daily performance of these physical activities as the incumbent may be required to perform them at any given moment during his or her regular work shift. However, a time requirement is placed on the performance of these physical activities while conducting the regularly scheduled physical abilities test as given by the Department.)

Could be outdoors in all types of weather; days of work and shifts rotate; must be able to respond to fire-related emergencies and is subject to being called back to work during serious events and/or emergencies. Work can be extremely strenuous at times and is hazardous. Works in hazardous environments that may contain hazardous substances, gases, vapors, liquids and/or chemicals used in weapons of mass destruction. Employees are required to wear self-contained breathing apparatus and be able to meet requirements of the respiratory protection program. Employees must refrain from the use of any tobacco products while on-duty. Employees are required to live within 50 driving miles of the Astoria city limits.

This position is represented by a Collective Bargaining Agreement

APPLICATION PROCESS