Firefighter/EMT

Description

General Statement of Duties

Performs responsible fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical and incident response activities.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class participates in the operations of fire suppression, emergency medical and incident response and rescue, fire education and prevention, technical rescue, and various facilities and equipment maintenance at the fire station.  Employees participate as part of a team in the maintenance of facilities, equipment, and apparatus and may participate in pre-incident planning, maintenance of records, and training programs. Work requires that the employee stay abreast of state-of-the-art fire suppression and rescue procedures, techniques, and equipment. The employee is subject to the hazards associated with incidence response work including working in inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold temperatures, loud noise, vibration, moving parts, high heat, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, oils, wearing respirators, and working in close quarters.  The employee is also subject to the final OSHA standards on blood borne pathogens.  Work is performed under regular supervision and is evaluated through observation, conferences, and written reports concerning the quality and effectiveness of work completed.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Tasks

Participates in incidence response including fire suppression, emergency medical, hazardous-materials, and technical rescue calls; operates fire apparatus and other equipment as required; assists with vehicular rescue and extrication and light rescue duties; participates in remediation activities of chemical spills, hazardous materials, and other related incidents.

Responds to emergency medical incidents and provides first responder level service.

When needed and qualified drives apparatus to incident scene; properly places apparatus to establish water supply or other needs; ensures proper operation and pressure of hoses; issues equipment and monitors radio traffic for necessary response; returns fire apparatus and related equipment to service after incident response; participates in other post incident operations of cleaning and salvage.

Maintains, cleans and cares for fire station and equipment to ensure readiness, condition, and proper appearance; performs routine maintenance and servicing of equipment including washing and waxing trucks, checks fluid levels and proper operations of all apparatus and equipment on apparatus.

Participates in the mechanical maintenance and repair and testing of hose, pumpers and hydrants and other related activities.

            Participates in training for fire, emergency medical, hazardous-materials and related emergency services as directed by the City.

            Performs fire hydrant survey and inspections as required.

            Participates in pre-fire planning surveys and inspections.

            Assists in fire prevention and/or public fire safety education programs and related duties.

Participates in special projects, station tours, special events, fire prevention, public education, and other activities as required. 

Additional Job Duties

Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of modern methods of fire suppression and of the use and maintenance of firefighting apparatus and equipment.

Considerable knowledge of incident response including response to hazardous materials spills, rescue techniques, and emergency medical service calls.

Working knowledge of the application of information technology to the work.

Working knowledge of the hazards of firefighting and appropriate safety precautions.

Working knowledge of departmental rules and regulations.

Working knowledge of housing construction materials and methods.

Some knowledge of the City of Belmont roads, streets and layout.

Skill in the operation and maintenance of required tools, equipment and apparatus.

Skill in collaborative conflict resolution, teamwork, and public contact.

Skill in the driving and operation of fire apparatus and department equipment.

Ability to make sound judgments in emergency situations.

Ability to present public education programming to all ages.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, supervisors, and members of the public.

Ability to prepare manual and electronic records of work activities.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to physically perform the basic life functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing.

Must be able to perform very heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Must possess visual acuity to size up the color, volume, and extent of fire involvement at fire scenes, to operate heavy fire apparatus in emergency situations, and to prepare records and reports.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from high school supplemented; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid class B North Carolina driver's license within twelve months of hire. 

Possession of NC Firefighter I/ II certification.

Possession of North Carolina EMT certification within twelve months of hire.

Salary : $45,657 - $73,051