Firefighter

General Definition of Work

Performs work responsible for responding to fires and other emergency situations for the City of Cape Girardeau.

Essential Functions

● Performs prevention activities designed to prevent incidents from occurring or reduce loss when an incident does occur; assists with the conduction of fire safety inspections; conducts public information and public education programs; assists with the investigation into the cause of incidents.

● Performs preparation activities designed to prepare for the response to incidents in the most effective, efficient, safe and professional manner; maintains personal fitness and health; maintains job knowledge and skill; maintains apparatus and equipment in a state of readiness.

● Performs response activities designed to ensure the handling of incidents in the most effective, efficient, safe and professional manner; responds to dispatched alarms without delay; operates apparatus and equipment at incidents within departmental procedures, guidelines and command system; performs rescues; administers patient care; performs fire suppression, incident mitigation and property and environment conservation activities.

● Performs evaluation activities designed to evaluate and improve service delivery, as well as to maintain and improve public opinion; accurately completes any necessary records or reports; participates honestly in evaluations, reviews, post-incident analyses and investigations; offers input and suggestions regarding improvements to service delivery; maintains apparatus, equipment, stations and grounds in a presentable, clean fashion.

● Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

● High school diploma or equivalency is required.

● Must comply with Missouri Emergency Medical “First Responder” or above requirements. All members hired after July 1, 1995, must maintain certification as a Missouri Emergency Medical Technician.

● Must be certified “Firefighter II” (Missouri/NFPA Standard #1001).

●Missouri State certified Hazardous Materials awareness and operations.

Preferred Qualifications

● Associates degree or higher in a related field.

● Hold one or more certifications from the department’s List of Additional Certifications.

Salary per year $49,741.92  (Salary based on 2912 hours and Holiday Check), plus a generous benefit package.

• Bi-weekly pay periods.
• 14 holiday hours per month - paid in a Holiday (lump sum) check in November/December for the previous 12 months. 
• 191hours of vacation – accrued throughout the year.
• 168 hours of sick leave – accrued throughout the year.
• 2 days of personal leave per fiscal year. Must be employed on July 1 of the fiscal year to receive.
• City paid monthly premiums for health and dental insurance – Employee only.
• City paid monthly life insurance for employee only (1 times annual salary up to $50,000).
• Optional group term life insurance purchased at employee’s expense.
• Optional vision insurance purchased at employee’s expense.
• Voluntary deferred compensation plan – not matched by the City.
• Retirement (LAGERS) paid by the City. Missouri LAGERS – A Secure Retirement for All (molagers.org).
• Total compensation value (Hourly starting rate plus benefits value) for this position is $77,269.12 yearly.

Shifts

Firefighters work on rotating 24-hour shifts for an average of 56 hours per week.

Salary based on a yearly work schedule of 2,912 hours.

Testing Process

The testing process consists of an entry-level written exam that includes material designed to measure mechanical comprehension, spatial orientation, an understanding of illustrated materials, behavioral skills, basic arithmetic and reading and writing abilities. A physical agility test graded pass/fail that consists of a series of tests to determine the applicant’s ability to perform critical physical tasks necessary for the position of firefighter and an oral interview designed to evaluate a candidate’s experience, training and personal qualifications. Prior to employment, eligible applicants will be subject to a physical examination, drug screen, interviews and thorough background investigations. The physical and written exam is to be determined. Applicants will be notified of the next testing process.

Successful applicants will service in a one-year probationary period, which includes a supervised probationary study program. In addition, a probationary Firefighter will be required to obtain a Missouri CDL Class “B” within one year of date of hire. We do not have a residency requirement for our firefighters.

Before final appointment, successful applicant will be required to successfully complete a drug test, background investigation and pre-employment physical.

The City of Cape Girardeau reserves the right to notify only those individuals selected for an interview as to their status of their application for employment. EOE/ADA/M/F/V

Salary : $49,742 - $77,269