Probationary Firefighter

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
(Candidates must meet the minimum requirements listed below, at the time interviews are conducted, to be eligible for an interview) 

• Passing score on both the written and physical portion of the CPAT testing conducted by Public Safety Testing in Montana and
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and 
• Must possess a National EMT license (NREMT)

Nature of Work
Participates in a GFFR fire academy (an intense training program responsible for gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to become a confirmed firefighter) with a 40-hour work week. Upon successful completion of the GFFR fire academy, the candidate will be assigned to a platoon and begin his/her assignment to a fire apparatus where he/she responds as a crew member on calls to provide fire, EMS, and rescue services under the direct supervision of a fire officer.  The candidate will not be eligible to be a member of the fire union until they have completed a shift on platoon.(May not include all duties performed):

• Responds to emergency incidents, alarms and service calls as a member assigned to a fire apparatus.
• Responds to call backs when requested from the Fire Chief or his designated representative for large fires and other circumstances when additional staff is needed.
• Provides care to the sick and injured at the EMT Basic level or as a qualified paramedic, depending on the individual's level of EMS training and credential.
• Suppresses fires, rescues trapped or stranded customers from burning structures.
• Conducts forcible entry operations, ventilates buildings of hot gases and smoke; conducts salvage and overhaul operations. Suppresses fires, rescues trapped or stranded victims from burning structures.
• Positions and climbs ladders and works on roofs and other locations above or below ground level.
• Works in hazardous environments while wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus and firefighter's personal protective equipment. During fire suppression operations, must be able to work in high temperatures, low/no visibility conditions while staying oriented, plan escape routes, rescue victims and operate fire streams effectively.
•  Assists in conducting functional and annual tests of pumps, ladders, hoses and other apparatus and equipment. .Cleans and maintains fire station facilities, grounds and equipment and reports any items that need repair to the supervisor.
• Participates in public safety education programs. Assists with public fire safety classes and fire station tours for the general public.
• Participates in training sessions and drills to master the skills and knowledge requisite to becoming a confirmed firefighter. Studies and develops a comprehensive knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, and standard operating guides.
• May be required to drive and operate GFFR assigned rescue units (ambulances) to transport patients to a higher level of medical care facility.
• Supervised by a company officer or Deputy Chief of Training and shall follow orders given them as the subordinate member on the crew.
• Perform other duties as assigned and any other duties asked of them from other superior officers.
• Fully cooperate and participate with other members of the department in training.
• Conduct floor watch duties as outlined in AR PER-003.
• After demonstrating competency on the water tender and signed off, may be tasked with driving the water tender to an incident scene. Will not be tasked with operating the apparatus as a pump operator.

Core Competencies

• Ethical Conduct
• Stress Management/Composure
• Problem Solving/Analysis
• Communication Proficiency

High School diploma or equivalent.

• Compassionate, professional customer service skills necessary to assist customers, determine needs and available resources.
• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in very stressful and dangerous situations.
• Emotional and mental strength to endure emergent situations that cause the death of a customer or other situations that are physically gruesome or emotionally upsetting.
• Basic skills and knowledge to advance hose-lines and equipment to conduct fire suppression operations.
• Familiar with the location and operation of all fire tools and equipment.
• Practice all safety standards according to GFFR standard operating guides. Perform skills of an Emergency Medical Technician at the basic level according to the Montana Board of Medical Directors' Standards.
• Mechanical aptitude to perform limited maintenance work on fire apparatus, equipment and tools.
• Handle highly sensitive information and data with absolute degree of confidentiality.
• Maintain physical conditioning per collective bargaining agreement.

Work Environment & Physical Demands
The employee shall be exposed to noxious fumes and gases, fire, high heat conditions and extreme cold or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, large pieces of equipment and vibrations and occasionally exposed to a variety of extreme conditions involving these items.   The noise level in the work environment can be loud. Employees will be provided personal protective equipment and are expected to follow standard operating guidelines to prevent exposure to hazards.

Ability to perform heavy physical work and to lift and carry up to 100 pounds; the ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, crawl, push, pull, climb, ride, pick, grasp and perform similar body movements; the possession of hand/eye coordination sufficient to climb ladders, perform vehicle extrications and ground duties; operate a computer; administer EMS basic or advanced and CPR, and operate a motorized vehicle and its apparatus; the ability to talk and hear in person, by telephone and two-way radio; and the ability to see and read reports and instructions. Ability to work in low clearance, cramped or confined spaces.

Work Schedule
During the GFFR Recruit Training Academy the work week is defined as 40 hours.  After the Recruit Training Academy the work week is defined as 42 hours, with a 24-48-24-96 shift schedule as defined in the collective bargaining agreement.   Minimum staffing levels must be maintained at all times.

Please contact Melissa Guelff (City of Great Falls Human Resources) with questions regarding this position:
          mguelff@greatfallsmt.net
          (406) 455-8466

Salary : $61,297